Daily Life of an English Teaching Jiu-Jitsu Wannabe in Seoul, Korea

[@MahmoudMaguid]

you may not know this, but the reason I'm subscribed to you is because of you, you come across as very charismatic in a relaxed but professional sort of way. Its not a thing allot of people have, but you have it, hence why you have this charisma about you. Keep it up.

[@GApeech08]

Mahmoud Maguid, I agree and cuteness too! 🙄

[@Reddragondiaries]

Thanks so much for that. I appreciate it.

[@andrewhall531]

I must thank you for still making videos and clearly being happy doing so!

[@Reddragondiaries]

thank you

[@davidyeo5153]

@@Reddragondiaries 899l9ktlgo0

[@918Venice]

Best ever explanatory tag line! Backed by a non affected You Tube host..not meant to sound seedy, not host/hostess bar thing. Thank you very much for taking us along.

[@seawaif22]

Please continue to do videos. For those of us who dream of living in South Korea but are not able to yet, your videos keep us encouraged. If you can, please continue.

[@lrdenn73]

What a great vlog. It's so interesting to see a day in the life of someone living differently than me. I'm here in Florida and yes, it will be 75 degrees today. I'm glad you're back to making vids and enjoying life!

[@Reddragondiaries]

Thank you. Ah, I miss the Florida weather. It's so good

[@nicobic]

Thanks Tom, for the little details in the video (clear sound, cam on a tripod while showing your meal in the restaurant) and above all, thanks for your time in sharing a sample of your life with us, once again. Peace:)

[@72daystar]

If you're from Canada- it's never really gets cold in Korea. Plan for a crisp fall day.

[@bartwiginton8694]

Hey Tom, I thought you had left Korea permanently. I'm glad you are back in the game. I look forward to seeing more of your experiences. I'm currently a little east of Wangshimni. I did quite a bit a bike riding until it started getting cold last month, and I'm really missing that now.

[@Reddragondiaries]

I thought I did too, but things change. It definitely got cold! I still try to ride my bike to school and all, but it's just getting too cold. Seoul is cold!

[@jameskim9136]

It seems like you can read Korean now, nice! I'll have a look at your other channel and try to follow along with some of the lessons. Good to see you enjoying a simple, chill life in Korea. You deserve it man.

[@Reddragondiaries]

thanks. yes, that's how I like to keep things

[@militaryrep]

Whao just got to the end commentary - YES keep it up you're on an awesome adventure doing more in a week than most American's do in a lifetime!! I know the feeling I lived in Japan from 1992 through 2009, and for about 10 of those years I had LG, Samsung, and some smaller Korean companies as clients so I'd travel to SK monthly for meetings. You are in the most exciting region of the world - frustrating at times NO DOUBT, but its exotic and energizing, and you've clearly got the skills to do big things. Huge thank you for doing what you do, and I look forward to following your journey. =)

[@Reddragondiaries]

Thank you so much. Wow, you were in Japan for a long time lol. That's awesome. I'm hoping for great things to come in my future.

[@szvqorwnpstahskypfwmp9821]

I support whatever you need or have to do Tom. Best wishes and keep making the videos. Cheers~^^

[@Reddragondiaries]

Thank you!

[@MaggsDream]

Enjoyed this Tom! Thanks for sharing.

[@Reddragondiaries]

Awesome. Thank you. I'd like to do more like it.

[@Zhinoi]

This video is awesome. I know that's a pretty brief statement, but I just really love the video because of the elements within it. Thanks for the video.

[@Reddragondiaries]

Thank you

[@DonBurns]

So happy to see you back and making videos again, especially in Korea. You have something special here, please continue sharing your experiences. :)

[@tanyenomichelle7021]

Hey!! That was a great watch. I've been thinking about protein shakes for breakfast, so I'm going to try your recipe actually. I like peanut butter and bananas.. Loved watching what Korea looks like, and the Queen of Ji Jitsu was awesome. She made me laugh when she saw the camera, did she know? But can you tell us what's in your SOUP next time, that looked scrumptuous!!!!!! *Gonna try to make that too.* Do you enjoy teaching children? Really ENJOY your vids, glad you continue. 😃😃😃😃

[@Reddragondiaries]

Thank you, and yes she knew. We were getting ready to play a game to warm up a little. It was freezing! I enjoy teaching children, but I think I'd be better off with older students or adults tbh. Kids really steal your energy lol

[@tanyenomichelle7021]

Red Dragon Diaries Lol, yeah they do. Why parents always look tired. Lol. Are they very very young? So tough, cuz you have a limited time to capture their attention. Anyway, greetings to your teacher and a hat might help while you're outside? Try it...

