Logan Christensen

     Tae Kwon Do has been my passion for the last three years of my life. I love it more than any other sport and I wouldn’t trade in what I have learned from it for anything. Originally, I began Tae Kwon Do lessons because I like contact sports and I thought it might be a fun thing to do in my spare time. I quickly learned that the practice and study of martial arts is more than just a fun thing to do in my spare time. It is a way of life that takes self-motivation, discipline, and dedication to achieve greatness.

      I appreciate Tae Kwon Do greatly for everything it has done for me. Before I started martial arts training, I had a major lack of confidence. I was insecure in social situations and in school. But after I started training, my confidence went up because I learned who I really was. Soon after I began Tae Kwon Do, I distinctly remember gaining quite a few important friendships because I had acquired the confidence to be myself and talk to people. The fact that I was learning how to do things with my body that I had no idea was possible gave me something unique about myself. I truly learned what my interests were and who I was as a person.

      I also appreciate my parents for paying for me to take Tae Kwon Do classes. Without them, I would have gained little confidence and appreciation for anything in life. Nevertheless, my parents do much more than merely pay for my martial arts training. They help me in every way they can and give me support when I doubt my abilities. They hold targets for me at home so I can practice for tournaments, and say “You can do it!” just when I need it the most. Truly, I would not have this great opportunity without them.

      At the end of each class, my instructor, Master Shin lectures his students on important life lessons and good character qualities. In the beginning, I never noticed just how important what he was saying was. Without realizing, every time I was faced with a difficult choice, I remember the things Master Shin would say about good character. Every difficult choice I was making seemed to turn out into the right one. A couple of close friends of mine started down the path of drugs and alcohol when I was just about 14. Sometimes, they would even ask me to try it with them and I refused every time. I credit the discipline Master Shin has impressed upon me for making the right choice. Soon after, my friends realized I was drifting away and they stopped their abusive use of drugs and alcohol. Master Shin is a great role model in my life, and a man I aspire to be like. Without him, I may have turned out to be a teenager corrupted by bad friends, ECT.

     Knowledge in the mind:  Black belt means achieving a calm, stable state of mind that I can use no matter what I do. Patience is a key aspect of a black belt. It takes numerous years for one to even to reach that rank. Through this time, a martial artist gains a great deal of patience. Being able to keep a sharp focus and concentrate my mental energy are traits that became more powerful as I progressed on my path. All the years of waiting and tough training can finally be expressed through the honor of becoming black belt. I look forward to being able to proudly wear a black belt.

      Honesty in the heart:  The owner of a black belt also has a great sense of honor. Honor is a trait I wish to be able to express as a person in everything I do. A black belt knows more than just martial arts techniques. A black belt knows exactly when to use these techniques for what is right, not for a bad cause. Also, he or she has a great sense of respect for others. Every day, I aspire to think responsibly and act respectfully. I believe that being a black belt will give me the strength and motivation I need to become the man I want to be: courteous and considerate; humble and moral,  yet concentrated and technical in martial arts.

      Strength in the body:  The final reason black belt is important to me is because it allows for a sense of great and deep knowledge of martial arts techniques. A black belt has a well trained body with flexibility, quick reflexes, and awesome power that comes from the entire body at once. Only one who is truly focused and well-trained in Tae Kwon Do can become a black belt. All-in-all, earning a black belt will give me a sense of respect and responsibility, honor and discipline. Martial arts allows for me to acquire these traits, and becoming black belt is the one way I can know that I have achieved these goals.

      There are many things that I can do after receiving black belt. Furthermore, I believe that the process a black belt holder goes through will help me do these things. One goal I hope to achieve after being a black belt is to take flying lessons and get a pilots license. Tae Kwon Do training, and the path to becoming a black belt that I have taken has given me the confidence I need to try new things such as flying a plane by myself. There is no doubt, that if I had not been through all this training, I would be insecure and scared about flying a plane. But ever since I realized what I’ve been through in Tae Kwon Do, I’ve discovered that I can do anything once I put my mind to it.

      My Tae Kwon Do training will not end after I become a black belt. One thing I have always dreamed of is competing in a state or national Tae Kwon Do competition. Knowing that I have come a long way, down the road to black belt will inspire me to do well in events like that. I will feel comfortable enough to compete with no regrets.

      My experience with Tae Kwon Do will forever be a part of my life, no matter what profession I pursue or what goals I try to accomplish. It has made me stronger physically, and morally awake. It showed me who I really am and what I can really accomplish. I know because of Martial Arts and because of Master Shin that my life has no limits and I am capable of more than the average person.  Surely, without martial arts training I would be lost and insecure in the world. My dedication to martial arts means everything to me. I plan to “pass the torch” and help other people achieve great goals in martial arts, and in their personal character. Someday I hope to see my kids enjoy and learn from martial arts just as I have. I am blessed with this gracious opportunity to become a rank that shows true knowledge in Tae Kwon Do, a black belt.

