Taekwondo to the rescue Part II

by David Fiscus
(Cypress, Texas)

It is hard for me to believe, today I earned my Black Belt in Taekwondo.

It seems like yesterday that I first shared my story on this wonderful website. My transformation has been incredible.

I have lost 75 pounds, I am down 10 pant sizes, I feel like a new man. I could not do a single sit-up or push-up when I started 3 years ago. 2 weeks ago I passed a stamina test required before I could test for my black belt.

I sparred 4 rounds, did 100 sit-ups, 100 push-ups, 50 squat-thrusts, 50 deep knee bends, 350 knee strikes, 100 kicks, sprint from side to side of the room bending and touching the floor as I reached each side. Then I had to immediately run 5 kilometers. We were pushed mentally and physically to the point of breaking, but encouraged all the time to not quite.

My wife shouted encouragement during each event, and on each lap on the track. Without her support, not only during the testing, but for 3 years of training, I could not have achieved this goal. I was a wreck for 2 days, but then I was back reviewing all tae-geuk forms, kicking combinations, and one-step sparrings.

I practiced before work, after work, went to class 5 times a week for 2 weeks, practiced every night for hours. It all paid off today, when the grandmaster presented me with my black belt. This was the most difficult things I have ever done in my life. I am 55 now, and still over 300 pounds, but feel 20 years younger. I recently had a physical examiniation by my cardiologist, including an angio-gram.

Because of a strong family history of heart failure, I was very concerned, but determined to deal with it. But I never expected to hear what the Doctor said to me. He told me, "I almost never get to give anyone this, but David, whatever you are doing keep it up, because you have the heart of an 18 year old man."

I was stunned, but pleased, and I told him I owed it all to Taekwondo. I am now in better physical condition than my wife, who is 25 years younger than me. We are trying to have children, and I am determined to live as long and healthy a life as I can, so I can be the best Father and Husband as possible.

Thank you Taekwondo, without it, this story would not have happened. I am going to rest for a couple weeks, then I start training for my 2nd DAN.

David Fiscus

Deb's Reply

Congratulations David - that is a wonderful result and you deserve your success.

You have been a great contributor to the site over the past couple of years and I know you inspire others with your stories. Thanks for that.

Good luck with your goals in 2012

Deb :-)