Through the eyes of a new member

During the Summer of 2022, my mum saw a post on Facebook about a free Tang Soo Do trial in Denby Dale. She signed me up thinking it would do me good to try something new and get some exercise. We had never even heard of Tang Soo Do before and certainly didn’t know how to say it but was willing to try it as I had never done any form of martial arts before.  I have tried many different sports including ballet, gymnastics and dance but I have never really taken to any of them.  

The day came and my mum dropped me off leaving me with Liam, his wife and children, I had a really good time and really enjoyed it.  My mum checked in with Liam and he told her that I “was a natural!”  I was as surprised as my mum, I’ve never been any good at sports, I have friends who are naturally good at sports but I’ve always had to work hard.  I asked my mum there and then if I could start the classes and she arranged with Liam for me to start in September after the summer holidays.

I hadn’t realised beforehand that it was a mixed aged group until my mum mentioned it in passing, this worried me slightly but my mum explained that if I needed to defend myself it would most likely be with a grown up or someone bigger than me.  When I in walked that Friday night, I was nervous but as the lesson went on, I felt less and less nervous.  Everyone was really friendly and the blackbelts came to help me.  Liam gave me lots of praise and again stated I was a natural.  I had a great lesson and I left feeling so happy and eager to return.

I was desperate to sign up and wear a Do Balk like the others but my mum insisted I wait to see if I still loved it in a few weeks’ time.  I practised my forms and counting in Korean at home during the first few weeks and still loved it.  My mum saw how enthusiastic I was and signed me up.  I love wearing my Do Balk and being a part of the Tang Soo team. I look forward to my Friday training sessions and since starting in September I have only missed 3 sessions, and even then, I practised on the beach!

Liam is 2x World Champion-but that’s hardly ever mentioned (: and is a great instructor who loves Tang Soo Do and wants everyone to achieve their best.  ​He is kind, patient and hardworking and has created a group where everyone is welcome.

As the weeks have passed my confidence and skills have continued to grow and the support given by everyone is amazing.  I have made lots of friends and I’m no longer afraid of demonstrating moves or trying something new in front of them as there is never any judgement only support and help.  My proudest achievement so far was asking to have a go at the wooden board for the first time.  I chose to do a chop kick and surprisingly broke it the first time, I received huge cheers and claps from the whole class and the blackbelts and masters came to me afterwards to tell me how good it was.  

I have been attending Liam’s class now for almost 6 months and hoping to grade for a new belt in the spring.  I’m hoping to try and make it to the championship in October, however I have lots of work to do to get there including a second grading which should hopefully secure me an orange tag. My parents have agreed that I can do extra sessions at other groups through the week to help me achieve my goal and because I enjoy it so much.  My dream is to get a blackbelt (which is actually a midnight blue belt).  

I love Tang Soo Do so much that I’ve chosen to have a Tang Soo Do birthday party for my 11th birthday so my friends can try it and see what it is when I talk about it.  

My dad came to watch me for the first time after I had attended for a few months and I convinced him to try, now he is going to try and come when his shifts allow.  He also enjoys it and asks me to help him with his forms and kicks in the front room and even in a hotel room, the beach and at the zoo!

I would recommend Tang Soo Do to anyone as it’s a great way to defend yourself, have fun, make friends and let any anxieties out if you have any.

Tang Soo!!!

By Olivia (10th Gup)