Today we’d like to introduce you to Matthew Pray.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have been interested in Martial Arts since I was a kid, and have trained in a variety of styles including Kenpo Karate, Tang Soo Do, Jeet Kun Do and finally in World Federation Taekwondo style TKD. I moved to Riverside in 1999, and operated a small guitar shop in Corona. However, with the economic downturn of 2008, I chose to get out of retail, and go into education. I attended CalBaptist University, where I studied Elementary Education, and received my degree in Child Development.
I worked as an after school mentor in several local elementary and middle schools at that time, and received an award as Riverside Mentor of the Year from then Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. During this time I also started a 5 year apprenticeship at a local Taekwondo Studio, looking to improve my own focus and self-discipline as an adult student returning to college.
I soon found great satisfaction in working with the kids, students and adults at TKD. I also found that the skills I was learning through my teacher education program at CalBaptist were very applicable “on the mat.”
My formal education gave me greater insight and success in the practical application of training kids in Respect, Good Manners, Discipline, Self-Control and Confidence. These traits are what set Korean TKD apart from other martial arts styles that may be focused more on fighting techniques or competition.
In 2013, just as I was completing my credentialing program as a California school teacher, the economy tanked, and prospects in local education dried up. At that time, I chose to fully pursue a career teaching Martial Arts. I had found that as I school teacher I could help kids learn short-term educational goals; but with TKD, I could help kids in a bigger way; building self-esteem, confidence, breaking shyness, teaching good manners and a host of other “life skills” that would help ensure their success in a much broader way.
I left the TKD school that I was at, and obtained a position, with a highly respected Grandmaster in Eastvale, Ca. I worked with him, and received additional training in order to receive my Masters certification in Taekwondo. This training is ongoing, and is focused on how to operate a studio, personal and business ethics, and most importantly…how to be a better TKD teacher. For some of us, being a TKD Master is far more than a job. It is a Way of Life. Almost like a religion, where self-improvement, conduct, control and good manners are something to be continually worked on, in order to become a better person.
I was given the opportunity to become the Master at Chino Taekwondo just about 3 years ago, and I love it.
We currently have about 100 students on our role sheet, and are continuing to grow. I teach 5 classes per day, Monday through Friday, and I assist with testing at other local studios most Saturdays. I feel truly blessed that I can be part of helping so many students improve themselves, and I take that responsibility very seriously. Each student is different, and so how I train them must be modified accordingly. I hope to continue to grow as a Master, to become more successful as a businessman, and to improve my community by contributing in a positive way.
Has it been a smooth road?
Chino TKD has enjoyed a steady growth in the 4 yrs. since we opened, and for that I am grateful. My goal is to keep students, and sometimes that is difficult. It takes about 4 years of regular training to receive a Black Belt in our system, and the turnover rate can be high. There are several reasons for this. Most popular American sports are very seasonal; kids play baseball, basketball, football or soccer for a few months and then they are done. TKD is different. We are looking to train for years, sometimes for life. This longer training period is part of how we teach step-by-step goal attainment, but sometimes puts us at odds with other seasonal sports. Also, the local economy plays a big part in our business. Many of my best students have come and gone, as their parent’s employment status has changed, or families have moved out of state for work. Finally, it is becoming very hard to operate a small business in California. Expenses are very high, especially commercial rent, taxes, and operating costs. The cost of operating a studio goes up incrementally every year; but in order to remain competitive, I cannot raise my tuition prices every year as well.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Chino Tae Kwon Do – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Chino TKD trains in Olympic and Traditional styles of Taekwondo. We start with kids about age 4, as well as working with kids, teens and adults. I have trained little people as young as 2 yrs. old, and adults up to 84!
With my background in education, my focus for kids is on character development, confidence and personal integrity. We are not a “competition” school, where the best and most aggressive kids are groomed for success in tournaments, while others get left behind. Instead, I prefer work with regular kids, helping them, through training in taekwondo, to be more prepared and more successful in everyday life skills. Confidence, Self-Control, Good Manners and the ability to face challenges with an “I Can Do It!” positive attitude are paramount.
My personal attitude towards teaching and training is based in a model of positive reinforcement. This goes hand-in-hand with my experience in education, and my degree in Child Development. Attitude and effort are everything to me. If a student is trying their best, and working hard, this is worth recognition. For example, if I ask for 10 push-ups, but some little guy can only do 7, well okay…Good Job! Maybe next week we will get to 9 or 10. Rather than berate a student for what they cannot do, I prefer to build up the level of challenge and discipline step-by-step. I teach my students that there is no guarantee of success; but that hard work and a positive attitude are worth the effort, and the only way to get there.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I have been in the Inland Empire and Los Angeles area for almost 20 years. I really like Chino, where I am located now…the area is diverse, growing, and has a very positive feel. I am looking forward to continued growth in the area, which will increase my customer base and allow Chino Taekwondo to continue to grow.
The down side of the area is affordable housing. As a single guy, finding a nice place to live at a reasonable price has been very difficult.
In addition, local and state government is not managing access to educational facilities as well as they should. The growth in housing is outstripping the capacities of local schools. For example, Chino Taekwondo is very close to the rapidly growing College Park area. New home buyers in our community were told that the large increase in housing would be coupled with construction of new schools to serve this area. However, that construction has now been put on hold until some undisclosed time in the future.
Pricing:
- Intro Special! $29.00 + Free Uniform! (2 weeks or 4 regular classes).
Contact Info:
- Address: 6939 Schaefer Ave., #J
Stater Brothers Plaza,
Chino, CA 91710 - Website: chinotaekwondo.com
- Phone: 909.902.6500
- Email: [email protected]
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/@CHINOTAEKWONDOstudio.com
- Yelp: www.yelp.com/biz/chino-taekwondo-chino-2
Image Credit:
ChinoTaekwonDo
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