Tae Kwon Do Black Belt Essay
(June 3, 2000)

Introduction

Tae Kwon Do. Three simple words, not even of English, and yet they mean so much. Words that I have come to know as one single sport, one martial art and noticed that it has become a way of life, and more importantly, a part of my way of life. I do not know the entire concept of Tae Kwon do yet, nor do I believe I will any time soon, because I am still a beginner in my own eyes and most likely the eyes of others. This has been the first school, and only school that I have attended. I have not seen any reason why other schools would not have classes, lessons and teachings be different from the ones taught as I have learned them.

Over the last three, almost four, years, I have learned a great deal about philosophy; most of it being Master Luke’s, and the many other teachers at the school. I realize there are five specific tenants of Tae Kwon Do that all students should have and be able to exhibit. Poomse’s or forms are not just meaningless strings of kicks, punches and blocks; but they have a rhyme and reason to them. Respect is important, respect for the black belts, respect for other students, and respect simply for the do-jang that we all train and practice in.

Tae Kwon Do is obviously not the only sport on the planet, nor is it the only martial art on the planet, but it is unique and has it’s own style all it’s own. When I started, I did not know this would affect me in any way, but it has. Personally I find many changes in myself since I started three years ago that I am sure will be with me the rest of my life. And after my Black Belt test, I do not know what the future has in store, but I am going to hopefully continue learning and continue my training, and continue to learn to love this sport more and more.

If I have only learned one thing in Tae Kwon Do, it is to not give up, to continue and to always face new challenges with determination.

>>>Part 2: History
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