Almost four years ago my family began our taekwondo journey. What started as an extracurricular activity for our son has evolved into a full family obsession. At the time, we were searching for an activity to help our then 5 year old burn excess energy and learn self-control. We found so much more in TRU Taekwondo!
Right away our son fell in love with taekwondo, he loves the order and routine of poomesaes and the level of activity in each of the classes. He has learned Korean words, self defense, respect for others and so much more. At first I just watched (or read a book) during his classes but over time I started noticing other adults who were in the classes he was taking. I saw other moms, like me, participating and excelling in taekwondo. When May came around that second year, TRU offered a Mother’s Day special for the moms of TRU students. I decided if the other moms could do it, why couldn’t I? Once I got past wearing the very unflattering uniform, I was hooked. One month later (on a similar Father’s Day special), my husband was taking classes too. As soon as our daughter turned four, we were ready for her to start. She had the same excess energy and need for self-control as her brother. She took a few months to settle in, but now she loves her Superkids classes too. Here we are, almost four years later and I am preparing to test for my black belt. Wow! Four years ago, I never would have thought such a thing was possible. I started this journey because it was an activity I could do with my son. While I do enjoy being able to take classes with him, it’s become so much more than that. When I take a tkd class, I get to be the student, the learner. I’m not the teacher in charge of the classroom (like I am at work) or the mom in charge of what feels like everything (like I am at home), or the volunteer or the helper at anything else, I get to be “me” and focus on myself for a short time. I have become more physically fit, although I definitely have further to go in that area. My balance, focus and concentration have improved as well. Sometimes I still struggle with remembering all of my poomesaes or with getting my side kick just right but I also know I’m working hard to improve. I’m not going to lie, with all of the kicking and punching, taekwondo is a great outlet for stress too. After a long day at home or at work, I can go to a tkd class and punch, kick and yell all of my frustrations out. I’d like to thank the following people for my continuing experiences at TRU Taekwondo: Master Douglas — Sometimes I dread seeing that you are going to teach my class, but I always know I’ll get a good workout when you’re there and I know that if I work hard at some point in the class I’ll hear “Good Job Ms. Angie”. Thank you! Master Terranova — You’re always there with a positive attitude, whether it’s class, after school program, summer camp, or extra events. You always have a tip or suggestion to help, sometimes it’s just a listening ear. Thank you! Master Arguello — You can always make me laugh during class, you’re always there to lighten my mood when I’m too hard on myself. You also have a great listening ear. Thank You! Master Cadiente — Thank you for all of the extra Friday and Saturday prep classes the past few months. I know I wouldn’t have made it this far without them. You also, always have shortcuts and tips to remember various things. Thank you! Master Dave — Thank you for being there and for being an example that you can excel in taekwondo regardless of age. You’re always there reminding me that I can do it, my 40 years are nothing to you. Thank you! My husband, Ben — Thank you for encouraging me to start this journey in the first place, when I first suggested it I was afraid you’d think I was crazy but you were all for it. Thank you for continuing to encourage me throughout this process. Thank you! My TRU Friends — To everyone, kids and adults, who I’ve been in classes with. Thank You! |
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