How Tae-Kwon-Do Has Changed My Life

By Christopher Deraney

I have learned many things in all the years I have been studying the art of Tae-Kwon-Do. It has taught me to be a good person and to respect others. I have learned to do unto others as I wish them to do to me. It has taught me to do my best and never give up, no matter what the circumstances are. There is a rule that says, "Always finish what you start." I take that rule very seriously. An example is that I have been going to Tae-Kwon-Do for 7 years and have not ever thought of quitting. I have come so far in all the years I have been studying Tae-Kwon-Do. Tae-Kwon-Do has taught me to respect my body, mind and spirit. To respect my body, I should not abuse it with junk food, and other unnatural things. I should not over-work it and sleep well to rest it and to help it recuperate from tiredness and injury. I have learned to respect my mind by reading books and learning things in school. I respect my spirit by being kind to, and standing up for others. I have also learned to control my anger and not to use Tae-Kwon-Do to hurt others. I will only use it to defend myself. I have learned to stand up to people who like to hurt others. I have learned not to tolerate people who enjoy seeing others in pain.

Tae-Kwon-Do has changed me. I believe it turned me into a better person. I do not start fights or make fun of people. Instead, I stand up for people who are being made fun of. When I first enrolled in Tae-Kwon-Do, I did it to learn how to defend myself. I thought that I would get my black belt and quit, but I have come so far beyond that and here I am now testing for my 2nd degree. Master Kim has helped me become stronger in all of those aspects. He has taught me many things over the years and I am thankful that I have learned all of the lessons he taught me.

There are a few people who I would like to thank for all the help they gave me since day 1. Master Kim for being a great teacher for willing to help me learn, Javier for helping me with my technique and helping me get stronger, John for helping me prepare for my test, Dave, although he does not come to class often since he has moved, for helping me out and making me feel welcome in my first class, and last, but certainly not least, my father who has encouraged me to do my best and never give up. They have all helped me so much and I thank them all. I do not think I would have gotten to my 2nd degree black belt test without them.