BY SAPNA PATHAK
Amy Nagel considers herself a perfectionist. Five years ago, however, it was not a personality trait she embraced, nor was it something she was proud of.
But that was years ago.
Now holding a black belt at the ATA Karate Center of New Hampshire, Nagel transformed the once-hindering trait into one she uses to her advantage. From June 18 to June 24, Nagel competed in the American Taekwondo Association World Championships in Little Rock, Ark.
“I wouldn’t even want to try something new unless I knew I could do it perfect,” said Nagel of trying tae kwon do in 2002. “That’s why I didn’t want to try tae kwon do, but then the whole family did it, so I gave it a shot. Before, wanting to be perfect was something that stopped me from doing things, but now it helps me.”
The Auburn native earned a silver medal in the women’s first degree black belt group, ranking her No. 2 in the world in the 17- to 24-year-old age division. She was joined by her father, Candia’s Dean Page, who won gold in the men’s first degree black belt group, earning him world champion status in the 40- to 49-year-old age division.
Before heading to the world championships, Nagel and Page competed at the New Hampshire state championships. There, they competed with fellow studio members.
Hooksett’s Nicholas Croteau won the boys first degree black belt title in forms and sparring in the 14- to 16-year-old age group; Hooksett’s Alexus Lamoreaux won the weapons title in the 11- to 13-year-old girls first degree black belt division; Mona Lamoreaux of Hooksett took home the forms, sparring and weapons triple crown title in the 40- to 49-year-old women’s color belts category; and David Lamoreaux earned the forms, sparring and weapons triple crown title in the 40- to 49-year-old men’s color belts division.
Others from ATA who won state titles were Shawn Davies, Alaina Amlaw, Rachael Paradis, Emma Conant, Janet Scarafile and Michael Snider.
Though Nagel and Page were the studio’s lone representatives in Little Rock, invited to compete among 25,000 people (PARTICIPANTS or ENTRANTS), they’re not the only locals involved in the sport.
Nagel’s mother, Valerie Page, and brother, Ben Page, are also black belts. Ben, 14, took home the forms and weapons state title in the boys second and third degree black belt division.
After spending the past three years training to be an instructor, Ben said the martial art also brought about a change in his personality, too.
“I used to be so shy and quiet,” said Ben. “But now I’m forced to use communication and people skills daily when I’m working with younger students. There’s a lot of positive reinforcement used in this sport. That atmosphere I learned in has helped me become a better instructor.”
The Candia family was introduced to the sport when Ben attended an open house hosted by John Burton, ATA Karate Center of New Hampshire studio owner and chief instructor, and Michael Snider, head instructor.
Soon after, Valerie and Dean signed the foursome up for classes. But it was off the mats they saw the greatest changes.
“We’re much closer as a family,” said Dean. “Initially, as a dad, people would say, ‘Aren’t you worried about the kids hurting each other?’ But they actually got along better because of the principles taught. It’s not just the physical stuff. It’s a lifestyle that’s focused on respect and courtesy.
“It helped take such different personalities and bring them together,” he continued. “Parents want punching and kicking and having their kids be able to defend themselves, but the life skills you learn … You can’t find those in the classroom.”