Tama
April 12, 2014
How Tae Kwon Do has affected me
As you can see, I am not the tallest person. When I was younger, I got called names like midget and shrimp, and my self confidence was shot down. My friends would try to tell me those people were just mean, but I became very shy. One of my closest friends, Joe, would have to go right after school to Tama, for Tae Kwon Do. So one day I went with him to Tama and I met Mrs. Knock.
When they started class, I had no idea what she was saying at all. As class went on though, I found it cool how everyone would end at the same time like they were all tied together. Then they started breaking boards. I was amazed by how someone could just snap a piece of wood with their foot. I thought it was so cool, I started to go to classes, and here I am now.
As I have gone further down the Tae Kwon Do road, I have improved greatly. When I first started I didn’t really get into it at all. As of now, I am fully into it and focused on what is going on in class. How I used to be that shy little girl? Ya, I’m kinda the total opposite now, ask anyone I know. One of the most important things that I achieved though, is my respect for others and my perseverance. My respect for others has improved because even though I may not no you, or we don’t really get along, I am still going to respect you to the best of my ability. My perseverance has improved and I know it. When I come across something difficult, I no longer just walk away and say I’m done, I push through and get it done. My perseverance and respect are partly why I am here today in front of you.
Another thing that Tae Kwon Do has taught me is you can connect almost everything. When I have free time at school I am constantly running through my forms in my head, and I even go through them in the car sometimes. Even outside of Tae Kwon Do, I am always constantly still “in” Tae Kwon Do. When I first started I was amazed how everyone acted as if they were all connected, and I still am. The only thing that is
different now is that I get to help be a reason why we are connected. Another thing that Tae Kwon Do has taught me is to help other people more. I have helped lower belts learn their forms, and helped them practice when they need it.As I am here today, I am not alone. I am here with two people from my branch, Mr. Arp and Mr. Hempy, and I am glad that I have gone through all of my journey with them. Also, thank you Mrs. Knock and the other black belts at our school for preparing me for this test today.
