MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Kaneohe Bay -- Characterized by its fast, high and spinning kicks, tae kwon do is a sport that keeps participants extremely fit, while providing them with the discipline and self respect they need to become successful.
The earliest records of martial arts practice in Korea dates back until roughly 50 B.C., but modern day tae kwon do has been influenced by many other martial arts. It has risen greatly in popularity over time, and in the year 2000, made its debut as an official Olympic sport.
Right here aboard MCB Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, children can experience tae kwon do first-hand, as it is taught at the Family Gym every Tuesday and Thursday night from 6 to 7.
Bob Smith, president of the Hawaii state Tae Kwon Do Association, and North American light heavyweight kickboxing champion, leads the class, after having returned to K-Bay in 2001.
Smith has been teaching tae kwon do for 31 years and began it himself when he was a child.
“I wanted to do it to stop my brother from beating me up when I was little,” laughed Smith.
“When I was 14, I told a doctor that I was going to be a professional fighter and teacher of martial arts. He laughed, but now I’m doing it.”
Smith always felt great respect for what his instructor taught, and looked up to him as a role model.
“There’s something about having a champion be your teacher, and being there for you, wanting to help you,” said Smith. “It kept me out of trouble because it taught me the discipline, self-respect and integrity that I felt I could use.”
Cheryl Meehan, a mother of one of Smith’s students, is very pleased with her son’s success in the class.
“He’s done so well and is already up to his orange belt,” said Meehan. “He practices at home, and I can tell the talks at the end of each class teach him good lessons that can be used in life as well.”
The talks Smith gives are to keep the kids feeling confident.
“I try to let them know how they’re doing, but make sure to keep them motivated,” said Smith. “I give them positive thoughts, and try to steer them away from the negative things in life, like drugs or fighting.”
Smith teaches tae kwon do for $35 a month, and all ages and skill levels are welcome. He also teaches it at the Kaneohe School from Monday through Saturday. Call 247-3114 for more information, or visit www.smithtaekwon do.com.