Darin Warren, a Warren native and Fowler resident, has been practicing taekwondo for 30 years, 20 of which have been spent teaching taekwondo. He was recently inducted into the Cleveland International Martial Arts Hall of Fame.
Darin Warren had something to jump for when he was inducted into the Cleveland International Martial Arts Hall of Fame earlier this month.
Warren was nominated to receive the award by his close friend and mentor, Grandmaster Sean Gordon.
Warren, 57, is a fourth-degree black belt in Taekwondo.
Taekwondo rankings start at white belt and progress through a series of levels, eventually reaching red and black belts.
Warren said each level requires a written and physical exam.
Warren said becoming a black belt involves an intensive training program that lasts about six to eight months.
Taekwondo isn't the only thing Warren does. He has worked for over 30 years as his IT manager in the Jobs and Family Services sector.
He was born in Warren and moved to Bristolville when he was eight years old. He resides in Fowler and operates his own school, New His Wave, His Martial Arts Academy in Newton Falls.
Warren started taking classes after watching actor and martial arts icon Bruce Lee on TV as a child.
Of his 30 years in the field, he spent 20 as a teacher.
Warren said he believes in the martial arts philosophy of humility, hard work, self-control and helping others.he does taekwondo “This is not a school to learn how to fight. We have to learn more about how not to fight.”
Schools teach students how to protect themselves and “Fight only as a last resort.” He pointed out that an atmosphere of confidence goes a long way in avoiding fights. In addition to physical movements, we will also teach you how to have conversations with people.
“Bullying is a big problem and teaching students how to talk to others and how to confront them will help them avoid becoming a target.” Warren said.
His classes are made up of all ages, with the largest class consisting of about 20 kids ranging from 8 to 16 years old.
because he likes to teach “I like children. I like it when they achieve their goals.”
He says part of what these kids accomplish is that they “I want to be like him.”
Warren said he believes in meeting students where they are and guiding them. “We’re pushing them.” He talked about a young student who was very shy and didn't say anything. “Kiaap” Korean meaning “Scream” Say it when performing an action.
He said it was great to see her gain confidence as she progressed through the classes. And one day, “She said 'kiap' at the perfect time. She didn't say it out loud, but she said it.” The hardest movement is getting someone to take action “Please be careful, make sure you stop and listen.” He said.
Taekwondo is about more than discipline and selflessness.
To earn a black belt, in addition to a physical fitness test, students must answer 10 written reflective questions. This includes explaining what students learned, what was most beneficial, and what their plans are. Warren pointed out that many physical and mental tests are done when students are tired. “Because a black belt should be able to perform even when exhausted.”
In addition to mentoring students, Warren also partners with the Trumbull County Family Court to provide diversion programs.
“Some kids are in trouble, but they don't need to go to JJC.” He said.
With encouragement, guidance and purpose. “Slight adjustments have been made to provide a frustration outlet that helps the child move forward.” The court pays the tuition for the diversion program.
His studio welcomes all students. There are also programs for individuals with special needs.
“Some students have walls or things that are difficult to overcome. Small steps that teach them how to breathe and focus can go a long way in changing their attitude.”
What is the biggest benefit of this for Warren? “Lifelong friendships are formed. Students can empathize with people who have a common experience. They've done something hard and made it through times when they wanted to quit.” He said it's worth teaching taekwondo when students appreciate it. “It feels good to make a difference in someone’s life.”
Warren said he was proud to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, but was quick to stress that it's not about winning the title. It's not a punch or a kick. It's the reward for working hard and helping.
Warren has other interests that keep him occupied.
He is a huge railroad enthusiast and has a large passenger train at his home in Fowler. An avid do-it-yourselfer, he built his own trains and installed them in his garden. There, he and his wife Krista host parties for students at the Taekwondo school that include food and, of course, a train ride.
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