The Yong Studios Bug: Before and After

By H.S.W(b).M.K

Almost a year ago and I still remember. I was a bureaucrat living in a suitcase. Washington was a phantom city I saw on the way to the airport and back and for two weeks in between. Then I thought arms were for folding and legs were for crossing and I had two right feet. I also knew teenagers were aliens and making a fool of myself was an instant cause of death.

It was during a backpacking trip that I first had that thought. Chatting with my fellows as travelers chat. Discussing the when and whereabouts of tomorrow and what else to do. It was then that I heard my calling … “I will do martial art.” Three days after landing I walked into the studio and “I never looked back”

Almost a year later now I am a wannabe Master Kim living on a matt. Washington is a warm second home and a place I hate to leave. Instead of my two right feet I have one and a half. I also need at least 5’X 5’ all the time. How else would you get into a front stance and extend your arms to the sides and pause… if you absolutely must?! Teens are actually cool they can even teach you stuff. I took my purple belt test and a fool I was (i sucked) … Eureka!! … I’m still alive.

So how did Tae Kwon Do change me? If only I can remember!! The truth is it is slowly teaching me to mix-it up…be light… don’t over think it…just jump… persevere… fight for it… and most of all that “pain is good…it means you’re still alive.”

(She even practices her sidekicks on Halloween!)