Sarah Kaye

            Tigers Black Belt was a new Do Jang in Lake Stevens and my brother and I were able to benefit from many, many hours of one-on-one attention from Master Shin. I credit my early years with Master Shin on where I am today. The standards that he upheld for my brother and I were very, very high and as a result we have been great leaders at Tigers. Not only has Master Shin taught me amazing Tae Kwon Do, he has taught me to become a better person.  

             Tae Kwon do has taught me the importance of appreciation, respect, friendship, integrity, honor, discipline, and confidence.  One of the things Master Shin has done that I believe to be extremely important is our discussion times.  I have been able to learn different perspectives from my fellow students because they share their ideas and experiences on the various topics at testing. My ideas are very thorough and thought out before testing because my whole family discusses and elaborates on the topic, so we have a clearer perspective on everything. Understanding the topics has really helped with real life experiences like respecting and appreciating my amazing parents, and being a good supportive friend.

             Appreciation is an important characteristic that every black belt candidate should know well.  Gratitude and thankful recognition is something that is discussed frequently at the Do Jang.  These discussions have reinforced my understanding and commitment to what I do.  I appreciate my family for the numerous hours they have spent taking me to my activities and for the money they have spent.  I appreciate my fellow students for all the different perspectives they have brought to the Do Jang and I very much appreciate Master Shin because he is someone I look up to for his knowledge, character and confidence, honor, integrity and the discipline he instills in us.

            My confidence has grown throughout my years of being a Tae Kwon Do student. I do believe being arrogant is wrong because it can makes people irritated by you so I present my confidence by being proud of everything I do and performing intuitively! Because I am confident I can also present myself as a leader at the Do Jang among my fellow students! I work hard to make sure that I do not intimidate my fellow students, and use my confidence in an encouraging way!  The experience of working with the younger kids is so rewarding as they truly look up to us higher rank belts and I really believe I set a very good example of what a black belt should be.

            My bother Andrew Kaye is the single most important person that keeps me focused on my goal of becoming a black belt! He pushes me to my potential and I do the same for him. Even though I am the one constantly reminding him how to do everything when it comes to testing, I still sometimes have to rely on him to make sure I am doing everything right myself, which boosts both our confidences. It is really special for me to share something so important in my life with him. Tae kwon do has always been something we have worked through together. Without him I don? think there would ever be a black belt around my waist. Becoming black belts together is such a big experience for us to go through together which makes our bond even greater! We never could have done this without each other or our parents support!

             I signed a contract with Master Shin where I agreed I would become a Black Belt at Tigers Black Belt. Having signed this contract really helped me keep my mind set on my goal because everyday I go to Tae Kwon Do I see my black belt hanging proudly on the wall with my name on it for everyone to see! Black belt club also allowed me to go to unlimited classes so I  can further enhance my knowledge of Tae Kwon Do. I wear a blue uniform so I can show my commitment to Tigers and for people know I am a leader they can turn to if they are in need of help.

            Ever since I was little girl my parents have taught me about the importance of following through with my commitments and setting and reaching my goals.  I have always reached my goals because I set my mind to it, don? give up, and remember what I have been taught. Tae Kwon Do has reinforced this as well.  Becoming a black belt is something I refuse to give up on no matter how hard it is. I believe my self motivation, years of hard work, and being prepared will get me my black belt!

 Sarah Kaye      Black Belt Essay                                                    August 2009

Andrew Kaye

         I started Martial Arts when I lived in Arizona when I was 4 years old.  I used to watch my sister do martial arts because I wasn't old enough.  I used to stand at the side and copy what she was doing during her class.  Master Mark saw I was very interested and asked if I wanted to do martial arts even though I was not old enough.  He made a special exception.  When I first started I was not very focused. As more time passed I became more focused.  I worked hard and before I knew it I was 3 belts away from Black.  The order of the belts were, white, yellow, green, blue, purple, orange, red, brown, black.  I was an orange belt with  3 red stripes and I was getting ready to test for red.  I was 6 when I moved.  I knew 9 patterns and many styles of kicks, punches and diving techniques.  Master Mark taught me to always be ready. 

            When I was 6 my family moved to Washington state.   My mom found us a new martial arts studio and my sister and I talked with the owner and made a commitment with the owner, Master Shin to do Tae Kwon do with him.  It was a brand new Do Jang called Tigers Black Belt Academy.  We were his first students.  His Do Jang smelled like new mats.  Sadly I had to start at a white belt but it was okay because I learned even more.

