Northeast Iowa
August 9, 2014
Why I like Tae Kwon Do
My name is Isabella Bogdonovich and I am testing for my 1st dan black belt. I have learned a lot about Tae Kwon Do from my instructor Mr. Johnson. I have learned that the birthday of Tae Kwon Do is April 11th, 1955, Grandmaster Jung’s birthday is February 20th, 1942, Tae Kwon Do means art of hand and foot fighting, the meanings of both the Korean and American flags, how to write my name in Korean, along with form meanings, movements and many stories that Mr. Johnson has shared about his experiences. The most important things I have learned about Tae Kwon Do is the five tenets, which are, Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, and Indomitable Spirit.
By practicing Tae Kwon Do each tenet has helped me along the way. Courtesy was taught early in class by making sure I bowed to black belts and the flags. It has also helped me outside the class by teaching me to help out when I can, and help my mom with chores around the house, and always use manners. Integrity was taught in class by making sure we knew our forms well by practicing them a lot and being honest with myself that I felt I could do them well. I also use integrity at home by being honest with my mom and dad and always telling the truth. Self-Control was taught to me in class by practicing kicks and other movements over and over so I knew exactly how close I can get to another person without hurting them. I have also learned self-control because I am able to do Tae Kwon Do at class with my eyes closed. I use self -control at home by knowing what my mom and dad’s rules are and following them. I also use self-control when I play and know not to get to loud or run when it may be a bad idea. Perseverance is taught to me in class by never giving up on myself when I am trying to learn a new form and have a hard time remembering the movements or trying to break a board and not always getting it broke. I use perseverance at home by not giving up on myself when I have homework at school that is tough sometimes, or when my mom and dad give me a chore that seems like it will take forever to finish. Indomitable Spirit is taught to me at class every time because I am able to get through the workouts even when some nights I am tired and think there is no way I can get through the hour of class. I also have gotten to lead kicks at class, and I have used my indomitable spirit to make sure I am loud and not as shy as I used to be. I use indomitable spirit at home by standing up for myself in school if someone tries to put me down, and feeling confident in myself that I can do any job or homework that is given to me.
I know my mom and dad are proud of me, and I am proud of myself as well for working hard to get here. I am also proud of my family for all of their hard work to get to their black belts also. I am excited to get to test with my dad. Tae Kwon Do has been fun and I look forward to continue on after this test. I enjoy my time at the dojang with my family and my Tae Kwon Do family.
