Master Interview - Brigitte DiVito

Master Brigitte DiVito, a Kukkiwon certified 4th Degree Black Belt, is a Master Instructor at Shiba Taekwondo. It was our privilege to sit down and interview her about her many years of impacting lives as an instructor.

Q: One of the things that stands out immediately to your fellow instructors and our students is your obvious love for instructing! What do you most love about instructing at Shiba Taekwondo?

Master DiVito: “These reasons immediately come to mind:

1. First, I love encouraging the students to be their personal best, to become the best martial artist that they can be.
2. Second, when the light goes on in students' eyes because they understand what you are trying to teach them. It means that I did something right.
3. Third, I love having the opportunity to share my love of martial arts and instilling the tenets of TKD.”

Q: Do you have a favorite memory as an instructor?

Master DiVito: “Three memories totally stand out!

1. 1. I remember when a former student (she made it to second degree black belt and is a grown married woman now) told me that her green belt is the most precious belt because I awarded it to her. She told me that she knew my standards were very high and nothing was ever just given. My awarding her that green belt, it meant she achieved what she had been striving for.
2. 2. When a dad thanked us for teaching the tenets. He told the story that his son broke down one day crying because he had lied about eating some cookies. He told this dad that he had learned in Taekwondo about having integrity and to not tell a lie.
3. 3. One of the black belt candidates who had struggled with one of the board breaks, focused only on me and my words during testing and broke the board his first try! I couldn't have been prouder if he had won a gold medal!”

Q: What is your biggest challenge as an instructor?

Master DiVito: “If I am tired and have had a rough day at work, it’s important that I still motivate my students by coming up with a fun/engaging class plan. I always do, no matter what!”

Q: What do you love about Shiba Taekwondo?

Master DiVito: “I love that no matter the ability of an individual, we have a path for their success while they are being challenged according to their ability. Shiba Taekwondo has base requirements, but everything is still individualized. Being a military family, we had to search for a new school every few years. I learned quickly what distinguishes a good school from a bad one. I joined the Shiba family in 2002 and never looked back!”

Q: Master DiVito, what do you think is your greatest strength as an instructor?

Master DiVito: “My greatest strength is that I care about the students and their life as a whole – not just their martial arts.”

And a personal note from our school owner and head instructor:

“Master DiVito has always had an amazing work ethic and no one believes in the students more than she does! Master DiVito has been an asset to our school and everyone that knows her! If you get the opportunity to learn from her, consider yourself fortunate!” ~Master Cherith Shiba