Hello, my name is John Alesi. I have been training and studying the martial art of  Tang Soo Do since 1994 and as of December 2004, my rank is E Dan (2nd degree black belt.) I began training in karate to get exercise and to keep healthy and in shape. As I moved up through the ranks I realized that T.S.D. offered much more than that.  This form of martial arts, as well as all other styles, becomes a way of life and if completely involving yourself, you will soon learn that studying the martial arts not only is a physical activity but even more so a spiritual experience. I have always been involved in sports since I was a kid and learned at an early age how to accomplish goals as a team. Athough T.S.D. has many activities that involve team work, training in the martial arts primarily offers the opportunity to better oneself both mentally and physically. As I am getting older, I am quickly finding out that my physical activities are becoming limited, however, there is always room for mental and spiritual improvement and I recommend training in T.S.D. to anyone and everyone. Other activities that I enjoy are: playing softball, snow skiing and water skiing.