Lead By Example Tae Kwon Do has helped build my confidence in my schoolwork and in the sports teams that I am on. It has also helped me understand the meaning of living a healthy life through discipline and exercise. I try to apply the Lead By Example Tae Kwon Do creed to my everyday activities. I have worked really hard since my first day of tae kwon do as a knee-high ninja. I am very proud to say that I will soon be a Lead By Example Tae Kwon Do black belt, a leader in my tae kwon do program or maybe even an instructor one day.
When I try something new I always give it my best effort. In tae kwon do, when we have jump kick contests, I used to get really nervous when I saw how many shields were being stacked up. But now I get so excited that I usually want to be first in line because I try my best to jump as many as I can without giving up. When I had a school project I had to give a presentation. My class was allowed to use notes, but I gave my presentation without using them. My teacher, parents and I were really proud that I gave such a confident presentation. I actually got an excellent grade on my project. I have more confidence in myself and I have a positive attitude.
I play on two team sports, soccer and basketball. I work with my team to try and win games. I cheer them on and motivate them to do their best. When I'm playing they do the same for me. This is an example of good sportsmanship and good teamwork. Even when we lose a game we know that we'll try harder and do our best the next game. When we learn a new skill or play, I try it during practice and games. There was a soccer game where my teammates and I kept passing the ball and I passed it to an open player and he scored a goal. That's when I truly understood the true meaning of teamwork and used what our coach taught us during game.
During my summer break, I stayed active by doing push-ups and sit-ups every day, even when I had tae kwon do classes. It would not have been a good idea to sit around all day watching TV and playing video games. I want to stay healthy and active. I am more flexible now because of the stretching exercises that I learned in Tae Kwon Do. The belt stretcher and 9-count kick have improved my balance. I like running laps during class because it keeps my energy up. Even though we're just running a few laps around the studio, it feels like I can run faster.
Lead By Example Tae Kwon Do has helped me understand the meaning of "lead by example". I am a leader at home because I am the oldest brother. My brother and sister always copy what I do, so I always try to teach them the right things to do. I help them clean their rooms after I clean mine, and I finish my meals so that they would do the same. I am a leader on my soccer and basketball teams because I help them make plays to win games. We use what we learn during practice and as a team we win games. I am a leader in Tae Kwon Do because the little dragons, knee-high ninjas and lower belt ranks look up to me. I am a reflection of what the Lead By Example team has taught me, to be a good person who is physically and mentally strong.
- Justin Sugatan, 1st Degree Black Belt