Matt is a 4th Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo and has been competing at a Provincial, National and International Taekwondo events for over 16 years. Among Matt’s achievements: 10-time Provincial champion, 9 time National Medalist, Toronto International Gold Medalist 2008, US Open Bronze Medalist 2010. He is also a National and Provincial Team Coach. Matt is a Co-Owner at All Star Martial Arts World.

When did your athletic career begin? I started competing in Taekwondo at the age of 14 I’m now 35.

What adversity have you had to overcome as an athlete? I always struggled with performance anxiety and put a lot of pressure on myself. I learned to manage it and was able to use my anxiety as a strength rather than a handicap.

How has working out impacted your life? If I don’t exercise or stay active I just don’t feel inspired and energized. A big part of my job is coaching others. I find that if I am not consistently putting an effort in my own development I am not as inspired to help others.

How often do you train and for how long? I would train 5 hours a day 4 days a week when I was competing for the Olympic spot. Now I that I retired, I only train 1-2 hours a day every other day.

What is your number #1 fitness tip?Keep learning new workouts, try different things, stay consistent and make sure you’re having fun.

 

Lorne’s Take – I first met Matt around 2003. He is a fierce competitor and could have the hardest shins of any living male. Matt is a very tough guy with a big heart.