Getting involved in UW Tae Kwon Do (TKD) club is probably one of the most consistent activities throughout my college experience. From freshman year to now, from zero understanding of martial arts, I have learned so much from my TKD master as well as other senior belts. Tae Kwon Do taught me life lessons which could not be taught in a classroom, lecture or textbook. They came from experience and an atmosphere of a TKD class. There is almost no way to describe it. The familiar warmth of seeing myTKD family; knowing we are all here for the same reason, the same goal, striving to be better people as well as athletes, and helping each other along the way. Whether it’s holding up a helping hand to someone who has fallen down or being on the receiving end, there is always someone to support me from the beginning – instructors, masters or classmates. This is the unique aspect of a TKD family. This is what makes us who we are.
Leadership Competencies Gained
Self Development
I wouldn't recognize my own development until my instructor told me. I remember the first day I joined TKD club, we had to run around the gym building 10 times, but I passed out as soon as I finished the fifth circle. But practice makes perfect. After two years, my physical fitness has clearly increasing, I am more flexible and enduring than ever. TKD also taught me to get back up every time I fall down. Things I learned from TKD also applied in academic or social life. Even on a Monday morning when I am all tired and just want to hit that snooze button, I tell myself not to skip class because skipping is not an option. I have discovered that my strength, be it physical, mental or emotional, is much more powerful than I ever could have imagined. These are aspects that are latent in everybody, but we need time and effort to develop it. These aspects are ones that very few realize, ones we have to discover on our own, ones which can only be deemed through personal experience and physical endurance.
Personal values
TKD is not just about learning kicks and punches. It has taught me respect, patience, perseverance and self-discipline. TKD has helped me develop my mind and body, making me stronger, more confident, more work ethic and more serious with whatever I do. When I signed up for a TKD class two years ago, I thought I was just going to try a martial art and that it was going to be a fun thing, but it became harder and harder the higher belt I got. I have learned to not take things for granted and that if I want to achieve something then I have to work hard for it. I used to be a a person who can easily get out of control if things don't fall into place, but practicing TKD is a good way to gain self-control but TKD has changed the way I see things and make me a more positive person. I also be much more patient now than I was before I did TKD, thanks for all the practicing we had. My instructor would make me practice the same kick until I finally learned the basic behind it and do it right. He told me that I either put 100% effort in it or go home, there is no place for doing something by halves. I know I still have a long journey ahead to figure out myself, my personal values and my identity, but whatever I do, I know that I have to do it with 100% effort.
I wouldn't recognize my own development until my instructor told me. I remember the first day I joined TKD club, we had to run around the gym building 10 times, but I passed out as soon as I finished the fifth circle. But practice makes perfect. After two years, my physical fitness has clearly increasing, I am more flexible and enduring than ever. TKD also taught me to get back up every time I fall down. Things I learned from TKD also applied in academic or social life. Even on a Monday morning when I am all tired and just want to hit that snooze button, I tell myself not to skip class because skipping is not an option. I have discovered that my strength, be it physical, mental or emotional, is much more powerful than I ever could have imagined. These are aspects that are latent in everybody, but we need time and effort to develop it. These aspects are ones that very few realize, ones we have to discover on our own, ones which can only be deemed through personal experience and physical endurance.
Personal values
TKD is not just about learning kicks and punches. It has taught me respect, patience, perseverance and self-discipline. TKD has helped me develop my mind and body, making me stronger, more confident, more work ethic and more serious with whatever I do. When I signed up for a TKD class two years ago, I thought I was just going to try a martial art and that it was going to be a fun thing, but it became harder and harder the higher belt I got. I have learned to not take things for granted and that if I want to achieve something then I have to work hard for it. I used to be a a person who can easily get out of control if things don't fall into place, but practicing TKD is a good way to gain self-control but TKD has changed the way I see things and make me a more positive person. I also be much more patient now than I was before I did TKD, thanks for all the practicing we had. My instructor would make me practice the same kick until I finally learned the basic behind it and do it right. He told me that I either put 100% effort in it or go home, there is no place for doing something by halves. I know I still have a long journey ahead to figure out myself, my personal values and my identity, but whatever I do, I know that I have to do it with 100% effort.