“To me, taekwondo is not just a form of fighting; it is a way of life. ”

Nathaly Famiglietti
Senior Geophysicist/Geophysical Engineer

with Sky Wood
3rd Dan Kyosa Nim/Head Instructor

Like many young children, my son wanted to try martial arts. I watched his class, and it looked like so much fun I decided to try it. I wanted to share an activity with my son, and I thought that this sport was a great way to do it. He was very happy and proud when I told him that I was joining the club. It is great to train and attend tournaments with him.

Photo courtesy of Gabriel Arciniegas.

Here I am, free-sparring at my first tournament.

I also wanted to find a fun and safe way to work out and get my heart pumping. Work and home were not enough for my body; I needed something different to move all my muscles and joints—for my own health and for my family’s as well!

Since then I have progressed to a black belt. I have participated in eight tournaments, and I have had so much fun. Taekwondo is a great sport with a fascinating history.

So, what is taekwondo [1]?