MARTIALFORCE.COM
PRESENTS
AN INTERVIEW WITH
MASTER GINA TATUM
AUG / 2009
PHOTO BY HMA
Interview by Eddie Morales
Martialforce.com Online Magazine
PERSERVERANCE:
Steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.
The quality of being able to overcome obstacles through determination; the invincibility of the spirit of motivation. However, assuming one accepts the preceding definition, how often do we actually complete what we have begun?
How many times have we dismissed our potential
by saying to ourselves, “I could have done a great job, but I decided to
walk away?” In doing so, we deny ourselves the opportunity to gain a strong
sense of, “I can and will” While dismissing the strength of the inner self
which can take us to the next level.
I truly believe that mental conditioning is imperative in enabling us to
make competent daily decisions. This applies to what is learned in the home,
as well as what is expressed in a multitude of martial disciplines. Whatever
the case may be, we are all challenged to test our spirits through
perseverance. Some are successful, while others are not.
It is the “I can and will” attitude that can elevate some people to the highest level of any endeavor, while others fall in defeat of self. In addition, it can also help us to develop the strength to obliterate, what may seem to be impossible odds.
In my humble opinion, Master Gina Tatum is the living example of perseverance, due to her ability to meet any of life’s challenges with tenacity. In the tradition of the warrior spirit, Master Tatum has overcome the odds by defeating a physical illness that would have left some, permanently immobilized. The following interview is a testimony to her victory as well as a look at her passion for the Martial Arts. You will find a truly unique individual in Master Gina Tatum. We, at Martialforce.com, are pleased to bring you her interview.
Martialforce: When did you begin your martial arts training and why did it catch your interest?
Master Tatum: I began training in the martial arts when I was 4 years old in England. My parents were my first teachers and they felt that I should learn how to defend myself. My father would always throw punches and kicks at me in a playful way, which really helped my development. My mother is Korean, so I was always interested in the Korean arts.
Many martial artists attribute their influences to someone they saw in the movies or on TV. I didn’t really have television to influence me very early on. It was my parents who influenced me the most. Later though, after finally watching Bruce Lee, David Carradine and Hong Kong Phooey on TV, I would actually sneak into my room and pretend to be like them! However, it wasn’t until I was 10 years old that I really became serious about my training.
Martialforce: Is there any person /s that helped in the development of your skill and or motivation regarding your training?
Master Tatum: I have a great amount of respect for all of my teachers, because each of them brought out the best in me in many different ways. However, if I had to name one, it’s Sensei Terry Donovan who changed a lot of things for me. I began training with him in Rome, NY when I was 16. Before I met him, I was brought up in a very traditional environment. He was mixed style (Shotokan, Moo Duk Kwan, Tae Kwon Do, etc.). He was “old school” but very modern in his teachings. He opened up so many doors for me in terms of weapons and forms training, fighting and teaching.
He was very hard and strict with his students, and many students didn’t understand why. When I look back, he kept a lot of kids out of trouble, and he was like a father to those kids. I respect that so much. He broke the “can’t” right out of you right away. He made you think. He had you in his office for the smallest infractions, but if he didn’t care about his students, he wouldn’t have done those things.
Bill Carroll - Distant Star Photography.
Martialforce: While I understand that it may be difficult for you to
talk about, can you tell our readers about the chemical exposure that left
you with a Neuro Disorder and how your training helped you deal with its
results?
Master Tatum: While working at a medical laboratory, I became very ill from a chemical exposure to Benzene, Formaldehyde and Mercury, to name a few. Because of the illness, I couldn’t walk, had spasms and tics, migraines, and seizures. The spasms I continue to have to this day are called Dystonia.
The entire ordeal took me from being an elite athlete who trained 4-5 hours a day, to someone who couldn’t walk, feed myself, or do the simplest of tasks – things that we take for granted.
The first thing that came to my mind when this all occurred was the possibility of never being able to train again. I had to use a wheelchair and walker and I wore a filtering mask. I used to crawl and slide around the house because I refused to use any walking aides. But in the martial arts we are taught that learning and training never stops until you stop.
Photos By KickPics
When I couldn’t use my arms or legs, I used my mind. I would lay in bed, close my eyes, and perform, in my mind, all my forms and weapons forms in every style I’ve trained in. I sparred imaginary opponents and defended myself in self-defense situations – all in my mind. I even tried to physically punch and kick while in bed even if my brain ordered my limbs to do those tasks and my body decided to not cooperate!
The doctors told me that if it had not been for my martial arts training, I probably would not be where I am today. I may not be popping out my 540s or 1080s anymore, but I am grateful that I can walk, teach and have a positive impact on my students’ lives.
Photo's by Bill Carrol
Martialforce: Typically, Martial Arts training is viewed by the general public as a way to defend yourself or by some, a way to beat people up; obviously it’s more then that. Can you tell us what your belief is?
Master Tatum: With the boom of martial arts popularity, the general public is becoming more educated about the benefits of martial arts training as more than just self-defense or “beating people up.” I believe martial arts training truly has a mind-body connection. The benefits go well beyond learning how to defend yourself. You learn how to become self-aware and take control of yourself. You begin to actively set your goals high and work hard to achieve them.
With children, it is truly helpful in developing self-esteem, confidence, respect and social skills. So many kids are involved in team sports which teach cohesiveness and teamwork, but martial arts really teaches them to stand on their own two feet and be proud of themselves for their individual accomplishments.
