Many parents today are raising their children to be quitters. I am sure that this is not deliberate; I doubt that any parent intentionally decides, "I'm teaching my child to be a quitter."

A few days ago, I received my instructor jacket and certificate proving that I passed my instructor certification. I never could have accomplished any of it without support from my parents and mentors…

Many times I think the parents of the newer students look out at the floor and see the instructors and black belt kids and say, “Man, I wish my kid tried that hard and looked like that!”

I think anything that I've accomplished can be attributed to the discipline I learned through martial arts.

That kick sent me crashing to the ground. I remember looking up at him and he had this smile on his face.

Becoming a black belt is not easy. It takes hardwork and commitment. Being a black belt means to me that you have to have good leadership, high self esteem, and to have a good attitude.

Often people with power abuse it. Power can inspire or it can cause fear. As a powerful Taekwondo student you should be the one that inspires others to perform and not to quit.

On my journey, I have become stronger and more flexible. I learned to work with others by going to black belt club. I have earned eighteen belts and the black belt will be the best one yet. I have loved sparring and different challenges…

From the increasingly young age at which girls are made to feel self-conscious about their bodies, to concerns about risks of assault, martial arts offers a solution to many of the problems young girls face.