Why "Not Giving Up" Should Be The Norm - My Taekwondo Journey

Dive: Athlete - Fighter / Martial Arts (Tae Kwon Do)
Description: Pursuing the Korean Self Defense System
Level: Level 1
Level Requirements: Has earned a first level belt in Tae Kwon Do
Certified On: Oct 1, 2022

Editor’s Note: On all dive certifications, we try to edit the writing as little as possible to preserve authenticity, personality, and writing style. We typically fix spelling errors, but minimally modify grammar and sentence structure (just enough to ensure readability).

Name: Nafee K A Break Diving Level: Recruit Number of Certified Dives: 1 From: India In: India

1. When and Why Did You Decide to Pursue This Dive At This Level? What was your inspiration and motivation?

I have been pursuing this martial art since my childhood. But there were many obstacles which left me with no belts. Then later, when I was travelling back to my home town from college, I remembered my teacher saying in her retirement that now she wants to pursue dancing because she really misses that. I saw the fire in her eyes, her determination, and I thought to myself, what's the point of doing everything that others want us to do but nothing for ourselves? There has to be a balance. Right away I started searching for masters of Taekwondo to help me get into belt exams and coach me.

2. How Long Did It Take For You To Accomplish This Dive At This Level From The Day You Decided To Pursue It, And Why Did It Take That Long?

I started pursuing this dive right after my post-graduation. Since I did my post-grad in another city, I had to move back to my home town. It is very difficult to find a master in our home town. Fortunately, I was able to find a true-spirited master who is ready to teach me and help with the belt tests. So the journey has been pretty easy once I found the right instructor.

So it took me around 6 months.

3. What Was The Hardest Part About Achieving This Particular Dive Level?

The hard part was to reach the venue of the belt test and remember all the kicks and patterns. Somehow, with determination, I was able to overcome the challenges thrown at me and experience such a wonderful day with a room full of like-minded people.

4. What Was The Easiest Part About Achieving This Particular Dive Level?

Some basic kicks and punches were easy for me because I had already learnt them during my childhood. So the master even assigned me to teach other students to correct their forms, which motivated me to go further.

5. What Is Your Advice For Someone Who Is Pursuing This Dive And Level?

Martial arts skills are handy at any time in life. My advice for beginners is:

1. Don't rush it. Everyone is unique and has a pace of his own.

2. Invest time in learning the fundamentals; the more you practice the fundamentals, the easier later things will be.

3. Concentrate on what you can do rather than what you can't. This is important to keep in mind throughout the journey.

6. What Are Some Of The Best Resources You Recommend to Those Pursuing This Dive At This Level, And Why Do You Recommend Them? Please Include Relevant Weblinks, If Applicable.

Resources:
--Youtube
--Online courses
--Books
--Websites

All of the above resources will help you in different ways. For example, if you learn why those kicks or punches are there and the history behind them through books or websites, you will pay more attention and respect to the kicks and punches. Like-wise, there are plenty of online courses which will teach you the basics step-by-step.

I have used these resources for myself and found them very useful.

Resource 1: Learn Martial Arts: 3 Basic Kicks for Beginners - Through this video a beginner can learn 3 fundamental kicks.

Resource 2: Taekwondo Poomsae 1 (Taegeuk Il Jang), 2020 - Very helpful. Easy to memorize pattern 1 for yellow belt exam.

Resource 3: -

Resource 4: -

Resource 5: -

7. Tell Us A Story Of One Of Your Adventures While Pursuing This Dive (At This Level).

This happened when I was doing my routine practice. Even after years of practice, I wasn't able to do the splits, even the side split. One day, while my companions were doing splits, I also tried and then stopped. But they continued to encourage me to do the rest and learn the side split along the way. I was dumbfounded when I actually could do a side split.

This helped me to understand my true potential and try more cool stuff.

8. What Evidence Did You Submit to Prove You Met the Requirements for This Dive and Level?

Yellow belt certificate.

9. Will You Be Pursuing The Next Level For This Dive? If Yes, Why? If Not, Why Not?

Sure, I will be pursuing this dive until I reach black belt.

10. What is the Break Diver's Creed?

No rules. No excuses. No regrets.

Certificate photo:

And having made this post, and provided adequate evidence to the dive committee, Nafee K A is now hereby certified by Break Diving, Inc. as: Athlete - Fighter / Martial Arts (Tae Kwon Do) - Level 1. Congratulations ! Thank you for being an inspiration to others!

Certificate number: 103

The author above wrote this WYSEguidance post as one of the certification requirements to become certified by Break Diving, Inc. for a dive completed. Would you also like to find greater success, happiness, and friendship, and make genuine supportive connections with others around the world pursuing your same dreams? Come join us at Break Diving and soon your story will be the next one you read about on this site!

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