Business Profile: Exceptional Taekwondo Center, White Plains
When you meet Master Edwards for the first time, you understand simply from his presence what he means when he says: “Don’t just do something, be something. Be an exceptional martial artist.”
At the Exceptional Taekwondo dojang at 170 E. Post Road in White Plains there are several spaces dedicated to different activities from the heavily matted workout and practice area, to social seating, to a homework zone, where on the wall the words Respect, Respect, Respect are prominently displayed. It is an environment where students learn techniques that develop their minds as well as their bodies through practice and participation. The result is improved focus, character, health and discipline.
Master Edwards is proud of the many black belts earned under his supervision and of the level of competence his particular dojang has garnered both nationally and internationally. Exceptional Taekwondo Center is licensed by both USA Taekwondo and the World Taekwondo Federation, based in Seoul, South Korea. Students travel both nationally and internationally to participate in competitive events.
Edwards says that Taekwondo is something you live. “It affects all aspects of your life. There are no problems; there are only challenges in life. As you overcome each challenge, you are lead to the next. With more and more challenges comes progress,” he emphasizes.
Speaking with Master Edwards you might think he comes from the strict discipline of a military background, but his bearing is totally the result of practicing Taekwondo. He is a fifth degree Taekwondo black belt recognized as a sahbumnim, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu practitioner, certified personal trainer and certified MMA instructor under American Top Team.
Edwards grew up in Peekskill, where he now lives. He attended Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains, where he also played football.
As a college student at Howard University, where he earned a BBA in Marketing, Edwards found Taekwondo. Not only had it improved his health, but also he found he loved the practice. While still at this early stage in his martial arts career, Edwards’ mother was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. One day she fell and Edwards found he could not pick her up. This made him train harder. “I was determined to help her,” he explained. Gradually, he was able to improve his strength to the point where he could pick his mother up and carry her up a flight of stairs every Sunday so she could attend church.
Master Edwards has been teaching martial arts for 12 years. At Exceptional Taekwondo Center in White Plains there are several programs available to students of different ages as well as for people interested in getting into shape or using the physical challenges of Taekwondo for stress relief. The competitive component is not for everyone, Master Edwards explains.
“Some people say they want to come and watch to see if it is right for them, but Taekwondo is a practice and you have to take part,” Edwards says. “When you take part, then you know what you want to do.”
For children ages three and four there is the Mini Stars program where the children play martial arts games. ‘They learn social skills and how to stand straight and strong,” Master Edwards describes. The Stars program is for children up to age six. They graduate at seven. The Juniors are from seven to 13 years old. Once they have mastered self-defense, they learn offense, which includes knowledge of the consequences of action.
After that formal martial arts training begins with the ultimate goal of black belt. “You are not a martial artist until you have a black belt,” Master Edwards says. The youngest age to achieve the black belt is nine and that is a junior black belt. For those students reaching the black belt goal, they are referred to as Mam and Sir in deference to their achievement.
The After-School Martial Arts Program includes transportation from local school districts and is specifically geared toward children with working parents. The program includes time for supervised schoolwork, structured social time and martial arts training with professional instructors every day directly after school.
There is a 10-month program and a 12-month program that turns into an eight-week martial arts summer program.
For adults curious about a martial arts program for themselves or their children more information can be found by calling 914-421-6837.
