Should I continue TaeKwonDo?

Question

I have a 2nd degree black belt in tkd, but I sorta want to quit,. My parents have paid for me to be in this academy for 5-6 years or so, I know they dont want me to quit, because they think all those 5-6 years will go down the drains because they hope Id get a part time job in instructing or so. Im a high school student so i want to try out to tennis in my school, And so tennis meets everyday after school and i have tkd 3 times a week. With those and homework added, i find the schedrule to be quite exhausting. Should I quit tkd or do both sports. note that, tennis will give me school activity hours for IB diploma and TKD doesnt realli have anything to do with school.

Answer 1

Hi,
I was in kinda' the same situation back when I was in high school.

*Your black belts are a very big deal, and something to cherish for the rest of your life.

*Tennis seems as though you might enjoy it. I would suggest that you talk to your sensei and see if you can cut back on the TKD during the preseason to see if you really like the sport.
If you like it, see if you can keep the pre season TKD schedule going during the regular tennis season.

*Remember that your education comes first. Always MAKE time to get your schoolwork done first.

You seem to be experiencing the same type of dilemna that many of my high-performing students are experiencing during their high school years. As an intelligent, goal-oriented, (possibly) elite athlete, it's really easy to feel as if you are being pulled to pieces on all sides.
Add being a teenager to the mix, and, well; I'm just absolutely impressed! I wish I had more students like you.
Please talk to your folks and the sensei about your concerns. I'm sure they'll be more understanding than you fear, and that you'll be able to accommodate your desires and your future.

Please hang in there.

Best wishes and good luck!

Answer 2

Interesting dilemma, sounds like you don't want to disappoint your parents, since they have paid for 5-6 years and they saw you become a black belt, on the other hand school should be your priority. The fact is that doing TKD for so long you've acquired knowledge that will never go away, even if you quit for now, you can always resume your training later. If tennis also helps you to the your diploma, you should prioritize that for now. If you decide to quit TKD, and your parents are saddened, explain to them that you can always resume practice, and as a TKD black belt you've learned that the journey to be a martial artist is long and hard, and other martial arts as well as other sports will help you get there.

Answer 3

In highscool, i did soccer and martial arts. Soccer was 3-5 every day, then martial arts 730 - 9 M T W F. Was in the honors / ap courses, I managed to make it work. I only sleep 5 hours a night though and never really did much work.

Plus like soccer, tennis won't be year round. Might be a little more hectic for a few months, but after that its just like before.

my instructor didn't care though, his words were "go have fun". I only ended up missing 1 class a week.

Its also a lot harder to get back into it at a higher rank. I've been on a 2 year break after getting second dan due to having labs during my classes. I keep practicing, but not at an aerobic level. Even with that, my flexibility dropped and my confidence has dropped. Everytime i'm on break i tell myself i'll go back to class, but last time i did, i almost passed out after warm ups.

No scientific data on the numbers, but i was always told, the two years it takes from first dan to second can be lost in 2 weeks of being idle. just don't expect it to be like riding a bike. You can't pick up where you left off in terms of skill.

If you really wanna quit because you don't like it, then go for it. If its just a time issue, i'd try to go atleast once a week.

Also, i know when i was in highschool. i was allowed to get a log sheet and have my instructor sign it off. I didn't need this for a diploma, but as long as i had 4 hours i didnt' have to take gym. Gym was fun though.

Answer 4

You are a very observent young man. Let your parents know this about the credits for school and they should respect your wishes. Remember you already have what you need from TKD, if you would like to continue studying after you enter college there are many clubs at most colleges around the country. Do follow YOUR dreams.

lr

http://www.pacificwingchunassociation.com

Answer 5

TKD will give you mastery over your movements grasshopper, and should aid in your game of tennis. Try to keep both going, at least for the short term until you can decide whether tennis is something you want to persue.....you may not.

Answer 6

If your TaeKwonDo classes are paid for , instead of quitting tell your instructor you are going to take a short break to play tennis. Most instructors won't have a problem with this . If he does , tell your parents to get a lawyer so you can get your money back .

Answer 7

I think yo uhave too much invested in TKD (& I'm not just talking about money) to quit. Talk to your instructor & see if you can reduce your activity there so you can try tennis. If you are taking a full IB schedule you have your hands full. My hat's off to you.

Answer 8

I suggest you take a break. Don't quit, just go on hiatus and in the mean time try new activities (in this case tennis). Or another option would be to cut back on the tkd.

Good luck.

Answer 9

Sounds like you are more concerned with your belt color than in your level of skill. Get your priorities straight. In a real fight, belt colors have nothing to do with your abilities. If you are more interested in belt color than training and abilities, then I suggest you stop training all together and just buy yourself a black belt. It won't make you any better, but will save you a lot of time and money. Training and skills are all that is important. Just train!

Answer 10

If you feel like quitting then quit by all means. That schedule would be tiring and go get those school hours. You have gotten all you can get so give others the space too. Your parents will be fine if you tell them that you are capable of defending yourself. "Have fun and whack the ball with the racket.