            We got so much attention from Master Shin we were always very well prepared for our testing. About a year after doing Tae Kwon Do at Tigers, we made a commitment to Master Shin to become Black Belts and signed a contract.  What keeps me inspired and focused is seeing a Black Belt hanging on the wall with my  name on it in the Do Jang.  I see it every time I go to practice.  It reminds me of when I first started martial arts in Arizona and how far I have come.

            Two years into Tae Kwon Do and Master Shin introduced Pal Gwe forms and we had to learn an additional 3-4 forms. This was very hard but I was able to learn them.  Another challenge for me has been keeping up with Tae Kwon Do classes and my other sports. 

            Even though I like to do other sports I still do Tae Kwon do because the commitment I made is very important to me.  I have learned so much and taken so long I want to reach my goal.  Master Shin has taught me about the importance of commitment, leadership, and  confidence.  I have learned that if I really want something I can do it.

            I appreciate so many things and Master Shin has taken me so far in martial arts and I have learned so much.  I appreciate how much passion Master Shin puts into his Tae Kwon do teachings.  I appreciate all the time he spends with us to help us achieve our goal of getting a black belt. I also appreciate my Mom and Dad because of the love and encouragement they give me to achieve my goals, all the driving they have done and for the money it takes.  Without them, I wouldn't be able to Tae Kwon do or any of my other sports.  I also appreciate my sister Sarah.  When it comes to testing she helps me so much.  I am so lucky to be able to do Tae Kwon do with her.

            I want to become a black belt so I can be happy for achieving something hard to get, it will be a huge accomplishment for me.  It is a great feeling to know I started something this hard and finished it at such a young age. Once I become a black belt I am looking forward to learning more advanced techniques and helping others. 

            One of the best things about Tae Kwon do is being able it to do it with my sister and getting to know great people like Austin, Logan, Chase and Amadeus and all the others at Tigers.  The confidence I have learned has been amazing.  I never thought I could be so focused during competitions.  I remember my very first competition and how hard it was and how nervous I was.  I was able to get my focus and inner strength to win the gold medal.  Every time I did a competition I was less nervous.  Tae Kwon do has helped me overcome this.

            My parents have taught me about appreciation and how important it is and Master Shin has also helped me to understand more about it.  Like appreciate how much money my parents put into my Tae Kwon do so I can achieve my goal.  I appreciate the amount of care my parents put into my life.  Every week before testing my sister helps me study and practice my Tae Kwon Do so I can do well, I really appreciate her help.  I appreciate Logan and how he helps me and of course Master Shin.  My parents make many sacrifices for my sister and I, so many I probably don? even realize, but this I very much appreciate.  

            Respect and consideration are two other important things Master Shin has helped me with.  I have learned that respect isn? just something that you get, it is something that you earn.  So that is why it is important to treat others how you want to be treated.  It is also important to be considerate of other people.  I like to do nice things for other people because it makes them happy and even more important is it makes me happy and warm inside. 

            Friendships is something else that I have learned more about because of Tae Kwon do.  What is friendship to me?   Being a friend means always being honest, always tell the truth and being there when they need you.  A friend is a good listener, someone who has similar interests and likes me because I am me and I like them because they are themselves.  Honesty I think is one of the most important qualities a person should have.  Honesty means you can trust because the person does not lie. 

            Tae Kwon Do has taught be me about the importance of community. Not just our Tigers family but the community we live in.  One thing in the community that Tigers does is car washes.  We get to make cool signs and wash cars for fun.  We raise money for our special events. I have participated in the Aquafest parade in Lake Stevens for 3 years.

            Becoming a black belt has been one of the most difficult accomplishments in my life.  My training has taught me so many things about appreciation, respect of family and others, friendship, integrity, honor, confidence , sense of community and discipline.  Tae Kwon Do has helped me build character within the mind, body and spirit.  It has taught me that things I really want to do, do not come easy.  Sometimes it is a struggle to do the right thing but  I always remember that life isn't meant to be easy.  Being a black belt means helping others and setting the best example I can for other students and the community.

Andrew Kaye   Black Belt Essay                                                  July 31, 2009

Austin Moore Black Belt Essay                               September 2009

Glen Moore
(Austin's Father)

        I’m the proud parent of an eight year old senior blue belt in Tae Kwon Do. He’s been training for about two years and is scheduled to test for his brown belt. Tae Kwon Do has been great for him. Every class is a workout, and he’s become as hard as a rock. It’s made him strong and confident, yet gentle and kind. It’s improved his balance and grace too. He’s very proud of his skills, and looks forward to every class. He intends to be a black belt one day.

