Monique Park

I’m not your typical student or instructor in martial arts. I come to my position at 360, as I do most things, as a mother first.

I entered the world of 360 as a partner to a student. My husband Michael has been training at 360 dojos for 15 years and has had his black belt for 10 years. When our sons started training, we knew that we wanted Middletown to be their school and Coach Kayla to be their sensei.
As part of the neurodivergent community, martial arts offer so many benefits to my family. They learn so much about discipline, discomfort tolerance, self control, and respect in a safe and welcoming environment. They leave the mat each week feeling secure and confident and tired in all the best ways.

I became an instructor to help our youngest students. I’m only a white belt by training, but I’ve still seen enough to know how to be helpful to our students. I’ve learned how to manage the big feelings and high energy of the youngest students from handling my own family. I am so humbled to be able to bring those skills to the mat to help other children on their journey. I don’t bring the same technical knowledge of some of our other instructors, but I always bring a positive attitude and a drive for mindfulness and progress. It’s always a good class if the students are having fun while learning.

I also enjoy putting my organizational skills to good use. Keeping the sparring students on task, making sure we have enough uniforms for new students, and checking gear to arrange replacements; anything that keeps 360 running more smoothly I am happy to do.

360 offers so much more than physical fitness. The school and curriculum meets every student wherever they are. The community is warm and open. The inclusion of interpersonal skills in the curriculum is part of what makes 360 so much more than just a dojo. I know that my children will be better humans for their training and I know the same is true for every person that steps onto the mat. And I am proud to be a part of that.
Humbly,
~Monique Park