Taekwando

Well, December is just a few days away and the Christmas season is here. David and I have been planning a few trips for this winter and hope to go to Thailand within the month. We will have to remain here in Korea until June or July so we have been attempting to find some activities to help bide the time. One thing we have been doing for a little over a month is Taekwando. After a business contact introduced us to a facility we began practicing with a man named Mr. Nam. He is not much older than David and I and has been been a great instructor to have. Since I am a beginner and David hasn't taken Taekwando since he was 11 years old we started from the beginning. We have classes Monday through Friday for one hour after David gets off work. While some days it is a struggle to get there, we both have really enjoyed the lessons. This past Friday we had our very first belt test and we passed with flying colors. The test included two sets of movements and blocks called forms along with various kicking combinations and a bunch of yelling. The most challenging part for me was the breaks. We were required to break one board with our fist and another while doing an axe kick (a straight leg kick as high as you can go). Fortunately I was able to break both boards on my first try and just had some mild bruising on my hand. Since obtaining our yellow belts we have begun doing more advanced self defense moves and shall begin sparring exercises soon. Overall, David and I wanted to experience something that really represents the Korean culture. Taekwando is a martial art that every Korean is required to learn. Whether in school, after school programs or through the military, they will experience it at some point in there lives. We both feel very blessed to have this opportunity and it is something that we will take home with us to the States.