APRIL 2019

Meet Rafael Kuliyev. He is nine years old.
He currently holds a junior black belt.
This is my Taekwondo Story.

Rafael enjoys reading, playing games, and watching t.v.

He began his taekwondo journey with us on July 28, 2015.

Rafael did not have any prior martial arts experience.
His father's interest in martial arts lead Rafael to the martial arts.

Rafael had to overcome obstacles to obtain his current belt level,

“High kicks were the hardest for me to do.”

Taekwondo helped Rafael gain,
"Strength and self confidence."

Rafael's approach to challenges and obstacles had changed.

“Yes, I try not to fear them, instead, face them with confidence."

Rafael now reacts to a challenging situation by
"Focusing on the positive.”

When Rafael was asked, what advice would he give to a future student.

“I notice new students give up in the early stages.
My advice to them is to push through, because the beginning
was the most challenging, and if you can get thru that, you will succeed."

Rafael would advice his younger self and older self,

“To be more confident in my abilities and to focus more."

When Rafael grows up, he would like to be an explorer.

Taekwondo has helped Rafael gain an understanding that,

"The training will help me in many ways - physical and emotional.
I will continue to stay focused and be able to defend myself."