As 2020 drew to a close I found myself, like many others, lost. I was in need of direction or purpose; I lacked mental clarity, physical fitness, and motivation to achieve any of the things I felt I was missing. I had been familiar with Taekwondo for many years but always told myself “next year I will make time” and as the years went by it became “I’m just too old for it now.”
Taekwondo has been a life boat in a very rough sea. I was being tossed about by the waves of life, frantically trying to stay afloat and keep my head above water, and losing the battle. Master Staup and I had a conversation one day in the midst of one of the worst ‘storms’ about the ideals and the ethos behind Taekwondo. After our conversation I wasn’t yet sold on the Taekwondo, but decided I need to give it a chance.
It didn’t take long for me to realize that Taekwondo was more than just kicking bags and doing push ups. It was a new challenge. It was something I was not familiar with and something very far from of my wheel house. It has challenged me mentally, physically and even emotionally. I am not ashamed to admit there have been times when I told myself i wasn’t coming back, but I did. Master Staup has helped me to put aside my ego, and to look at the bigger picture and see what practicing Taekwondo is all about: Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, an Indomitable Spirit, and Self Control.
Master Staup through Taekwondo has helped me realized that yes, hard things can be scary but we can overcome them. Comfort or the familiar can be dangerous and we need to embrace feeling comfortable with being uncomfortable.
Taekwondo has been a life changing experience and I can not wait to see where this path takes me.
Adult, White Belt