posted Oct 17, 2009 7:44 PM by Unknown user
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updated Mar 18, 2010 10:24 AM by Chuck Siebsen
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"I have lost over 50 lbs; have more energy; more strength; more speed"
My experience with Tae Kwon Do started one evening when my wife and I, along with our son Alex, stopped to eat at a local Chinese restaurant. Upon making our way onto the sidewalk our attention suddenly turned to the sounds of people shouting in synch with some sort of forceful, almost rhythmic thumping noise. As we gathered closer it became obvious that it was some sort of martial arts class with students of all ages kicking and punching with amazing power?? It was thrilling!
| Moments later we were approached by a very charismatic man? He was the instructor with whom we have come to know as Master Mehdi. He invited us in. We accepted. We continued to observe the class as Master Mehdi enlightened us about Tae Kwon Do and his school. While we were truly impressed with what he had told us, and by what we were seeing, it was Alex who was profoundly impacted, he was ecstatic. We had tried Tee-ball with Alex but it just was not suitable for his energy level. After talking briefly with Master Mehdi, and amongst ourselves, it was decided we would permit him to participate in the children’s class for one week on a trial basis. After the trial week was up and given that Alex’s enthusiasm didn’t waver, we decided to enroll him in the school. |
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| As we were still uncertain of Alex’s long-term interest in Tae Kwon Do we opted for the pay-by-the month membership. A couple of months passed and my wife and I were so impressed with Alex’s continued enthusiasm and progress and with Master Mehdi’s spirit, teaching methods and his exceptional abilities working with children, that we decided for the annual membership. |
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Another month has now passed and my wife and I sit and watch with awe and great pride as our son completes his first belt promotion test with perfection. I was so inspired that shortly after I too became a member of the school at the age of forty.
Alex and I attended classes together, faithfully and with great enthusiasm. We have performed all of our belt tests together and celebrated all of our rank promotions together. However there was one difference; Alex was always one belt (rank) above me. This continued for many months until one day he said to me “dad I don’t want to become a Black Belt before you, I want us to become Black Belts together”. I cannot tell you how much that meant to me. Here is a kid, barely eight years old, who suppressed his own desires and ambition, so that we could be promoted to the Black Belt rank together.
In the spring of 2004 Alex and I achieved one of our goals; we were both promoted to provisional (no degree) Black Belt rank; then another goal again in 2005, where we were promoted to 1st Dan Black Belt. At the age of nine, Alex is the youngest highest ranked student in our school. I have witnessed my son break many boards with his hands and feet and even concrete patio blocks?? An awesome display of power and discipline! |
| What can I say, to this day Alex still inspires me with his unrelenting spirit and enthusiasm for life. And who knows, he may have saved mine. Why do I say that? Because of Alex introducing me to Tae Kwon Do, and his persistence for me to join Tae Kwon Do, I am enjoying a much healthier and happier life. I have lost over 50 lbs; have more energy; more strength; more speed; I am more focused; I have more confidence and a much improved attitude on life. My wife will hopefully agree with me that I am also a better father and husband. Crushing ten concrete patio blocks and breaking boards with a kick right out of a Jackie Chan movie are exciting displays of skill but they quickly fade in comparison to the real benefits of Tae Kwon Do. |
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As for my son Alex, he has benefited by making a lot of new friends; having fun; playing games; learning how to defend himself; better physical condition and more confidence, but never boastful. Alex has learned to solve conflicts without physical aggression; has significantly improved physical and mental abilities and can speak several languages (in part). What is really wonderful about Alex? He is exceptionally respectful to senior citizens and he possesses a very unique quality about him, a nurturing, caring nature for those who are less-fortunate, troubled or physically/mentally-challenged.
What can I say about my son Alex? Not enough.
~Ron Lind | |
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