AUGUST 2018
Hi, my name is Helen. I am eleven years old. I am a yellow belt.
I obtained my yellow belt in June 2018. This is my Taekwondo Story.
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When did you start Fair Lawn Taekwondo?
"I started Fair Lawn Taekwondo in April 2018."
Did you have any prior experience with Taekwondo or
any other martial art program?
Yes, my parents had signed me up for Judo when I was three years old.
I didn't care for it at the time. I was extremely shy and every time my parents would take me to Judo, I would refuse to go on the mat.
I did eventually go on the mat and learned a little Judo. I was very timid with learning the different moves and was not advancing as quickly as
the other students in my class. My parents decided that maybe Judo wasn't for me and I stopped going.
What lead you to start your journey with Taekwondo?
"My brother, Henry, started taking Taekwondo with Master Yoon
in July 2017. I always came with my mom to watch Henry during
his lesson. I was amazed to see how much fun he was having with Taekwondo. I was still nervous about taking Taekwondo or any martial
art, for that matter. My mom would ask me every week, "do you want to
try Taekwondo?" Every week I would tell her not yet, I still want to think about it. Finally, my mom said, she spoke to Master Yoon and he is anxious to have me try a class. I reluctantly went, however, by the end of my meeting with Master Yoon, I loved Taekwondo. Master Yoon made it so much fun and put me at ease right away. I've been attending Taekwondo ever since with excitement!"
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What obstacles (if any) did you have to overcome to obtain your
current belt level?
"I had to overcome my fear of getting on the mat, my shyness and my lack of self-confidence in martial arts. I had to work on overcoming my jumping off the wall technique and turning my body when I do my round house kicks. It was very hard for me to master these skills; Master Yoon helped every step of the way. During the first few months, I had built up my confidence and physical body strength and with Master Yoon's help, I was able to overcome my obstacles. Master Yoon created fun ways to teach the exercises and games that it made learning Taekwondo so much fun."
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What have you gained from taking Taekwondo?
"I gained more self-confidence, not only in Taekwondo but in school as well. I approach situations with more assurance in myself and my abilities. Taekwondo has made me realize that there is nothing I cannot do. Taekwondo has given me the courage to push beyond my limitations and try new things."
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What do you like most about Taekwondo?
"I like all the fun games, making new friends and learning the forms of Taekwondo. Most importantly, I like how Master Yoon makes learning so much fun. If I need help, Master Yoon always helps me until I get it. Master Yoon is a great teacher, I hope one day I become as
great at Taekwondo as Master Yoon."
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As you grow older, how do you see Taekwondo playing an
integral part in your life?
“As I grow older, I hope to cherish all the teachings and
memories from studying Taekwondo. The benefits of taking Taekwondo has helped me become more confident and develop a
"can-do" attitude. I know I can accomplish anything; to always try and to never give up. Even if I don't succeed the first time,
I will not be afraid to keep trying.”
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Has there been any change to your approach to challenges
and/or obstacles after taking Taekwondo? Why do you feel there
is a difference to your approach now?
“Yes, before Taekwondo I never thought I would be able to
break the board during the belt test. I would watch Henry do this at
his belt test and I thought to myself, how would I ever do this? Master Yoon had faith in me and gave me all the confidence I needed and the ability to believe I can do this. I was able to break that board after all!”
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What advice would you give younger Taekwondo students
or lower belt rank students?
“My advice is to never give up. Always believe in yourself.
You can do anything. If you have trouble with a skill, do not be afraid
to ask Master Yoon for help. Master Yoon has always been there for me, as I'm sure he will do the same for you. Keep trying until you succeed.”
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What would you like to be when you grow up?
“I want to be a teacher for young kids. I enjoy helping people.
I hope to teach reading and writing. I strive to be as good as a
teacher, as Master Yoon has been for me.”
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