Structure, discipline and balance are the key principles of taekwondo, a Korean martial art that emphasizes head-height kicks. These are the values that John Fletcher, an instructor in the health and wellness studies department, attempts to instill in his beginner and intermediate taekwondo classes.

Fletcher graduated from Binghamton University in 1992 with a degree in environmental planning before attending SUNY Cortland for his master’s in environmental education. Now back at BU, he teaches both taekwondo and physical fitness and wellness, which are classes that fulfill the physical activity and wellness general education requirements.

His classes fill quickly during registration, despite always being scheduled for early in the morning. His students say they like his classes because he utilizes a traditional teaching style based on discipline and perseverance. Jennifer Almy, a senior majoring in psychology, said she would recommend Fletcher’s class to anyone looking for a way to stay active.

“He is my favorite professor because he has so much energy every single class,” Almy said. “Even though he has an 8:30, he is still always so pumped up. He really gets everyone energized and is very enthusiastic and passionate about health and wellness.”

By pushing his students, but at the same time stressing mutual respect, Fletcher said that he creates a bridge of trust between them and himself.

“I motivate people through discipline and I am very strict and make sure everyone is pushed a little bit, and people respond to that.” Fletcher said. “The response I get is energetic. I share my energy with my students and they share it with me.”

Despite his strict style, his compassionate core is not lost on his students.

“He’s a very kind soul,” Almy said. “Even if you are falling behind, as long as you’re trying, he said, that’s all that really matters.”

Austin Overly, a senior majoring in environmental studies and a teaching assistant for one of Fletcher’s classes, said that Fletcher pushes him to be his best.

“He has proven to be a huge influence on my life, and has really changed things around for me,” Overly said. “He is one of the professors I respect the most. He really cares about his students more than anyone I have ever seen.”

Fletcher said that despite the toll finals take on students, he maintains his strict and energetic teaching methods.

“Even at the end of the semester, when everyone starts to get tired, we pull together as a group to stay fit,” Fletcher said. “It’s my passion.”