By Mr. Eric Emerson,

It takes courage to walk out onto that work out floor for the first time. I am a grown man. I have a good career in software and I am often required to speak to large groups. The anxiety I experienced taking a Taekwondo class for the first time was far more than anything I felt in my profession. In fact it was enough to make me delay talking to Mr. Strickland several times. My Taekwondo journey started twenty-one years ago in Roanoke Virginia. I was 19 and thought it would be a cool thing to do with my friends. At 19 years old I had no fears or inhibitions. Stepping into a Taekwondo studio was not the least bit intimidating. I was also easily distracted and did not commit to the program. I made it as far as blue belt before I decided other things were more important to me and quit.

Sixteen years later I found myself living in Lantana, TX. I still had friends in Taekwondo and when they came in town for tournaments they would introduce me to people in the area taking classes. I must have met Mr. Strickland 2 or 3 times before I finally decided to drop by his school. I had no intention of taking classes. I was interested in his program for my 2 sons. I was about 250 pounds and quite content with my sedentary lifestyle. Additionally I thought I was in no shape for Taekwondo and cardio. I was informed however by my oldest son that he was not going to take classes unless I did. My wife also suggested that I give it a try. She was concerned about my health. So, I relented and went to my first class. I remember it well. I was very intimidated and self-conscious. The pants did not fit me right. The belt I had was too small and I wore a plain white t-shirt that made my gut look even bigger. I felt as if there was a spotlight on me in the back row. Parents were watching from the window. The room was full of black belts and teenagers that out ranked me. I was given no reason to be intimidated other than my own insecurities. I had to do all of the things that the new white belts do. Stretches, stances, punches, and kicks. I had to walk the ‘train tracks’ to learn proper foot placement. I was winded, sweaty, and tired. There were times I had to stop to catch my breath. It was a challenge, but by the end of class I felt right at home. Mr. Strickland really does a great job making the new adults feel welcome.

The black belts that initially made me feel intimidated were actually happy to have a new adult in the class. They all made an effort to help me. To all of you parents out there who have ever entertained the idea of taking class, I encourage you to give it a try. Everyone has had to take that first class and we all know exactly how you feel. Going to that first class changed my life for the better. During my time at Mr. Strickland’s I lost 50lbs and modified my diet as I continue to lose weight. I handle stress better. I am healthier and stronger. My wife says even my disposition has improved. Challenges at work no longer seemed like a big deal. I am now more active. I competed and tested nationally, which was something else I had to overcome. I met some great friends like the Hollon’s. The people at the school are good people. It was a difference maker for my family.

In hindsight as I look back it was dumb to have all of that anxiety. I wasted so much time when I could have been working out with my friends. As I look back, in all of my time at Mr. Strickland’s school no one had ever tried to make me feel foolish or inferior. Everyone was there to help. It was due to this that became one of his instructors and was tasked to help others along the way. It was something I took very seriously. I made an effort to take some extra time with the white belts that came in. I knew exactly how they felt. I respect each one of them for having the courage to take that first class. So should you. Give it a try!