Growing In Tae Kwon Do

My name is Lucy Linh Murphy.

I started studying Tae Kwon Do at Kim’s White Tiger when I was five and half years old. I just turned seven in April, and I am about to test for my black belt. I have learned so much from Tae Kwon Do, and I am hoping to share some of  the things that I learned with others in our community.

The first things I learned is how to achieve goals. I have achieved many small goals, such as testing for and receiving 10 belts before obtaining my Bodan belt, the belt before black belt that means you can begin training for black belt testing. I also achieved my goal of being the best I can be, and that resulted in a trophy for “Best Overall Tester” at my second belt testing.

Another thing I have learned is how to stay healthy, and to exercise. Activities and warm-ups in class help us stay strong. Also, at home I do sit-ups, push-ups and run to prepare myself for upcoming events like testing for black belt. Finally, I have to eat healthy and limit my sugar in order to help my body stay strong and not get sick.

Next, I have learned how to be independent. At first, I felt uncomfortable because I was not close with any other students in my Tae Kwon Do classes. Then I made friends with Lauren, Katherine, and Bella.

Additionally, Tae Kwon Do helps me to be disciplined. I had to memorize the poomse, which is a series of movements that are very specific and together form a “routine.” Each belt has a different poomse, so I had to memorize a lot of information and coordinate my mind and body to perform each one for testing. For black belt testing, I have to be very disciplined as I practice the poomse for each belt of the 11 total belts. I also had to go to class on time, and organize homework time.

Tae Kwon Do also challenges my mind and body. There are many, many small details that I have to keep in my brain for the poomse and I have to train my mind to be very focused. In Tae Kwon Do, we practice “body focus, mind focus” as a motto. I have a healthy and strong body, but it can be challenging to keep my energy going in my Friday night black belt classes after a long week. When one of my teachers, Master John, asked for everybody to do a 540 kick, I had to challenge my body to master it. I am happy that I have done that!

Lastly, Tae Kwon Do gives me the skills to protect myself. I have learned some self-defense routines so that if needed to defend myself, I would be prepared.  I have gotten so much out of my Tae Kwon Do studies, and I am excited for my big black belt testing!