The family that KICKS together, STICKS together

Written by Katherine Brickley
Taekwondo, a marshal art that originated in Korea, translates as "hand and foot defense." Some people do see it as defense, others a way to exercise, even as an art. All three are true. However, a journey is entailed, the mission to become a Black Belt. To rise in skill is just the beginning and there is such a family that knows what it takes. The Kateses took the journey and now stand as Black Belts.

In 2003, Mary Ann Kates signed up her five year old twins, Sam and Hannah, for classes at Olympian Barb Kunkel's Academy of Life and Leadership Taekwondo. Mary Ann was in for a surprise. Master Kunkel and her instructors believed that with every Taekwondo student, there should be character. Everywhere Mary Ann looked, one or more of the Five Tenets of Taekwondo were at work, whether in the courtesy and integrity in the instructors or the perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit in the students. Soon Mary Ann's children picked up these tenets and also memorized the Six Rules of Success where they (1) Know what they want, (2) Have a plan, (3) Have a coach, (4) Take continuous action, (5) Review their goals, and (6) Renew their plan. Mary Ann loved the community the dojang (school) provided for her family so much, that within a year, she joined her kids on the mats and began to work alongside them.

When they were seven, Sam and Hannah approached their father, Dr. Ben Kates, asking him to join them. Ben replied, "Only if we are committed to the end." His determination kicked in when he had to bow to his kids in classes because they were higher belts. Ben worked quickly through the belts and caught up with his family.

Through their journey to black belt, Ben and Mary Ann have applied the Five Tenets of Taekwondo not only at the dojang, but also to their home life. "It became the base of our parenting" Ben said in an interview. Their children also applied the tenets, determination, and leadership skills to their lives. Originally shy, Sam developed confidence and makes friends much easier than before he joined Taekwondo. He plans on conquering as many martial arts as he can. Hannah pounced on the opportunity to use the Six Rules of Success to improve at soccer and reach for her dream to become a professional soccer player.

The Kateses have seen a few struggles in their black belt journey. Dr. Kates had to train by himself at one point, while the rest of the family trained at another time. "It was difficult," Ben recalled. The separation from his wife and kids was not easy when they had different schedules. They persevered and soon pulled their team back together. Just recently, Dr. Kates accidentally ran his hand through a table saw. Initially, he didn't think he would be able to test for his black belt. As he watched his class from the sidelines a couple days later, he noticed a young woman training with her arm in a cast. Ben felt inspired and, as he put it, stopped complaining and went back to practicing.

Through ups, downs, and over bumps, the journey proved successful. The Kates family received their hard-earned black belts at their graduation November 29th. Mary Ann voiced the thoughts of each member of her family, "I accomplished something I never thought possible." But the family's journey hasn't stopped. Mary Ann's youngest daughter, four year old Josie, started Taekwondo this year and is ready to test for her yellow (2nd) belt soon. She's so enthusiastic about growing up in the dojang that she announced to her family, "I want to stay in Taekwondo!"

There is a saying at Master Kunkel's dojang that everyone knows, and the Kates family proved: A Black Belt is not what you put around your waist, but rather who the person becomes.

Learn more:
Support the "One Warm Coat" Project
adopted by the Nov. Black Belt Team
Where: Academy of Life & Leadership Taekwondo
What: Raising 100 Coats - non-profit
When: current - Dec. 15, 2008
Drop off point: 1915 Jamboree Drive, #115
Contact: 719-260-4700

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