Third Degree
Martial Arts America
What Tae Kwon Do Means To Me
My Tae Kwon Do journey began at a Christmas music program when Mr. Tom Cory brought up the subject. He encouraged me to visit a class and consider joining. We talked about my age and the multiple joint surgeries I’d had. Again, he said, “I can do it, so can you.” Little did I realize as I began my journey down this path I would hear these words many times.
During those early classes when I was shown and asked to do the kicking and hand techniques and forms, I felt they were impossible. My body was so tight and rigid it wasn’t willing to comply. Standing in the back row as a white belt watching the senior belts do their various kicking and hand techniques, I knew that I had a long ways to go. I also knew that the senior belts’ example would help guide me along the way.
It was hard for me to overcome my self-consciousness during those first classes. When it came time for my first test and again for my second test, my instructors and classmates assured me that I was ready. However, I was still very self-conscious, making the tests more difficult. These tests taught me that I had to prepare more to feel more confident.
At one point during my journey, I had three broken bones in the top of my right foot. The doctor told me I should not do anything that could further injure my foot. However, there was a tournament in Cedar Rapids that I wanted to attend. I was still determined to go to the tournament and participate in it. When I entered the sparring ring Master Sledge, the center judge, questioned my participation because he knew that I had an injured foot. I told him that I still had a good left foot so I would only use it and work June 2008 – Martial Arts America on my defensive moves. I felt this would still be a valuable learning experience and it was. This taught me patience and focus and that winning was not the ultimate goal.
As classes and tests continued, my skill level improved and I became calmer and more confident not only at Tae Kwon Do but in my daily life. Before Tae Kwon Do, my temper or desire for total control often got in the way of clear thinking. Now I find that improved self-control through Tae Kwon Do has eliminated migraines, wasted energy and frustration. Helping others has also become more important in class and in most other things I do. I have also found that the lessons learned in class have a deeper meaning. This awareness makes me think about how I conduct myself and reminds me to do so in positive manner. I think that this may be the beginning of understanding what it means to be a black belt.
My grandmother once said, “On all the trails you walk in this life, do not forget the one that leads home and thank those who helped you along the way.” This journey would not have been possible without the help of all of the senior belts. My branch instructors, Mr. and Mrs. Warner, have always encouraged me, even when I felt I was not doing well. Their support helped me to continue working hard. In addition, they were not only interested in my Tae Kwon Do progress; they were also interested in me on a personal level. I appreciate and value their support.
As I progressed through the colored belts, I began to know and become more comfortable being around the black belts. I found them to be very helpful and encouraging to me rather than considering themselves above and apart from me with their talents and knowledge. I am grateful to all of the black belts. Every one of them has at some time encouraged me or provided an example that I would like to live up to myself whether or not they know it. A few specific examples for which I am grateful include Mr. Tom Cory’s intensity, Master Garrett’s quiet and calm patience, Master Sledge’s willingness to give of himself, and Mrs. Stoll’s techniques. I also appreciated that Ms. Voshell and Mr. Olson got up on many cold winter Saturday mornings to be there to lead Dawn Patrol.
I have also grown to appreciate the high standards and expectations that Master and Mrs. Master Well’s have maintained in Martial Arts America. They have always encouraged me to try harder, think deeper and to do my best at all times. Without these high standards, all of my effort would be meaningless. They have also been very patient and provided guidance during my journey.
Grand Master Jung’s example and leadership made it possible for me to have this opportunity to accomplish physical and mental challenges. His commitment to Tae Kwon Do has been his passion for most of his life. He provided me with an opportunity to explore my self deeper than I thought possible. Most people outside of class think Tae Kwon Do is only about yelling, kicking, breaking boards, and possessing great defensive power. They ask me why I started this journey at my age. I have found that few understand my answer to their question. Tae Kwon Do has given me more fulfillment in life, increased self-confidence, and a level of physical fitness that is beyond what I thought was possible.
I have also learned that with great power comes great responsibility (a statement made in the movie, Spiderman, by Uncle Ben to the Spiderman-to-be). My actions in and out of class must continue to be controlled because losing self-control now would have more serious consequences. Most importantly, Tae Kwon Do has taught me that small things in life are not worth getting upset about and that I should focus on what’s really important — God, family, friends, and lastly myself. That being said, I also thank God for Tae Kwon Do because it has brought Brenda, my wife and best friend, and I closer together. We train, study, and limp together and we enjoy one another’s accomplishments more than our own. This one benefit alone has made the journey more valuable than I can ever put down on paper.
