Yong Studios Instructors - Interview with Ms. Pucciarelli

Ms. Pucciarelli earned her Black Belt under Master Kim and teaches adult Tae Kwon Do, Chi Gung (Qigong), and yoga classes. She completed her RYT200 Yoga Alliance Teacher training under the tutorledge of Bhekaji Lynch and continues her yoga teaching studies with other national and local instructors and trainings. She is also a certified Energy Arts Chi Gung Instructor.

More information about Chi Gung (Qigong) and yoga classes at Yong Studios.
Ms. Pucciarelli's website www.internalawakening.com

Q: What inspired you to start studying martial arts?

Martial arts is something I had wanted to do since I was a little girl, but it took a while for me to seriously seek it out. As an adult, I wanted the combination of exercise, philosophy, and learning a new skill that I believed martial arts could offer. I initially tried Tae Kwon Do with the intention of studying a wide range of martial arts, but I'm still here learning more and more about techniques that I began studying on day one.

More recently my focus has shifted to a more internal aspect of not only martial arts, but one of meditation and health and has led to me to study the energetic and healing practices of tai chi, chi gung, Taoist yoga and meditation.

Q: How has the study of martial arts changed your life?

Martial arts has developed and enhanced my self-awareness. It continues to do so. And although I still face struggles, the training has brought me more confidence and definitely taught me a thing or two (or a million) about discipline. Realizing that a person can apply what's learned in the Dojang to all aspects of their life has been an important lesson for me. The discipline and self-awareness that comes from basic martial arts training are amazing - you can really further yourself with that.

Q: What do you enjoy most about teaching martial arts?

I like making a connection with the students. I enjoy the challenge that comes with teaching people of varying physical abilities and mental strengths and weaknesses. Students come to class with all kinds of issues and expectations, it's always a challenge to help them (and myself) overcome that and lead them to focus their minds on what they're at the studio to learn. The harder it is to teach someone, the more I learn about what I'm teaching and about myself.

Q: What keeps you here?

The continuing pursuit to perfect my training and witness others doing the same. Physically, mentally, and spiritually, there is always some aspect of myself that I know I can work on. I never get bored with that. It's a life-long process.

Instructors