SANTA CLARA, Calif., Feb. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- On February 9, 2012, Grandmaster Tae Yun Kim presided over a belt testing ceremony at her Jung SuWon Martial Art Academy. Students both young and old demonstrated their commitment to the teachings of the Jung SuWon Martial Art Academy, and they were rewarded with a jump in their belt standings. In return, the founders and administrators of the school were rewarded with a series of inspiring stores from actual students at the school. In these difficult economic times, positive stories are hard to come by. In keeping with the positive message at the core of the Jung Su Won Martial Art Academy, Grandmaster Tae Yun Kim thought it important to share these stories of power and healing.

"At my school, I always share this motto with my students: 'He can do, she can do, why not me?' I believe that the power to do great things lies within each and every person, and I do my best to try to draw that power out of all of my students," says Grandmaster Tae Yun Kim.

Students participating in the testing were asked to perform basic martial arts tasks, such as breaking boards, engaging in sparring and demonstrating accurate poses. Many students were simply determined to get each aspect of their demonstrations perfect, and they refused to stop until they had performed the motion exactly as directed.

"Some students couldn't perform the breaking technique properly on the first try, and it was easy to see that they were getting frustrated," says Grandmaster Tae Yun Kim. "I simply reminded them that they did have the power inside. They just needed to get centered. It was amazing to see their can-do attitude come to the forefront on their next attempts. Those boards broke just as they were supposed to."

Obtaining a belt through the Jung SuWon Martial Art Academy means more than just breaking boards and performing poses, however. Grandmaster Tae Yun Kim encourages her students to strengthen their skills in all areas of their lives, meaning their work, home life, friendships, marriages and more.

"Young children need to demonstrate that they've kept up their grades in school and helped around the house," says Grandmaster Tae Yun Kim. "I ask older people to demonstrate success in their jobs, their ability to help others, or some other marker that's related to their life goals."

The testing on February 9 was particularly moving for student Anisha (all student names have been changed to protect their privacy). This 12-year-old student was the target of teasing and ridicule at her school, and she began taking courses at Jung SuWon Martial Art Academy to build up her confidence and help her lose weight.

"I was frightened when I started taking classes, as I was sure people would beat me up or make fun of me," Anisha says. "Instead, this is sort of my 'safe place' where I know no one will tease me. I've lost some weight, although I'd like to lose more, but mainly I just feel better, you know? I feel stronger, and a lot less scared."

Two brothers, also younger than 15, began taking courses with Grandmaster Tae Yun Kim within the last year. Prior to beginning classes, these boys played videogames for hours on end, and would sometimes take the violence they saw on screen into their real lives. Black eyes and bruises were common. The boys' mother notices a change.

"These kids were driving me crazy with their yelling, screaming and fighting," says the boys' mother. "Now, I have polite kids who put the dishes away and help me with the housework. They sometimes bicker, but they never resort to physical pummeling. And I haven't seen them play videogames in weeks. Grandmaster Tae Yun Kim has really made a difference in my family."

Martial arts testing takes place three to four times per year at the Jung SuWon Martial Art Academy. The school is located in Fremont, California and accepts most students of any age, and many with physical limitation. Find out more at www.jsw.com. 

Media Contact: Sarah Kim Tae Yun Kim, (408) 891-2715, sarakim@tykkim.org

News distributed by PR Newswire iReach: https://ireach.prnewswire.com

SOURCE Tae Yun Kim

Back to top

RELATED LINKS
http://www.jsw.com