In the world of martial arts, Justin Dunham is kind of a late bloomer.
While many start tae kwon do lessons as kids, he didn't take his first class until age 18.
Fast forward 10 years, and now he's a black belt, owns the Martial Arts Academy in Jenks and will soon compete in a prestigious international tournament.
"It has absolutely changed my life," he said.
Dunham will be one of five American men, along with a women's team and youth teams, competing for the U.S. in Kidderminster, England, on May 16 at the Independent Taekwondo Schools' British Championships. Teams from England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Norway and the U.S. will compete.
"I am so ready — mentally, physically — ready and anxious to see what it's all about," he said. "I was more nervous three months ago."
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That's when he tried out for one of five spots on the men's team. Meditating has helped prepare him for the upcoming competition. Initially, he was drawn to tae kwon do because of the competition factor.
Most people are intrigued by the kicking and punching, he said, but it's really more about form than fighting.
He first started teaching in 2003 in Arkansas, after he earned his black belt. He moved to the Tulsa area to continue training, and eventually he had the opportunity to purchase and open his own academy in Jenks. His students range from age 3 to 63.
"It was like God led me here, no joke," Dunham said. "It has been absolutely a blessing."
About tae kwon do
Tae kwon do is a Korean style of martial arts.There are two main styles.One is governed by the World Taekwondo Federation, which is the style athletes compete in during the summer Olympics.Dunham competes and teaches in the style and tournaments of the international Taekwon- Do Federation, which is popular among martial arts schools in the U.S.
MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY
329 S. Elm St., Jenks(918) 291-5425
Cary Aspinwall 581-8477