What follows is one of our students sharing the impact of his Martial Arts training.
Why Taekwondo Is One of the Most Important Things in My Life
By Jack N
“Having turned fifteen in October and getting ready to cross over from Poome Belt to 1st Dan Black Belt, I have been thinking about how long I have been practicing Taekwondo and why it’s so important to me. I started attending Taekwondo classes when I was just 7 years old, which means I have been doing this for more than half my life. I have been attending classes regularly during those years, attending 2 classes every week, which means I have attended martial arts classes over 800 times since I started. Taekwondo has had a positive effect on me and helped me in other parts of my life, school, Scouts, and at home. I also look forward to each class that I attend. There are also not many sports or activities that you can start as a 7-year-old and continue doing into your adult life. Playing a sport and turning it into a professional career beyond college is rare, and activities like Scouting are over when you turn 18.
In Scouting, the term Scout Spirit refers to acting like a Scout all the time – being brave, helpful, thrifty, etc. I think of Taekwondo the same way, having Taekwondo spirit by applying the tenets of Taekwondo: courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit to everything I do. Recently, my Troop elected me as Senior Patrol Leader, meaning I am the Scout in charge of the Troop. It made me feel good to know that my fellow Scouts recognized me not only for my Scouting experience but also for my integrity and strong spirit and chose me to be their leader.
I’m very excited to begin wearing my 1st Dan Black Belt. As a student, it is something that I have always aspired to, and I will wear it proudly but will be humble at the same time. I want to be an inspiration to the younger students, just as so many older students were an inspiration to me, and while I have so much yet to learn, I want to be sure I am giving back and helping to instruct the newer students and supporting the Grandmasters and Master at Resilient Martial Arts as I continue my Black Belt journey, a journey that I think will never really end.”
Jack, like many martial arts students, including myself, have learned that the art is about so much more than learning to kick, punch and defend oneself. It is deeper, and encompasses, character development, serving others, and adding value to your community.
If you’re interested in martial arts training, or you are looking for a way to take control of your life and your level of success, why not check out our program:
RESILIENT MARTIAL ARTS
6911 Chital Drive
Midlothian, VA 23112
804-739-2715
Email: [email protected]
https://www.resilientmartialarts.com
About the Author
Eric Rangel-Ribeiro is the proud owner alongside Joshua Fracker, Bernard Robinson, and Barbara Robinson of Resilient Martial Arts in Midlothian, Virginia. With a background in traditional Martial Arts, Psychology, and Child Development, Eric is an active advocate for today’s youth. His passion for supporting and nurturing students of all abilities and ages resonates through all he does as a parent and business owner.