Igniting My Inner Fire Through World Taekwondo

As a dancer, my practice was dancing. Never did I think of myself joining a martial arts practice. However, through some study that I did, where in order to graduate, I was required to take up a practice that would develop a quality that I felt was needed in my life. I explored practices consistent with the four elements—Earth (grounded, structure, logic), Air (sparking of ideas), Water (fluid, flexible), and Fire (clarity and decision-making). For me, I needed Fire: clarity and decision-making around my work.

So I looked around for practices available to me within Adelaide, and it came down to Tango or Taekwondo. I trialed Tango and felt some mild energy, but no deep stirring. Then I trialed World Taekwondo at Blackwood, and this was such a totally different experience. I was so engaged, curious with the exercises and patterns, and I appreciated the respectful relationships with the other students, alongside a strong and dynamic respect for Grand Master Wahid Halimee.

My study course required me to continue a practice for one year; however, I chose to keep attending classes beyond this because I was intrigued and had so much to learn—physically, mentally, personally, and spiritually. The words on the World Taekwondo flag—Power, Morality, Beauty, and Spirit—kept my focus and fed my desire to keep going because I was growing in all parts of me. I was accessing my inner strength and determination, my inner compass, and my inner sense of grace, humility, and respect for myself and for others. In short, I was accessing my inner fire, supported by a very caring and encouraging World Taekwondo community with incredible leadership from Grand Master Wahid Halimee.

The result of this Fire energy practice is that I am ‘on fire’ at work—managing complex and changing systems with a clear mind and a smile; dealing with large and frequently challenging teams. My work ethic is to critically evaluate and act rather than procrastinate. I feel more energized generally, more productive, resilient, and resourceful. I am better equipped to meet other assertive energy.

I am deeply thankful to the World Taekwondo community, firstly to Grand Master Wahid Halimee—it is a gift and honor to be a student of his; secondly, to all the Instructors who have patiently broken down steps for me to learn; and to all the students, particularly the black belts, who have been so generous with their time and teaching. For me, it is the layers of this community that make this practice such a rich experience.

And so, recently I came to see that this will be a lifelong practice for me, which, at one level, is frightening but at another level, is also a friendly challenge that I can meet.

Allegra Stocks - October 14, 2024
For more information please contact info@worldtaekwondo.com.au