Tim Apollo Spotlight
For those who may not yet know you, can you introduce yourself and provide a brief overview of who you are?
Hello! I am Timothy Johnson, also known as BNA Tim Apollo or simply Apollo. Originally from DC and MD, I am a rising stunt performer and martial artist affiliated with Kaizen Karate USA in Silver Spring, MD.
Beyond physical skills, how has martial arts contributed to your mindset and approach to life outside of training?
Martial arts have played a significant role in my life, teaching me the value of slowing down to fully comprehend new information and details. Under the guidance of my instructor, Coach V, I've learned that taking the time to slow down and absorb information, akin to "downloading," is crucial. Before martial arts, I was inclined to rush through tasks, seeking speed and efficiency. However, through martial arts, I've embraced a different approach. Now, I take the time to carefully consider the task at hand, analyze it, and then execute it to the best of my ability with the knowledge I have at that moment. This shift in perspective has not only improved my martial arts skills but also my stunt development as well.
Has your involvement in martial arts influenced your family life? Do you involve your family in your martial arts journey and, if so, how?
Martial arts has not only enhanced my confidence but also enriched my sense of connection with my extended family. While I wasn't always the most confident person, martial arts provided me with the tools to slow down my thoughts and communicate more effectively with my family. This newfound ability to be honest and authentic with my words fostered a deeper understanding with my family.
I've had a blast sharing martial arts with my niece and nephew by bringing them to Karate class on occasion. It was a fun experience for all of us, and I took the opportunity to introduce a concept or two based on the principles of the art.
A memorable moment was when I was asked to "lightly spar" with one of my nephews as he prepared for a tournament. It was a great opportunity to aid in his prep time for his first tournament. Seeing him move and understand what I was explaining put a huge smile on my face.
With advancements in technology, how do you see it influencing the world of martial arts, whether in training methods, equipment, or connectivity within the martial arts community?
The one consistent thing is change and with the advancement of technology, I see it connecting more martial arts and artists together. For example, my instructors during the pandemic used Zoom to hold their classes. I was able to join thanks to a push from my martial arts brother Kim Hoang, an honorable shout out to him.
With technology as a tool, I feel that the martial arts community can use these advancements to improve on sharing their art with the world. In doing so, they can have virtual discussions, meet-ups, seminars, etc and learn more from each other.
Reflecting on your entire martial arts journey, what has been the most unexpected lesson or insight you've gained?
The most unexpected lesson is patience and trust. I used to think that the journey would be like the Karate Kid movies where I'd train, join a big tournament, and challenge myself against a grand adversary. I used to also think that I'd learn this awesome cool move and become unstoppable.
Not even close, hahaha. I learned the art of patience. We practiced the kata called Master Form, and when I first joined Kaizen Karate, I was so ready to learn all of it and asked higher ranks if they wouldn't mind showing me the next few moves. Needless to say, I retained a small percentage of that information. A year and some change go by, I'm learning and rising in skill and consistency and then, I wasn't promoted. I didn't think I was skipped over, but I thought, 'Man, I was on a good trajectory and maybe I didn't show out enough or something like that.'
Coach V walked up to me, and he said, 'You're talented and you're doing great learning a new system and acclimating to Karate. We can promote you based on that, or we can do things the right way and make sure when you reach black belt it is for the right reasons.' It was something like that, and my response was, "I'd like to do things the right way."
The lesson in that moment was patience and trusting the instructors. Knowing being promoted for the right reasons and merits and not for anything less.
To Coach V, Coach Chris, Coach David and all of the instructors of Kaizen Karate USA, Thank you for your patience and the lessons. OSU!
Community appreciation and collaboration play a crucial role in the strength of Cup of Kick. Can you highlight individuals who have significantly contributed to your martial arts journey? In other words, who would you like to publicly acknowledge for their support and influence?
Kaizen Karate USA, Jonathan Henderson, Gary Peebles, Sifu Ken Pham, Master Alpha, Sabreena Candreva, Coach Malone, Ja Croom, Sifu Jimmy Manfredi, Elizabeth Davidovich, Action Craft Stunts, JAM and all those who I cannot remember at this time. Thank You!
How can readers keep up with you or get in touch with you?
You can keep in touch and watch the journey on IG @Apollostunts.
What's the name and address of your school? If you don't teach at a school, you can list your general location (e.g. Atlanta, Georgia).
Silver Spring, MD
Credited photographer: Shot by Kynder (for headshot photo)
