Hwarang Taekwon-do Canberra - Taylor

"This Is My Story" I started my journey in Taekwondo way back early 2017 with my family (wife, and two children (both Red Belt now) my wife stopped due to health issue, but still supporting us to pursue Taekwondo) from White Belt it's not easy for me to gain my Black belt, due to commitment of work and family and some issues of injuries, but because of the encouragement and supports coming from my high ranking instructors and colleagues, I gain my Black Belt last December 2019. (my target during that time is to gain a RED belt only and I'm happy for that, because my TKD trees already grown and stable not to fight bad guys, earn medal in tournament but morethan enough to follow and apply the Tenets of TKD (Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-control, Indomitable spirit) but my Chief Instructor Hwaju Danny Perez encourage me to get a Black Belt, which is 2 steps away to reach the 1st Dan. The black belt has certainly been an emotional one for me. It was, first of all, a huge honour. I received my black belt from my Chief Instructor Hwaju Danny Perez, of course can't achieved this without the help of my instructors and colleagues (Tom Perez, Alessandro Badalassi, Eilleen Eugenio, Nic Perez, Lance Christie, Anthony Craig), after having been a part of the Hwarang TKD Canberra team for about 2-and-a-half. I can’t think of anyone I would have rather received this belt from. I believe I was one of his students received Black belt at the age of 50's black belt promotion ever, and I feel so honored by this. At the same time, I struggled with intense feelings of unworthiness, especially when the breaking boards started to test my strength. I was not at all expecting this promotion. My training season had been good overall, but at my last training, I had a very lackluster performance. I wasn’t feeling great about myself as Martial Artist. I was starkly aware of the many weaknesses in my moves, and certainly didn’t feel ready for the intense level of getting the black belt. All of a sudden that far away belt was around my waist, and I didn’t really know what to do. I just felt kind of numb. I guess I had expectations for this day. I was supposed to feel a certain way. It was supposed to be the best day of my life, with lots of happy tears, surrounded by friends and family. I felt guilty for not feeling that way. In many ways, it was just another day, it was my Christmas and Birthday present. Nothing more to ask from above. Now I'm just starting my journey this is not the end, it's just the beginning. If anyone wanted to train in a safe and friendly environment (individual or family, old and young) a self defence, I suggest give Hwarang Taekwondo Canberra a try, nothing to lose but to gain confidence. More...

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