Head Instructor Darin Morgan
Darin Morgan personally instructs most classes and directly oversees ALL classes. Began training and teaching in 1988 under Master Robert Torres in Denham Springs, LA. Taught for his Instructor, and two other school owners under the same system. Great with kids and knows how to make the class have fun while working hard.
Primary art is Tang Soo Do with additional training in kickboxing.
Specialty: Kicking
AKA: Van Darin
Darin Morgan - 4th Degree Black Belt, Dan No. DS97 - Head Instructor
Darin Morgan earned his Bachelor's in Criminal Justice with a 4.0 in core classes and was voted Founding Vice President of the SLU Criminal Justice Association. Awarded an Internship with the U.S. Marshals Service in 1999. With only three district offices of the US Marshals Service in the state of Louisiana, all colleges and universities compete for one position in each district per semester making this internship a great honor. Earnend placement on the National Dean's List and the University's Dean's List 3 times each. Also works in Criminal Background Investigation, drug and alcohol screening and is a Licensed Private Investigator. Married and father of 2 fantastic children: 1 girl and 1 boy.
Spinning Hook Kick. (Not with toes, only with the HEEL!) So devastating and very flashy. Powerful and easy to disguise in fighting. Great for breaking boards on speed breaks.
Favorite Technique:
Love Chuck Norris because of his history in Tang Soo Do. Jean Claude VanDamme for flashy kicks and great technique. Jackie Chan for unorthodox fighting. Jet Li for outstanding ability. Love it all!
Favorite Karate Movie Star:
The Karate Kid. The teacher/student relationship is special to me. Mr. Miyagi offered everything beacuse Daniel gave his everything. My teacher was the same.
But any movie with clean technique will do.
Favorite Karate Movie:
Competing in tournaments. I wish I could have travelled and competed more, but I was young and broke and paying for lessons came first. I also love teaching others, especially children and seeing their excitement as they learn.
Back in the 70's when I was about 6 and saw a martial arts demonstration at my father's company picnic.
When did you first want to learn Karate?
I was fascinated by seeing the abilities of the martial artists at that demo. Learning techniques and seeing progress was addictive in my training. And to feel like I could defend myself if necessary.
Why did you want to learn Karate?
Martial Arts have given me SO much. And it's not all about the Martial Arts in general. In my case, it was the right teacher that gave it to me. Simply enrolling in Karate classes would not have made the same impact.
My teacher was excellent at understanding people. He could tell what each one needed and had a way to help them achieve it. He was supportive but not coddling in that each student seemed to always WANT to make him proud. It made us all work harder and that enhanced our already present desire to improve individually.
Since I began teaching at my own school, I have developed an appreciation for what drove my own teacher. For example, I really love the Belt Testing at our school. I really like seeing the students coming in ready to show off their hard work.
They train hard all the time, but even though they are often nervous at testing, they also have a little something that shows on test night. They come in and they're ready to showcase the skills from their hard work. I'm always proud to see them value their training and hard work because I know that's when they are really taking it in. They're proud of themselves and it fills them with confidence. That's what makes it worth it to me.
More:
Something You Love About Karate:
Excellence in Martial Arts
