[Essay] 1st Degree Black Belt - How Taekwondo changed my life?

[Essay] 1st Degree Black Belt - How Taekwondo changed my life?

 

I still remember my first taekwondo class very clearly. I didn't know what I was doing, and I was scared. I was never the most confident with my skills and I was convinced I was going to make an embarrassment of myself. When it came time for me to attempt to break the board, I was sure I wasn't going to be able to do it. But, I proved myself wrong by using all my energy and completing the task. From that point on, I began to mentally change and develop in a beneficial way. I felt more confident in myself, more stable, and more comfortable. This growth of mindset was one of the most valuable ways that taekwondo changed my life.

 

Another way that taekwondo has changed my life is through exercise. Before I started attending taekwondo classes regularly, I did not do any sports. The most exercise I got was from gym class in school, which we had twice a week. My health definitely could've been better, especially when I was eating so much sugar. Every time the topic of a sport came up, I would instantly turn it down. I had no desire. However, after my first taekwondo class, I actually found myself looking forward to going to taekwondo and exercising. This helped me benefit my body and health, mentally and physically.

 

Another example of taekwondo changing my life is that I've had the opportunity to meet new people. Throughout middle school, friends come and go. So getting the ability to go home from school and see the same familiar faces at taekwondo was very comforting to me, because our relationships would only get to grow through more practice and conversation. I feel like taekwondo has given me the opportunity to connect with many people of many ages, my fellow deputy belts being an example of such. I don't see them as younger than me and immature, I see them as amazing equal individuals with countless talents and beautiful personalities. This has given me the ability of being able to see beyond the outside of a person, but rather who they are internally. Not to be defined by their appearance or age.

 

Lastly, taekwondo has given me the amazing opportunity of teaching and leading others. Across my years at Hongik Taekwondo Academy, I've developed a love of working with others and watching them improve under my guidance. Something I've learned is that the pride you get from watching the student you helped receive a stripe is like no other. I've also become more comfortable with working in a team, and taking authority if I need to. Leading others gives you

the opportunity of working with a wide range of students. I've learned that you need to adapt your teaching to the student's learning. This was difficult for me at first, but I believe I've become more adaptable over time and skilled at trying to make a mental learning plan for those I teach.

 

I have been a member at this taekwondo studio for almost three years now. When I started, I was going into middle school. Now, I am getting ready for high school. I believe that taekwondo has changed my life and benefited me immensely. I've learned so many skills and listened to many lessons. And, I can say that my journey up to this point I'm at now, alongside my fellow deputy belts, has been amazing.