#taekwondo
So much work and determination for that moment.
Weeks of training, to predict all the opponent's moves.
Tears of frustration, blisters and bruises all over your body.
Looking at others enjoying food you're not allowed to touch.
Running, with a burning feeling in your chest.
All for that moment, those 4 minutes that can change everything.
Judges lined up, blue and red flags in their hands.
The fear of them not raising your color in the end.
The surrounding sounds go away.
Fighting gear on, nodding to you coach's distant words.
The sweat starts running under your helmet, heart's racing fast, the adrenaline kicks in.
The sign is given, it's time.
The mat feels bigger than it looks.
With shaky legs you walk out, to bow for your opponent.
Facing each other, you'll never forget the eyes of your enemy.
The whistle blows, the moment has arrived. It's time to put the weeks of training into action.
One final deep breath.
Fight. Fight for the time you've sacrificed.
Fight with all your might, to earn that medal around your neck.
Cause in that moment it's worth everything.
Oct 1, 2018
Oct 1, 2018 at 4:52 PM UTC
In Central Mass, a master named Karen Brown,
With fifty years' fire, wears taekwondo's crown.
From Michigan roots where bullies once loomed,
She kicked into greatness, her confidence bloomed.
Through drills and tough spars, with sticks for the guide,
She claimed countless trophies, her spirit untied.
To Worcester she ventured, teaching with grace,
Her kids black-belt strong, joining the chase.
Two schools she commands, in Shrewsbury and town,
Where students find strength, never backing down.
But the call came from Korea, the art's sacred birth,
To test for eighth dan, proving her worth.
At World Headquarters, forms danced in the air,
Her body screamed weary, but victory was there.
"Scary and grueling," she said with a grin,
Yet lifted by loved ones, she let the win in.
For Korea's our tie, where my wife's kin reside,
Her family's heartbeat, our cultural pride.
This honor from Seoul echoes deep in our soul,
A bridge 'cross the ocean, making us whole.
In taekwondo's homeland, where traditions ignite,
Karen's drive inspires, a beacon so bright.
Nine years till the ninth, she'll prepare with new might,
Our family's Korea connection, pure delight.
Feb 8
Feb 8, 2026 at 10:58 AM UTC