David Vincent has to stay in shape. As the owner of a martial-arts studio, not only does he have to maintain strength and flexibility in order to instruct his students in the challenging techniques of Taekwondo, but he also wants to set for them a good example.
“I feel that I need to set the example for my students and employees,” says Vincent, 38. “I’m not just telling them they need to be physically fit; I’m actually doing it.”
To say the least. Vincent’s rigorous fitness routine includes cardiovascular and strength-training exercises. On most weeks, he exercises daily for up to two hours, a workout that typically includes running, biking or swimming and weightlifting. He gets another hour or so in while teaching classes at the studio.
That might sound like a lot to some, but to Vincent it’s just a normal part of a healthy lifestyle. He began taking martial arts as a child growing up in Baton Rouge. That led to his involvement with other physical activities.
“In my earlier, younger days in the martial arts, as I needed to get faster or stronger, I started looking for other ways to cross train,” he says. “So I just sort of fell into doing those other things.”
These days, those other sports also have become something of a hobby for Vincent. He has competed in several triathlons, and he currently is training for his first half-Ironman, a grueling race that includes a two-mile swim in open water, 56-mile bike ride and 13.1-mile run. It also requires several hours of training a day.
For Vincent, being extremely physically fit has several advantages.
“People look at those who have healthy lifestyles and give them respect and credibility,” he says. “I think when you’re in shape and put an emphasis on that, people look at you differently.”
It also has given him the skills needed to grow his business, David Vincent’s Martial Arts and Fitness. The 16-year-old school has 350 students from throughout the area and 12 full- and part-time employees. Six years ago, he also created a national organization, Taekwondo America, which now has schools across the U.S. Vincent describes the organization as more of a co-op than a franchise business.
“Each school is individually owned,” he says. “But we as an organization provide the ranking systems and continuing education and give them support.”
Vincent plans to continue to grow his business because he believes in what the martial arts do for students of any age. It focuses not just on developing the body, but also on building character.
“It’s a physical program, so like any other sport it requires that you improve your speed and flexibility and stamina,” he says. “But it’s also somewhat unique in that it promotes discipline and confidence, and the lessons we teach I guess are kind of different than some of the sports because we’re trying to develop character.”
