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
At the
ripe old age of six, with four years of gymnastics behind me, my
parents thought Tae Kwon Do would be good for my strength,
coordination, discipline, confidence, and self defense. I had
previously tried and considered soccer, swimming, diving, ballet,
and cheer but I found I was more interested in Tae Kwon Do. I worked
very hard taking classes 2 to 4 times per week in Arizona and wasn't
far away from testing for my Black Belt. I knew 14 forms and many
different breaking, punching, and rolling techniques. Unfortunately
my family moved to Washington and I really wanted to continue Tae
Kwon Do to pursue my dream of becoming a black belt. Master Mark,
from Arizona told us before we moved that my brother and I would
have to start at white belt again, as it was customary and
respectful. Once my family settled in Lake Stevens my mom looked
around to see what martial arts studios there were. She found a
very good Do Jang called Tigers Black Belt Academy. She took my
brother and I to the Do Jang to meet Master Shin. Although I
started at the beginning (white belt) I saw it as an opportunity to
learn something new with a good four year foundation from Master
Mark in Arizona.
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.
Respecting others and oneself is something that is
learned over time. Respect is a big point Master Shin wants us to
understand in depth; he mentions respect more then anything because
of its importance. The way I respect myself is taking care of my
body and mind to keep it in a healthy state. When I am considerate,
honest, and having integrity towards another person I am respecting
them. Listening, following, and leading when amongst my fellow class
mates is also a form of respect. Treating people kindly and well is
important because it shows I am a good hearted black belt candidate.
I believe respect is like the golden rule,?Treat others the way you
want to be treated.?
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.
I have also been taught falling, breaking, rolling,
sparing, grabbing, punching, and kicking techniques by Master Shin!
Master Shin teaches us these various techniques only for self
defense and to further increase our knowledge of Korean martial
arts. Most of all I enjoy learning all the forms because then I get
to work hard perfecting them at home and during Tae Kwon Do
practices. One advantage I have over some students is my flexibility
and strength that I developed from being a competitive level seven
gymnast!
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.
My biggest challenges in the process of becoming a black
belt includes managing my time, injuries, my brother, and being
patient. Tae Kwon Do and gymnastics are the two sports that I am
most passionate about, and I have not wanted to sacrifice one for
the other as I would not be able to choose. As a result of
committing to the two time demanding sports, I have had to learn to
be a very good manager of my time. I am always struggling with
balancing them both as school comes first and then that leaves only
so many hours left in a day. They are occupied fully with my sports
activities. I have managed to do both and most importantly maintain
a straight A grade point average in school. In addition, I have
accelerated in Math and have been placed in Advanced classes. I
have had to sacrifice any social life with school friends and my
sporting activities have filled that void. The friends I have made
at gymnastics and Tae Kwon Do will be friends I have for life.
Although I have not been injured as a result of Tae Kwon Do, I did
have a serious ankle injury as a result of gymnastics. This has
ultimately affected both sports. This has added additional pressure
to keep up with the Tae Kwon do curriculum. My brother has been a
great asset in ensuring I stay abreast of the things I need to
know. On the flip side, he has been a challenge because he is not
like me and preparing for testing with him is a struggle. This has
been difficult but taught me a lot about different personality types
and learning how to deal with individuals that are not as focused or
motivated as me. Having patience is a key factor in my Tae Kwon Do
success. There has been many times where I get very frustrated
because I want to do more and learn more quickly and want the pace
to be faster. This is where patience has become very, very
important. I have had to learn that sometimes you just have to go
with the flow of the situation.
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!
The Black Belt contains all colors signifying the
deepest and most dense knowledge, the accumulation of all preceding
levels. Everything I have been through in my Tae Kwon Do career with
Master Shin has prepared me for my black belt and has helped me
realize the meaning of becoming a black belt. A black belt is a
whole new level and start of Tae Kwon Do where I can learn more
advanced techniques and continue becoming a better person!
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
My name is Austin Moore and this
is what receiving my black belt means to me
Tae kwon do is my favorite sport to watch and do.
One of the reasons I like it so
much is because it not only teaches self defense, it also
teaches you respect and appreciation for other people.
Another reason is because it
builds friendships. Tae Kwon Do sets you off on a journey that
you can't possibly compare to mostly anything.
The white through Sr. red belts are testing you to see if you
are worthy of a black belt. They are like the foundation and
when you get your black belt, it's like you build layers and
when you get your last degree of black belt, you put the roof on
and live your life in a good and responsible way.
I would not trade anything my
instructor (Master Shin) has taught me. Master shin is a
respectful man but he`s not what this essay is about. I enjoy
going to Tae Kwon Do. I almost daily ask my dad if we can go to
Tae Kwon Do.
Personally, my favorite part about it are the forms. I love how
people put a bunch of moves together to make them.
I also like knife defense. It's fun. The third one is my
personal favorite. Punching and kicking defenses are nice too,
but nothing is better than the forms. I may have said it before,
but I love the way they put a bunch of moves together to make
them.
I made a commitment when I was
about five to get my black belt and now I'm ready to reach that
goal.
I appreciate my parents for using their time and money so I can
have fun physical education and learn martial arts. Tae kwon do
builds muscles and makes me a strong man.
THIS IS WHAT GETTING A BLACK BELT
MEANS TO ME.
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!