Derek Le's Biography

 
 
 

 

 

My Name is Derek Le.  I am 15 years old and have been training in Tae Kwon Do for about four years.  I have a close-knit family that supports me in everything I do.  My hobbies are Tae Kwon Do, Baseball, playing video games, and hanging out with friends.

            I was always interested in Martial Arts, but was always too intimidated to try it or other sports because I was shy.  At the time, I preferred the indoors.  My parents found out about AMAA and suggested that I try Tae Kwon Do because I was always playing with sticks and pretending I was fighting.  I think it was the Modern Day Knights sparring program that really convinced me to stay in Tae Kwon Do, it gave me a goal to strive and become better in forms, sparring, and ultimately in Tae Kwon Do.  My favorite part of Tae Kwon Do would have to be sparring, though I try to openly embrace other aspects of Tae Kwon Do and other Martial Arts.  I believe my defining moment in Tae Kwon Do was my first tournament which I won a gold medal in both forms and sparring.  Even though my only sparring match was against a yellow belt when I was a green belt and I was in no way good, the win gave me confidence and a goal to continue in Tae Kwon Do.  Many figures influenced my Tae Kwon Do success, a big one being my parents for their tireless amount of support, encouragement, and time.  However, the most influential person I believe was Master Kwak because he always loved teaching me and the other students and he also believed in me.  He encouraged me many times in tournaments, demo competitions, and everyday training.

            Tae Kwon Do has helped me become a better person in many ways.  Though I usually had respect in general which is instilled from my parents, Tae Kwon Do definitely influenced my discipline in my health, body, and mind.  It has also taught me a great deal of how to win and lose humbly and always strive to learn how to improve oneself.  However, I think the most important thing I’ve gained from Tae Kwon Do is how to overcome my shyness and timid nature, how to be much more outgoing, and how to be headstrong.   My goal after achieving my 1st Dan Black belt is to continue and earn my 2nd Dan to show my commitment.  To friends and family, I thank you for coming to watch this very important day of my life.     Thank you.