Karate America proudly serving Neenah since 1998

 Q: Name and Rank: Mr. Kangas 4th Degree Black Belt 

 Q: How old were you when you started Martial Arts? 8 years old 

 Q: Why did you start Martial Arts? I wanted to do taekwondo because a family member had done it. My mom found an ad about KA Neenah from my school, so we tried the park and rec program.  

 Q: What lessons have been the most valuable during your martial arts journey? Respect, Perseverance, self-confidence. 

My parents made it a priority during my upbringing to make sure that I knew that being kind was the right thing to do. And being kind to everyone. KA Neenah helped show many ways to do that by teaching different ways to show respect to everybody. It can only make things better by being respectful. 

There have been times during my karate training where it would have been so easy to just give up. Not complete the drill/reps. But completing the drill will make me better. Stronger, faster, healthier. Once I did complete what I was persevering through, there is a sense of accomplishment (and relief!) that I would never have gotten if I had stopped. This perseverance mindset has helped me through other tough things that I’ve had to do as well, such as projects, essays, and tests in high school and college. I could just give up, but that isn’t the right thing to do. I push through because I know it’s best for me. 

Martial Arts has taught me that practice will make you pretty good at things. There are times during my training where I see somebody else accomplish something, and when it’s my turn to accomplish it too I think “they were able to do it because they are really good. I’m not sure if I can do it.” But I need to remind myself that I have trained for more than a decade and I have the skills to do it. With the right skills and mindset, I can accomplish many great things in martial arts. This has translated to my life outside of karate as well. Things that range from beating an opponent in an esports tournament to doing well on a test. If I think I can, then I will. 

 Q: What is one of your favorite memory from your martial arts journey? During my III Degree Black Belt test after paper kicks, Mr. Schaefer had everyone rest…except for Mr. Gonzalez and me. We did a jump spin wheel kick competition against each other. It was the highest I had ever kicked. We ended up tying because we nailed the paper every time (except for the nick)! I love being in the spotlight, but I really love preforming my best in the spotlight, and that was my favorite moment of doing that in Karate. 

 Q: Why do you teach martial arts now? The more that I have been teaching Martial Arts, the more I realise how lucky I am to be in this unique position to be a positive influence and role model to many students. I want to continue this position to inspire each and every student to be their best selves, not just at the karate school but in every aspect of their lives. It is so rewarding to see the progress that students gain over their training, not just their karate skills but in their character. Knowing that I am a part of every student’s team of life (even just a small part) keeps me motivated to bring my best self to KA every day! 

 Q: What do you love most about martial arts? I love preforming. Demos are my favorite thing to do, and the Black Belt Extravaganza events were so amazing to be a part of. My favorite part of karate training (and preforming) is forms. Whatever form I am doing, open handed or any weapon, I like making it look the best that I can through precision, intensity, and strong stances. If you want help making your forms the best you can, I would love to help you out! 

 Q: What do you love most about Karate America Neenah? The atmosphere. Every time I step into the building, no matter how my day was, my day gets better. All of the instructors are fun to be around and we ensure that we are the best we can be in both training and teaching. We have a different energy than other places. Kids are excited to be here for classes, and are felt welcome by all instructors and staff. 

 Q: What is your favorite karate technique, weapon or drill? My favorite basic karate technique is a wheel kick. It’s so fun to rip through papers with it. My favorite variation of that kick is the Jump-Spin Wheel kick! That’s my favorite technique to use on papers. I also really enjoy Jump Front kicks. If you couldn’t tell, I love to JUMP! 

 Q: What do you like to do in your free time when not at Karate America Neenah? I like spending time with my friends and family. Some fun things I like to do with them are watching NFL football (and cheering for my Fantasy Football players!), playing Super Smash Bros and Pokemon, playing crazy board games, and sometimes something as simple as enjoying each others company. 

 Q: What is a fun fact about yourself for our KA Families to know about you? I work as a Substitute teacher in the NJSD! I mostly will sub at Spring Road and Tullar, but have been in some other schools as well. If you go to a Neenah elementary school, you might see me there!