Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher Santarose.
Christopher, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My journey started in July of 1978. My brother Frank had met a friend at school who talked him into going to a practice class. We were always sports freaks including but not limited to baseball, football but mostly ice hockey. My brother came home from the class with eyes wide open saying “BRO YOU GOTTA SEE THIS”! I was not really interested at the time but with his constant pleading for me to join him I broke down after about a month of “nah, not for me”. I went and sat in the viewing area to see all ages, sizes, men, women and kids whipping there kicks and punches around with loud yells and showing their stuff. That started to make the competitor inside me to sit up and take notice.
I decided to join immediately and started to practice with the class. My brother had already taken a belt rank test and was one belt level ahead of me so he was able to show me the first basic motion moves. The instructors were guys in their 20’s. They were athletic and strong but very friendly. We were told that an instructor was coming from South Korea to take over the school.
One day we were practicing and warming up for class same as usual and…just then a man stepped out from the office and walked onto the floor. This man forever changed my life for the better. His name is Grand Master Kang Ik Mu. He was former R.O.K. Army in Korea. (The equivalent to a U.S. Navy Seal/Special Forces) With no warm up at all, he stepped up to an 80-lb. heavy canvas bag hanging from a chain and swung it to the ceiling and proceeded to step over and spinning back kick with such force and precision that it shook me to the core. My jaw dropped and I said to myself “I want to be able to do that”.
From that point forward for 2 years straight, my brother Frank and I were so intense that he gave us the key to the school. We got there early, cleaned the school, and were rewarded with private instruction. We soared through color belts. We were practicing with Black Belts before we were even Red Belts in a class with another Grand Master named Park Bu Kwang who was a former 4-time Korean National Champion.
I received highest score honors for every color belt rank test I took. Master Kang brought us to Hawaii in 1980 for another set of private instruction and started teaching us how to be instructors ourselves. We tested for 1st Dan Black belt in August of 1980. Master Kang moved to Houston and expanded the organization. My brother followed immediately. He brought another Master from Korea to take his place. His name is Master Park Young Don. Also, Korean military and 5-time Korean National Champion. He continued to teach me semi- privately for another year during which I competed and won numerous Tournament championships in Canada, and the East coast. When Master Young Don also moved to Texas they then sent another Master Instructor named Pak Jang Hee from Hawaii who was Master Kang’s former student. He also taught me privately for about a year. He also proceeded to move to Texas so I was left with a very strange feeling. From 4 of the greatest instructors in the world, I was now on my own. My brother, best friend and training partner was gone and so were my teachers.
I bounced around the Rochester schools trying to find a place to fit in. I was often frowned upon in those schools as I was clearly a “teacher’s pet”. After a few years, I settled in a small school run by another instructor and began my teaching career. By 1990, I had achieved a 3rd Dan Black belt and was fairly comfortable but I still desperately missed my brother. Out of the blue, he called me and asked me to come to Houston to teach one of his schools. I jumped at the chance to get out of the cold weather and be reunited with my best friend. I immediately started training again and teaching a great group of kids. In 1994, I tested for 4th Dan. Grand Master Kang couldn’t make the trip from Hawaii so we sent my video to him for his Certification along with my brother’s.
I had gone through a time of significant trials and struggles which I choose not to discuss but then my life changed again. This time for eternity. In 1995, I committed my life to Jesus Christ and asked Him to be my Lord and savior. It was my greatest achievement in my life. The school was something I really need in my life. It gave me purpose.
Besides a few nagging injuries I was back to myself. My brother Frank had a major impact in re-polishing my skills and was a major factor in my improvement. He was heading up an organization of 14 schools and had a strong nucleus of Black belts and instructors from his schools all practicing together. This also pushed my competitive nature to the best I could possibly be. I owe my brother everything from 1994 to this day as he was the one who inspired, taught and challenged me to be the best I could be.
As years passed, we brought up other Black Belts and I left the school I had to a very good student to take over. I moved to my brother’s school for about a year in 1999 to help give him some assistance at his school before We opened my school in the year 2000. This was a very tough learning experience. Although my brother was there to guide me and direct me I had no real business experience so I was “back to school” to learn how to efficiently run a business. The school did pretty well and in 2002 I tested and certified for 5th Degree Black belt. I was proud to have help build the futures of many Black belts who have since gone on to successful careers and become leaders in their communities, churches and neighborhoods.
