Short Summary
Alfred Smith is aspiring to become Oklahoma's first Black Belt National Champion in the American Martial Arts Institute (AMAI). In order for him to accomplish this, he must compete in several tournaments across the country. He is currently in first place for his division in all events.
Alfred has earned a 2nd Degree Black Belt with the AMAI and a 1st Degree Black Belt with the World Taekwondo Federation during his 6 years of dedicated training. He is employed as an assistant instructor for Vision Martial Arts Academy and is paying for most of the tournaments with his paychecks. Alfred's parents are also contributing financially to help him reach his goal. However, with his mom being disabled and his dad recently being medically discharged from the army, it is becoming more and more challenging to save the money he needs.
What We Need & What You Get
Your donation will help with:
- $75 is his event fees
- $350 will go towards gas
- $250 for hotels (3 nights)
- $125 to help with food (three people for 4 days)
If you donate you can receive a postcard, T-shirts, boards, and other items.
The Impact
By contributing you are not only making a "National Champion", but you are also helping Alfred achieve one of his major career goals. Alfred is currently training to become a certified instructor. He will test for his certification this spring in Houston, TX. He plans to someday open his own martial arts school. Becoming a National Champion will help him show his potential students his level of knowledge and dedication.
Alfred is passionate about spreading his love for Taekwondo. He has been assisting in teaching classes since April of 2010 and became a full time assistant instructor November of 2011 at Vision Martial Arts Academy. He has been teaching since he started his journey in Taekwondo. His little sister, Lois, was his very first student. She is now following in her older brothers footsteps as a student at Vision Martial Arts Academy. Alfred turned seventeen this summer and has already accomplished so much. Helping him get to Destin, FL will enable him to continue on his journey to becoming all that he can be.
Alfred's attitude towards life and training is best summed up by the quote on his belt, "All things are difficult before they are easy".
Other Ways You Can Help
If you can't donate you can still help by telling your family and friends. Thank you for taking the time to read about Alfred's dream.