Testimonies From Students

I started TaeKwonDo class in June when Master An was running a summer special. Never did I expect to continue beyond the summer because like most people I lose motivation and quit the gym. Giving up is not even a thought because you are in a fun atmosphere where you are pushed to do your best by the highly trained instructors.

When I first walked into Master An's class I felt shy and embarrassed, however very quickly the whole class made me feel comfortable. My class consisted of people all ages and weight groups. Although different people everyone was so respectful and disciplined for example adults were bowing to teenage black belts as a form of respect and also students used there own weekends to renovate the facility because they care about the school so much. The good friends and family atmosphere is remarkable.

Now I am proud to say that I have two stripes on my belt and am preparing for my yellow belt test in September. My goal is to continue this program for health and fitness, but my dream is to become a black belt. This certainly beats walking on the treadmill by your self for an hour.

Thank you to my TKD family,

Angela Maresca

My TaeKwonDo journey started about four years ago, when my mom decided it was time for me to improve on my kicking skills. It took her another year to convince me to actually go; I was a very shy girl back then. The first time I took TaeKwonDo class, I was very nervous. I don’t remember much from my first lesson, just that Master An was torturing me about how to do a roundhouse kick the right way.

I remember sunshine glaring through the window and me thinking, “I want to go home.” I don’t know about other people but TaeKwonDo never came easy to me and at times I felt like quitting. But the little voice inside my head would always be saying, “Mariya, Mariya, you can’t quit now. You’re not a quitter.” My mom and my cat Nuff-Nuff also helped me a lot at that time. Nuff-Nuff would be forced to volunteer as a punching-bag and my mom would be motivating me every step of the way. “Punch harder, punch harder,” she would always say. Well this is a bit exaggerated, but you get the point.

As the years went by, so did the Masters. Each one of them was wonderful, knowledgeable, and helpful. What I’ve learned to this day, I attribute to their energy, patience and skills. I would like to take a moment and read out their names. Master An who taught me my very first kick and my very first form. Master Jung who continued where Master An left off. With his help, my knowledge of TaeKwonDo deepened and my technique improved greatly. Master Kim taught me how to handle a stick and spar. Master April taught me that it’s okay to laugh at yourself when you do TaeKwonDo. And last but not least Grandmaster An who perfected the skills other Masters taught me. He also dropped me a couple of times on my head while trying to get me to learn back flip.

Though this might sound funny now, it actually wasn't always back then. It took enormous effort and sweat on the Masters behalf, and determination and a lot of work on mine. And if somebody today were to ask me, “Now, that you are one step away from getting your Black Belt, you should know a thing or two about TaeKwonDo. What, in your opinion, is TaeKwonDo all about?” I would say to that person, “TaeKwonDo consists of equal parts of hard work and discipline, patience and self criticism, determination and fun, receiving help from others and helping them in return.” I would say, “TaeKwon Do includes all aspects of human life. TaeKwonDo is as big as Life. TaeKwonDo is a lifelong journey and I am only at the beginning of it.”

Mariya K., 12 years old
1st Dan Black Belt

I admire and respect Master Kim my TaeKwonDo teacher. Like Jesus he is a teacher to both children and adults who make mistakes. Like Jesus he always forgives, never gets angry and let us try again. Over the years his teachings of peace and calmness made us better people. Our bodies are stronger and our actions to others are kinder. These same things happen to us when we study Jesus and the Bible.

Jesus came down from heaven, became man and was a carpenter. This way he got close to us and taught us how to lead a good life. Two thousand years later, he is famous and followed by millions of people. His rules called the Ten Commandments have never changed over time. Master Kim came from Korea and lives a simple life as an instructor. His martial arts principles also teach us a good life. His principles have been studied by millions of people over many centuries. These principles have not changed over time. We call them Black Belt Rules.

Jesus was a common man who left his mark on all who came in contact with him. Jesus made people better. Jesus was loved by many. Master Kim is a common man who leaves his mark everyday on his students. He is loved by us.

Anthony Gecevice
10 years old

TaeKwonDo is a Martial Art. An art that has grace, power, dignity, respect and above all else knowledge. This knowledge is given to us so we may use it for good and pass it on. Out of my 1 and a half years here at An’s TaeKwonDo I have learned much. There have been many changes here, but the goal remains the same.

Of many things I learned here is power - the power of change. I learned how to use it with respect to those around me protecting and defending my friends and family. I also learned willpower to withstand hardships and obstacles that come our way. “United we stand and divided we fall” – a famous quote that helps us pull through.

I hope that we all have gained this from this wonderful school. We will move on to learn more about life and its many surprises.

Finally I am happy to know this test is over. It had me shaking my knees as soon as I heard 100 push-ups. Thank you Master Kim and Master An for this thrilling experience and thank you parents for supporting us all the way, 100%!

Alex Schukin

I started TaeKwonDo when I was four years old. Since then my stamina has increased, my strength has increased, I’m more respectful, have greater discipline and I am much more confident. These things have improved my life, they made me a better person. It has helped me become a good student and be better in any sport in which I have participated. Now that I have more confidence in myself I know I can do whatever I want to do. All of these aspects have improved because of the help that TaeKwonDo has given me through my 8 years of being here. Hopefully during my 9th year I can say all this work helped me to achieve a 3rd degree black belt.

