My Personal Journey With Martial Arts

 As you may have read in my first ever post, "Let Me Introduce Myself". I have been practicing martial arts, especially Taekwondo since I could walk. However, my relationship with the sport has changed throughout my years of participation. When I was little, it was just something I did with little thought or care. When I got older it was my primary sport and the main focus of my life. However, after I had to have hip surgery my sophomore year of high school my relationship with the sport became very strained. I could no longer compete to the level I was at previously and despite my many efforts to find a new way to enjoy the activity I spent a majority of my life doing, I felt hopeless. 

It was about six months after my life changing surgery that I found Taekwondo in a completely new way. I retired from my competition days and became an instructor and coach. At first I felt left behind by my teammates, watching them compete as I sat behind them cheering. But as I came to the realization that I would never re-live my days competing but I could help others to reach their highest potential within the sport, my mindset shifted. I chose to step into my new role and although it may not have been easy at first, I persisted. 

Now in my forth year of coaching, I can confidently say that I wouldn't give up my job for anything else. Getting to be a part of something so much larger than myself has brought a new life and new perspective to Taekwondo for me. Watching others achieve their goals and accomplish their dreams is more rewarding than any medal I could've earned myself. 

The point of this article isn't to preach the greatness of martial arts, it is instead more of a check-in with myself. Being away at school has made me feel disconnected from my athletes, and from the sport itself. However that undying love for Taekwondo has brought me here, where I am once again finding a new way to spend it's joy through Kick Like A Girl. 

So for anyone that is new here, welcome, and to those returning, thank you for helping to express my love in a new format and to keep girls safe across the world while doing it.