Tae Kwon Do

Im on the far right, holding the red jacket.

Much has happened since my last post; however, I will choose to focus on my present pursuit.

Last week I decided to start training in Tae Kwon Do. Why?

Consciously, I was tired of going to the gym every so often and lifting weights, swimming, and heading home. I wanted to train in something I could document my progress in as well as have an environment where I was allowed to hit things. It may seem nomadic...which it may be. But it feels good.

For those of you who don't know, I started Tae Kwon Do in 7th grade 3 months before my mom passed away. She had registered me in Karate in 1st grade, but I made sure that was a failure by way of hiding in the closet, underneath my bed, or behind a tree when Karate time came around. So, she tried again with Tae Kwon Do. After her passing, I became very involved in the art. With my dad's support, I went to the studio 5-7 days a week, riding my scooter on Saturday mornings and taking part in the Sunday bible study/training sessions that were offered. My life was school, homework, and tae kwon do. I was eventually awarded the best black belt trophy 2 times (after obtaining my black belt), but I think it had to do with my master trying to advertise the studio (I was a pretty good student at school, so he liked to read the recommendations at belt tests). Although I was not aware of it at the time, tae kwon do was my way of releasing stress and driving any negative energy towards my opponents. After training rigorously for more than 3 years in the martial art, I would stop because I didn't want to pay the steep $800 price for more advancement in the black belt.

7 years later I have returned. Thankfully my friend Bryan is an instructor at a studio near my house, so I have a good reason to go. After spending one week at the studio, I am working on regaining my form and technique, and was fortunate enough to participate in the Montrose Christmas Parade as a tae kwon do martial artist. Waving to people and helping lead the young tae kwon do students, I was in a parade for the first time in my life.

I don't have anything profound to say about the martial art except that it has helped me revitalize discipline in my life and allowed me the opportunity to build on a pastime that has played such a huge role in my life.

Tae! Kwon! Do!