On March 15, 2025, my eldest son, Harry, proudly earned his Junior Black Belt after 6.5 years of dedicated training.
At just 14 years old, Harry’s achievement proves not only his Taekwondo skills but also his ability to complete a long term goal. It is a remarkable milestone in his personal development.
We all feel proud of him and as we celebrate his accomplishment, it’s a perfect opportunity to look back on the journey and the impact Taekwondo has had on our family.
Harry has always been a quiet and shy boy. From an early age, I noticed that he sometimes struggled to express himself and navigate social situations. So, when he was eight years of age, I decided to enrol him in Pacific International Taekwondo. I believed it could provide him with both physical and mental strength.
I chose for us to take the journey together, so we attended a family class at the Balmoral location. I didn’t expect that this decision would have such a big impact on his life and transform our entire family dynamic.
Our training sessions became a bonding experience; we shared laughter, frustrations, and victories at each class and grading. It became a way for us to connect beyond the usual parent-child dynamic.
Pacific International Taekwondo training is about more than just learning a martial art; it encourages a way of life that emphasises discipline, respect, and perseverance.
From the very first class, I saw a spark in Harry. The structured environment, along with the supportive community at Pacific International Taekwondo, allowed him to thrive. He learned how to set goals, work hard to reach them and embrace challenges along the way.
Over time, I saw him grow not just in his martial arts skills but also in confidence. Although he remains a quiet achiever, the shy boy who once hesitated to speak in public gradually learned to find his voice. He now handles new situations calmly, with self-confidence, facing challenges head-on but in his own understated way.
As Harry advances from his Junior Black Belt, I am confident he’ll continue to develop leadership skills. The next step will be learning to guide newer students, helping them overcome self-doubt and gain determination as he has. His quiet, steady approach will inspire others, and I look forward to seeing how he continues to grow.
Throughout this journey, our passion for Taekwondo has not only transformed our family but has also inspired others to join the Pacific International Taekwondo community. Witnessing the positive changes in Harry and me, other family members and friends have joined us. These principles extend far beyond the training hall; they are lessons that Harry, Scott, Finn, Tommy, Timmy, Auntie Mai, and I carry with us into everyday life.
Now, our friends Binh, David, Emma, and Linda at Stafford have also shared their similarly positive training and grading experiences. It also fostered a friendly sibling, family and friend rivalry that pushed all of us to excel. We encouraged each other during practice and celebrated one another’s achievements, forming bonds that extended beyond training.
Our family is proud to have played a role in expanding the Pacific International Taekwondo family, knowing that we’re helping others discover the same benefits we’ve gained from Taekwondo.
In the beginning, we all felt nervous performing in front of a large crowd during our grading sessions. However, as time passed, I watched our confidence blossom. We learned to embrace the pressure, channelling it into focused energy. Now, the school feels like a second home—a place where we are comfortable, supported, and inspired to grow.
In closing, I would like to send special thanks to our dedicated instructors. I encourage other families to explore activities that promote personal development and togetherness. Taekwondo has been a transformative experience for us, and I believe it has the potential to make a positive impact on many others. As we celebrate Harry’s achievements, we also look forward to the future, ready to tackle new challenges together— in and out of the training hall.
