Mutually exhausted from seven hours of school and several hours of homework, not to mention feeling sore from yesterday’s workout, junior Reese Myers steps into the dojo at seven p.m. ready for another workout.
Myers’ older sister inspired her to start taekwondo at the age of three. Since then, Myers earned her black belt in taekwondo. In various competitions, she won first place for the most creative board break, second place in board breaking overall, second place in weapons and third place in sparring out of 10 other competitors.
“[Before competitions] I feel really nervous. I worry that I am not as talented or skilled as the other martial artists but when I actually start sparring, I feel this rush of confidence, knowing in my heart that I am the best at what I love,” Myers said.
When not practicing or competing, Myers spends her time studying and doing homework.
Along with martial arts, she takes three advanced placement classes: U.S. History, Language and Composition and Environmental Science. She claims that education is the key to changing the world and she wants to be pushed to do better so she can have the education she desires.
“I think what’s tough about handling AP classes and extra curricular activities is losing your motivation to succeed along the way. My martial arts family gives me energy that no one else can bring out of me,” Myers said. “They make me so happy when I’m down and when I’ve failed a test. They remind me that I can improve and succeed. Without their support I would’ve dropped out of all of my AP classes by now.”
Reese practices five days a week to improve her skill and prepare for upcoming martial arts competitions. She is competing in a Taekwondo Florida Cup tournament in Tampa on March 11 for a chance to win scholarship money.
Through competition and school, Myers’ mom, Heather Richardson, supports her in every step.
“There are several things I love about Reese’s involvement in martial arts. It has taught her focus, self control, patience and endurance. I know she will be successful at any of her future endeavours,” Richardson said.
Not only does martial arts teach self defense mechanisms, but also life lessons beyond the dojo.
“Martial Arts helps me develop a character that I’ve always wanted. My instructors are my inner voices and they treat me like I’m not below them, so I tend to treat my peers the way my sensei’s and karate instructors treat me,” Myers said.
Along with nine Taekwondo belts and four shorin-ryu belts, she tests for her brown belt in Shorin Ryu to add to her 13 belt collection.