Karate helps shape local man’s life
In 1984, Jon McFarland watched “The Karate Kid” and knew karate was something he really wanted to try. Now he is a world champion and has his own school inside of Kids America. Contributed | Beacon
COSHOCTON – In 1984, Jon McFarland watched “The Karate Kid” and knew karate was something he really wanted to try. He had no way of knowing that he would become so accomplished that he would win a world championship, meet Ralph Macchio (the star of “The Karate Kid”) and start his own karate school.
When McFarland was in second grade, he was identified as a “slow learner” and placed in smaller classes to help him. He fondly remembers the teachers who helped him throughout school and appreciates the time they spent with him. As a senior, he was lucky enough to be in a work program that allowed him to only be in school an hour or so a day. He went to school then worked at Ponderosa Steak House.
As he became more proficient in karate, the idea of competing was something he still didn’t think about often. However, he was the top scorer at the regional competition and was able to go to the national competition in Detroit. The top four scores are eligible to compete at the world championships and he was one of them.
To prepare for the world championship in Dublin, Ireland, McFarland studied the moves of the people he would be competing against and he traveled through several states to practice with masters of karate. It was during this time he met Master Sen Gao and found the man who would push him to be his best and teach him what he needed. Master Sen Gao’s praise was important to McFarland and when he was told he was very good, McFarland knew all of his hard work had paid off.
Two years ago, McFarland was in Columbus and met Ralph Macchio. He had his world championship medal with him and showed Macchio. Macchio was excited for him and said that was “the real deal” and he should be proud of his accomplishments. Meeting his idol was a special moment for McFarland and one he will never forget.
Now, McFarland talks to classes and inspires them to reach for their dreams, too. He wants to always be a good role model for the people around him. He believes having a good attitude is the first step to reaching your goals and tells students if they put their mind to it, they can do anything they want. McFarland knows students hear this often, but he believes hearing it many times helps the idea sink in. He also tells students to remember that there is always someone practicing more than they are – they need to practice every day, at whatever they are trying to do, whether it is a sport or a musical instrument.
McFarland has also started teaching karate. His school is in Kids America now and will have a grand opening sometime in the spring. He has classes for all ages and all abilities. He said that even people who can’t participate in other sports, due to a disability, can have success with karate and he is willing to do whatever he can to be sure his students succeed and have fun. Right now, he has students from 3 – 65 years old. Karate is good for everyone and he welcomes anyone to come and give it a try.
For more information on McFarland’s Martial Arts School, you can contact him at 740-502-7707.
Category: People & Places
