Most students have trouble tackling homework; junior Daniel Willson, however, slashes through his schoolwork and also manages to pursue an active involvement in Tae Kwon Do.

Through the TopKick Martial Arts Center, Willson has mastered Tae Kwon Do. He started when he was ten because his mother encouraged him to do it, so he signed up and came to enjoy it. Putting years into his work, Willson started to rise through the ranks.

“It takes two or three years to get your first degree black belt, and it takes two years to get your second degree,” said Willson. “I’m testing for mine later this year.”

Achieving this unique level did not put an end to Willson’s involvement in TopKick. While he pursues further training of his own, he decided to bring his experience to others. Currently, Willson works with Top Kick’s A+ After School program, a service which picks up elementary school kids and teaches them the activity.

“They play games, like dodge ball, and take the class every day, as well as having a chance to finish all their homework before they get home,” said Willson.

Despite his schoolwork and role as president of the Class of 2012, Willson manages to cut out time for TopKick. He takes between three and four classes a week, and even teaches younger kids Tae Kwon Do on Mondays and Fridays.

“It’s amazing not only to teach the kids Tae Kwon Do, but to get to know them, know what they do outside of school and TopKick, find out what interests them,” said Willson.

Willson feels privileged to be able to provide guidance to kids who are working through the ranks of Tae Kwon Do. He loves seeing his own pupils succeed and enjoys the respect and responsibility that come with working as a coach at TopKick.

“All of the students call me ‘Instructor Daniel,’ which I love,” said Willson.

He has built a deep rapport with both the employees and the kids. The TopKick community is very tight-knit, and Willson has come to consider the members a second family. The staff diligently focuses not only on teaching Tae Kwon Do, but also on instilling moral values.

“Tae Kwon Do is simply the vehicle in which we teach kids focus, discipline, integrity, respect, and confidence,” said Willson.

Willson loves his job at TopKick, and plans to continue working there throughout high school. He thrives in TopKick’s positive atmosphere, and takes pleasure in instilling the values of the program into his pupils. These kinds of values are applicable in all aspects of life outside of Tae Kwon Do, and help to develop good character in the children from a young age.

“It’s fun and educational,” said Willson. “We work Tae Kwon Do discipline into everything we do.”