I had spent 6 months watching my 6-year-old son begin to learn the art of Tae Kwon Do. The instructors were kind and patient but very firm and disciplined in their ways. I sat on the sideline with the rest of the parents, watching our children struggle to learn the moves; wishing them to learn. Hoping they would improve with every move. Over the course of time, I grew tired of watching the class and found myself wanting to participate. I would watch the adult class and was very impressed with the fitness level, the discipline exhibited and the focus displayed while learning the art. The Black belt instructors impressed me with their persistence and patience in dealing with every student. Struggling students were coached to work on basic techniques while more advanced students were given more specific instruction.

The clincher for me joining class happened when a black belt and student were practicing how to get out of a pin. The back belt was on top of the student straddling him while pinning both arms to the ground. I vividly remember thinking the student on the bottom will never be able to escape the pin. The student executed the technique; but failed to get out. After some coaching, the student tried again. On the third try, the student was able to escape the black belt. I was impressed and approached Mr. Rouleau about joining class. My initial goal was to get some exercise; which Mr. Rouleau assured me would happen. At the time, I was out of shape and badly overweight. My goal was to get some exercise and lose weight in the process.

As I sit and write this testimonial, I have achieved the rank of black belt. It took me 6 and a half years. My journey taught me the importance of getting and staying in shape. When I began, I relied on Tae Kwon Do to motivate me to exercise and stay in shape. Now, exercise is a part of my life. In fact, I'm in better shape now than when I graduated from high school. Attending class keeps a balance in my life that would not exist without Tae Kwon Do.

The 6 year old boy is now a 13 year old and no longer studies Tae Know Do. Through him, I was able to see something I could enjoy. It's kind of ironic that a 6 year old could expose me to something that changed my life - part of the mystery of Tae Kwon Do. I have two other children training at Rouleau's Tae Kwon Do and would not send them to any other school.