Today we’d like to introduce you to Zachary Vaughn
Hi Zachary, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My name is Zach Doe Young Vaughn. I’m 29 years old and grew up in Norcross, GA. (Doe Young isn’t my actual Middle Name, but one that was given to me by my Grandmaster) When I was little, most kids wanted to be Power Rangers. I wanted to be the Super Saiyan Bruce Lee of my hometown. I gravitated mainly towards Martial Arts but also found that I had an affinity for Music, Anime and various other outlets that I still hold dear to this day. Out of all my eclectic interests, Martial Arts is most definitely my life’s passion. I always knew I wanted to become a Black Belt; however, I never knew how much I would love being an Instructor until I was given a chance at my school.
Teaching yielded so much benefit, and I was eventually given the opportunity to work at my school not long after joining the Instructor Team. Do you know that thing about taking chances? I found that this was one of mine, so I quit my previous occupation and decided to dive headfirst into this new endeavor. I never regretted it; I achieved my childhood dream of earning my Black Belt (did it twice, I might add, just earned my Second Degree in October of 2020), have helped others achieve their goal of Black Belt and are now the Manager of the very same school that I started my Journey at. I aim to be a Master in the Future, but also have aspirations of starring in Lead Roles for Movies, opening up schools across the United States and so much more. I set my goals high and have no means of slowing down to reach them.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been anything except smooth. My parents did the best they could while I was growing up, but I was dealing with consistent bullying, fighting and depression as a youth. The pressures of school brought not only Bullying but also a sense of inadequacy that would crush any aspirations young me had at being a “normal” kid. I wish i could tell that young me that the uniqueness that I saw as a curse was really the blessing of individuality.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a 2nd Degree Black Belt Instructor of Chung Mu HapKiDo at Choe’s HapKiDo Martial Arts Academy in Cumming and John’s Creek. HapKiDo is a South Korean Martial Arts, and in my own words, is probably one of the 1st forms of Mixed Martial Art Self Defense in the world. What attracted me to it was its completeness, and as I practice it more and more, I’m learning that I’m always going to be learning. There are so many facets to learn that when you grasp one, doors open to a multitude of others and you can set your path in any direction that you choose! I think what sets me apart from others is my background. I grew up being very interested in Martial Arts, but not actually taking a part of it until my late 20’s. Before I started HapKiDo, I was a Competitive B-Boy (Breakdancer) and I bring a lot of that experience into my training. Not so much the spinning on my head part, but learning rhythm, tempo, and so much more.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I love making music. I learned how to play the Trumpet in Middle School and then picked up Drums, Bass Guitar and eventually fell in love with Frooty Loops Beat Maker. In High School, I would spend hours making beats with my friends. Now, most of my time is spent training, but I try to get in a little Ukulele or I’ll mess around making beats for a little.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1614 Peachtree Parkway Cumming GA 30041
- Email: zachary.vaughn09@gmail.com
- Website: cummingsuwaneemartialarts.com
- Instagram: @doe_young_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zach.veezy.3
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR1UmIaNDbyIiwHUsioWMCg
