Meet Mr. Sagun

Meet Mr. Sagun – he was a Sidekicks Instructor in the 1990’s and he began training with Grandmaster Orange in 1985. Here are some Q and A we recently did with him.

Why did you start martial arts?

I started martial arts after an incident when I was younger. I got into a fight with a girl who liked me. She jumped on top of me, started biting me, and I couldn’t get away. The next day, my dad told me we were going somewhere, but he didn’t tell me where. We ended up at a martial arts school on the corner of Harbison and Plaza Boulevard, next to Yum Yum Donuts.

When we arrived at National City Taekwondo Center, Mr. Orange, who was a 3rd-degree black belt at the time, asked me, “Why do you want to start martial arts?” I honestly replied, “I don’t know.”

He then explained that my dad had told him about the fight and used it as an opportunity to talk to me about what martial arts was really about. What started as a response to a childhood incident eventually became a lifelong passion. Over the years, martial arts has taught me discipline, confidence, self-control, and perseverance. Looking back, I’m grateful my dad took me to Grandmaster Orange back then, because it set me on a path that has shaped who I am today.

How has Martial Arts helped you?

Martial arts has become a way of life for me. It has taught me the value of self-discipline, perseverance, and goal setting, principles that I apply every day both on and off the mat. Through training, I have developed a deeper understanding of body mechanics and how the human body moves and functions. Martial arts has also sharpened my ability to read people, remain calm under pressure, and adapt to different situations. Beyond the physical skills, it has helped shape my character and encouraged continuous personal growth. I believe martial arts is one of the most effective paths to becoming a stronger, more confident, and more well-rounded person, and I would recommend it to everyone.

Do you have a story you’d like to share about GMO?

I have many stories to tell about Grandmaster Orange, and I try not to repeat myself with my stories. So this one goes back to the days of ATA and Nautilus. At that time Grandmaster Orange was part of an organization called the American Taekwondo Association and I really did not know how large the organization was at the time until he brought me to my first ATA school outside of Sidekicks. The gym that the ATA students trained in was huge, there were probably 50 to 60 people in the class that day. I happened to be one of the shortest and the lowest ranks there. But GMO took the time to drive me and a couple of other students there to experience what it was like. I think he wanted us to realize how big the martial arts family was at that time. Then afterwards we ate at a place called Canada Steak Burger which was the first time I ever had hamburger with gyro meat on top. And I loved it!

What is your favorite move?

Number two round kick.

What level are you?

Second degree black belt.

What is your least favorite move?

Elbow strike. Because I was not able to break two full size boards with an elbow strike so I failed my first second degree black belt testing. That move haunts me till today.

What are your martial arts goals?

My goal is to continually improve myself, keep learning, and share that knowledge with others. Martial arts is more than a hobby to me. It is a way of life. I believe that once you begin training in martial arts, the journey never truly ends because there is always more to learn and discover. The more knowledge I gain, the more I realize how much there is still to know. Being both a student and a teacher allows me to grow continuously, expand my understanding, and help others do the same. Through this process, I strive to better myself while positively influencing those around me.