[@gil9099]

Keep it up my brother! Keep doing what you are doing!

[@cookielu46]

I really love watching your videos. You take me out of my Arizona home ( Originally from New York, but I did live in Florida for a long time) and you bring me to a very different culture. I enjoy your grocery hauls and tours of your school and favorite eating places. When you share your meals on youtube...well, I can almost taste them. : )

[@Reddragondiaries]

Thank you very much. I really like knowing that people enjoy them. I'll make more in the future

[@cookielu46]

Looking forward to them. Happy New Year!

[@TK-if3ks]

been waiting for your videos. please load them more often. .

[@Reddragondiaries]

Trying...

[@spacecowgurl57]

I am awesome. Its amazing to see your life and as you say,"Sailing your ship", with such humor, determination and information. Thanks!

[@zachh7737]

So glad I found this channel!

[@gguerard]

Enjoy your videos! Happy holidays and have a great new year!

[@Reddragondiaries]

Thanks so much and same to you

[@808slowly]

Fighting! Still one of the best on KZbin!

[@Reddragondiaries]

Thank you! 파이팅!

[@madblank]

Hope to see more about bjj and judo on your channel, especially with such a nice jiu jitsu teacher. :)

[@Reddragondiaries]

I'm really hoping to do more vids like that

[@Azadum]

I recommend adding some baby spinach to your protein shake. You can't taste them at all and it's a great way to get some greens in your diet. Did you check the label on your protein powder? Some of those supplements are chock full of sugars because they're cheap and taste good.

[@Reddragondiaries]

That is a GREAT idea! Thanks!

[@atatkfighter]

Always like the videos when you go to the grocery store.

[@dgkocsis]

thanks for all your videos

[@militaryrep]

Great video! Really love the day in the life format, especially recommended places to try (restaurants, gym, etc). keep up the great work! HAPPY HOLIDAYS.

[@brendarodriguez2269]

The feels at the end of the video....see you next time Mr. Red Dragon Diaries :)

[@lookylook1]

I love your videos. Please make more.

[@Joe-nd6km]

Stayed to the end, love your videos man, best of luck with your endeavors.

[@lesliesansonewilliams5993]

Cannot tell you how happy I am that you're back on the "Tube. Loved the video (& the ending!) Seems like Seoul has weather quite like Chicago. Brrrrrrr.... Have a great week and ... Merry Christmas, Tom.

[@Reddragondiaries]

Thanks so much. Merry Christmas to you too.

[@nelson1954]

You are living the life I wanted! Your thoughts regarding injuries and continuing martial arts are really inteiguing. I myself am probably 2 years from my black belt and I wonder if my body will hold up that long. Your continued effort is inspiring. I'd like to know your thoughts regarding continuing despite injuries I'd you can spare the time.

[@Reddragondiaries]

Well, tbh, I'm contemplating my involvement in combat sports altogether. I have other goals and aspirations in mind that the injuries and distracting pain sidetrack. It's either no more, or a very limited amount. But everyone is different. If you really want that black belt, you have to put in the time. I'm a third dan in judo and that's good enough for me!

[@rachelleanderson4291]

I literally brought enough deodorant to last the entire 2.5 years that I lived in Busan! LOL So glad you're back to making videos, I always enjoy them!

[@Reddragondiaries]

I did the same but I've officially run out. Yes, back to making vids again. It's fun!

[@jacquelineadams3770]

OMG! I found you again! Subbed!!!(again, yay!!) I know I'm about 12 months late or so but oh well, at least I found you, right? Anyway, I used to watch u when you were Seoultee. I love watching your shopping/day to day videos. You are the coolest, calmest shopper, ever. If they didn't have my deodorant, I would freakout immediately. Lol Thanks for sharing this. Peace.💝

[@crome1115]

awesome vid bro. thanks so much for sharing your lessons . will def sub and try to start learning.

[@Reddragondiaries]

Thank you

[@lorie1965]

Keep up the good work!

[@Ophelia11]

Missed your videos! Do you speak fluent Korean? Did you learn when you moved out there, or did you study it beforehand? Great vid! ETA: You explained it in the video! This is what I get for commenting before finishing the video. I was too excited. LOL

[@Play_Journal]

Do you play games with your students to help with English? Codenames is a fun group activity that comes to mind. I'm glad that you're giving BJJ a try. The throws/takedowns are less frequent and brutal.

[@Reddragondiaries]

Yes, I do when there is time. It's a pretty aggressive curriculum and the parents are quite demanding.

