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Hear from Students
- Story about Savannah (low brown belt)
One of our young teen girls had an arrogant uncle who
could not believe any woman (much less a girl) could defend
herself from a man. She was a purple belt at the time and
pretty advanced. The uncle was insistent that she
demonstrate, and he promptly used his size and strength
against her. Automatically, from her training, she did a
quick knee into the groin and dropped the guy. After that he
was more humble and had a lot more respect for her.
- Story about Kevin (2nd Degree Black Belt)
When my son was much younger and in middle school, he had a bigger kid
come and grab him by the collar and threaten to throw him into a trash can.
He used a pressure point, he had learned in Tae Kwon Do, near the thumb to get
him to release (whimpering ow, ow, ow, the whole time). He was then able to get
away, and that kid never bothered him again.
- Ms. Susan Montgomery-Hodge (now a 1st Degree Black Belt)
"Master Kluzek works very hard to help those with physical limitations make adjustments or
modifications on moves that are too painful or difficult to perform. There were many days where
the fibromyalgia and knee pain made even walking painful. I never regretted those days of
gritting my teeth and forcing myself to go to class. On those days, I let Master Kluzek know that
I was not doing the best and took it easier in class. The stretching and moving always benefited
me, and I never failed to feel better after class. I have found Master Kluzek to be compassionate
while always encouraging each student to strive for the level of excellence for which he or she is
personally capable."
Hear Susan's complete message
- Sandy Priest (Green belt)
My boss at my work asked me "I've noticed you've had a huge increase in confidence -- what's
up?". And I had to tell him "I've got a huge boost in confidence from my Tae Kwon Do training."
- Jonathan Spangler, (Yellow Belt) who has now moved to Ecuador
I must give a big shout out and thanks to Master Kluzek and the
other instructors for their devotion to the Colorado Blue Wave
martial arts school. Not only do we learn from them and each other
in this cooperative format, we do so in a world where respect and
honor are increasingly hard to come by. And above all else, the
organization is a locally-run non-profit organization, living and
growing and flourishing in the middle of the world's capitalist
core. What better way could the true values of the art and way be
spread than through this format? I find nothing more honorable than
the devotion of the teachers and students to such an institution. I
hope it inspires us all.
- Dorita Rostkier-Edelstein (visiting from Israel!) (Yellow belt)
When I started to practice martial arts I believed that I will never
be able to learn about life, to get some insight, from a kick, because
of my weak knee. I thought that I will never be able to kick without
thinking how I do it, because I will always have to be aware of not damaging my
knee. However, as I go on practicing I think less and I do my
movements in a more automatic mode. But the kick taught more than thinking or
not. The kick taught me that I have to control power. Too much power
damages. When I feel too passionate to kick I put too much power and my knee
dislocates. When I control it, I succeed smoothly. When I was a first time
beginner I used to kick point, without thinking, because I was passionate about
point, and my knee hurt. When I accepted that flex is the correct
position I succeeded. This teaches me about life. When I am too passionate
about something, without thinking, sometimes I put too much energy on it,
I try to achieve things with all my power, and I harm myself, and may be the
surrounding. When I control myself, but still try, I have a chance to
succeed in a relaxed way.This is how a kick taught me so far about
life.
Dorita's essay on "The Way of Martial Arts (or in Korean Do)"
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