This week we take five with James Foody. Be sure to look here next week for our next Take Five! Name: James Foody Age: 17 School affiliation: West Milford High School Sport/Activity (ies): Martial Arts, Peers as Leaders (PALS), Bubbling Springs Camp Counselor 1) How did you get involved in the martial arts? This is one of my favorite stories to tell. Back when I was in pre-school and in kindergarten, I was obsessed with the Power Rangers. I couldn’t get enough of them, just picturing myself being able to fight and do the stunts they performed was all the inspiration I needed to start learning martial arts. We searched a few schools and found one at the time that I enjoyed going too. It may sound a little silly at first, but look where it has brought me today! I’m now a national champion and I have been instructing for five years, it’s simply my life. 2) What made you decide to study more than one discipline? Well I studied Goju-Ryu Karate for eight years and I received my black belt. But I didn’t think it was healthy for me just to learn one style of martial arts, or fun at that matter. I moved on to another school (American Eagle Martial Arts Academy in Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ), where it wasn’t really an option for me just to learn one distinct art. A regular class their covers all areas of combat from striking, grappling, weaponry, ect. I’ll keep it simple and just quote my martial arts instructor Phil Ross: It’s good for you! 3) What do you do for fun? I am an outdoor freak, being out in nature and running around is a favorite of mine. Also I love sports, I appreciate all athletics from all areas. Once in a while I like to pick up a good book, maybe write some poetry, and spending time with my family is always a guaranteed good time. 4) What is the most challenging thing about being a martial artist? You can ask 1,000 different people this question and you will get 1,000 different answers. We all have our own personal story, mine is finding a place to actually practice and sticking with a weekly routine. Our family property general isn’t a good place to practice. But one thing you can always see me practicing, anywhere, anytime of the day is shadowboxing. I could be in a five-star restaurant and you can find me throwing punches in the air focusing on my technique while waiting for my food. Nevertheless, I have been realizing that if you really wanted something as bad as you say you do, you’ll find a way to make it happen. 5) Tell me about working with kids, in summer camps and teaching at the Y. Let’s get something straight first, kids are the coolest people on the planet. I love spending time with people my own age and adults and everything, but the bottom line is that kids are the coolest group of people in the world (in my opinion that is). Not really a list of reasons behind my theory, that’s just the way it is for me. If I can help them at all, whether it’s facing a fear, accomplishing a goal, or helping them realize and understand an important life lesson, then I did my job. That is why I do what I do and there is nothing else to it. Bonus Five 1) What is your favorite movie? My favorite movie would have to be Step Brothers. I have never laughed so hard in my life. 2) Tell me about Peers As Leaders. So far this year we haven’t done too much, considering it has only been a month into the school year. But we’re getting ready for a lot coming up. I can tell that this is going to be a real fun year! 3) Describe your support system? Anyone who looks up to me as a friend is considered a supporter in my life. But specifically, my biggest support team is my family. My mom, dad and sister are always there for me. They are my best friends, period. Why I am the way I am is all from their love, care and guidance they have given me. My relatives and extended family are also all members of my support team, they all know who they are. 4) What accomplishment are you most proud of? Earning my brown belt under the martial arts school I currently attend is probably one of my biggest accomplishments. My first school I went to never really gave a hard and rigorous test. My new school however, will push you to your limits and beyond. At the end of my brown belt test, after an hour and a half of non-stop movement and exerting so much energy, I dropped to my knees and cried. Later on I went home to rest and let it all just sink in. During the test, all I wanted to do was just get it over with because I didn’t know how far they were going to push me. But in the end, was it worth it? Yes, and would I go back for more? In a heartbeat. 5) What is your favorite food? Well that’s a hard decision, with me being a FOODy and all! (Haha). Do you know someone who should be featured in Take Five? Drop us a line at webmaster@strausnews.com and let us know who and why. We are looking for anyone from elementary school through college, and you can even nominate yourself.