        As good as it’s been for him physically, it’s been equally good for him mentally and emotionally. There is so much to learn and remember. He works with the other kids to both teach and learn. He has to demonstrate what he’s learned for the class and accept constructive criticism. He has to interact with very intimidating instructors. He is respected by all and accepted as a peer, even by the older students.

        At Tigers Black Belt Academy, martial arts are just part of the program. In addition to Tae Kwon Do, there are movie nights, camp outs, over night stays, parties and more. They march in parades and participate in competitions. There is a computer lab and fitness equipment on site. After school and summer day care is available. Many of my son’s best friends were met here.

       There are several incentive programs, including one to add colored stripes to their belts. To earn the stripes they must perform various tasks, such as reading five books, performing household chores for a month, and having their school teacher fill out a form about their school performance. The benefits of being a student here reach into many different areas of their lives.

        The instructors, staff and facility exceed all of our expectations. I think this has been one of the best things we have done for our son, and that it will have a life long positive impact. I would recommend it to all.

        Sincerely,

        August, 2008
        Glenn H. Moore

Jesse King

     I am the parent of a 9-year old son, Jesse King. Jesse has been in Tae Kwon Do since August of 2008. He has recently received his green belt and has advanced quickly.

     Prior to joining Tae Kwon Do, I was a single mom dealing with the issues of a divorce along with an already strong-willed child.
He has many God-given talents, but they needed to be channeled in a positive way. I struggled with ways to do this and tried to handle it on my own only finding Jesse and myself battling even more. He's never had issues with self-confidence, but along with that came his lack of self-control.

     My husband now, had the exact same personality as a child and attended Tae Kwon Do. He felt very strongly about enrolling Jesse in this program and ensured me that it would help him with respect, discipline, self-control and structure.
Jesse definitely had the physical capacity to take on Tae Kwon Do, but it was the mental and emotional aspect that was much needed. It's a big commitment and he was willing to do it. Now, as he advances in his belt colors, he is more motivated than ever to get to his black belt.

     He has not only learned the skills of Martial Arts, but has learned to take constructive criticism and direction from authority.
Even though there is still, and always will be, room for improvement, there have been positive developments in our household.
He has become self-motivated and aware of the expectations of him as a student, a son, a brother and a friend.
He knows he cannot accomplish his achievements on physical ability alone and has been willing to take on the challenges.

     Jesse received his red and green star for attending the Snow Survival Program. As a mom, I was a little unsure of this adventure, but he was adamant on doing it along with his step-dad. This was a huge achievement not only for him, but for me to allow him to grow.

      He also received a brown star for his academic achievements at school. These incentives show them that they are the ones responsible to reach these goals. When they do, it puts a huge a smile on their face because they know they did it.
This is what I appreciate so much about Tae Kwon Do, Master Shin, and the whole program.
     The incentives are so rewarding for the whole family and it filters into every aspect of their lives. It's not easy and that's what we appreciate about it. It's a strict program, but it's obvious that the students love and respect the discipline behind it.

     Tigers Black Belt Academy was the best decision we could have made and it has also helped me in being a better parent to Jesse.

Sheri DeGraaf
March 2009

Kielan & Alia Stewart
My name is Jeff Stewart. My younger children (ages 12 and 14) have been studying Tae Kwon Do under Master Shin here at Han Kook Moo Yae for about 3 years, and at the time of this writing have earned their red stripe belts.

Kielan Stewart

Alia Stewart

Before studying here, my son Kielan (14) had some difficulties in school. Not academically, where he excels, but in socialization. He has always been very small for his age, and as a result suffered a lot of "bullying" from the 2nd grade onward. Lack of physical self-confidence kept him from dealing with the situation, and when he finally ran out of patience with the bullying, he retaliated physically, hurting another student.
Since starting classes here, Kielan has learned a great deal of self-control and confidence. These skills have allowed him to take control of his situation in school without resorting to physical confrontation. This has also helped in raising his awareness of his responsibilities at home, such as helping with chores and the like. He has started assisting other students in class, and this leadership training is helping him to learn the value of service to others.
Kielan's younger sister, Alia (12) has made similar strides since starting Tae Kwon Do. Her most dramatic improvement has been in her self-confidence, allowing her to try new things with the attitude that she CAN do them, rather than hesitating out of fear of failure. She is also in the Leadership Course, assisting the lower belts in learning the techniques she has already been taught.
I would recommend the children's course here at Han Kook Moo Yae to any parent who wishes to give his or her child the opportunity to grow in these ways, while learning other valuable life skills and having a lot of fun along the way!