Get toDave know ] Hofer Rock Hill
by tony di martino | photo by bill barrett
WHAT I DO Manager and teacher, Tracy’s Karate Studios in Kirkwood and Chesterfield; black belt in karate. My clients range from little kids to the security team at Mercy Medical Center. WHY I DO IT I played just about every sport in high school and wanted to keep competing after graduation. Tracy’s was near my house, so I walked in one day and gave karate a try. I loved everything about it. ORIGINS The Hofers have been in Rock Hill since 1905. I still live in my grandmother’s house. At one time, my family ran the largest newspaper delivery service in St. Louis. I took over when my dad died. That was my first job. FAMILY My wife and I have been married 36 years and have a daughter and two sons. Both sons are black belts who teach at Tracy’s. PASSION I can’t stand women being abused in any way. I’ve trained a few title-holders in my day, but nothing is more gratifying than teaching women how to defend themselves. When my daughter was little, I vowed there was no way she was going out into the world without knowing how to take care of herself. I eventually made a set of instructional DVDs especially for women, called Strike Back. It focuses on simple things women can do to stay safe. You can buy it at Tracy’s. BOYHOOD DREAM I wanted to be a cowboy! WHAT IT TAKES To excel at karate, you need insight and a sharp eye for detail. You must watch your opponent in the heat of battle, know what they’re doing right and wrong, and stay at least five steps ahead of them. PAYOFF I love teaching one-on-one. It gives me great satisfaction to see students’ eyes light up when they do something they didn’t know they could do. BEST MARTIAL ARTS MOVIE EVER Enter the Dragon with Bruce Lee TOUGH ENOUGH Being tough is not about whupping the other guy. It’s about getting up in the morning and going to work even if you don’t feel like it. It’s about facing and dealing with everyday struggles. PHILOSOPHY Karate makes the meek stronger and the strong more humble. It teaches us how to use power appropriately. MY HERO My father, Joseph Hofer, was a World War II vet who gave up the opportunity to play for the Cardinals so he could defend his country. TIME TO UNWIND When I want to relax, I take my wife dancing at the Blues Bar at Ameristar Casino. FAVORITE HANGOUTS PJ’s in Kirkwood and The Big Bear in Rock Hill. GOAL I love training women to kick some bad guy’s butt. If I can teach every woman out there to protect herself, my maker can come and get me. I’ll die a happy man.