Several years ago, Doug McGannon endured personal tragedy by way of two auto-accidents, resulting therapies, medication, weight gain, and emotional struggle, leading finally to depression brought on by a chemical imbalance that seemed to come out of nowhere.  Through this, Doug felt like he had lost just about everything he had worked for over a nearly 20-year career, and was struggling to function at normal levels on a day-to-day basis.

In the midst of seeking help for the pain caused by injuries, doctors told Doug he would probably never again compete in sports and would find difficulty in day-to-day activities.

All of this nearly caused Doug to give up.  With the support of his wife, Holly, and his son, Michael, he began to slowly take steps to regain his life and the strength he once knew. The entire family began training in the Martial Arts once again and found the ability to be active at a comfortable pace in traditional Karate.

Later Doug and his son, Michael, would go on to earn their Black Belts, and in the midst of training for this, Doug and Holly discovered they would be blessed with another son.  And baby made four (after 15 years from the birth of their first son)!  Nathaniel’s birth is best summed up in the words of his big brother on the day he was born, “This just goes to show us, it really is worth it all.”

Light was beginning to shine again. Fast-forward a couple of years when a friend reminded Doug of his written personal goal and dream of one day competing in the U.S. Open World Martial Arts Championships. The words, “This is the year, go for it,” were spoken and it was decided.

For the past two years Doug has spent a considerable amount of resources recovering physically and mentally from what he considers a “very dark time in my life.” Now, he has embarked on a quest to overcome the obstacle of “you will never be able to compete again.”

Doug and his family are passionate about the Martial Arts and what they have to offer individuals and families, and it is a great honor to use the platform of the world’s most prestigious martial arts tournament as the catalyst for overcoming many challenges resulting from past tragedy.

Doug’s “Quest For The U.S. Open” is a testament to the fact that each of us can overcome any obstacle and rise up to meet the challenge, even when others say there is no way.  His hope and prayer is that others will be inspired to fulfill their own dreams through hearing this story.

The U.S. Open is July 3-4, 2009, and will be held in Orlando, FL at Disney Coronado Springs. You are invited and encouraged to attend and can find out more about this most amazing event at www.USOpen-Karate.com.

Doug also hangs out online at www.Kickgen.com, which a social networking site devoted to uniting Martial Artists all over the world.

“The future belongs to those who believe
in the beauty of their dreams.”
-Eleanor Roosevelt