SEPTEMBER 2019

Meet Benjamin Steele. He is 8 years old.
Ben received his junior black belt on October 25, 2017.

In addition to studying taekwondo, Ben enjoys building legos,
reading books, playing with his brother, David, and building robots.

Ben began his martial art journey with us on January 5, 2015.

He came to Fair Lawn Taekwondo with no prior experience.

Ben decided to try taekwondo thinking it would
be fun and he would make new friends.

While earning his junior black belt, Ben had to overcome
some obstacles. Learning how to jump off the wall took
a lot of practice and learning the jumping back kick
was just as challenging.

Taekwondo lessons has helped Ben improve his self-confidence
and comfort level around others. He has become more disciplined
and doesn't give up easily when faced with a challenge.

There has been noticeable changes to how Ben approaches
challenges and obstacles, he is willing to try new things
and is not afraid to fail.

"I expect more out of myself now and am less afraid of new challenges. Previously, I would avoid challenging situations."

When Ben was asked if there was any advice he would give
a future student. Ben would advice new students,

"Listen. Be Respectful. Have fun.
It may seem overwhelming at first, but Master Yoon,
and the other students are all there to help you. Never give up."

Ben was asked if there was any advice he would give
to his younger self and older self. Ben would tell his
younger self and older self,

"I would tell my younger self, not to worry about making mistakes
or be concerned about not knowing what to do."

"I would tell my older self, I am proud that I stayed with Taekwondo
and that I should pass along what I've learned to new students.

Encourage them and help make it fun!"

Ben would like to be an engineer.

My Fair Lawn Taekwondo training has helped me be more disciplined.
I am not afraid to fail, and learn from my mistakes. I've learned that
achieving small interim goals, helps me build towards my final big goal.