[@LenTheKagamine]

Very good video and channel

[@Reddragondiaries]

Thank you!

[@bobmullen7164]

Gates! Merry Christmas my brother! It's -5 degrees here in Northwood/Bow NH. You were never one for the cold. Glad to see your doing well and still sweating while you eat. Cheers --Bobby Miller!

[@Reddragondiaries]

Robert! Wow. On KZbin! It's good to hear from you. Things are going well for now. Maybe I'll head back to New England one of these days if I don't forget my skis at home.

[@jaycullen8694]

Hey Tom, I've been watching your channel for some time now and i wanted to say, i love it! I love your raw honesty and the way that you are so personable. Lets have some more on your BJJ journey along with some Judo for good measure! And more food. Stay safe - Jay :-)

[@Reddragondiaries]

Thank you. I'll try to keep putting out the vids

[@hapaharley1706]

Wow, I don't think I've ever seen a female owned martial arts studio in any discipline. Much respect to her and good to see you get to promote her. Hope she does well

[@Reddragondiaries]

She has a very successful school and is well respected in the MMA community as well

[@JeanKiley]

Nice video 👍👍👍Any recommendation where to apply for a teaching job in Korea ?

[@jocookham4810]

Miss you Tom. Hope all is good with you.

[@nomomania6827]

Hey Tom, Are you a Oakland Raiders fan? Unfortunately soon to be Las Vegas Raiders. Btw, keep making more videos. Jujitsu class in action would be awesome. And Judo vids!

[@humanspecies5137]

Hey Mr. Tom. I added a comment on one of your blogs about getting a teacher's license in addition to a TEFL certificate to teach abroad and it seems you didn't get a chance to see it. Thus, I'll bring it up here. I'm a Californian. I saw the online teacher license program offered by the state of Florida. How would getting a teacher license from that program help me? I only have a TEFL certificate, not a BA degree but I am thinking about getting a BA at a Chinese university. I am looking forward to your advice and insight. Thank you so much and as always, thank you for your excellent content!

[@Reddragondiaries]

My recommendation is to get your degree with an American university. Or a university from your home country if it's one of the English speaking nations. A teaching license is only slightly advantageous in Korea. However, in other countries, like China, it can be a huge asset. Many of the international schools and whatnot require a license.

[@humanspecies5137]

Red Dragon Diaries I understand. Thank you. As for the online teacher's license (the Florida one), do they require people who intend to take it to already possess a BA or can anyone take the teacher's license program thing without having a BA?

[@seutephaineruiz3875]

I miss the chip snacks and pocari I also miss the seasoned meats made it easy for dinner when running late from work. I was lucky to have a full kitchen at my work site good thing because it was a one person show after local crew went home. I was actually able to prep meals for the week while on watch. Crazy right they even provided us with tredmill.😁😎 Ahh I trained at one of John Frankl's gyms. Good to see you are able to get back into training.

[@Reddragondiaries]

Yes, the seasoned meats are great and make life easy. Were you teaching here?

[@seutephaineruiz3875]

Red Dragon Diaries I was a DOD contractor I liked my job and loved my time in Korea.

[@ameerasaays6941]

Awww...You Awesome too!!!thank you for being you..

[@Nergteblet]

I still don’t drink the tap water in Seoul. I always buy the 6 pack of 2 liter water bottles. My friends say they get the shits if they drink the tape water. Also I always bring deodorant from the states or have my friends bring some back from the states. I always thought that deodorant was super expensive here. I’m not sure if it would be possible for you, but something you might want to think about is actually enrolling in a Korean language course through one of the universities here. Most universities have one, the best Korean programs are (in my opinion) Yonsei, Sogang, Ewha Woman’s University(men can enroll in the language program), and Seoul National. Yonsei is good for writing and grammar, Sogang is good for speaking, and the other two I’m not too sure about. I go to Yonsei and have been for a bit now and I quite like it there. Usually the classes at all the schools are around 9am-1pm and an afternoon class usually 1:30-5ish. Thanks for calling me awesome, I enjoy the videos and keep it up!

[@Reddragondiaries]

I think the tap water is definitely safe here though I don't drink it a lot. Just for cooking. I get my water from school where they have the water filter machines. Plus I don't go through so much plastic that way

[@marinayokofukuda]

Can’t believe u left Japan. 😞U should try Nagoya witch is a city that so many different ethnics live. I live near and know some people that teach around here. But at same time I enjoy ur videos about Korea. Be happy is the most important. ✌🏻😊

[@Reddragondiaries]

I think it was just in my cards right now. Maybe some day I'll head back. But there are also other places I'd like to go too. I do miss Japan and would like to go back though.

