Jesus answered the following 10 questions for this month's USA Taekwondo Athlete Profile...

Q1: When you look back on your Taekwondo career, is there something you would have done diferently?

JESUS ARMENDARIZ: One of the things I would have done differently earlier in my career is trying to stay a little healthier mentally and physically. I feel like I could’ve been on the National Team years ago, but because of improper weight loss, the outcome wasn’t what I expected it to be. Now, moving up in weight has helped me maintain a healthier diet, therefore my goals should come true.

Q2: Where do you see yourself in 20 years?

JESUS ARMENDARIZ: I think that at 41 I will be happily married with a couple of kids. Also, owning a tkd/boxing school to have other’s follow in my footsteps. I think I would be a great coach because I’ve been surrounded by the best such as Jean Lopez, Paris Amani and Geaorge Weissfisch.

Q3: What's one of the most important things your parents did in your upbringing?

JESUS ARMENDARIZ: Aside from financial supporting, they are my biggest motivation. My parents always taught me the value of perseverance and determination. To never give up and to keep pushing even when things seem to be at there worst.

Q4: You have also done some boxing. Do you still put the gloves on, or are you strictly a Taekwondo athlete now?

JESUS ARMENDARIZ: I still box. I happen to spar with one of the best featherweights in the world, Rocky Juarez (2000 Olympic silver medalist). I’m training for the Golden Gloves coming up soon, and I was recommended by Rocky to stay in the amateur career until the Olympics.

Q5: What's your dream car?

JESUS ARMENDARIZ: I love Steven Lopez’s S 500 Mercedes. I think that would be my ideal car.

Q6: What is one thing that you can't live without?

JESUS ARMENDARIZ: I can’t live without my family and my Elite friends, especially staying up all night till 3am eating pizza and playing Halo, Fifa 06 and NBA live 06 with Mark (mukes) Lopez, Ryan (Ronnie) Klonek and Peter (Pejus) Lopez. Those are moments that will last for a lifetime.

Q7: How long do you see yourself competing in Taekwondo?

JESUS ARMENDARIZ: I would love to keep competing forever, as long as I stay healthy and continue to be successful at it like I have been.

Q8: Where do you want to travel to in the world for, say, and extended vacation?

JESUS ARMENDARIZ: For the first time this summer I travelED to Peru for a competition alongside Pano G and Peter Lopez. I didn’t really know what to expect but the people there and the country itself were truly one of a kind. I loved the food, I enjoyed the music (salsa, merengue) and of course the food, especially the ceviche, it's to die for. I recommend everyone to pass by Peru if they ever have the chance, one of the most beautiful South American countries.

Q9: You have been a member of the 2004 Pan American Championships Team in the Dominican Republic and the 2005 World University Games in Turkey. What did you learn from those international experiences?

JESUS ARMENDARIZ: Well, fighting in those competitions felt like a new world to me. I’ve always been surrounded by the best athletes in the world, so I felt prepared enough to take on these athletes. For these competitions I felt like mentally I was at my best, but in this sport, that’s just part of winning (even if it’s the biggest part). The one thing I learned is that I should be more disciplined with my weight. It makes a big difference in speed, power and stamina. I think that this one factor made the biggest difference in those competitions. Now that I moved up in weight class I feel stronger than ever, and I know my goal of making the 2006 National Team will come true.

Q10: What is one characteristic a person needs to be a champion?

JESUS ARMENDARIZ: Being around the best (Peter, Mark, Steven, Diana and the rest of the Elite team) I think that they have shown me what it means to be a true champion. I think it is striving for your best and never being satisfied. It is working every day and staying focused on your goals. And it is being humble no matter how successful. The person I think that has taught me the most about what it means to be a champion is Peter Lopez. We talk a lot, and he always encourages and inspires me to commit myself if I am going to reach my ultimate goals. Hopefully I can follow in his footsteps.