Importance Of Taekwondo

Taekwondo is a martial art that uses the fists and foot in combat and practice. Taekwondo is important to me because it helped me overcome my fears and it has made me more confident in being myself. Before I practiced Taekwondo I was a shy kid in High School. I had insecurities about my body and my voice. I would keep to myself and I wouldn’t participate in class. When I had to, I’d start to feel anxious and nervous. In a situation like class presentations, I would usually go last or not at all. I’d sit in the back of the class, hoping I wouldn’t be noticed. I was a wallflower, a loner. What changed my life and how I felt about myself, was Taekwondo. The first time I had any experience with Taekwondo, was during my senior year in High School.

Was able to shout while I practiced. I was starting to talk with other people, I felt more comfortable with talking with the others in my class. I loss little weight and I wasn’t afraid for others to hear me talk. I started to participate in class more and my anxiety started to disappear. My days as a wallflower and loner started change into being part of a Martial arts family. I was comfortable with my Taekwondo family and friends. The next time I went to practice we all sat on the mats. One by one Wimmer gave us our first belts and certificates. In that moment, I felt proud and honored in myself, it was more than receiving a sports trophy or a medal. It felt sacred and almost spiritual. I got my belt and he taught us how to tie the belts around our waist. I had graduated and moved on to the white belt striped. I looked at myself in mirror and I noticed small differences. I could see my posture had changed, I smiled more and I didn’t hide my face behind my hair. It was a transformation for me; I was changing and evolving into a better version of

I started to feel more confident in practice and I was putting more effort in my life. The next belt test was coming up but the tests were starting to get more challenging. The test required us to know more Korean words, kicking combos, punching combos and throws. That day I thought the test was going to be easy but Wimmer saved one surprise for us. After the individual test, Wimmer told us to be seated on the mats. He brought out these planks of wood and he started to organize and stack up the planks. When I realized what we were going to do, my heart started racing, I started to freak out and I felt I couldn’t breathe. I felt incredibly tense and jumpy. I was watching and waiting for someone to be called and go up. Next Master Wimmer called my name, I froze for a while. I walked up to the front of the class and Wimmer said, “What you’re going to do is a high rise kick. I want you to break this board.” He held the board up while he was kneeling. I looked at him, then the board. I hesitated but I got into the kicking stance. In one quick movement I threw my leg into the air and I brought my foot of my heel down. I broke the board in half and I felt proud. When the last few pieces of wood fell, everyone began clapping and cheering. Afterward everyone did their tests then we all got our new belts and certificates. I felt like my spirit and body were