MARCH 2020

Meet Daphne Schmarge.
She is 9 years old and a junior black belt.

Daphne started studying Taekwondo by watching

her brother and cousin in their Taekwondo classes.

They looked like they were having fun playing games and

learning their kicks and forms, so she wanted to do it too.

Master Yoon used to encourage Daphne to play with the

other kids, and he always gave her stickers

and made her feel good about herself.

There hasn't been any obstacles that Daphne couldn't do.

Daphne feels that if she works hard all the time, and even

though every step of the way was hard, she was able to do it.

Taekwondo has helped Daphne get stronger.

She feels energized after class. Her focus is

better and she feels more confident.

Daphne is stronger, and less afraid of challenges.

For example, at school, she is not afraid to walk away from bullies.

When Daphne was asked, what motivates you to work hard.
Daphne said:

"I want to work hard so that I can do better in school

and make better choices. I want to make my parents

and teachers proud, including Master Yoon."

Daphne's proudest achievement so far is her junior black belt.

She have been taking classes for two years and is almost a black belt!

She practices her forms every day so that she can achieve her next goal.

When asked what advice would she give to a new student.

Daphne said:

"If you are scared to do this, keep trying and trying.

You'll get better at your forms and kicks!"

When asked what advice would she give her younger and older self.

Daphne said:

"I would encourage my younger self to start my training sooner.

I was afraid to start when I was four or five, but that was silly.

To my older self, I would say, remember your skills because

you might need them someday. Keep working hard."

Daphne would like to be a doctor. She has wanted to be a doctor forever! Her training from Taekwondo will help her achieve her goal.

"Be brave! I feel like I can do anything with hard work!"