Daryl May - September 2008
Taekwondo is a Korean Martial Art. Taekwondo is a national sport of South Korea. It is also regarded as the world's most popular martial arts in terms of number of practitioners. It is also an Olympic sport. In Korean, tae means "foot', kwon means "fist" and do means "way", so Taekwondo is loosely translated as "way of the fist and foot". Hand techniques such as blocks, hand strikes and punches. Taekwondo as a sport and an exercise is very popular for everyone at any age. Taekwondo develops strength, speed, balance, flexibility and stamina. It also helps you with confidence, concentration and physical discipline, especially for self defence.
There is a meaning to each of the belts. White means the lack of colour signifies purity and innocence. The novice has no knowledge of Taekwondo. Yellow means the colour of the rising sun. Seeds in the ground begin to germinate and grow Basic Taekwondo techniques begin to be learned. Blue stands for the colour of the sky which growing things reach for. Physical and mental power starts to stabilise. Red stands for the colour of blood, the essence life force. Maturity, honour and respect are exhibited as character begins to perfect. And black stands for the combination of all colours. The final stage where all techniques are mastered within the humble an serene beauty of the plant.
The age I started Taekwondo was six years old. At first I didn't like Taekwondo but eventually I got used to it. In the first competition, it wasn't really fun because I cried and gave up. After a few years, I got better and I have not lost ever since. Lots of people know my name because I win in competitions a lot. I have had a big journey from a white belt to now, and I'm finally ready to grade for my black belt. Thanks to my parents I now can protect myself in case I get attacked by someone. Also a big thanks to Mr No and Bianca for helping me with my Taekwondo life. It is fun having to do Taekwondo.