Angelica Tachas - September 2008

 

Tae-kwon-do the Korean martial art for or way of the hand and foot, wasn't a common sport that I had heard of or that was well known at my school; so when my mum invited me to come try out some training on an early Saturday morning at the Kew Scout Hall, I was reluctant and not sure what to expect, as all the knowledge I knew about martial arts was derived from such movies as : "Charlie's angels" or "The Karate Kid". Little did I know that Taekwondo was much more than Hollywood show tricks, holding a rich traditional background with the main principles of honour, respect and loyalty.

Throughout my journey from white belt to Cho-Dan-Bo, I have been introduced to the five main aims of taekwondo :

From myself in 2006 where I participated in my very first competition as a yellow belt at the Veneto club, where I lost, I vowed to myself that I wouldn't continue Taekwondo. Luckily I continued as now in 2008 I am a hopeful future black belt.

Taekwondo hasn't only improved my fitness but also my outlook or way of life. It has changed my mind set from negative to positive, from I can't do to what I can, but most importantly it has taught me to not be afraid but to embrace life and live it to the fullest.

As many see their black belt as their final goal, the end of their Taekwondo life, I prefer to view it as a new beginning, the next level, to improve and perfect old techniques, learn new skills and discover more about myself and my capability.

And, of course, I wouldn't have even begun this journey of a life time without the aid and constant assistance of Mr No, Bianca and Sam, my Taekwondo instructors, who have aided me throughout my Taekwondo experience and helped me develop my love for the martial arts. They are the ones who have motivated me and pushed me to help me find my goals in Taekwondo.

And naturally a huge thanks to mum, dad and my sister who have taken me to countless trainings, trained with me at home and without them I doubt I would be standing here at this moment.

To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe