May 15, 2017

Meet Christian Naggiar of Hollywood Karate in West Hollywood

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christian Naggiar.

Christian, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started training in 1984 to improve my fitness and focus, I was playing competitive Tennis at the time. The more I trained the more I realized the true reason that kept me going. When I was a kid, grew up in Queens N.Y. All through my elementary and Junior High School I was getting seriously bullied. As my confidence grew through my consistent training, it seems like I truly started to understand why I really started in Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan, the name of our Art.

Before long, students were asking me questions in class, I was not a Black Belt yet, but even Black Belts were asking me about techniques and moves…Apparently, I did not know it at the time, but this was my calling to become an Instructor and to make sure that NO ONE ever has to go through the nightmare I endured as a child in school.

In 1990, I got promoted to 1st degree Black Belt, I was assisting and teaching on occasion at that time. I was enjoying helping others and making a difference in their lives. Through the 90s I competed and trained obsessively, I loved it, and it kept me out of trouble. In 1993, I was starting to take over the school from my Instructor. I was teaching full time with very little or no pay, I was bar tending at nights to keep my days free to run the school and teach. I was a body guard, door man in clubs, and during the day I would repair automobiles on the side when I had free time. (I am a certified mechanic by trade) In 1999, I was promoted to 4th degree Black Belt (Master level) Shortly thereafter, I noticed many changes with my Instructor, his attitude and his greed…I could not make a living on what little I was getting, I respectfully explained that to him, but he was very “Old School” and made some promises that he did not keep…Shortly thereafter, I gave my letter of resignation…Needless to say he was unhappy…Long story short, the School closed down about 9 months after I left, I waited patiently, and the day I saw the for lease sign on the door, I contacted the landlord and since we already had a relationship, asked her if I could rent the space, she said absolutely NOT. Apparently, my previous Instructor skipped out on her with several months’ rent pending…After a lot of talking, negotiating with her, and selling the shirt off my back, she agreed to let me rent the same location. When the word got out, most of my former students returned and supported my grand re opening of the same school, but now I was under the original Federation that my Instructor had left from, that is why he got so greedy and essentially lost out. In 2000, I researched the original Federation I had started under, and joined them again, my current Instructor is Master Daymon Kenyon, and our Federation is the U.S. Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Federation. I have been with them for about 15 years now, plus my previous 15 years with my first instructor… Makes it almost 30 years in the same location. I love what I do and do what I love, I am grateful and fortunate to be in this position, helping students to face their fears, or helping to reduce the fear in their lives in very important to me, because I know how it feels to be afraid to leave your house every day for years.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Finances of course, other schools in the area opening and closing…I had one school open across the street from me!! They lasted almost 7 years, then closed down…I suffered a Brain Stroke in late 2014, and I had my back fused in 2016

Please tell us about Hollywood Karate.
I teach Martial Arts, Self Defense and Fitness, in turn this helps people’s confidence, Self Esteem and gives them a little more belief in setting goals and striving to reach them.

It seems that my specialty is working with kids, form the reputation we have built in the area, and the feedback I have received. I have found a good balance between being strict and being able to communicate my point in a comfortable and gentle way to the youth.

I think the fact that “Everyone is not a winner” and not everybody gets a trophy all the time, is what sets us apart. Teaching the kids (Adults as well) that failure is part of life, we can learn more from that than winning all the time. The reality is that if kids can deal with a little disappointment in a safe environment, with explanations and tools for them to “Do it again” and get it right they learn not to give up on the first try.

What truly sets us apart is the Philosophy included as we go through our classes, the Moo Duk Kwan philosophy is one of Respect, Honor, Peace and Helping others.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I met my wife at this location, she walked in to sign up for classes almost 20 years ago…. So, I would not have done anything different, I am fortunate enough to say that in all honesty.

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