David Lyons
4th Dan
|
|
David Lyons 4th Dan |
|
 |
The exact time when Dave started training is lost to the mists of time, although his 7th Kyu certification is dated November 1984. The early 1980's were a time of martial arts popularization -- Kung Fu Theater was on TV on Saturday Mornings (hosted by Jim Harper from WNIC, by the way), and Ninja movies were all the rage. Dave's resulting interest in the martial arts was piqued by the older brother of a friend who had just started training with Sensei Menders at the Stage Door Dance Studio in Southfield. After learning a few basic techniques out on his friend's driveway, Dave went home and bargained with his parents to start taking classes. Dave continued studying throughout his years in high school, attaining the rank of 3rd kyu by graduation in 1987. The summer after his freshman year at The U of M, he tested for his 2nd kyu. It wasn't until during his student teaching semester in 1991 that he tested for his shodan, with his nidan coming a year later. |
In 1993, Dave began an extended leave from the dojo to get married to his wife Lynne, attend graduate school at the University of Michigan, and start a family. During this time, he dabbled in Kung Fu, Tai Chi, and Ninjitsu. After graduating in 1999, Dave and Lynne moved to West Bloomfield, and Dave started training with Sensei Menders again. He received his sandan in 2000, and his yodan in 2004.
Dave at the completion of his Yodan Testing, far left.
Dave has been teaching in the regularly for the past six years, and is currently the teaching at the Commerce Dojo. He is the Physics teacher at the International Academy in Bloomfield Hills, and is the proud father of Jamie, Kathryn, and Rebecca. When not working, training, or parenting, his interests include making sawdust (and the occasional woodworking project) in his garage, cooking, playing chess, and watching movies.
Copyright 2004, MendersDojo.com