Drive, determination, defense, and a lot of “kick-butt” moves define the martial arts experience for senior Sam Choe and freshman Isobel Hayes.

“It teaches you self-defense and values.  We learn to set goals and how you can persevere, be loyal and have integrity,” Hayes said.  “It makes me a lot stronger, both physically and mentally, because I learn how to push myself and make myself better at something.”

While there are several hundred types of martial arts, both Choe and Hayes participate in Taekwondo, which originated in Korea.

“I take Taekwondo, because I’m Korean and Taekwondo is a huge part of Korean culture,” Choe said.  “Taekwondo is more about having control and discipline.  If I was going through a back alley and someone pulls a knife, then that is when I use defense.”

It was not only his culture that sparked Choe’s interest in martial arts; he also found himself in awe after watching others take Taekwondo.

“I was like ‘Wow!’ at these kicks, flips and throwing people,” Choe said.  “I wanted to be part of the action.”

A typical Taekwondo class is full of this action.  Classes consist of form (a set of memorized moves), weapons and sparring. Sparring is a one-on-one fight where students are able to test the moves they’ve learned during class.

“My favorite is sparring. It’s a challenge because it’s different,” Hayes said.  “It’s for two people.  It has a lot to do with strategy.”

Choe agrees that sparring provides him with an extra challenge that individual practice cannot.

“Sparring is challenging, but fun. You can’t just go straightforward and attack; you have to be precise on where you hit,” Choe said.  “It is a mental game. You need quick reflexes. You don’t know where the attack will come from; you have to be careful of your surroundings.”

Hayes, who began taking Taekwondo when she was eight years old, has reached the rank of third-degree black belt, the highest student rank.

“It took a lot of effort and being in the right mind set to just do it,” Hayes said.  “It took a lot of work, but it paid off because I got it.”

While Hayes has reached a huge milestone, she’s already set her sights on the next degree.

“My goal is to get to fourth degree, because it takes a lot to get there,” Hayes said.  “It takes four more years and you have to be 18 to get that rank.  It’s a very big deal to get to it.”

Choe started Taekwondo at age 6 at the YMCA but is currently in the process of moving to a new class.

At his former class, which awarded levels by half-belts, he achieved the rank of blue belt, red tip.

“I might be able to start where I was, but I don’t mind starting at the beginning and working my way back up,” Choe said.  “This time there’s no quitting.  I’m going to get that black belt.”