Shodan
Matthew Matson began training in karate in January of 1999 while taking
classes at Collin County Community College. He continued training while
achieving an associate’s degree in video production and graduating
with Cum Laude honors; then transferring to the University of North
Texas. Shodan Matson participated in training sometimes up to 3 hours
a day with cardio kickboxing class beginning karate and intermediate
karate classes. In 2000 Shodan Matson had a small break form karate
training due to cancer that was treated and removed. And in 2004 Shodan
Matson’s nephew got cancer at 13 months, so he moved to Wyoming
to help out his family for six months. During that time he got a chance
to train with Sensei Doug Jepperson (another WIKF Instructor) His nephew
is as vibrant as ever, not remembering his time in the hospital. Finally
back in Texas in 2005 Matthew helped the WIKF USA team stay motivated
and training hard for the WIKF World championships. Under the instruction
of Sensei Darin Free and Sensei Brody Burns, Shodan Matson has competed
in all levels of competition from Local, State, Regional, National,
Pan American and World Championships. He has been a state and regional
champion several times. Earning competitor of the year from the Academy
of Classical Karate in 2005, and student of the year in 2002 and 2006.
Finally achieving black belt after 8 years of training.
Shodan Matson certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine
in Optimum Performance Training, Sports Fitness Specialist and Integrated
Flexibility Specialist. He also has certifications from the Cooper Institute
Bio-Mechanics and the National Federation of Personal Trainers. He is
the team trainer for WIKF Texas competition team, Instructor of the
Sportsplex Karate Academy, an AAU coach, and is currently working on
his Masters in Sport Management.
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Shodan Matson
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