When I first stepped into the dojang at four and a half years old, I had no idea what I was doing. I didn’t know my left kick from my right, and my uniform looked massive on me .

 

But then I didn't realise what a big part of me Taekwondo would become.

​

At first, I joined because I found taekwondo to be cool, But as time went on, something amazing happened. I started loving the sport. I loved how it made me stronger, faster, and more confident. I learned that Taekwondo wasn’t just about kicking high, it was about standing tall.

​

When I started it was the time we were in and out of lockdown. During lockdown I had to do my taekwondo classes online which was quite boring and hard. I struggled to stay focused.

​

I loved getting back to face to face training. I got the invitation to join the amazing warrior team. It was an honour to be part of the Warriors. The warriors made me feel very welcome. Very soon we became like a family.

​

Taekwondo taught me respect for my masters, my parents, my friends, and even for myself. It taught me discipline  to show up even when I was tired or lazy. It taught me positivity that falling down seven times only means you stand up eight.

​

But I’ll be honest… staying consistent was tough for me. There were days I didn’t feel like training, days I missed kicks, or forgot my forms. But my masters never gave up on me even when I almost gave up on myself.

It has been tough for my parents. My dad would drive me 4 days a week from south morang to attend training which took 1 hr. They both work challenging jobs but they refused to give up on my dreams. No matter how busy or tired my parents were, they always put my training 1st.

​

Master Brian taught me what it means to be strong not just in body, but in mind.

Master Joyce showed me patience and grace and that a true martial artist never stops learning.
Master Bryana pushed me to believe in myself even when my balance had other ideas.
Master Benecia reminded me that every challenge is just another chance to grow.

 

They didn’t just teach me Taekwondo they helped shape the person I am today. For that, they will always have my respect and gratitude.

​

So today, as I tie this black belt around my waist, I know it’s not the end of my journey — it’s just the beginning of a new one. I started as a little kid who couldn’t even tie his belt properly, and now, I stand here ready to take on new challenges stronger, prouder, and forever grateful.

​

To my masters, my family, and everyone who cheered me on, thank you. This black belt isn’t just mine  it’s ours.

Getting my black belt is not the end of my journey, but the beginning of a lifelong adventure to keep learning, growing, and becoming the best version of myself.