In April of 2008, Grand Master Kang said he would make the trip to Texas for my Certification to 6th Degree. I trained every day except Sundays for 4 months starting even on New Year’s day to prepare. My goals were simple. Show my proficiency, gifts and talents to Jesus, Grand Master Kang and my brother Grand Master Frank. It was a great honor indeed.
In May of 2014, I ventured to Hawaii to test for my 7th Degree Black belt. I once again went through the same disciplined training schedule of practicing everyday but Sunday for 4 months leading up to the test. On that day I was confident, well rested and feeling strong. I stepped out on the floor and proceeded into the first required form named Tong-Il. I have performed this thousands of times in preparation for this day but this day would be different. About 15 moves into the pattern there is an awkward move which caused me to step imperfectly. This caused a sharp, severe twist of my left ankle in which I stumbled. Later diagnosis from an orthopedic surgeon revealed a severe ligament tear.
The spirit of fear jumped on me. “Oh man, did I just fly 2,500 miles to fail because of an injury”? I immediately dropped to one knee to pray for God’s healing. I bowed out and limped to the side dejected and worried. I desperately tried to encourage myself. The Instructor of the school Master Bob Smith (awesome) is former U.S. Military and Private Military Contractor who is well versed in trauma injuries was quick to drop a huge ice block on my ankle and they went on with the test for the other students. 30 minutes later I peered up from a lying position to see Grand Master Kang and Master Smith asking “Well, how are you?” I had prayed ceaselessly for a miracle and jumped up in faith not knowing what to expect. I said” I didn’t fly 2,500 miles to quit” and stepped to the floor again. My ankle was wrapped tightly in a compression sleeve and I stood in faith prepared to execute my required material. I completed Tong-Il without issue. No pain. Thank you, Jesus. Clearly a miracle. Next was the Free sparring pattern including 6 jumping kicks and numerous multi-kick combinations. My balance was slightly compromised but I completed without issue on faith and pure adrenaline.
Next were focus pad attacks. These are sequences of kicks, punches and miscellaneous strikes on targets displaying speed, power and precision. I was as sharp as a razor on these and even surprised myself a little on how I was able to execute without pain. Next was power board breaking. 7 boards with a step over jump back kick. I had done 6 boards often and really wanted the challenge. Nope. Not today. My launch was compromised. I don’t know if time had passed and I was “coming back to earth” but I was unsuccessful even after a few attempts. I ended up with a more simplified but still difficult break completed. The spinning reverse turning kick was pretty easy as it requires more speed than power.
Grand Master Kang did not want me to free spar because of my injury. I actually ALMOST argued with him but quickly complied with his command. I was rewarded with my 7th Degree Black belt that day only because of my faith in God’s power and my desire to achieve my goal. The coolest thing about my whole visit to Hawaii was getting to go to church with my Grand Master the next day and worship my Lord Jesus.
Since then, I’ve had some trial and tribulations but continue to strive to practice and teach Taekwondo as it was taught to me by 5 of the great Instructors in the world. My new school opened in February of 2017 in Katy, Texas and I’m looking forward to teaching and practicing for the rest of my life.
Special thanks to my Lord Jesus Messiah, my Instructors, my brother Grand Master Frank and my wife Dee for all you have done for me.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Injuries, financial struggles, injuries, etc.
United Tae Kwon Do – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
United Tae Kwon Do was started by my brother Grand Master Frank Santarose (8th Degree Black belt).
We specialize in Tae Kwon Do lessons for men, women and children of all ages. We are most proud that we have not compromised the traditions and skills passed down to us by 4 of the greatest Instructors in history.
What sets us apart is commitment to excellence. In many other schools, students are given a false sense of security by being promoted without skill proficiency for the mere sake of money. We will not compromise our teaching for any amount of money. Students earn every rank. They are well deserving when they receive belt ranks in our organization.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is well being in spirit first, then mind and body. True fulfillment is only realized in the success of others and knowing you had a part in it. It sure isn’t money.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2020 S. FRY RD.
SUITE H, Katy, Texas 77450 - Website: www.unitedtaekwondo.com
- Phone: 281 579 2675
- Email: mastercjs7@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mastercjs7/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/utkdkaty/
- Other: UNITED TAE KWON DO KATY
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