[Student Reporters] Tae Kwon Do: A Lifetime Sport

Amy Kim / <12th, Corona HS>

Tae Kwon Do is a form of martial arts that was founded in Korea about 2300 years ago. It has become a popular sport all across the globe since its recognition as an official Olympic event in the 2000 Olympiad.

"It has always been a dream of mine to globalize Tae Kwon Do" says Master Han Kim the longtime owner of a well-known Tae Kwon Do studio in Corona. "Tae Kwon Do not only provides physical training but more importantly is a form of mental training. Through this sport I have witnessed improvements in students' attention span self-control and self-confidence" says Erin Park the program coordinator of Master Kim's studio. Park states that there has been a number of students with ADHD and autism who showed significant improvements in their conditions through Tae Kwon Do training.

The Corona Tae Kwon Do Demonstration Team performs actively at various events such as local school events and at competitions. "I've had most of my best experiences through being a member of the demonstration team and I see it as my best opportunity to grow my self-confidence. The friends I have made through the demo team and my Tae Kwon Do training have been and will continue to be my lifelong friends" says Jenny Noborikawa who had 8 years of training at the Corona studio.

All the students agree that from Tae Kwon Do training they not only attain physical fitness but self-confidence cultural experience respect for others and lifelong friendships. Albert Karam the demonstration team captain says "Tae Kwon Do to me is not something that I am forced to do but something that I want to do and has become a part of me."

A group of eight or nine students spoke about their opportunity to travel to Korea and China in order to train and perform four years ago. "Through Tae Kwon Do I even got to experience the different cultures of Korea and China which really broadened my perspective on various aspects of life" says Noborikawa.

Tae Kwon Do is a sport for all genders cultures and ages; it is a sport in which effort is rewarded with progress and development. "I hope that all students can walk away from their training experience with self-confidence good health and good relationships. Tae Kwon Do is essentially a lifetime sport because the effort put into it can develop and maintain skills that one can apply to every aspect of life" says Master Han Kim.