Well it’s been about two and a half years and so much has happen. Where do I even begin?!?!
Ok well, originally my plan was to open a brick and mortar school January of 2017. This task seemed inconceivable as a goal but I did my best to stick to it. After looking at around 25-30 potential studios over the course of 2.5 years, missing several deadlines, and making a few agents absolutely hate my guts, I basically had given up.
Missing the goal I had set for myself and several subsequent goals after, really got under my skin. Not only was the fear of the lease payment holding me back, but how to find students, how to keep students, and how to be a good teacher all were things that I saw as constant hurdles (and still do).
So what changed?
October 2017- January 1st of 2019 was one of the most difficult times of my adult life. My wife and I bought a laundromat, completely remodeled, and took on the task of re-building the business. To say it was difficult to manage is a gross understatement. While doing this crazy task I still had my obligations to the Army and if any of you readers have ever served, you know that Uncle Sugar has to come first. Plus my wife went back to work as a nurse after 10 years as a homemaker. Without a doubt Wing Tsun and the support of family and friends helped me survive.
During the last days of 2018 there were a few important decisions I knew I needed to make to be able to move on with my life. By not making those decisions with clean and precise defined moves I would never be able to move on. Boy oh boy!!! I was so happy when I finally decided and dropped the hammer Jan 1st 2019. I remember sending a text to one of my students about me going to open a school super late. I’m sure she thought I was a crazy fool.
Element Wing Tsun
After careful consideration of many names, I felt the word element embodied my feelings, teaching style, comprehension of concepts and theory, plus application of Wing Tsun in my personal life. Starting Element became super clear to me that it’s something I have to do, as opposed to something I want to do. Three months into my very first class and there have been lots of challenges, frustration, and disappointment but this journey in Wing Tsun life and Element has been the thing missing in my life. I am grateful for every single person that walks through my door be it they only try an intro lesson or sign-up and become long time students. These people are helping me fulfill my why in life and I’m forever thankful.
See you at the kwoon!
http://www.ElementWingTsun.com
-Sifu Barry
Sifu Barry Cooper 