My sons (7 and 9) were already Full Circle members and I decided to try out a family class, where the parents can workout together with the kids. I hadn't had so much fun in a long time! I signed up and pretty soon I was going to class 4-5 times a week.
I actually quit smoking and martial arts has helped me two ways. 1) I can release my got-to-have-a-cigarette stress at the DoJang. 2) I want to become better at Tae Kwon Do, and you need to be in great shape or you won't last very long.
The first few months I was exhausted 5 minutes into a class. I couldn't breathe, my muscles hurt, I was sweating hard... I'm still sweating hard, but after having done it for over a year now, I feel great. I reached the point where I can keep up with an entire class, which I'm very proud of, considering that the instructors push us very hard!
I haven't caught up with some of the other adult students yet, but it's the best shape I've ever been in. I'm doing better than the doctor thought I would, since emphysema is not curable and after 33 years of smoking my lungs are damaged quite a bit. But every day I work out, I feel stronger and last longer and there's no end in sight!
I've surpassed my own expectations by miles and I couldn't have done it without the instructors at Full Circle DoJang, who constantly push us to improve, not only physically but also mentally, and in new ways - so it's never boring.
I still love taking the family class on Saturday morning with my sons. I love what Tae Kwon Do does for them. My oldest son is studying to become an instructor now! I love the family atmosphere at Full Circle. I love the instructors and fellow students and I'm proud to be one of them. I'm loving life!
I never thought I could turn my life around, but I did it with the help of the people at Full Circle DoJang, and so can you! Stop by Saturday morning around 9:00 and come see us. I'm the tall, goofy looking one with the big smile on his face :-)
