Building confidence takes effort when it comes to martial arts
Taekwondo is a sport that originated in Korea thousands of years ago, it is safe to say that there are many things to learn about this dynamic practice. Translating to “the way of the foot and fist”, it is a quick-paced, physical sport.
Senior Sophie Baillet has been practicing the sport for seven years, having started taekwondo in 5th grade.
“Originally my brother really wanted to get into martial arts so my mom decided to enroll us together,” Baillet said. “I turned out to be really good at it, and I enjoyed it a lot, too, so I have continued it ever since.”
Most people think martial arts is only about defense, which is a good reason to start and a great thing to learn, but there is so much more too.
“I was put on the demonstration team when I wasn’t even a black belt yet, and usually that doesn’t happen so that was a huge honor, but that also came with many challenges,” Balliet said. “I had to learn how to do higher level kicking techniques and I also had to figure out how to make friends with people I had never met before.”
Shortly after that, she was asked to be on the staff, to teach other students, which has also been a huge learning opportunity for her.
“I had to learn how to be a leader because the kids were depending on me to teach them, but I also had to do it with kindness and grace,” Baillet said. “We’re not trying to get the to be perfect, we’re just trying to help them grow in their own personal confidence.”
Baillet has experienced a lot through taekwondo and teaching a lot to kids beginning their journey as well.
“We’re not trying to get them to be perfect, we’re just trying to help them grow in their own personal confidence. Throughout my whole taekwondo journey, I have had to learn perseverance, leadership, strength (physically and mentally), courage, grace and so much more.”
Baillet is not the only one who has learned something through martial arts, Senior Lydia Brown has learned a lot throughout her journey through Taekwondo as well.
She is now an instructor and appreciates the art of this sport even more than when she was little because of how much it has taught her about discipline, strategy, and respect. Lydia is a third-degree black belt and has been practicing the sport for over a decade.
“Taekwondo has been a constant in my life, and even as I get busier with school, I make time for it because it’s something I truly love,” Brown said.
Brown has learned so much more beyond the physical aspects- speed, power, flexibility, etc.
“I’ve learned leadership and responsibility. As an instructor, I’ve had to guide students, encourage them, and help them improve, which has made me a better mentor and role model.” Brown said.
Martial arts has shaped Brown to be the person she is today.
“It’s given me confidence, discipline, and mental toughness. Training for years and earning my black belts has taught me perseverance, and being an instructor has helped me grow as a leader. Teaching others has made me more patient and has shown me how to communicate effectively.”
Martial arts can be a big confidence and discipline builder for people who start taking it, so she will encourage her kids to take a martial arts class if she decides to have them.
“If they find the same passion for it that I did, that would be amazing, but even if they just gain the basic skills and values, I’d consider it a win.”