Gary Green : We're in TKD.

Sitting at home with my son (13) one evening, I just happened to notice in the paper that there was a TKD class taking place a few miles from our house.  Having just returned home after 5 weeks away, I felt I needed to spend more time with my son and suggested we go along to a beginners class to see if it was something that we liked and indeed, probably more importantly, something we could do together.  I was conscious that work was overtaking my life and quality time with my son was suffering as a consequence.  So, although we were both a little apprehensive, we went along to try it out.  On our arrival, we made our way to the Dojang, and I was very pleased that we were put at ease straight away, not only by our instructor, but also by the other students.  We lined up at the back of the class and were told to try and follow along as best as we could.  We did so, and following the warm up, the class was broken down into ability groups; we were taken to one side and given some one-to-one basic tuition in TKD.  After the lesson had finished, we discussed on the way home whether or not we enjoyed the night and more importantly, whether we wanted to continue training.  Personally, I had a feeling of total exhilaration at the end of the lesson, not only with the way the class was run, but also the friendly and almost family atmosphere that was generated.  I was gland and I suppose a little surprised that my son felt exactly the same as I did.  We made up our minds to join and quite frankly, have never looked back since.
     One year on and we are still training hard.  We have made our way steadily through the lower Cup Gradings and have enjoyed every minute of it; even the more strenuous training nights!  Gradually, as our fitness and technical ability improved, we realized that a holistic approach to TKD training was required.  Not simply turning up every Monday and Friday night and attending lessons under the direction of our instructor, but also practicing what we had learnt whilst at home and at work/school, preparing both out bodies and minds for the next lesson, which we always looked forward too.  My opinion of TKD and I suppose life in general has changed since that first lesson.  I feel that TKD promotes a balance of fitness, mental discipline, obedience and humility.  It builds self-confidence and a robust mind and body.  It's not easy!  A long time is spent practicing the same moves over and over again, and at times it is quite physically challenging.  But devotion to TKD pays dividends, particularly for me when I look at my son and see how he has changed.  His family education would have continued whether or not we attended that first lesson, but his social education has grown beyond recognition since he has been in TKD.  He is now a leader and is brimming with confidence.  He is courteous and has good manners; moreover, he has a strong desire to continue and a determination to achieve his black belt.  I'm not saying that he would not achieve and indeed become a valuable member of society without TKD, but it has certainly helped, and I am confident he will grow into a better person because of TKD.  Moreover, it has helped me to develop as a person too, particularly my self-confidence, humility and discipline.  I enjoy the family atmosphere and friendliness of my Dojang and the physical and mental teachings of my instructor.
     TKD is conducted in a manner that is both safe and professional.  Advice, guidance, direction and supervision are available at all times and training is always pitched at the correct level.  TKD promotes the family concept and is indeed a family in itself.  It requires devotion and focus, but is worthwhile. We are in TKD and have benefited greatly; we are determined to continue and we will both eventually succeed in our goal and gain our Black Belts!