Rodney Brooks

As the son of a United Methodist pastor, Christ was always in my life.  Christ’s love was infused into everything we did.  I didn’t always realize what was going on, but he was there none the less.  It wasn’t until I was a young teen that I began to understand what that meant.  I began to let Christ lead the way during a mission trip to South Carolina, where we helped rebuild homes, after hurricane Andrew.

Growing up I was a quiet child.  I was often picked on and teased because of my shyness and because I was the child of a pastor.  On one occasion, I was beaten up by a pair of older boys while I was trying to prevent them from beating up my friend.  After that incident, I was afraid.  I became even more self-conscience, less confident, and more of a loner.  It wasn’t until I began to study martial arts that I began to regain confidence in myself.  This new found confidence helped me gain new friends, do well in school, and to not be afraid to tell others about Christ.

My martial arts journey began in the early 90’s.  My step father began teaching me Wing Chun kung fu and Jeet Kune Do.  In 1997 I studied Judo while attending Michigan State University.  In addition, I’ve had lessons in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, Okinawan Karate, and U.S. Army Close Combatives.  I didn’t become a part of the Dojos of the Risen Son program until 2010.  I received my black belt in Taekwon-do and became an instructor in 2012.  My desire is to help others gain more confidence so that, they to, will not be afraid to become strong individuals and strong followers of Christ.