This article was also published on Medium.com.
I never imagined myself joining Taekwondo. As a child, I wasn’t particularly sporty due to health issues. While other children ran and jumped with ease, I could only dream of keeping up. I even fantasized about competing in the Olympics, but it seemed like nothing more than a distant dream.
A few years ago, my 16-year-old daughter considered quitting Taekwondo, the sport she had dedicated herself to for five years.
“Do not quit,” I urged her. Despite her busy schedule as a junior in high school, she had been practicing Taekwondo since she was twelve. Over those five years, she not only attended classes twice a week as scheduled but also went above and beyond, assisting the instructors. She even invited me to join her, but I brushed it off, thinking it was a joke.
“Mom, will you join Taekwondo when I reach the black belt?” she asked me one day.
“Okay,” I nodded, not expecting her to remember my promise.
Two years later, she achieved her goal of earning her black belt. Our entire family celebrated her accomplishment.
That evening, she reminded me of my promise. “Mom, will you join Taekwondo?”
I was surprised that she remembered, but I had no choice but to keep my word.
And so, that’s how my Taekwondo journey began. Little did I know that it would change my life forever.
The Power of Consistency
It was the beginning of 2019, one year before the COVID-19 pandemic. I attended class twice a week, just like any other student, even though most of them were children aged five to seventeen. Starting from the beginning level as a white belt, I had to learn the basics — how to stand, sit, kick, punch, and even tie my belt.
At first, it was challenging. I struggled to do more than five sit-ups and push-ups, and my kicks barely reached waist level while others effortlessly reached their heads. I felt embarrassed at times, but I knew that wasn’t important. I decided to continue — not only because I understood the importance of challenging my body to build resilience, but also because I didn’t want to let my daughter down. If I started something, I was determined to see it through.
I earned my yellow belt after two months of practice, followed by the orange, green, and blue belts. Then, in March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and all our classes moved online. Many students dropped out, but I chose to continue.
Fast forward to August 2023, and I took the promotion test for the black belt — and I passed! It was all because of consistent practice.
Habits
Humans are creatures of habit. We learn to brush our teeth, use floss, and wash our hands without even thinking about it. These are habits — natural, no-brainer actions that help us lead healthy and successful lives.
From Taekwondo, I learned the value of discipline and good habits. Twice a week, rain or shine, I went to the studio to practice, no matter how busy I was. Over time, I increased the frequency, and now I go five times a week from Monday to Friday. It has become part of my routine, and I no longer have to drag my feet to get there. I go to recharge, find joy, and connect with other students.
Building resilience starts with micro habits — one tiny step at a time.
Fun
Humans are also creatures of curiosity and playfulness. If there’s no fun, we can’t last long. Taekwondo is challenging — Tae means foot, Kwon means fists, Do means method. We learn eight forms before rising to the black belt, and it’s fun to progress to the next level.
I’m the oldest in the studio, or more accurately, the oldest female. One of the male masters is older than me; he’s already a black belt sixth dan. In the classroom, our master sometimes points to me and tells the class, “If you are slower than Lucy, then you need to do ten more push-ups.”
Everyone knows he’s joking, and I never get offended. I feel proud because I’m the benchmark of strength. It’s fun to watch the little kids getting stronger and taller, and it’s also fun to feel young. Since earning my black belt last year, I’ve been helping out as an assistant, and it’s fun to teach.
Everyone needs a coach, and I’m no exception. I get coached in Taekwondo, and I use the same principles to coach my clients in their careers and life areas. Taekwondo has become a part of my life, and building resilience starts with a good sport and a coach.
