Mr. Jeffrey Wheeler... A True Grand Champion

Mr. Jeffrey Wheeler is one of my greatest role models. As a city of Flint police officer, martial arts instructor, third-degree black belt, and owner/founder of one of the most respected martial arts schools in the region, Mr. Wheeler knows he must always be extremely disciplined, self-controlled and filled with integrity. And as difficult as that might be, I can honestly say that I have never witnessed him be anything but all of those positive attributes. Additionally, Mr. Wheeler is also conscious of his visible presence and responsibility in the community — and is committed to serving not only those who are a part of his martial arts school, but others in the community as well. As a result, he gives generously of his time and expertise by providing free karate sessions at after-school programs and doing public demonstrations with the entire karate school. He clearly lives his life according to Luke 12:48, which says, “much is required from those to whom much is given.” Consequently, Mr. Wheeler has always been someone I could look up to, someone who’s taught me lessons in martial arts class that I could apply to my actual life outside of the dojo (karate school).

A few of months ago, my karate school classmates and I were preparing for the Tang Soo Do Association World Championships in Orlando, Fla., an event that brings the best competitors from all over the globe together every two years. We had been training strenuously at the dojo, perfecting our forms and sharpening our sparring techniques. Excitement was building, and I’d begun to see a part of Mr. Wheeler I’d never seen before: a person who was not just a wonderful instructor, but a fearsome and fearless competitor as well.

When we reached Florida in July, most of what Mr. Wheeler talked about was how he was sure the school was going to do well, and if there was a Senior Grand Champion award, he was definitely going to get it. His pure determination inspired all of us, and we all prepared and trained even harder for the tournament.

When we actually arrived at the actual tournament site, we were all shocked at the sheer magnitude of the competition. Martial artists from countries all over the world such as Sweden, Puerto Rico, China, and even Mozambique were there to compete. Most of my classmates and I were shaken and a bit intimidated, but Mr. Wheeler was calm. He reminded us that all we needed to do was remember our training. If we did that, he said, we would do well.

I had never seen Mr. Wheeler compete at a formal tournament before, so when his division was called, I made a beeline toward his ring. He was already introducing himself to his competitors and wishing them the best of luck when I arrived. As I approached him while he was talking to a fellow competitor, he paused and introduced me as one of his “star” students. Mr. Wheeler may never know it, but what he did for me in that instant will stay with me for a lifetime. His introduction of me as one of his “star” students was one of the proudest moments of my life. Knowing that Mr. Wheeler respected me – if only a fraction of the amount that I respect him – lifted me higher than he will ever know.

During competition, Mr. Wheeler’s form was beautiful, a work of art that was the sum of long hours of training and an unmatched focus. As the spectators cheered for him after he finished, instead of gloating or encouraging more applause, Mr. Wheeler humbly took a seat and continued congratulating the competitors who had gone before him, even though it was quite clear he had earned first place. His humbleness spoke volumes to me because it was something I had lacked from time-to-time, but, in the end, I saw how much better it was to be humble instead of boastful.

The sparring competition took place directly after forms, and Mr. Wheeler was called up to spar first. As he entered the ring and bowed to his opponent, I could see his complete and utter focus. His sparring techniques were near perfect, and it seemed like he was going to easily defeat his opponent when, suddenly, he stumbled and grabbed his thigh. He had injured his hip weeks earlier when he and I were sparring in preparation for the tournament.

Sadly, I could see the look of pain in Mr. Wheeler’s eyes, but he still remained focused and managed to defeat his opponent. He ultimately ended with a third place finish in sparring, losing Senior Grand Champion by only a few points. But, instead of moping or griping about the outcome, he emerged with a smile and continued to support all of his competitors, along with everyone else from our own school.

The next day, I earned a first place finish in sparring and a third place in forms. And as I stood elated with my head held high during the medal and trophy presentation, I remembered Mr. Wheeler’s humble attitude and received my tokens of success with grace and humility. And while most people will never know the true secret to my success, I’ll always know that, along with my hard work, Mr. Jeffrey Wheeler was the one who made it all possible. And for that, along with everything else he teaches me and does for me, I will be eternally grateful.