I started when I was 37. It took me more than 20 years, but I'm here. My short-term goal was to become a Black Belt within 4 years; it took almost six. I had to break away due to a different commitment.

My long-term goal is to become versatile in many arts. I currently am a white belt, studying Shaolin Do Kung Fu under sifu Mark Evins at Twin Tiger Shaolin Club in Maumelle, Arkansas.

My life-time goal is to remain deeply rooted in Martial Arts, continuing along the path toward BLACK Belt Excellence.

I will not fail because I will continue to do my best, perservere, and most importantly, keep my hands outreached for BLACK Belt Excellence. I may not complete all the requirements at the time of testing; however, I will be offered a chance to test during the next belt test. After all, I am not in Martial Arts to fail, but to succeed. I am looking toward the Instructors for guidance so that I can succeed no matter what it takes. Four letter words like "can't", "don't" and "won't" are replaced with "can", "do" and "will". If I do not give up I cannot fail.

Tae Kwon Do's popularity is due in part because it has withstood the tests of time. It is much more than self-defense skills training. It is a lifestyle of physical and mental training and challenges that encourage an individual to strive to be the best that he or she can be. The training is proven in developing an individual's complete being, mental and physical, joined by an indomitable spirit.

"The life of a human being, perhaps 100 years, can be considered as a day when compared to eternity. Therefore, it is eveident that no one can live more than a limited time. Even though, most people foolishly fixate themselves to materialism as if they could live for thousands of years. Some people strive to hand down a good spiritual legacy for the upcoming generations, this way, they attempt to gain immortality. Miraculously, the spirit is perpetual while material is not. Therefore, what we can do to leave behind something for the welfare of mankind is, perhaps, the most important thing in our lives. For this reason, TaeKwonDo has been left for mankind as a trace of man throughout history. The 24 patterns of TaeKwonDo represent 24 hours, one day, or the life of mankind."

founder of TaeKwonDo: Major General Choi Hong Hi, 9th Dan

I am aware that TaeKwonDo can do a number of things for many people. I am certain that it can help increase my personal safety and focus. It can help to improve my flexibility, balance, coordiantion and endurance.