Wingspan: When did you start doing martial arts and why?
France: “I started doing martial arts in January of 2021. I started Taekwondo because I have always wanted to be a martial artist since I’ve always loved watching people kick and punch and I’ve played many sports before. However, when quarantine happened, I was watching shows and YouTube on martial arts and it rekindled my interest in martial arts so I decided to do it.”
Wingspan: What belt rank of Taekwondo have you achieved so far?
France: “In Taekwondo, I achieved a black belt rank on October 20th and soon I will start Wing Chun King Fu at my school. My instructor also teaches us some Hapkido techniques but I haven’t tried it by itself.”
Wingspan: Do you see yourself pursuing martial arts in the future?
France: “I think I will stick with it but eventually, I will quit practicing martial arts, my instructor always says “Martial arts is a lifestyle” so even when I leave my school I will stick with the practices and the mindset of martial arts.”
Wingspan: What are some challenges you face in taekwondo?
France: “When I’m practicing Taekwondo I don’t necessarily face any challenges, it’s just a challenge having the motivation to go every week and to balance Taekwondo with school.”
Wingspan: Is it hard to balance taekwondo and school?
France: “As I said previously, balancing Taekwondo with the schoolwork I have has been a challenge because of all the studying and rehearsals I take part in at school.”
Wingspan: How has Taekwondo helped or impacted your life?
France: “Taekwondo has impacted my life in many ways. My instructor has this saying “P.U.S.H” (Persevere Until Success Happens), and this saying has impacted the way I handle my conflicts and how I go throughout the world.”
Wingspan: What advice would you give someone interested in starting Taekwondo?
France: “One piece of advice I would give to someone interested in starting Taekwondo or martial arts is to just go for it. Martial arts has impacted my life in many good ways and it could impact a lot of other people’s lives. It’s a long journey but if you put in the work then you will succeed.”
