When I was thirteen years old, I had a rebellious streak. I wasn’t a fan of authority figures, often found myself in argument with my friends and classmates, and sadly, violence was sometimes my way of dealing with conflicts, my behaviour reached a point where I was suspended from attending classes. Regrettably, the suspension didn’t lead to any significant personal growth. However, a remarkable turning point came when our schools Taekwondo instructor approached me during my suspension. After hearing my story, she inquired about why I was suspended and extended a surprising invitation to join the national school Taekwondo games. Initially hesitant, I decided to take her up on the offer, motivated by her promise that it would bring about positive changes in me. In this narrative, I aim to share the incredible transformation that TKD bought into my life.

One of the most profound lessons Taekwondo imprinted onto me was the importance of focus. Within the world of Taekwondo, there exits an intricate practice known as “Poomsae”. This involves executing a sequence of movements with precision and grace. Initially, I struggled to memorize and execute these sequences flawlessly, often becoming frustrated with myself. However, I was determined not to give in to this frustration. Through relentless practice and time frame, Poomsae wasn’t just about performing flashy kicks and punches but about achieving perfection in each step. This newfound focus was not confined to the training, it seeped into other aspects of my life, enabling me to approach tasks with heightened concentration and diligence.

Furthermore, Taekwondo instilled in me the spirit of self-challenge, the physical training in Taekwondo is gruelling, demanding that people around me push their physical limits to attain peak performance. My memorise are filled with intense workouts. Sweat-soaked uniforms, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in every technique. The endeavour to perfect my Poomsae opportunity for self- improvement, and within time, I mastered the sequence and acquired a profound sense of accomplishment and self-belief.

Discipline became an inherent part of my life through Taekwondo. The fear of letting down my team, with potential consequences for all of us. For example, not arriving late for training was a powerful motivator. This discipline extended beyond punctuality. It encompassed dedication, commitment, and respect for the art itself. Taekwondo taught me to be accountable for my actions, emphasized the importance of showing up on time, be fully prepared, and ready to give my best effort. This newfound discipline permeated all facets of my life fostering greater personal responsibility and an understanding of the significance of commitment and consistency.

In addition, effective communication and collaboration emerged as vital aspects of my Taekwondo journey. The need to work closely with fellow team mates during team Poomsae performances emphasized the value of listening to others, offering my insights and working collectively toward a shared objective. I learned to communicate effectively, accept constructive criticisms and to adapt to diverse perspectives. These skills enhanced my martial arts abilities and proved valuable in my personal and professional life.

One of the most significant transformations I experienced was a boost in self-confidence. Taekwondo thrust me into situation where I had to perform my Poomsae sequence before a panel of judges. I had only one chance to execute the sequence flawlessly, and the pressure was intense. This challenge tested my nerves and self-assurance, but with unwavering practice and perseverance, I learned to believe in my abilities. Over time, I gained the confidence to perform gracefully under pressure. This newfound self-assurance transcended the co- curricular activity. It has significantly impacted various facets of my life beyond the martial arts.

In summary, Taekwondo has been a profound catalyst for change in my life. It took a rebellious and impulsive teenager and transformed me into an individual who values focus, self-challenge, discipline, communication and confidence. These values have made me a better martial artist and a more responsible, resilient, and self-assured person. Taekwondo has demonstrated that even in the face of adversity, one can find strength, growth and a renewed sense of purpose what began as a hesitant acceptance of an invitation led to an enduring journey of self- discovery and personal development and for that, I am immensely grateful. I am enthusiastic about the following chapters this incredible journey will bring.