For adults and even seniors, the fitness, self-defense and self-confidence aspects could not be more valuable. Plus it’s truly a great form of stress release.
Photo's by Bill Carrol
Martialforce:
Going back to the age-old
question, do you believe that Kata (Forms) training is necessary or more
over useful?
Master Tatum: I truly believe that kata (forms) are useful and I find it necessary for me to teach in my school. Though I grew up “old school” and entered into a mixed system, traditional forms help students to develop coordination, focus, balance, and strength when taught and performed properly.
GINA TATUM WITH GRAND MASTER YU
Martialforce: What are your thoughts on tournament competition and
would you recommend it to your students?
Master Tatum: Tournament competition is a great asset to any school and I recommend them to my students. They are able to see other styles, form friendships with other students, and students learn more about goal setting with their training. It’s a wonderful way for students to challenge themselves and push themselves to perform at their absolute best.
The best way for students to learn is from experience. There are a lot of great tournaments out there. I like sending my beginning students to “novice tourneys” or “friendship tournaments” their first time out. These events are usually invitational and the judges are also “teachers.” They break down the divisions and help students learn the basics of competition. Dr. David Grosscup of Baltimore, MD has two outstanding tourneys a year.
Photo By KickPics
Martialforce: What does a typical day of training consist of?
Master Tatum: Meditation, walking, bagwork, stretching, forms training, weapons training and light weight training.
Martialforce: In your opinion, what is a good
age to begin martial arts training and why?
Master Tatum: Age 4 is a great age to start children. They are just developing social skills and their attention span is greater. They have a better understanding of what is expected of them. To me, they are like little pieces of clay waiting to be molded. For many years, it was believed children shouldn’t start so young because they wouldn’t understand what they were being taught or couldn’t perform some of the techniques we see today.
This has of course been proven incorrect. In fact, most kids at that age are convinced they can do anything, until someone comes along and tells them they can’t. It just takes patience on the part of the teacher and lots of positive motivation. I start teaching students at my school from 2.5 to 3 years of age.
Photo by Bill Carrol Photos By KickPics
Martialforce: In regards to your Martial Arts teaching and training, where do you see yourself in ten years and what would you like to accomplish?
Master Tatum: I will always continue my training, learning from the great masters from different styles. I will continue teaching, working in fight choreography, and training students. I'm particularly interested in helping children with special needs and those who are disadvantaged.
In fact, I would like to have a not-for-profit based school geared to teaching martial arts to disadvantaged youth and families, and those students with cancers.
I've seen first-hand how martial arts changes the lives of so many students and how it brings families closer together. I've been called the "Rural Martial Arts Teacher" because I used to travel 50+ miles one way to teach in rural communities where students didn't have the opportunity to train.
My current school is located in a rural area and I often get fresh eggs and vegetables from my students. I love it! I will continue teaching the values of friendship, family, education and striving to achieve your personal best.
Martialforce: If you could turn back the clock and go back in time, would you change anything in your life and do you think you would be the same person if you did not study Martial Arts?
Master Tatum:
I'm human and I would
be dishonest if I said that I didn't want to turn the clock back and go back
in time to change certain things in my life. For one, I wish the chemical
exposure didn't happen because I was in my early 20s and on my way to the
NBL Worlds when it disabled me. It had a profound impact on me because at
that time, I wanted to challenge myself with my training and to see how I
would do in a worldwide competition.
Secondly, I'd wish that Peter Fabrizio, my dear "little bro" as I call him,
an NBL World Champion, didn't get into a
fatal car accident in 2002. He was an amazing young man and a true
champion. We were training partners and never before had I worked with
anyone who influenced me, inspired me or pushed me to succeed more than he.
I truly miss him.
However, I'm a martial artist and one thing martial arts has always taught
me was to turn those negatives into positives. All the experiences I've had
of not being able to walk, having to learn how to walk again, being
stereotyped because I had to wear a filtering mask, being looked down upon
because I looked like I was intoxicated when I was learning to walk again
and the painful rehabilitation.
There were the lumbar punctures, physical and
occupational therapy, medications, memory
loss, depression, physical pain, loss of friends, etc. All of this
was difficult, but as strange as it may sound, I wouldn't trade it for
anything. Why? Because those experiences helped me to understand and
appreciate everything that I "can do" today. It helped me to better
understand and relate to my students, especially my
students with special needs. In fact, I was able to help someone who
was in deep depression because I've been there.
I honestly don't think I would be the same person without my martial arts
training, because of what martial arts teaches -- Self-Discipline,
Perseverance, Self-Control, Respect.
I'm so grateful my parents started training me very early and afforded me the opportunity to train with different teachers. Amazing teachers like Grand Master Byung-Chul Yu, Sensei Terry Donovan and many others, gave me the opportunity to train with other teachers.
My parents sacrificed so much of their time and gave it all to me so I could be where I am today. They were strict and always kept me in line and level headed, but they were always encouraging and still are. They helped me understand the importance of my training. I don't think I could have two better parents or teachers.
Photo's by HMA
Photos By KickPics
Martialforce: In closing, do you have anything to say to people that are considering martial arts training and want to begin?
Master Tatum: I would say, Go For It! Explore different styles and different schools. Don’t be pressured to sign long-term contracts or those that guarantee a black belt over a certain period of time – AKA, Belt Factories.
Assisted by Master Scott Haskell and Master Hank Minitrez
Assisted by Master Hank Minitrez - Photo By KickPics
Martialforce: We thank you for this interview and wish you much success on all your present and future endeavors.
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