Yorktown (VA) Father and Son - Two DiMaggio's Earn Black Belts Together

As published in the Newport News, Hampton, and York County/Poquoson DAILY PRESS Town Square sections on July 3, 2014.

As six-year old Jimmy DiMaggio walked into his first Taekwondo class in 2010, his father Jim couldn’t help but feel a sense of passing on the torch. After all, back in the 1980’s when he was all of 12, the older DiMaggio didn’t know much about martial arts, but wanted to learn to defend himself against the middle school bullies. So he joined the local school and began practicing.

James and Jimmy DiMaggio during their black belt
ceremony at World Martial Arts in Yorktown, VA

As a martial art, taekwondo is a Korean form of karate which combines combat and self-defense, placing its emphasis on a system of blocks, kicks, punches and strikes, as well as footwork and joint manipulation. By its definition “tae,” which means “to strike or break with the foot,” and “kwon,” which means breaking with the fist, the sport has gained popularity around the world because of the speed and technicality which is shown in its meticulous movements. In fact, several of the requirements for belt advancement deal with the enhanced ability to perform more complicated versions of “forms,” which are patterns of movements.

For years, Jim moved through several different programs and styles, but never really showed any measurable progress, in new forms or new belts. Although he still dreamed of becoming a true martial artist, it looked to be left behind when life and family responsibilities started taking over. Watching his son begin his first class, it looked like young Jimmy would be alone in finishing the work that his father started.

But, as it has been said, something happened along the way.

A number of belts representing all skills were presented
during the ceremony at WMA

“I was standing there that day watching the class, and thought, I ought to be doing that with him!” exclaimed Jim, minutes after exiting the belt ceremony at the World Martial Arts school dojo in Yorktown, where both father and son earned their black belts on June 21^st.

And so the journey began.

Jimmy had an advantage. Because of the after school program offered by WMA, he was able to sometimes practice five days a week, while Dad made it to a few sessions each week,

The group of belt winners shortly after the ceremony.

  “depending on what else was going on.”

However, the years progressed and the changing of belts became more common. From the initial white came yellow, orange, green, and purple, followed by three more of the standard colors (regular and high level), all the way to boblack, which is recognized locally, then finally the coveted black belt, which is recognized by the World Taekwondo Federation.

In all, the effort took both father and son “about four years.” They both were able to express the true meaning of the black belt to them in a short speech, which each of the 20 or so honorees gave upon presentation of their new belt.

Jimmy went first. He noted the discipline and respect learned at Grandmaster Ko’s school, as well as his improved physical condition.

“I didn’t enjoy it in the beginning because I got tired easy, but now since I’ve been practicing for a while, I enjoy the training,” said the younger DiMaggio in his speech.

Dad reminisced about the togetherness which taekwondo has brought the pair. “What was once simply a martial art to defend myself with has become a wonderful father-son activity and something that my son and I will share for years to come.”