May 2005
Student Spotlight: JAMES TALLEY
Name: James (Jim) N.
Talley
Age: 68
Residence: West Springfield, VA
TLI: How did you hear
about our school?
JNT: I work 3 blocks from the school and use the bank on the
first floor. While making a routine bank
visit, I saw the school's sign.
TLI: Reason for interest in martial arts self defense?
JNT: About 6 months ago, I was involved in a verbal encounter
with a stranger that made me aware
of potential vulnerability to future unforeseen physical
encounters. I want to make myself less
vulnerable.
TLI: Are you participating in other activities?
JNT: Other than work-related, I spend time visiting with my
children, grandchildren and their families in NY and routine
home maintenance chores. I am also a college basketball and
Washington
Redskins fan.
TLI: Current martial arts
you are doing at Team Lloyd Irvin
JNT: I currently am participating only in the Thai Kickboxing
Program, but hope to add to that within the next 6 mos.
TLI: How do you stay motivated and maintain your
health?
JNT: First, I haven't been involved in a rigorous physical
activity for awhile and I've developed a
modest addiction for kickboxing. Second, I am a type 2 diabetic
and my doctor directed me
to exercise more and clean up my diet. Your Program helps me
maintain a normal blood
sugar level. The doctor is impressed; he may join us soon (he's
55). Finally, I find
participation in the program enjoyable - I have always enjoyed
being in the company of
young people.
TLI: Concern about injuries and precautions?
JNT: In my view, the instructors are very good about alerting
the students to potential injuries and
how to avoid them. I feel that I know my personal limitations
and do not try to exceed them.
Also, I can do more now than when I first started several months
ago.
TLI: What's your favorite
aspect(s) of training at the facility
JNT:
a. Learning techniques and drilling under the guidance of
excellent instructors and staff
b. Interacting and training with fellow students
c. The periodic sessions focussed on fitness. I have
learned an incredible amount about
exercises - that I can do at home on days I don't come to class.
TLI: Opinion of training environment
JNT: It works great for me. I really want the school to be
successful and continue to function like it
does now. I especially like the fact that Jeff and Chau know
everyone on a first name basis
and (mentally) keep track of everyone's level of proficiency.
Regarding the rest of the staff,
I am also impressed with their general familiarity with the
students and their willingness to
answer questions and provide overall support.
TLI: Would you recommend the school to others?
JNT: Yes I would.
TLI: Who do you think can benefit from our school's
martial arts training?
JNT:
a. From the MA standpoint, the
obvious beneficiaries are the military, police, security and
folks likely to be involved in physical encounters. Others
include those who want to compete
or train in these sports.
b. From the physical fitness standpoint, almost anyone that
wants to improve their physical
well being can benefit.
c. Finally, people wanting to attain self-confidence about
their basic physical self-defense
capabilities can benefit. There is a psychological benefit
related to this as well.
TLI: What recommendations do you have for improvement
with the school?
JNT: I don't have any meaningful recommendations here. I
sincerely enjoy the Thai Kickboxing
Program and plan to continue investing time and energy to it as
long as I can. The instructors
and staff are excellent; the physical facility meets my needs.
