4th degree Master Daniel McCracken
Master Daniel McCracken is a fourth degree black belt master in Tae Kwon Do. Born August 20, 1978 in Warrensburg Missouri grew up most of his life hear in Brenham Texas where he currently resides. He is married to Instructor Katie McCracken and has two sons, Daven and Jack. 3rd degree Katie McCracken Katie McCracken began her studies in Tae Kwon Do in 1996. She began like any white belt would with of eagerness to learn, but insisted on continuing up and beyond her own expectations. “There was always something to do, something new to learn and I continued to train even after I accomplished my 1st degree Black Belt. There was no limit to what I could do, despite age and gender! Granted I did have days that I didn’t feel like doing anything whether it was lack of confidence or disappointments in my performance, but with perseverance, encouragement, and dedication, I learned to overcome many mental obstacles that life would throw my way.” 2nd Degree Brian Kubeczka Brian Kubeczka's trianing began in 2004, when a few of his friends who happened to be members of Eclipse Tae Kwon Do, invited him to join them for class on day. "I've always appreciated marial arts, so I figured I would just go try it our and see." A one night trial became what is now 5 years of training and a title of 2nd degree black belt. Master Daniel McCracken and Mrs. Katie McCracken
Master Daniel McCracken started in Tae Kwon Do October of 1993 in Brenham Texas at the age of 14. He took lessons under Master Richard Pennison who was the owner at that time. “My first two years I took the classes just the same way I took most things when I was a teenager, not very seriously. Sure I always wanted to learn Martial
Arts but I honestly was a lazy kid and never accepted how much work it really took. However during the course of classes, my Instructor soon bestowed on me the characteristics of leadership, responsibility, and dedication. It was then that I improved not only in class, but in all aspects of my life.”
Master McCracken received his black belt three years after joining. With it, he took the initiative to assist his current instructors in all classes five days a week. “All I wanted to do was to improve the atmosphere in class for my fellow students.” After gaining experience through assisting, he was given a few small classes to teach. These classes warmed him up for the day he was given his own classes on Wednesday. Shortly after that, his classes were expanded to Tuesday and Wednesday and Friday in Brenham and Thursday in Bellville. In 2002, Master Pennison sold the school to Master Daniel McCracken.
Master Daniel McCracken has competed in several tournaments including numerous state tournaments. He has also competed on the national level four times in A.A.U. (The Amateur Athletic Union) placing third in the nation in heavy weight point style sparring. He also actively gets involved behind the scenes in the tournaments held by the Unified Tae Kwon Do organization. “My only regret tournament wise is that I started competing late. It was almost two years after I joined until I was in my first tournament.” What does Master Daniel have planned for his competition future? “I don’t plan on quitting or retiring from competition any time soon. I see students twice my age out there competing too and they aspire me to continue. If they can do it so late in the game, then why should I quit? However, I concentrate more on my students than me. I’m more proud of a student of mine that got third than I am of my self when I get gold.”
Contact Master Daniel McCracken
She started competing as early as Yellow Stripe in countless, invitational competitions locally and nationally, including organizations such as USTU and AAU. “Competing is a wonderful tool to help improve one’s performance outside of the
do-jang. It is also a lot of fun and I enjoy the adrenaline rush!” Since becoming a black belt, she has accumulated many gold and silver medals in point and full-contact sparring.
As of now, after nine years, Katie is one of a handful of students whom have completed up to 3rd degree Black Belt, currently working for a Master. “Despite my accomplishments, I am continually learning new things, polishing techniques, both new and old, working on my strongest abilities, and improving on my weakest.”
As of now, she is a full time mom, an assistant instructor at Brenham ETKD, Cardio kickboxing instructor, and assistant in Ladies Self-Defense. “I just hope I can pass down my experience to those who are just beginning to see how practical, fun, and exciting Tae Kwon Do can really be!”
"I never imagined I would have achieved what I have done." says Brian, "I can remmeber being a color belt just watching Master Daniel and the other black belts thinking, I want to be like that." He tested for his first degree after two years, but he did not stop there. Brian continued to train and eventually earned his second degree black belt. " I love the challenges that come with each new level, it never ends."
Mister Brian is actively competing in tournaments and is still wanting to compete. Besides his training in Tae Kwon Do, Brian Kubeczka also traveled to Thailand where he was introduced to the style of Muay Thai. His instructors were retired professional fighter Mahn Pehtsikhew and his son Moss Pehtsikhew, who is an active proffesional holding a perfect record.
Brian teaches the Thursday class, and assists witht he rest of classes during the week. "For me it is an oppurtunity to give back to the school that has given so much to me. I also now have the opportunity to share the knowledge I have attained so that it not only benefits myself, but all of the students at Eclipse Tae Kwo Do."