I enjoy going to TaeKwonDo because we practice many different things and it is all fun stuff. Also because we learn how to defend ourselves, I feel that if a bad situation happens I will be able to protect myself. Another thing that makes me enjoy TaeKwonDo is that we all have become friends, and help each other out. TaeKwonDo has given many friends to hang out with, play sports with and do fun things with. I also enjoy the Masters. Master Kim is now teaching us how to do a diving roll, which is helpful, defensive and fun.

Joseph Castiglione
2nd Dan Black Belt

TaeKwonDo is a great technique of defense and attack. With the practice everyday, we can gain self confidence and strength. All the Masters help us gain this. Our goal is to become black belts. Our Masters will help us reach that far. Without them we wouldn't’t even be up to our current belt.

I have learned many different kicks. I went through many different color belts and finally struggled my way into this one. Now I’m going through a harder struggle but I think I will make it to black belt. Here are some of the kicks I’ve learned:

• Back kick
• Front kick
• Push kick
• Stretch kick
• Roundhouse kick
• Side kick
• Tornado roundhouse kick

The Masters will keep on helping me until I’m at the top level. Right now, I hope I will do good in competitions that I take part in.

Natalie Porosnicu

"I would like to thank An’s TaeKwonDo for teaching me all of what I know. I would like to thank Grand Master An for being there for us when we didn't know what we had to do. I would like to thank Master Kim for all of the things that he has taught me and for helping us and for being a great supporter."

Edgor Santiago Jr.

"TaeKwonDo is a great thing. It builds strength and quickness. I have a Siamese (Red/Black) belt and am going to get a black belt soon.

I have Master An, Master Kim, Master April and more Masters to thank for all they have done to help me. They helped me from white belt all the way to this belt and I know they will help many others too. With their help, I now know many different blocks and kicks like front kick, back kick, spinning kick, roundhouse kick, middle block, high block, low block, and many more.

The Masters taught me different forms according to my belt. They also taught me one-step sparring. I learned many things which helped me pass from belt to belt. I have passed many tests. I also have broken many pieces of wood and have gotten three trophies. I am very proud of all my success.

I am very grateful to my Masters for teaching me everything I need to know to be good at TaeKwonDo and one day to become as good as them."

Kori Porosnicu

"My name is Giovanna "Gio" Salinas (former student of An's TaeKwonDo Academy).

I am 15 years old, and 3rd Dan. I like TaeKwonDo because not only did it teach me the way it works, but it's about family as well. I wouldn't be what I am today if it wasn't for Master An, Cammy, my family, and my old friends.

I have learned discipline, confidence, and I even learned to love TaeKwonDo.

TaeKwonDo helps me concentrate in school, and be confident in what I do.

Much love from the Salinas/Pecoraro/Bocanegra family.

Name: Susan An

• Age: 9 years old
  Belt Status(Degree): Red/Black
  How long have been doing TaeKwonDo: 3 years
  Why do you like TaeKwonDo: I learned how to defend myself, train harder to get stronger so when someone bothers me I could defend myself.
  What have you learned: Self Defense, Discipline
• How does TaeKwonDo help with academics: It helps me to be confident at school.

"I have been watching my 10 years old daughter practicing TaeKwonDo for two years at An’s TaeKwonDo Academy when one day I was approached by the Master with a suggestion to try it myself.

Even though deep inside I’ve always felt an attraction towards Martial Arts, but one thing is to WATCH, and another is to DO. As adults we’ll find 1001 excuses not to. For starters:
1) I am too busy (suggested meaning: I am lazy)
2) I am too old for this (suggested meaning: I’m afraid it’s going to be an embarrassing experience)
3) I have already paid for the gym this year (and have only been there once).

To make the long story short after discussing with the Master the structure of the lesson, which is a combination of traditional TaeKwonDo with breathing exercise and elements of Yoga and meditation, I knew I was going to join in.

It’s been five months since that day and every day, waking up in the morning, I pat myself on the back for making a right decision. With friendly & encouraging atmosphere, united team of skillful & devoted instructors and so much more they have to offer, An’s TaeKwonDo Academy has become a part of my life, sort of an extended family.

Besides commonly known benefits of TaeKwonDo like development of stamina, improvement of balance, flexibility..., An’s TaeKwonDo teaches it’s students much more valuable lessons: to keep a positive outlook towards life at all times, respect your friends and opponents, strongly emphasizing the main goal of the school: through the practice of TaeKwonDo to build a solid foundation for a healthier & happier life and to carry this devotion to continuing physical & mental exercise through their entire life.

Come to An’s TaeKwonDo Academy and make YOUR dream come true!"

Olga Klyuzner, grateful student

Name: Michael An

• Age: 11 years old
  Belt Status(Degree): 1st Degree Black Belt
  How long have been doing TaeKwonDo: 6 years
  Why do you like TaeKwonDo: I like TaeKwonDo because it gave me confidence at school and it taught me to be respectful to everyone.
  What have you learned: Self Defense, Confidence, Discipline
• Goal: Train harder