It has been a long rough journey with our son. Many roads traveled, but all dead ends. We have been to therapists, specialists, doctors, and psychologist. All were caring, but none gave us the practical, hands on, complete support that was needed. Being diagnosed with anxiety, compulsive, explosive disorder, and ADHD medication was not a answer for us.

His behavior at home and at school have always been an issue. He would get picked on for being a little different. Students would tease, call names, steal his lunch and physically taunt him. Teachers would call him “the trouble maker” because he was getting into countless fights. In one school year alone he received 26 referrals and was suspended 6 times. They talked about transferring him to a school for children with behavior issues.

As parents we knew we had to try something different. It was suggested that we try and put him into a activity that could channel all his energy. Not knowing if this was adding fuel to a fire we put him into Tae kwon do. It has been over a year now that our son has been a student at Bee Martial Arts Academy. We have seen a huge improvement at home and at school. He shows self-confidence, self control, better listening skills, and can stay on task. He is now in middle school with a lot of students, different teachers, and more work. He uses the skills that he has been given at BMA in his everyday life. Having to be patient, obedient, respectful, and staying focus. He has shown to his teachers and parents that he is no longer “the trouble maker” He no longer gets into fights or gets teased. He stands up for himself using his words not fist. He is more sociable, out going, and disciplined. Sibling rivalry is at a all time low.

We are happy to say that BMA gave him the skills and encouragement he needed, and he has taken it to heart. He has done this all on his own without the medication that doctors insisted he needed to get through life. As parents we cannot express how BMA has change our lives. So, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

I started Tae Kwon Do a little over two years ago because of a promise I made to my son that I would never make him do something I was not willing to do myself.? But under Master Shuny’s teaching I have learned that you need to push your boundaries.? You can achieve whatever goal you want to by being focused. Discipline of the mind and body is necessary to succeed.

?I started this journey at 400 lbs I am now at 280 lbs. Just the gift of a healthier body, mind and life has been worth the challenges and pain. The Academy itself has become like a second family. We have shared many moments of excitement and during training and tournaments.? Time spent at other events outside of school have bonded us together experiencing a diversity of cultures as each family brings their own unique lives to the Dojang.?

The journey through the color belts is the birth of a new black belt and all I can say is that now that I achieved my initial goal I will continue since getting the black belt is only the first step on a journey for a life time.
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