Come See a Show in 4-D

Written by Su Crocker
Twenty years ago I was in the process of raising a son who could be classified as "strong-willed." That was the terminology used then for a child who seemed to have a lack of discipline. Unbeknownst to me, he was simply having trouble with focusing his attention and had the additional character trait of being a prankster!

In elementary school, he had teachers who were caring and interested in him and his ability to succeed at school, but discipline and focus remained underlying issues. By the time middle school came around, with its constant change of many teachers and classrooms, his issues had become full-fledged problems.

Athletics, even team sports, were not a huge part of his life, but he did have a small interest in martial arts. Some of the classes and sports we tried seemed to only add one more activity to the family schedule. There was no added value to speak of until we found The Academy of Life and Leadership Taekwondo (A.L.L. TKD). There, Olympian Master Barb Kunkel was able to bring out the best in my son through her goal-oriented teaching.

One of the most effective lessons learned through Coach Kunkel was the Three Rules of Concentration: (1) Focus your eyes, (2) Focus your mind, and (3) Focus your body. To my excitement, these rules enabled my "strong-willed" child to stay continually engaged for a complete class! He and his teammates were also taught the Four D's of a Champion: Desire, Discipline, Dedication, and Determination. These tools were introduced in order to succeed, not only in taekwondo, but in school and life. Growth continued as he developed traits of courtesy and respect at home as well as courage and confidence in daily life.

In spite of the typical hardships of teen-age years, Coach Kunkel stood by him and helped him meet life's challenges with a positive attitude. She recognized leadership qualities in him and a love for encouraging others as he began to take a role in teaching taekwondo. He went on to achieve his first-degree black belt in November 2006. He, like many of the black belts at A.L.L. TKD, was then taught by Master Kunkel and Grandmaster Warwick the art of leadership through A.L.L. TKD Instructor Classes. Our son now teaches others in a very encouraging, professional way. He most recently inspired his Dad and me to become involved in fitness through taekwondo - and we are in our 50's!

And so I invite you, as we were invited years ago, to come see a show in 4-D! May 30th is the day that his father and I have the privilege of watching 17 first- and second-degree black belt graduates demonstrate the Four D's of a Champion as they display many difficult and amazing martial arts skills and techniques for Colorado Springs residents. One of these graduates is our son, the prankster. We invite you to come and figure out which one he is!

Event: (FREE)
Black Belt Demonstration
Liberty High School
May 30 from4:30to 5:30 p.m.
Familytaekwondo@aol.com
Phone 719/260-4700


http://www.alltkd.com/
http://family-taekwondo.com/