A self-professed Ninja, 7-year-old Brycen Fleming was thrilled to start Tae Kwon Do lessons.  While he’s also an excellent soccer and basketball player, Tae Kwon Do is one of his favorite activities. “It’s intriguing and lets me practice my Ninja moves,” Brycen says. He’s been taking lessons at the Fayetteville location since November and loves that his brother Andrew takes lessons as well. Brycen has rapidly moved up the ranks to achieve the rank of blue stripe. “Brycen is constantly practicing his moves at home. He loves Tae Kwon Do, and I can see the pride he takes in every belt test he passes, and every level he advances,” notes mom, LaKeisha.

Presenting this month’s Student Profile, Brycen Fleming.

Why do you like taking Tae Kwon Do?

It’s fun and it’s a good way to get exercise

What do you enjoy about taking lessons at Master Shim’s World Class Tae Kwon Do?

It’s challenging. It helps you try to be strong like a Ninja.

How does Tae Kwon Do increase your confidence?

I get more confidence in my kicks.

What do you think of the instructors at Master Shim’s?

The instructors are good because they are black belts and they know what they are doing.

Why should someone else consider taking Tae Kwon Do?

They should take it to get some exercise.

Students of Tae Kwon Do learn movements, commands and instruction in Korean. They endeavor to immerse themselves more into Korean culture.

Here are a few intriguing facts about the language of Tae Kwon Do:

• There are 24 letters in the Korean alphabet.
• It consists of 14 consonants and 10 vowels.
• The shapes of vowels are based on three elements: man (a vertical line), earth (a horizontal line) and heaven (a dot).
• The sounds of certain consonants change depending on whether they appear at the beginning, in the middle, or at the end syllable.
• Korean can be written in vertical columns running from top to bottom and right to left, or in horizontal lines running from left to right.

Grandmaster Jhoon Rhee is the legendary martial artist who introduced Tae Kwon Do to the United States more than half a century ago. Widely regarded as the “Father of American Tae Kwon Do”, Grandmaster Rhee passed away at the end of April. The 86-year-old left a legacy that profoundly impacted martial arts in this country today.

Ranked a 10^th-Degree black belt, he began training in martial arts at age 13. In 1962, Grandmaster Rhee opened the first U.S.-based martial arts studio in Washington, DC. Over time, he eventually expanded to 11 studios in the metro DC area.

In 2007, Grandmaster Rhee was inducted into the Tae Kwon Do Hall of Fame. He is listed there as both the “Pioneer of American Tae Kwon Do” and the “Pioneer of Tae Kwon Do in Russia”.

Ahnyonghee Ka Ship Sheeyo & Kam Sahm Needa, Grandmaster Jhoon Rhee.

Peachtree City instructor Raenah Frishe’s parents led her to Tae Kwon Do. They wanted to continue their martial art’s education, and she became intrigued. Six years later, it has provided character traits she needed. “It has improved my confidence and self-esteem,” Raenah says of Tae Kwon Do. She has enjoyed her four years as an instructor and loves the challenge it brings.

Here’s more about our instructor, Raenah Frishe.

What is your belt level?

I am a third-degree black belt.

Why did you decide to take classes at Master Shim’s World Class Tae Kwon Do?

It had a great curriculum, wonderful instructors, and was the best Tae Kwon Do school in the area.

Did you have any problems/issues Tae Kwon Do helped you overcome?

Tae Kwon Do has definitely helped me come out of my shell and be less shy.

What are some of your Tae Kwon Do accomplishments and achievements?

I have competed in numerous tournaments including the U.S. Open, USAT Nationals, and ATU Nationals. I am also a part of the MSWCTKD poomsae team.

What changes have you seen in the students?

Students tend to become more confident and improve physically (endurance, flexibility, etc.). I would recommend it because not only is it a fun activity, but it is also great exercise and teaches life skills.

Why would you recommend Tae Kwon Do to others?

It is great exercise, teaches you self-defense, and helps to relieve stress. Plus, it’s fun!

When Amy and Lance Meyer were honored as Master Shim’s World Class Tae Kwon Do’s Parents of the Year in 2017, they were taken by surprise. Amy, a teacher at Braelinn Elementary School in Peachtree City, was instrumental in bringing Master Shim’s programs aimed at public schools to Braelinn. After seeing the positive changes Tae Kwon Do brought about in her own children, Anna, 12, and Aidan, 8, she wanted to give others the same exposure. “We notice positive changes in both of our children. When Aidan first started taking Tae Kwon Do, he was very intimidated. Aidan asked his dad if he would be willing to take class with him, and that is how Lance started taking Tae Kwon Do. Now Aidan is much more confident,” Amy notes. For Anna, she states that doing Tae Kwon Do “has been a big boost for her confidence.”

The entire family is dedicated to Tae Kwon Do and its many benefits. In a short period of time, it has had a major impact on the Meyer family. Take a closer look at the Meyer family’s story.

Aidan

How long have you been doing Tae Kwon Do? Why did you start? My Mom and Papa wanted me to take class when I was younger, but it looked scary to me and I didn’t want to do it. One time when Master Shim’s WCTKD came to my mom’s school, she brought me up there to take class with the Braelinn kids and I loved it. That’s when I decided I wanted to take Tae Kwon Do. I started taking class a few months later. I have been taking Tae Kwon Do now for almost a year and a half.

What has Tae Kwon Do done for your confidence? I am very proud of how much I’ve learned in Tae Kwon Do. I’m the highest belt in my family!

Why do you like Tae Kwon Do? Why would you tell another kid that it is fun to do? I like going to class. I look forward to seeing Master Kim and my friends at Tae Kwon Do. Master Kim is a great teacher, and he makes class lots of fun. They also do lots of fun things for us – like the Health-kick! I love getting to dress up in costume and break all those boards!

Tell me about some of your Tae Kwon Do accomplishments and things you have achieved? Last spring, I went to Master Shim’s Tournament and I competed in Forms and Board Breaking. I got 1st place in Forms and 3rd place in Board Breaking.

Anna

How long have you been doing Tae Kwon Do? Why did you start? I have been taking Tae Kwon Do for one year. My brother and Dad started taking Tae Kwon Do first, and for a while I didn’t think I wanted to do it – I was nervous. But then Master Kim encouraged me to take class in December for family month. I gave it a try, and realized it was a lot of fun. After that I made the decision to keep taking class.

Did you have any problems/issues that Tae Kwon Do helped you overcome? Yes – my right leg is weaker than my left leg. Doing Tae Kwon Do has helped my right leg to get stronger. It’s also helped to improve my balance and coordination.

It happened. Your child was enjoying a perfectly normal day of fun outside. Your child suddenly cries out in pain – she’s been stung. Redness develops at the site of the sting, and it starts to swell. She is having an allergic reaction.

The body’s response to a bee sting can vary from mild to severe.  The most dangerous response can include difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat and tongue, or even loss of consciousness. How do you protect your child from having this experience?

Make your outdoor environment as safe as possible. In this instance, that means exercise caution when drinking sweet beverages outside. Bees are attracted to the sweetness and can crawl in straws or cans. Also, make sure trash cans are tightly covered, and pick up fallen food. Both can attract bugs and bees.

Pay attention to your outdoor attire. Open-toed shoes and excessive loose clothing can provide places for bees to hide. Bright colors and floral prints attract bees, so that is also something to consider.

One final preventive tip – if you find a bee’s nest or hive near your house, have a professional come take care of it. The last thing you want to do is anger its inhabitants and cause them to attack.