[@marinayokofukuda]

Red Dragon Diaries 🙂u replied! Yeah , world is a big place and of course English open doors for u ! U r kind of a friend that I watch while I’m cooking or doing something else! ✌🏻

[@sirjamesfancy]

16:08 "Here's my hog again" lol

[@gil9099]

The restaurant looks nice!!! Which area is that?

[@Play_Journal]

Congrats on finding some Dove deodorant. Between BJJ and a tiny classroom, there's no room for body odor!

[@Reddragondiaries]

No, that's from home. That's the empty one lol. I just put it on my desk to remind me to get some.

[@Username-ij6zx]

you're the awesome person.

[@Chatetris]

At least you can get more than 6 slices of bread... I want to go back to Canada (sometimes) to escape the low slice count in Japanese bread.

[@ladygypsysoul122]

Am I still watching? No. I sleep already. Haha..kidding. glad you are back in South Korea. I AM going there one of these days. To Jeju basically. On my bucket list..

[@Reddragondiaries]

Did I put you to sleep?? lol. Jeju would be a really good place to teach.

[@ladygypsysoul122]

Haha...no. you didnt. Just i was watching the video too late at night...haha. so...just kidding anyway.

[@ladygypsysoul122]

Red Dragon Diaries yeah...Jeju would be a good place to teach. I know another KZbin Vlogger name "PatMax adventure" also an English teacher who used to teach in Jeju. Now he is travelling in Kazakhstan. So i know Jeju is great with all its beaches.

[@sheilag.834]

Great video! For the armpits, if there's nothing else, use baking soda.

[@yesimendez7066]

Now that you have experienced EPIK and private schools, which would you recommend? Are your Summers off?

[@Terrycupidboy]

Hi, handsome daddy. I see you do the same in the morning as I do microwaving the water to make a cup of instant coffee.

[@mattnouv8089]

@4:00 lol. I agree with you on that my good sir.

[@slumpig360]

Was looking forward to more bjj content! Woul be great to get some footage of training like you did back at your judo gym in Busan

[@Reddragondiaries]

Will try

[@JonSmex]

and some Judo please :) ..greets from Germany. Nice channel, keep it up. wish you all the best.

[@jessoliveri516]

How did you get into teaching after school classes??? I'm currently with EPIK but I'll be switching to private school to move to Seoul. Are you affected by the Grade 1 and 2 English afterschool program cuts?

[@Reddragondiaries]

Unfortunately, I will be affected by the new rule. Very sad

[@ems9091]

What company did you go through to teach? Is there a limit on how many years you can teach? Thanks!

[@Slyyvie]

could I ask what ethnicity you are if not korean? I'm wondering of the pros and cons of being korean/asian passing (aka perceived as korean at first glance) while still trying to learn korean and live in a foreign country. perhaps there's no big difference once people hear you speak? lol

[@ZeppelinGirl7]

Do they have just regular ground coffee or French press coffee over there?

[@Reddragondiaries]

Yes they do. I may be switching over to green tea anyway.

[@TheAusboi]

Do you still train at the queen of BJJ gym?

[@LettyHooper]

Wondering where you've been?

[@BrunoPolar]

What's up with the lady on tv that's at the cashier at the store?

[@LettyHooper]

Are you no longer doing videos?

[@ayabaheera]

What? You're from Florida too?! Awesome! I rarely ever meet other Floridians in Japan and Korea!

[@Reddragondiaries]

Yes I am. Well, that's my home before Korea. I grew up in New Hampshire.

[@marlon1171]

Red Dragon Diaries: What does a judo student do when a really important super high ranked sensei doesn’t like you and won’t allow you to pass to the next level?

[@Azadum]

Do these after school programs pay similar to a standard EPIK job?

[@Reddragondiaries]

Yes, similar

[@SamuraiKidMusic]

Bjj is awesome

[@Applefromthevine]

Stay warm Tom :)

[@chrisdonovan8795]

He mentioned the cold about 5 or 6 times!

[@Reddragondiaries]

It's so cold here now lol

[@Applefromthevine]

Red Dragon Diaries haha Yeah, that part I don't miss.

[@aaronk9627]

wow! double shot....

[@aqaa7414]

👍

[@3210vca]

As handsome as ever...

[@jungmin4307]

내학교다

[@nicolec8413]

Whatever happened to this dude?

[@Maebull70]

Hey Tom. Be careful with the soy milk powder. The soy makes estrogen and that's not good for men. You'll start to get boobies!