By Christy Nguyen, The Seattle Medium
Kihap!
That’s a shout students do in Taekwondo, a Korean martial art. Not only does the shout teach proper breathing when executing a block or attack, it also exerts intense mental power and concentration.
Seattle Parks and Recreation community centers offer a variety of martial arts classes including Karate styles, Aikido, Kung Fu and Jiu Jitsu. Classes range in age and skill level, and each has its own set of teachings and benefits for improving mind and body.
One location, the High Point Community Center in West Seattle, is an open space for community members to gather, play games and take classes. The center offers martial arts classes year round, consisting of Taekwondo and Tang Soo Do. Both are Korean styles.
Taekwondo, known for its dynamic kicks, uses the body without weapons. Students learn the physical aspects of strength and speed, but also life lessons, such as confidence, control and kindness.
“People are often disconnected from their physical bodies,” said Darin Smith, High Point Taekwondo instructor. “Most people start off wanting to get in shape, but over time you learn to have confidence in your abilities. You learn how to become a better person.”
One way students gain confidence is through belt tests: two hours of rigorous demonstrations of everything they know in order to advance to the next level. During these tests, students push themselves to overcome physical and mental challenges.
“I’ll have some students do the wheelbarrow, and I won’t tell them when to stop,” said Smith. Wheelbarrow is when one student holds the legs of the other as they run with their hands. Other challenges include seemingly endless pushups, blindfolded sparring, or even breaking concrete blocks, depending on the student’s skill level.
Black belt student Pooja Mathuw’s favorite memory was the first time she broke a board.
“Getting to realize I could do something like that helped me become more confident. Things roll off my shoulders easier, you know?” Mathuw said.
The mental resistance helps martial artists overcome any life challenge.
“I remember in grad school we had a VO2 max test,” said Smith. The test measures the maximum amount of oxygen the body can utilize during exercise. Smith had to run on an inclining treadmill until he couldn’t anymore. “I just kept thinking to myself…I’m a martial artist. I can do just about anything.”
However, martial arts is not only about pushing your limits. It teaches how to slow down as well.
“For me, I had to really learn to live without perfection,” said Tamela Thomas, assistant events coordinator for High Point and South Park locations. Thomas practices Tang Soo Do, Korea’s national martial art. Tang Soo Do is more about the hands and feet, and is an older practice than Taekwondo.
Thomas was a dancer all her life, and perfection came with the profession.
“I started martial arts well into my forties,” Thomas said. “I really wanted to be that person that can flip around the floor, but I learned that it’s okay not being able to do everything.”
Thomas said the best thing about martial arts is that everyone gets something different out of it.
“Some people need to learn control, while others are striving for perfection. Some need discipline, while others learn to go with the flow,” Thomas said. Overall, martial arts is all about balance.
“The best thing so far is contemplation, and connecting to my body,” said Taekwondo yellow belt Swapna Savvana. “I’ve never trained before so it’s always something new.”
Taekwondo student Marie Boland said the best lesson she learned from Smith is kindness towards others.
And learning doesn’t stop as an instructor.
“I’ve learned how to be a role model for others,” said Smith. “At first I would explain every single detail in words. Now I know how to tell, show, do and then follow-up if needed.”
Martial artists know everyone starts out as a beginner.
“I would suggest not to get bogged down in the details and just enjoy the movement,” Smith said.
“It’s about finding the right atmosphere and the right instructor,” said Thomas. “Find one that makes you want to come back.”
The High Point Community Center currently offers a three-month program for Tang Soo Do, and a one-month program for Tae Kwon Do, although students are encouraged to return monthly.
Registration for the winter season at all Seattle locations is open now, with scholarships available here.
