Wyatt Benson has been with Mountain Academy Martial Arts Lakewood since he was 5! Wyatt currently helps teach the Kinder Kicks class. He also plays baseball for Lakewood Senior High.(Lakewood Senior High recently made headlines nationwide after winning Katy Perry’s ROAR contest). We at MAMA have had great pleasure watching Wyatt grow and mature both as a person and as a martial artist.

1. What got you into taekwondo?

My mom told me about the class and how when she was a teacher, she had many students that studied taekwondo.

2. What’s your favorite thing about taekwondo?

I love working with students who are about to get their black belt. There is a major sense of accomplishment when you can see these students reach their main goal in taekwondo. But remember, the road does not end there!! It is only just the beginning!

3. Have you studied any other martial arts?

I have not, but would wish to study kung-fu or capoeira for my second degree testing.

 4. What do you do when you’re not doing taekwondo?

I am either playing baseball, doing homework, or spending time with my family or friends.

5. What aspect of taekwondo have you struggled most with?

The major aspect I had trouble with during my journey to black belt was forming perfect knife hands. I could never get my thumb to go where it was supposed to go.

6. Favorite weapon and why?

My favorite weapon is the fan because it is unique.

 7. Favorite technique and why?

My favorite technique by far is jump kicks. They have tons of power behind them, and hey, they look awesome!

 8. How has taekwondo changed you?

Taekwondo has given me the confidence to feel safe everywhere that I go. I know that if anything happens, I will know how to defend myself, which is a major plus. This also allows me to do more.

 9. What would you tell someone just starting out in martial arts?

I would tell them that the first forms and techniques they learn will be the hardest. These forms and basics are the foundation for every other technique that is practiced in taekwondo.

 10. What’s something most people don’t know about you?

I’m only 14! haha.

 11. Favorite form?

My favorite form is Passai because of its fluid movements, and how each specific movement leads into the one after it.

 12. Favorite place?

My favorite place on Earth is Cooperstown, N.Y. It is like Heaven for a baseball player because the Hall of Fame is in this little baseball-filled town.

 13. Favorite movie or tv show?

My favorite tv show is by far South Park.

 14. Favorite quote?

“Success is being truly happy at what you do.” Tommy Lasorda

 15. Favorite season?

I love snow, so my favorite season is winter.

 16. Favorite food?

I love hamburgers, hot dogs, and Asian food.

 17. Favorite super hero?

I like Captain America.

 18. Dream vehicle?

I would love to have a Mercedes Benz.

 19. Pets and/or kids?

I have a cat named Noel and an Australian Shepherd puppy named Sunny.

 20. Dream vacation?

I would love to go back to Cooperstown… Over and over and over.

 21. What did/do you want to be when you grow up?

When I grow up, I would like to be a marine archeologist.

 22. Vampires, werewolves, or zombies?

Zombies all the way!!!! You will understand if you play Call of Duty!

 23. Ninjas or pirates?

Ninjas!

 24. Star Wars or Star Trek?

Star Wars.

 25. If you were a cartoon character, who would you be and why?

I would want to be Jerry from Tom and Jerry because he always wins!

 26. One thing you wish you were better at?

I wish that I was better at Economics class!

 27. What super power would you want to have?

If I had a super power, it would have to be the ability to freeze time.