Michael Ikossi holds a bachelor of arts in languages and culture from Loyola University in New Orleans. During his time at Loyola University, Michael Ikossi studied a semester abroad in Grenoble, France, a cultural treasure of the country. Here are four attractions that should not be missed when visiting this area. 1. Fort de la Bastille. Offering the best panoramic alpine view in Grenoble, this fort sits on a hilltop and was once a prison. Today, it houses multiple museums, an outdoor patio, and scenic walking trails. 2. Musée de Grenoble. With 18,000 square meters of fine art to view, this museum is one of the most respected in all of France. The art within ranges from the 15th to the 20th centuries, and the park surrounding the building is filled with a variety of sculptures. 3. Vercors Massif. For those interested in hiking, this mountain range to the west of the city offers easy trails with picturesque views, with surrounding meadows featuring dairy farms busy with cheese making. 4. The Vieille Ville. The city’s old town, this area of the city is filled with narrow cobblestone streets, squares filled with shopping, and historic houses. Visitors often enjoy the busy farmers' markets held on Tuesday and Sunday mornings.
An experienced musician as well as a former customer service professional, Michael Ikossi also stands out as an accomplished athlete. In 2003, Michael Ikossi earned a black belt in taekwondo.The Korean martial art of tae kwon do, or taekwondo, has been in the world for more than 2,000 years. One of the earliest signs of its existence is a mural that was painted on a tomb in the kingdom of Koguryo between 37 BCE and 66 CE. There are continuing records of the practice throughout the Korean kingdoms and it has remained a vital part of Korean culture, even through it has spread as an international martial art and sport in the 20th century.The name of the art translates loosely to mean "the discipline of fists and feet." It involves precise techniques and particular foot movements, yet these must always be in synchrony with a disciplined mind. Tae kwon do requires that its participants seek harmony between the physical body and the mind, and that this harmony extend outward to the world at large.This emphasis on harmony has also led to a focus on peace within the art. Tae kwon do holds that one of the primary goals of physical discipline is to control aggression, both within and outside of the self, and to use this ability to build a more peaceful and safe community. To achieve this end, Tae kwon do seeks to resolve confrontation in a way that promotes harmony and builds long-term unity among people.
