Ian Smith

Mr Ian Smith – 2nd Dan
There I was, at the age of 41½ daydreaming about not being the Pillsbury doughboy, on my way to an uninspiring session at the gym and I was intrigued to see that a new class had started up in the studio. Mr Bertrand had set up a 10 week class at the gym to attract new recruits to Tae Kwon Do.

Never heard about Tae Kwon Do; I had heard of many others but I knew nothing about this Korean martial Art.

“Give it a go” I thought to myself and found myself drawn in from the beginning, despite getting punched in the face by an equally green member from the gym who had come along to try. Nothing’s changed, I still get punched in the face, but I have graduated to black belt in the space of 7 years, having had a couple of breaks in between green & blue gradings.

The point about my abiding interest in TKD is an unremarkable upbringing;

• Never had a fight since junior school
• Never bullied in my life
• Relatively fit but never motivated to do more than necessary

However, and these are the most important aspects of my 10 year association with TKD

• I lacked confidence
• I was inexperienced in social situations
• I was unsettled in most environments

Since beginning I have realised what a difference training has made. I have no problem with challenging situations, I am more relaxed in any environment than at any time previously, I enjoy meeting a challenge and most importantly I love passing on this experience to anyone who will listen.

What I have found with Tae Kwon Do is that developing your interest is only a fragment of what you will get from it; put in 100% effort, you will get 120% back.

Any regrets? Only one – I should have started 30 years ago!!