Taekwondo - A needed element in my life

by Nathan Corliss
(St. Louis, Missouri)

Taekwondo became a much needed element in my life during a difficult period.

I have always been interested in martial arts, yet never attempted to train in one. Mimicking the crane kick from the Karate Kid years ago was the most experience I ever had!

My son is 9 years old and we have tried to expose him to various sports and fitness activities to peak his interest. We learned of a TKD school ran out of the same rec center. So we signed him up to try it out, as the prices are phenomenal compared to other schools. My son loves the class.

About a month after my son started the class, a difficult situation arose at my employer. Without going into the details, the company had been performing illegal activities and had been caught by the FBI.

The company was raided, many jobs are now uncertain with the fate of the business unclear. Worse off, this led to a co-worker I knew well to take his life. So let's just say the situation was stressful. Verbal altercations were growing. I almost found myself in a physical altercation. After the growing stress, I began to suffer anxiety attacks.

Feeling rundown, couldn't sleep, and constantly nervous, I needed an outlet. I decided to sign up for the adult taekwondo class. This become a much needed outlet.

I met a wonderful group of people and instructors who strive to help all students to improve. The training helped me to release any resentment and stress, and gave me the focus to handle confrontations professionally.

I have since left that company, yet the situation is one that still remains a part of my life. However, the tenents of Taekwondo (courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self Control, Indomitable Spirit) became a daily mantra in my professional and personal life.

Best of all, Taekwondo became an activity my son and I share together. After a few months, we both tested for our yellow belts. It was a great experience to sit next to my son as we both recited our history, performed our forms and self defenses together in front of the other students. Here is my son, proudly wearing his new belt and showing off his rank certificate.

Deb's Reply

Hi Nathan

Wow! What a fantastic story! Taekwondo is a great outlet for stress of any kind and your situation has clearly been very stressful.

Thanks for your honesty - you will inspire others to start kicking.

Well done for making yellow belt and for training alongside your son. I know from personal experience that kicking together as a family is an incredibly worthwhile thing to do and strengthens family bonds.

Thanks again Deb :)