Ms Jackie Kenning: 1st Dan

When I was at school anything, which involved the fatal words physical activity, sent a chill down my spine and sickened me to my stomach. This was not because I was lazy or did not enjoy sports, but because this was the time that I was verbally bullied the most by both the girls and boys in my year. I was bullied about my physical appearance. Being quite tall, I suppose I stood out the most and seemed an easy target, which now looking back I was as I took every comment to heart. This kind of bullying has had a major impact on my self-esteem and confidence all throughout my late teens and into my twenties.

When I left home at 19 I embarked on a rigorous physical journey which involved my local gym becoming my second home. I would be at the gym for about 2 hours before work and then go back for a further 2 hours after work. In fact I can safely say it became an addiction but nobody including my live in boyfriend made any attempt to help me see this.

At the age of 29 a friend suggested that I should try a martial art called Tae Kwon Do. My friend had reached the status of 1 st degree black but had then given up due to work commitments. After talking about the sport one night I mentioned that I wish I had been given the opportunity and had the confidence to take up a martial art when I was at school. As it happened I was aware of a Tae Kwon Do class at Tolworth Recreation Centre as I had seen them each week waiting to use the hall while I was attending an aerobic class. I made some enquires with the centre and in August of my 29 th year I nervously attended my first class.

Since that day I have never looked back. I was well and truly hooked after my first lesson. It has been the best decision I have ever made and I would be very proud to inform my friend, who I no longer see, that after a 6 year journey that began on one suggestion, I too made it to my 1 st Degree black belt.

Tae Kwon Do has helped me in many aspects of my life and I will always be eternally grateful to my Instructor Mr Roy Bertrand who has helped and encouraged me all the way along my journey through the good times and the bad. I have even participated in competitions, and have come away with medals including gold, silver and bronze. This again has been a major achievement for me.

I am now privileged to begin my new journey as a black belt, a senior to all the coloured belts, yet a junior to all the black belts grades. Very exciting!

I have now begun teaching this is another new challenge, but it is one that I relish. Yes, it is hard, there is no mistaking, but the rewards are fantastic. If I can make a difference to someone’s life through Tae Kwon Do, as one has been made to mine, I will leave this earth a happy soul.