Tae Kwon Do Mahaffie Style

By Karen, Jimmy & Andrew Mahaffie

We are a Tae Kwon Do family. Since January 2003, Jimmy & Andrew have kicked and punched their way from white belts to brown. Other than some extended time off (sometimes kids break their legs!), they have been regulars at the studio about 2 times a week. As their mom, I think it’s terrific. It is amazing to me that the kids can memorize all of these combinations and forms. I often hang out during class (trying not to lean on the wall) just because I like watching it. I have often wondered to myself whether I could do Tae Kwon Do. The answer in my head is always “No, I’d look foolish or hurt myself.” Master Kim probably wouldn’t like that defeatist attitude. I am glad that he teaches my kids to have more confidence than I do!

For this year’s story contest, Master Kim asked all brown belts to write about why they take Tae Kwon Do. As we discussed this in the car on the way home, the most obvious answer was “because mom makes us!” However, I know there is more to it than that. So, I interviewed my sons (Jimmy 10, Andrew 8) and tried to bring out some of the reasons that keep us climbing those stairs each week.

Mom: What does a good day at Tae Kwon Do feel like?

Jimmy: I’m not sure. Well, I’m all focused on Tae Kwon Do. After it, I feel happy, hyper, and I’m usually sweaty. If we’re doing stances, and I feel like I want to do Tae Kwon Do, I’m thinking to myself “stay down and don’t come up”. I don’t think it really matters what we are doing, it matters how positive or negative I was feeling before class. If I feel like I really want to do well before class, it is a good Tae Kwon Do day.

Andrew: It feels like I worked really hard. I sweated a lot and I didn’t get yelled at a lot. And, I tried my best, and I didn’t goof off and stuff like that. When class is over I feel like I had a great class and I feel proud of myself.

Mom: What does a bad day at Tae Kwon Do feel like?

Jimmy: During class I’m feeling like I don’t really want to do this. I want to slack off. After class I’m feeling guilty because mom usually yells at me if it didn’t look like I was working hard at all.

Andrew: I get yelled at a lot, and I didn’t try my best. I feel really upset when I leave. In 45 minutes we didn’t get anywhere. We stayed on one half of the form or 3 combinations the whole time.

Mom: What words come to mind when you think of Master Kim & Mr. Surage?

Jimmy: Hmmm let’s see….well…. I’m not sure.

Mom: Describe Master Kim in 3 words.

Jimmy: How do you say not too nice and not too mean in one word?

Mom: Fair?

Jimmy: Fair, strict, strong and….a little funny.

Andrew: Joon-bi, Cha-ryut, you can do it, you just don’t want to.

Mom: Describe Mr. Surage in 3 words.

Andrew: Nice, a little strict, strong.

Mom: How do you think Tae Kwon Do will help you in life?

Jimmy: Well, I think it will make me more flexible. It will probably make me more disciplined. It’s made more of my life fun. I meet new people.

Andrew: I’ll be more flexible. When I’m older, if I keep taking it, I’ll be worked out a lot. I’ll be healthy. I also learned how to defend myself.

Mom: Do you think you will earn your black belt?

Jimmy: Yes….eventually.

Andrew: Yes. I think if I try hard enough I might earn it, and when I do, I’ll feel really proud of myself.