US Taekwondo Academy - Allen, Texas 75002 - The Village at Allen

When I first joined Taekwondo with my younger sister, Zaynah, I was 10 years old and she was 7. I didn’t think twice then about how much it would change my life for the better good. As a 10-year-old, I thought Taekwondo was only about receiving your black belt, but it is much more than just that. Taekwondo has not only taught me how to be strong physically but mentally and morally. At first, I thought my journey to getting my first-degree black belt would not be easy, but all the instructors at the academy made it not only easier but more fun. As I kept moving up higher through the belts and learning all the forms, I thought it would become a routine I would soon get bored of. But USTA proved my thought to be wrong, I've always looked forward to the days I come to Taekwondo. When I received my red-belt, I was invited to the SWAT team. The SWAT program is very important in becoming a successful leader. After thinking about it for a while, I finally accepted the invitation. It was a very big change for me in the best way possible. As part of the SWAT team, I've developed many important qualities and characteristics such as patience, responsibility, and leadership. Now, two and a half years after starting Taekwondo, it has finally come time to receive my first-degree black belt. I believe that it will not be the end of my ultimate journey, but the beginning of another one. A black belt represents strength, courage, integrity, loyalty, and self-control. A black belt has the "Yes I Can Attitude". They believe that they can overcome any obstacle that life puts in their way, either it is in Taekwondo or in our daily lives. These qualities that USTA has taught me, will stay with me forever. I am very thankful to all the instructors and my parents that have made my journey to first-degree black belt a success.