Tae-Kwon-Do: The art of kicking and punching.
Taekwondo aims to develop spiritual strength with concentration, power, and confidence, (Ki-Hap)!
Taekwondo is a Korean martial art, studied by Wesley Snipes (Blade), Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy The Vampire Slayer), Chuck Norris (Enter The Dragon), President Barack Obama (earned green belt, honorary black), and now….Arrington and Aliah can be added to that list!
The first time my son saw my Cousin Asa and Aunt Vetta in their doboks, he wanted to know 1) what they were doing and 2) when he could do it too! Asa, a martial arts and combat sports enthusiast, oozed excitement. After all, he was fulfilling a lifelong dream of learning taekwondo. With some gentle persuasion, he even convinced my aunt to join him. So, just after his 44th birthday, and nearing my aunt’s 65th birthday, they were starting something new .
Prior to signing up, Arrington was able to observe my cousin and aunt’s class to be sure he was truly interested, and not just infatuated with the attire. His jubilant report: “I definitely want to do it and I want a red and black belt!” His enthusiasm was more than enough to validate Aliah’s eagerness and willingness to participate; Aliah was all in too! They soon discovered the belts would have to be earned, although obtainable.
Arrington and Aliah grew more and more anxious awaiting the start of their new sport. Their/Our fall commitments were ending, and after the scheduled time to just breathe, refresh and regroup, they/we would have time and space to take on a full plate of activities again. Starting with taekwondo!
From their first class, I was excited for them and impressed. Master Ram Chaudhary, a 5th degree black belt, their master instructor, and the owner of this taekwondo center, commanded the diverse class with gentleness and strength. It was not long before I was able to see what Asa had been raving about.
The kids had not been taking classes for very long, before I was able to recognize some benefits taekwondo offers: respect, confidence, concentration, stamina, just to name a few. Taekwondo is working to develop both their mind and body to be stronger; something we all can use.
Arrington and Aliah are having the time of their lives. They earned their yellow and red strips quickly. With just two more strips to go, they have their sights on reaching yellow belt, expeditiously!
They, along with Master Ram, my cousin and aunt, are encouraging me to join them on the mat. For now, I find pleasure in watching them from the sideline, but we all know how that can change.
Whether they become black belts or not, the exposure and basic foundational skills laid here in taekwondo, are vital both on, and off the mat.
BTW: Age ain’t nothing but a number. The students currently in the white/yellow/orange belt classes range in age from 4-65 yrs old.
With all that is going on in the world how do you develop a strong mind and body? I’d like to hear from you. Maybe we will see you on the mat.
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6 Comments. Leave new
My strong mind comes from positive realistic affirmation from those that took a part in raising me. I wasn’t told I couldn’t be anything but I was given real guidelines to achieving my goals and what it would take to make it happen. My strong body comes from fluid movement in dancing and from the intake of water and from exercising in the water. It keeps me active and strong.
Love it!
I love it sis! I recently have been thinking of taking up martial arts for all reasons identified. Life in AD continues to inspire!
Te’Drick do it!
As stated in your blog, I started Taekwondo just two months short of my 65th birthday. I am the oldest person Master Ram has ever taught. I love that honor. The classes bring me great joy and the benefit of doing them with my darling giblings and my enthusiastic son. I have worn my knees out and the have arthritis from doing other exercises, ballroom dancing, softball, and enjoyable activities in my lifetime (without regret) and have been told by my Orthopedic physician that they need to be replaced. I will make that decision soon. The down time of recovery will cause me to suspend my Taekwondo classes and I will miss them immensely, but this coming Saturday, I will be testing for my orange belt and I can’t wait. I also have joined a gym and walking on the treadmill and Taekwondo keeps my crackling knees loose and lessens me discomfort.
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