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Columbia-As a child, he was glued to the television screen, captivated by his martial arts idols — Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris and David Carradine. These stars inspired 39-year old James Goodwin of Mexico to start tae kwon do.
As a child he wanted to imitate his favorite stars, but was unable to take lessons because his family couldn’t afford it. His passion for martial arts finally broke free three-and-a-half years ago when he got a job as a graphic printer and could afford to take tae kwon do lessons.
- Runners of all ages get a good start on Sunday at Show-Me State Games Race Walk. The runners and walkers ran a 5k around downtown and ended at Faurot Field.
- A participant in the Show-Me State Games race walk clutches his winning medal on Sunday at Faurot Field.
- Gail Menke celebrates a good bowl at the Show-Me State Games doubles bowling event on Sunday.
- Gail Menke, left, and Kathy Goeggel, team members for Show-Me State Games doubles bowling, give each other encouragement between frames. The two have been bowling together for more than 10 years as part of the City Diners team in St. Louis.
- Gail Menke, left, and Kathy Goeggel, team members for Show-Me State Games doubles bowling, give each other encouragement between frames. The two have been bowling together for more than 10 years as part of the City Diners team in St. Louis.
- Lane Bates, 5, gets help from his dad, Jody, after competing in the 4-5 year old division of Taekwon-Do. Bates is competing for the Kumite Dragons, and said "I can't win without my mohawk." This is his second year competing in the Show-Me State Games.
This year, Goodwin returned for his second year at the Show-Me State Games, but this year, he returned as a black belt.
“The most difficult part of martial arts is the discipline,” Goodwin said. “You have to have a lot of it.”
Goodwin trains at The Auxvasse Martial Arts studio twice a week, but trains at home everyday. But he does not train alone. His two sons Benson Goodwin, 10, and Brian Goodwin, 8, have followed in their father’s footsteps. They started tae kwon do two years ago and have earned their first green belts.
Despite their belts, Goodwin said he didn’t think his sons were ready for the Show-Me State Games. He thought they were too young and did not have the mentality for it, so he didn’t bring them along to Saturday’s competition at Rock Bridge High School.
“They are on their way,” Goodwin said. “Right now they enjoy it because they can beat each other up.”
Goodwin’s reason for training is quite different than his sons.
“Tae kwon do builds confidence. It gets you out of your shell,” Goodwin said.
Before starting tae kwon do, Goodwin said he never wanted to be bothered, shake anyone’s hand or engage in a friendly conversation. After three years of training, Goodwin said he has no problem talking to strangers.
“I want to do this till the day I die, or as long as my body lets me keep going,” Goodwin said.
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