I started my taekwondo journey when I was six years old as a white belt. I felt embarrassed as I couldn't kick and do the basic moves properly. All I could do were flimsy kicks like stomping my foot when I attempted every kick. I always wondered what will happen to me in the future thinking I would be a regular student attending for the purpose of self defence.

 

After my next grading as a yellow belt at 7 years old, I have started to be more confident in myself and in my techniques. I have improved my strikes and blocks in patterns which were harder by grade. At the same age, I've also achieved my blue belt. I practised sparring more often with regular training at home to sharpen my new techniques. The techniques included footwork, kicks and movement in my style.  I have been to a couple of interclub competitions and my biggest achievement was when I was able to achieve second place in sparring at both National and State competitions in the red belt, under the age 8-9 division.

 

I have made friends and also learned about respect and working together as a team. This is important especially when I do pairs and team's patterns. I practised a lot with my team before competitions. A good pattern includes balance, timing, power, techniques and more. No one can be ahead or behind the other's techniques and movement. I was proud of the moment when I got a silver medal at the Nationals and gold medal at the State qualification competition for teams pattern of four. As a red belt, I tried to set a good example to the junior members, showing good behaviour and focus during every lesson.

 

Black belt is now just within my reach and I'm looking forward to achieving it. This will be another level into taekwondo while I'll continue to improve myself and give my very best.