Today we’d like to introduce you to Aaron Crawford.
Hi Aaron, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
After a long and accomplished career in competition, and then, having found great
success as a Taekwondo coach and teacher, Master Aaron Crawford and his wife, Cody, decided
it was time to open a school of their own. Wishing to remain respectful of other schools in the
area, Master Crawford deliberately sought out a town with no other World Taekwondo schools.
In this search, he discovered Forney, Texas. By chance, a local business owner directed the
Crawford family to the location they reside in today (at 1102 Ranch Rd). Backed by the support
of Master Crawford’s father along with that of the Harris Family, “Forney Taekwondo” opened
in 2013.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Shortly after opening the school, Ms. Cody (as she is known to the students) earned a
spot on the AAU National team. However, at this time, the town was still fairly small, and
Taekwondo was somewhat unknown to the community. So, Master Crawford worked a second
job during the day while running classes in the evening. Ms. Cody however, made an enormous
sacrifice in giving up her spot on the team to work at a nearby physical therapy clinic, so as to
help support their young family.
Finally, in January of 2020, Forney Taekwondo had grown to a point where the Crawfords could
solely focus on the school. As well, they were also expecting the arrival of their first child.
However, within months tragedy struck. First, Ms. Cody was hospitalized with pregnancy
complications. Then, two weeks later, COVID restrictions were put in place, forcing the
Crawfords to close down classes and move into the hospital for the foreseeable future. Eleven
weeks early, baby Gail was born at 1 lb 10 oz. At a time when other Taekwondo schools were
suffering, Forney Taekwondo rallied together as one big Taekwondo Family. With help from his
instructors, Master Crawford taught online classes from a small room in the NICU for 93 days.
When the restrictions were lifted, Forney Taekwondo hit the ground running. Soon, the school
found success both nationally and internationally. Today, the school boasts 4 different
international medalists, 4 national team members, and countless national champions.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
With all the success the Forney Taekwondo competition team has experienced, Master
Crawford’s original goal remains: to produce good, successful members of society. Whether it’s
coaching in a national championship, or helping a child gain confidence, Forney Taekwondo
takes pride in helping people achieve their goals. Through the practice of Taekwondo, Master
Crawford works to instill confidence, discipline, integrity, courtesy, perseverance, self-control,
and an indomitable spirit.
What were you like growing up?
Starting Taekwondo at the age of 5, Master Crawford earned his first Black Belt at 8
years old. Honest, loyal, and respectful, as a child, Master Crawford was dedicated to hard
work. He began competing Nationally at 9 and then Internationally at 11 years old. During the
90’s and early 2000’s, Master Crawford earned 22 National and International medals, including
5 National Gold medals and 3 US Open Silver Medals, along with a Bronze in the Pan Am Open
in 2006.
Pricing:
- Trial 8 Classes for $39 Uniform Included
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.forneytaekwondo.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forneytaekwondo/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forneytaekwondo
