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Back to School Success Program

There are 5 basic ways to gain confidence through martial arts training. Taekwondo is more than kicking and punching. Taekwondo is a way of thinking and a way of living. Tae means foot, Kwan means fist or hand and do means the way or the art of the foot and the fist. The main purpose of Taekwondo is to build total mind and body balance through proper training.

The first confidence building strategy in Taekwondo is the ability to try something new, to do something different from the "norm". For kids this might not be the case but for adults, especially women it is absolutely true. When we step out of our comfort zone we step into a place of courage and that alone builds self-confidence.

The second basic way to gain confidence is to continue to make small goals or set intentions for ourselves. The belt system in Taekwondo is a system of small goals or intentions if you will. We can look at them as ranks or we can look at them as measurements of growth and development. Each time we reach a new "level" we gain self confidence.

The third basic way we build confidence? Through our training we develop the ability to see our abilities and our limitations. We gain confidence through knowing when to move forward and when to stay still. There are several situations that we may use this knowledge. One of them is certainly self-defense. We learn how to recognize danger without "reacting" to it we intuitively know what to do or not to do. The other basic situation we may utilize this knowing is in our personal and professional relationships as well as our relationship with our vision or our goals.

The fourth basic way we gain self-confidence is to continue walking through fear and each time we do we gain self-confidence.

The fifth basic way is making mistakes without judgement. We learn in the martial arts that mistakes are opportunities for learning. In self-defense the mistake we can make is failing to take action. We also learn that the best self-defense is not having to defend yourself. Continuous self improvement is our code in the martial arts. We live each day giving our best and when we fall short we simply begin again and persevere. Courtesy, Integrity, Patience, Self Control, Indomitable Spirit. When we live like this there is no reason to fight of flight. We can be confident in the moment without fear.

Traditional Tea Ceremony Taekwondo

 Master Young Soo and Catherine Chang receiving appreciation gifts from students at our traditional black belt tea ceremony.
Each student who test for his/her black belt receives a tea ceremony to bond both teacher, student and families together as being a part of a Taekwondo familiy.
As a Master Instructor and student of Taekwondo for the last 25 years I still remember my first student. When I see them years later it is such a blessing to know that I was part of there life and their growth. What an honor to be part of such a wonderful way of life. Taekwondo is not only kicking and punching it is a way of thinking and living. The main goal of training is to build total mind and body management through proper training. Self-Defense can mean so many different things other than just protecting yourself from an attack. What about illness and stress? How about maintaining a job or following your dreams and goals? Do you lack focus or discipline? How do we protect ourselves from these things? Taekwondo is a total body and mind training that can assist anyone at any age become a healthier more productive human being. I and my husband Master Chang will be testing for our next rank in November 2012 with our students. My goals are much different now that I've lived this lifestyle for so many years. My next goal and a dream that I've had since I was a little girl going to church by myself. I am going to Jeruselem. I am going with a group of Braveheart Women part of the Braveheartwomenglobalvision.org. 33 Women from the US will meet with 33 women from Israel and 33 Women from Palestine. We will hold hands, share stories and together make history in creating Peace in the Region by causing a vibrational shift to occur. I hope to be an example to other martial arts women in knowing the power we have collectively to make change in the world. When we collaborate rather than compete with eachother we are one. If you want to assist me in making this dream come true please visit the braveheartwomenglobalvision.org website and make a donation or send any amount to : Braveheart women global foundation. Catherine Chang 230 Pleasant St. Methuen, MA 01844 or Call Braveheart women directly in California to make a credit card donation. 701 East Santa Clara St. Ventura CA 93001.
If you have any questions or comments you can call me at 978-994-1507 or email me at tkdwm7@gmail.com.