United States Taekwondo Academy

My Journey to Black Belt My name is Ata and when I got my 1st Dan Black Belt, I was so proud of myself for accomplishing this achievement by working very hard and passing challenges for 7 years. My journey began in the summer of 2017, when I was only 7 years old. I of course started as just a white belt but when I heard that a white belt is a black belt that never quits, I knew that if I worked hard and conquered challenges, I would become a black belt. When I got my high white belt on my 1st graduation, I knew that I was on my way to getting the black belt soon but there was a new form. I had some trouble with the stances but then I got the hang of it I knew I would soon go on to yellow belt. With every new belt came new forms that were tougher than the last but when I did red belt and High red belt but I drew pictures so I could remember it and practice it better. Deputy Black belt was by far the hardest because I needed to test multiple times to get my 4 sets of strips and I had to memorize the form very well to be able to move forward. With hard work and determination, I was able to memorize it. I did have trouble with my stances, kicks and power, but I would keep pushing ahead and not give up. Soon, the day came for my black belt. At first, I was nervous but then I remembered how hard I had worked to get here so I put in my effort and gave it my all and when they announced my name for my black belt, I was so happy and proud of myself. I knew that after all Ive done to get here, I would keep on working to learn new kicks, new self- defenses, and new forms and now I continue my journey in hopes of receiving my 2nd Dan. I have had the opportunity to train at both locations, first at Richardson and currently at Allen, where I achieved my goal of black belt. I am grateful and thankful for everyone that has helped me and the great support and encouragement I received every day. Even when I didn't believe in myself they kept pushing me to work harder and get better and they were always positive no matter what. It's hard work but they make it fun to come in and learn everything you need to keep going. Thank you to everyone that has pushed me to get where I am today!
Apr 2nd, 2024

The Black Belt Journeys of Aidan M. & Ethan M. Aidan M. - The Master Instructors at the United States Taekwondo Academy studio or dojo have taught me not only how to throw punches, kicks, and blocks, but also the value of hard work, consistency, and goal setting. One saying I have heard repeatedly at USTA Allen is A Black Belt is a White Belt That Never Quits. I learned that you could set small goals so that you can get to the larger goal. While on my black belt journey attaining the higher-level belts was the small goal, I set for myself. As I achieved each one of those small goals, I became more self-confident, and as my self-confidence grew, I became more motivated to learn. I was eager to learn new forms, new techniques, and how to improve the forms and techniques that I had already learned. The instructors at the USTA Academy in Allen have taught me the importance of staying focused on the task at hand. They have always encouraged me to give my best in everything that I do and to face obstacles with an optimistic mindset. After years of teaching and encouragement from my instructors, I have finally attained my greatest achievement since I started taking taekwondo classes. I have earned my 1st Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo. Taekwondo has played a tremendous role in my physical and mental development thus far and I have to say thank you to the awesome instructors that I have had at the United States Taekwondo Academy in Allen, Texas. I have now started another journey, to earn my 2nd Degree Black Belt (Ee Dan.) - Aidan M. ==================================================== Ethan M. - My black belt journey at the United States Taekwondo Academy in Allen, Texas began when my brother and I took the complementary taekwondo class in the spring of 2018. After my parents signed us up for regular classes and the black belt club, I thought it a good opportunity to learn more about the Korean martial arts, taekwondo. My first classes at white belt were challenging but fun. I still remember those first classes my brother and I took with instructor Jenny learning our first set of forms. I always look forward to my belt promotions as I view them as personal accomplishments, as well as my improvement in my taekwondo forms and skills. I broke my arm in 2019 and did not miss a class. I attended and participated in classes with a cast on my left arm because getting my black belt was my goal and as it is said many times in the dojo a black belt is a white belt that never quits. I kept on going with or without the cast. Taekwondo classes during quarantine were different, we had to take classes remotely on Zoom. We had to take classes in front of the camera and avoid hitting the computer. I was happy to be back in in-person classes after COVID quarantine, by that time I was a deputy black belt but to get from deputy black belt to black belt was very difficult for me to achieve. I had to rededicate myself and practice harder and harder. From the Taekwondo Academy, Ive learned hard work, confidence, respect, and courage. The instructors kept me motivated and encouraged me to work harder on my forms to get them as close to perfect as I could until finally, I was able to earn my black belt. This was the ultimate goal of earning my black belt and I am grateful to all my past and present instructors at the United States Taekwondo Academy for their never-ending assistance on my black belt journey. Learning from Grand Master Atoun and the other instructors has been a never-ending adventure. The journey was an amazing and thrilling one, and I am very grateful for that journey. Thank You. - Ethan M.
Apr 5th, 2024

