A place for total well-being. I am an overweight, middle-aged woman who was desperate for an enjoyable form of exercise that would help me lose weight, build muscle, become more flexible and develop more energy. When I saw the awning for a new Tae Kwan Do studio, Tiger J, I decided to take a trial class. (Please don't laugh, but before that, I didn't even know what Tae Kwan Do is.) I've been going there a few times a week for three weeks and every class has been fun and productive. Great workouts! I still have a long, long way to go, but I feel so good physically and emotionally since I started going there. Tiger J. has added so much joy to my life.
Master O and Master Wan are knowledgeable, professional, caring, sensitive and sincere. They are extremely good teachers who give personal attention to every student. In other exercise programs, I learned very little. (I just sweated.) At Tiger J., I've learned a lot in a short time about how the body works and even how the body and the mind work together. The Masters are thoughtful about the needs of each individual student and make sure that everyone is comfortable and improving. (Even though I'm the only female in the Adult class and the guys are in much better shape than I am, I have never felt out of place.) They are so in tune with the students that one day, I was distracted and Master O noticed immediately and showed me a special breathing/meditation technique that helped me focus better. It's not a typical exercise class in which you mindlessly jump up and down. It's also a learning experience. Tae Kwan Do has practical applications in life as well (in the form of self-defense and a more positive attitude towards everyday events). If I had little kids, I would certainly bring them here, both boys and girls, because they would develop physical and mental skills that would help in every area of life.
I like the fact that I'm working toward a goal. Beginners ("white belts"), for example, work on focus (body focus, eye focus and mind focus) and try to perfect Basic Form #1. Students progress to other levels (belt colors) that work on other traits, such as compassion, self-confidence, humility and so on, and other physical skills. The program is the best form of physical exercise I can think of because it develops everything from balance and agility to strength and endurance. Master Wan has a perfect description of Tae Kwan Do: "It's easy but it's hard; it's hard but it's easy." Psychologically, it is very calming. During the day, I find myself aware of even simple things, such as my handwriting, breathing and posture. By the way, you get a uniform when you sign up. It's surprisingly flattering, even on a chubby like me, and having everyone wearing the same thing removes the distraction of fashion.
The atmosphere is gentle and formal. It is important to follow the protocols, such as bowing on entering the studio and saying "yes, sir." I find the formality soothing because it is a place of good manners and sensitivity to other people's feelings. The space itself is lovely: it communicates energy and peace at the same time. (For me, though, the most important thing is how good the teachers are.) Fittingly, It's in the "Powerhouse" Building.
I signed up for a year's worth of classes (100 hours) because, as I mentioned, Tae Kwan Do requires you to work consistently toward different goals. If you stop going for a few weeks, you'll fall behind in your learning (in my opinion). It's not like a gym, where you can pop in from time to time. To me, Tae Kwan Do involves progression and development so I know I'll be going there at least twice a week for a long time. With the one-year package, each class, of course, costs less.
Tiger J. is a life-affirming, life-enhancing place. I'm so happy it's in LIC! read more
