Rose Myers is a sixth-degree blackbelt and head instructor at Pilsung ATA Martial Arts in Greenwood. Hundreds of students have come through her program from preschool age through adults. As a teacher of Taekwondo, Myers teaches her students how to have a positive self-esteem, knowledge of self defense and have a heightened mental and physical well-being. Myers offers classes at her studio and continues to be a part of so many people’s lives.
What do you consider your greatest virtue?
Christ charged us to love one another. It’s why I quit my engineering
job to become a Taekwondo Instructor: too much pain in the world. It’s
what drives me to work every day and to reach out as much as possible.
Most people need more love.
What are your fears, phobias?
I fear failure. I hate failing others and not having the time or ability
to reach those who really need help.
If money were no issue, how would you spend it?
I would use it to support myself and family while using my knowledge and
skills in a way that helps those who can’t afford but truly need them.
What is your greatest regret?
A mentor gave me awesome advice for difficult decisions: choose what
would cause the greatest regret. So I have few regrets in my adult life.
(Thank you Amy Billingsly!) I do regret discarding a degree and career
helping others because it paid less, but God still puts us in our
purpose if we’re willing to listen and follow.
If you could begin life over, what would you change?
I’m pretty happy with MY life and would be afraid to change things for
fear it would change where I am now. If I could change things out of my
control, I would prevent the majority of my family from contracting and
dying of cancer when I was too young.
What makes you happiest?
Living my God-given purpose. It is truly a humbling experience and gift
to hear how much our program positively changes the lives of our current
and “veteran” students.
What has been the happiest time of your life?
I’m blessed to have the norms: marrying my husband 22 years ago; giving
birth to a child I medically “couldn’t have.” Currently, reaching a
20-year career milestone earning the rank and title of Master. But few
things mean as much without amazing people to celebrate these
accomplishments.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
The answer should be God, or my husband, or even my miracle baby. But if
someone were to watch my everyday life, they would probably say
taekwondo. Watching my students attain something they never thought they
were able to give me joy beyond words.
What tenet do you live by?
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” ~ Mahatma Ghandi. God has
a purpose for all of us to make the world better in a way that only we
uniquely can. I love watching our students learn the power they have to
positively change things and the joy it brings them. I aspire to put
better leaders into the world for a brighter future.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Me-time. It feels so selfish because there are so many other people and
things wanting my attention.
What do you do to escape from reality?
Well, I get to do what most people consider an escape daily – yell, hit
things, and break things. The precious time with my friends revives my
soul.
What do you most value in your friends?
Amazing friends make life worth living by celebrating the highs and
lessening the lows. Mine support, encourage, and ground me, with
occasional friendly fights (sparring matches).
What do you do with idle time?
Idle time? As a small business owner I have very little. Time with
friends and family top my list, as does time with my malamutes. If I can
escape, I love the peace nature provides when hiking through the woods.
What is it that makes you angry?
Treat others the way you want to be treated. We are all human beings and
should treat others as such. I CHOOSE my job because it breaks my heart
to see how awful people are treated.
Which living person in Johnson County do you most admire?
I have a couple students who are challenged by everyday things. Yet
they come into my class, work harder than most people would ever
realize, and NEVER complain. On my rough days when I don’t want to do
something hard or I want to complain, I think about them. They inspire
me daily.
What do you like most about living in Johnson County?
Johnson County isn’t super big like a giant bustling city. It’s fairly
peaceful with a community that’s down-to-earth and beautiful nature.
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
I would love to say Jesus, but Paul is probably more fitting. I try
really hard, but I am human and fail plenty, despite knowing better.
Which talent would you most like to possess?
I would really love to be a better Christian. I worry too much, don’t
pray enough, and buck God’s plan when I don’t like it.
What do you most deplore in others?
I am a straight-forward person and appreciate the same in return. Please
just tell me what you mean and don’t make me guess or play games.
What is your favorite vacation spot?
We rarely visit the same place twice. There’s way too many awesome
places to see and not enough time to see them.
If you had to live elsewhere than in Johnson County, where would it be?
While my family isn’t here, my tribe and the life I’ve built IS here, so
I’ve never considered living anywhere else. If I ever move it will be
for people, not a place.