Camila's Jaimes Black Belt Journey I was 11 when I first began my journey to black belt journey almost 5 years ago. The first thing we learned was a black belt is a white belt that never quits. I think that is a very smart way of describing my black belt journey. When I first started taekwondo I only did it because my brother was signed up but it soon turned into so much more for me.I have learned so many valuable lessons here at the United States Taekwondo Academy that will help me for the rest of my life. I am so thankful for everything I have learned and everyone who has helped teach me everything I have learned taekwondo wise and emotionally wise. I have learned so much here. I have learned patience, confidence, respect, trust and much more. And even when I have lost motivation and things got hard and I wanted to quit, I knew that if I just kept going and tried that eventually I would eventually be where I am now testing for my blackbelt. This journey has been tough and challenging but it's been so worth it. This is much more than just a black belt to me. This proves that hard work truly does pay off and even when it gets challenging to never quit because in the end the feeling you get when meeting the goal you have been working at for almost 5 years is undescribable. This is such a big accomplishment for me and I am happy and proud to be here and I am so excited to see where the rest of my taekwondo journey will lead me. I have given taekwondo my all and achieving this is such a blessing.
Mar 31st, 2024

When I got my first black belt, I knew that was not the end of my Taekwondo journey. Learning Taekwondo with Grand Master Atuon, the master instructors, and other instructors at USTA has improved my daily life. They not only teach the techniques of Taekwondo, they also help me with teaching other important life lessons such as staying healthy and focusing. I learned that if you have a dream, you can achieve it by persevering through obstacles. When I first started as a white belt, I didnt know anything on my first class, but then an instructor came to help me. I was quiet and shy. As I got to know everyone at USTA, I soon progressed and became a SWAT member. SWAT stands for Special Winning Attitude Team and is where they teach you to be an instructor and how to conduct yourself as a leader. It took me almost 5 years from white belt to get my 2nd Dan Black Belt. I now have a deeper understanding on why they say A black belt is a white belt that never quits. When I was a white belt, I did not know the forms, but now I can do them in my sleep, from white belt all the way to black belt. Taekwondo builds physical and mental strength. Taekwondo has also taught me friendship, discipline, and leadership. I have made many friends at Taekwondo and have built a Taekwondo family at USTA. I would like to thank Grand Master Atuon, the master instructors, and other instructors who have taught and helped me since I was a white belt and my parents for for the opportunity that my parents gave me. I am also thankful for all the friends I have at USTA. I like Taekwondo and USTA because they are informative, nice, fun, and caring. I get good workouts at Taekwondo and build self-respect and self-discipline. I would recommend USTA to anyone. By: Ethan H. (2nd Dan Black Belt)
Mar 29th, 2024

Getting my black belt in martial art is like a dream come true! When the master wrap the black belt around my waist, I will feel like I'm on the top of the world. It will be super cool to see all my hard work pay off. I've been training for this moment for years, and finally reaching it feels amazing. It wasn't always easy. There were days when I didn't feel like practicing or when I thought i couldn't do it. But with the support of my instructors and my family I kept going. When I first started martial arts, I didn't know much about it. I just thought it looked cool and wanted to give it a try. But as I kept going to class and learning new moves, I realized there was so much more to it. It's not just about kicking and punching; it's about discipline, respect, and never give up. Getting my black showed me that I can do anything If I put my mind to it. It taught me that hard work pays off and that even when things get tough, I can keep going. Plus, it' will feel very proud to be able to say that I'm black belt now! I'm really proud of my self for reaching this milestone, but I also know that it's just the beginning, There's still so much more to learn and so many goals to achieve. But for now, I'm going to celebrate my black belt and all the amazing memories I've made along the way.
Mar 24th, 2024