|
As a child I
remember passing by a martial arts studio back in my hometown of
Kaufman, Texas and wanting to join in on the experience. Unfortunately,
due to my parent’s financial problems, I was never able to become a part
of a martial arts organization while growing up. After moving to Georgia
at the age of 22, I realized I needed something to occupy my time.
Working out at the gym sufficed me for awhile, but I wanted an activity
that held my interest more and would help me grow as an individual.
I decided that I would join a martial arts school with classes that
would coordinate with my schedule, considering I worked full time and
would soon be attending Clayton State University. Stockbridge Tae Kwon
Do Academy was the place I chose to start my martial arts experience.
The main reason was because of Head instructor Troy Bates. My first
conversation with him went well. He told me to check out other schools
to determine if this was the right place for me, but I did not. I
instinctively trusted him and soon came back to try out one of his
classes. I began my training in February 2004, with no prior experience
or knowledge of Tae Kwon Do. I started in the beginner class for three
weeks before advancing to the adult class. I was such a novice to
martial arts that I did not know what we were doing when we started to
learn our first forms, Hae San I and II. Along with learning forms,
stretching was a painful task. I had to learn to overcome and devote to
it. Throughout my training I have learned a tremendous amount about Tae
Kwon Do and the words of the Korean culture, such as counting and the
meanings of the forms’ names. With the advancement of each belt and
strip I became more knowledgeable about self defense, sparing, the
forms, and the techniques to perform all of these. Tae Kwon Do has not
just taught me physical aspects, but I believe most of all it has given
me confidence in myself which has affected my everyday life.
I have just become a Black Belt. This has taken me two years and six
months to accomplish. I have not missed one testing and have stuck with
my training to ensure that I would keep advancing. I have seen many
students join and then quit or stay until they receive their Black Belt
and then quit. I am not a quitter, but plan to keep advancing and
learning to perfect the skills head instructor Troy Bates and new
instructor Ron Gamboa are teaching me. I hope by doing this, it will
enable me to teach others. I want to be able to pass down to other
students the innumerable advantages Tae Kwon Do has to offer them
mentally and physically. The instructors of this school are what keep it
growing. My plans are to lead by example and teach what I have learned
to others.
|