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Coming Back to Taekwondo Hasn’t Been Easy... But It’s Been Worth It

Getting back into TKD after all these years has been a lot tougher than I expected. Honestly, there have been moments where I seriously wondered what I was doing. Stretching has been one of the hardest parts. I’ve been working at it regularly—doing all the right things—but progress has been slow. Really slow. And just when I thought I was starting to improve, I pulled a muscle in my upper thigh (quad). That set me back big time. Not gonna lie, it was discouraging. Then there’s competition. Yeah… I’ve stepped into a few tournaments in my 60s. Most of the people out there are half my age (or less). It’s nerve-wracking. The body doesn’t move like it used to, and sometimes just standing out there feels like a win. But I do it—because I refuse to let fear or age be what holds me back. It’s humbling relearning techniques I used to know. I’m slower than I was. Recovery takes longer. But I’m still here, still moving, still growing. And honestly, the only reason I’ve made it this far is bec...
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Senior Bo-Dan / 1st Keup Test

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Tonight, I was honored and deeply grateful to reach a rare milestone—passing my final color belt test (Senior Bo-Dan/1st Keup) and officially becoming a black belt candidate! Lord willing, my black belt test will be this December. It’s been an incredible journey—one filled with challenges, growth, and moments I’ll never forget. I'm excited (and a little nervous) for what lies ahead. Huge thanks to Grandmaster Kang and Master Nam for their guidance, patience, and wisdom throughout the process. I wouldn’t be here without their support. Onward and upward!
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The Benefits of Taking TaeKwonDo

  As a man in my 60s, I’ve become increasingly focused on both longevity and maintaining a high quality of life as I age. I want to stay active, mobile, and strong—not just to extend the number of years I live, but to make those years vibrant and fulfilling. My fitness journey has evolved gradually. I began running in my 50s to boost my cardiovascular health and endurance. Over time, I saw measurable improvements—not just in stamina, but in my VO₂ max , a key indicator of aerobic fitness that's strongly linked to long-term health. By my mid-50s, I noticed muscle loss, especially in my core and shoulders , and realized I needed to do more to maintain strength and prevent injury. That led me to incorporate weight training , which helped rebuild muscle, improve posture, and support all my other physical activities. But the most transformative addition came in my 60s, when I discovered Master Kang’s Miracle Taekwondo School in Parsippany and Rockaway . Taekwondo under Master Kang’...
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Taekwondo Poomsae Seminar in Albany, New York

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Today, I had the privilege of attending the first-ever Taekwondo Poomsae Seminar in Albany, New York, hosted by the Kukkiwon New York . The session was intense, packed into just a few hours, but it was an incredible experience that truly elevated my skills. A big thank you to Grand Master Kang and Master Nam for their expert guidance and teaching, which will definitely help us step up our game for upcoming competitions.
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Why I started Taekwondo ...

I started Taekwondo for several reasons. To explain fully, I need to share a little background. I first began Taekwondo in 1977, when I was 15 years old. I had always been curious about the martial arts, but truthfully, I only attended my first class because a friend had a coupon and invited me to tag along. At the time, I had a history of being passive, which unfortunately made me an easy target for bullies. From the moment I stepped into my first Taekwondo class, I felt empowered. As I progressed through the ranks, I developed a sense of confidence for the first time in my life — and it clearly showed at school. On two occasions, bullies tested me, and let's just say they quickly learned that my newfound confidence was forged through real training. After that, they never bothered me again. Fast forward to 2019: with my children grown, more time for myself and I had fitness goals that I wanted to achieve, I decided to return to the Taekwondo world at the age of 59. I remembered...
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Passed my Junior Bo-Dan Belt Test

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  I’m incredibly grateful to have passed my Junior Bodan Belt Test in Taekwondo this evening! It’s an honor to continue training under Master Nam’s guidance. Now, I’m eagerly looking forward to my final color belt test this June. It's been an incredible journey, and I'm excited for what’s ahead!
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2025 New Jersey State USA TaeKwonDo Championship

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  I had an exciting day at the New Jersey State USA TaeKwonDo Championship in Newark, NJ! It turned out to be a rich and rewarding experience, I received a gold medal in P oomsae (forms) and a gold medal in Board Breaking in my division (The old guy red belt division). This means I qualify to compete in the National Championship which is scheduled in July out in California.
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