My Experiences During the 「2023 Martial Arts Fitness Test」

Q1. How did you like the program?

- Thanks to the program, I was given a good opportunity to experience Taekkyeon, which is a traditional martial arts of our region. Especially the fitness test was the most exciting and engaging one I have ever been through. The most impressive activity in the testing was to run carrying a rice bag, which is not usual in your daily life. I ran as hard as I can with a huge support from teachers. To keep a fast pace I had to hold the rice bag with only one hand, which made me stumble. I was a bit embarrassed to realize that the bag filled with real rice was heavier than I had expected. But overall the whole activity was really fun. I also watched my friends run and was surprised to see their passion. Other friends in line waiting for their turns were also passionately sending their support. Unfortunately, my testing result was not satisfying. I could do better! I will definitely achieve a better result in the next semester through harder practice.

Q2. What does martial arts mean to you?

- Practicing martial arts provided me with an opportunity to know my friends better and to become friends with some school fellows I barely know before. Previously we didn't have a chance to see everyone at school get along together in the same place. But thanks to the Taekkyeon practice, we developed a sense of teamwork spending time together communicating, giving advice to each other, and synchronising our movements. I used to think the term "martial arts" has nothing to do with me and only perfect movements can be defined and called a martial arts. But after the program, I now believe our activities can also be a martial arts as long as we are willing to put our mind and body in sync even though they are not in perfect shape yet. Now  I find it easier and more comfortable than before to start a new task or take a challenge. At first, I thought martial arts training can distract me from my studies, but quite the contrary. Rather, as I take time to relieve my stress and burden, I have more energy to focus on my studies. That's what made me love martial arts more.

Q3. Will you keep practicing martial arts?

- Learning martial arts is intriguing as I get a chance to take a challenge, make a memory and develop a physical ability at the same time. Also, this is the best method to relieve stress in a sound way. I now understand the beauty of martial arts does not come from being perfect. Therefore, I won't give up or be afraid of practice. I believe constant efforts and practice will help me become a better person. 

Q1. How did you like the program?

- Although all four activities in the program were amazing, I enjoyed 'Carry and Run' activity the most. I achieved a good result thanks to the support and cheers from my friends even though I almost fell over when running. There was also another unique activity called Use Weapon, in which the number count on the screen went down by one when I hit with a stick. Thanks to the program, I learned Taekkyeon for the first time and gained more interest in the world of martial arts. Moreover, I was grateful to learn how to make expressions with my body. At first, I was worried I might be terrible, as I was not good at sports nor had good physical strength. But thanks to kind and easy instructions, I was able to enjoy the sport fully. In the next program which will be held in the upcoming August. I will get an improved result through hard training until then.

Q2. What does martial arts mean to you?

- Martial Arts help me organize my thoughts. In the middle of practice, all my concerns disappear and I can entirely focus on Taekkyeon. The training refreshes me.  Also, Taekkyeon is more satisfying as it allows me to know my friends and teachers better through team play. I even got closer to friends I barely know before. In the physical aspect, stretching out movements of Taekkyeon made my body flexible. Furthermore, as I previously mentioned, I feel refreshed after training, which helps me better concentrate on my studies. Overall, martial arts had a substantial positive impact on my mind and body, making my love for martial arts bigger.

Q3. Will you keep practicing martial arts?

- I'd love to continue practicing Taekkyeon more than any other martial arts. I always wanted to learn martial arts but didn't have any chance before. Experiencing Taekkyeon now at school, I realize the sport is engaging and not very tough. Plus I feel healthier. Of course, if there are chances to experience other marital arts, I will be the first to join. But for now, Taekkyeon is my number on priority, and my goal is to become a Takkyeon black belt owner.