Sports and Work Experience

Tang Soo Do Karate

I started attending Kick Start Martial Arts in November of 2019. Training every week, 3 times a week, has not only helped me to solidify the skills I already possess, but also to improve in a variety of different capacities. For example, my communication skills, my leadership skills, and my self-confidence as a whole. Both joining and teaching at my karate studio have allowed me to expand my horizons and create life-long relationships with people I consider my second family. I feel more comfortable going out into the world, exploring my interests, and pursuing my passions and I have proven to myself that I can excel in anything I put my mind to (e.g. this male dominated sport).

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2nd Degree Black Belt Test

Here is the board break I had to perform (double front kick) in order to earn my second degree black belt .

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Teaching Punch Defense

Here I am teaching a yellow belt one of our fifteen one step techniques. These techniques help people to defend themselves from a punch.

Teaching at Kick Start

After volunteering for about 2 years, and being promoted to Jo Kyo Nim (assistant instructor) in 2023, I finally received my first real job. After almost a year of hard work I then became the youngest ever Kyo Sa Nim (leading instructor) under our Kwan Jang Nim (Grand master) T.M. Kim. This meant I was now responsible for teaching and managing both the students and the instructor trainees. Because of this job I have improved my leadership skills, improved money managment skills, a new sense of responsibility, and I have experience solving real world problems.

Mind Over Muscle: The Real Self-Defense

Mind Over Muscle is a self-defense initiative I created to empower young women, especially Black girls, to feel safer, stronger, and more confident in their daily lives. Through a series of interactive workshops, I taught both physical self-defense and mental strategies like setting boundaries, recognizing red flags, and using assertive language. My goal was not just to teach them a few moves, but to help participants believe in their own power and trust their instincts. Seeing girls leave the workshops standing taller, speaking louder, and supporting one another showed me how important this work is. I also shared what I taught through online videos so the impact could continue beyond the sessions (@MindOverMuscle_ Jo). This project reflects my passion for creating safe spaces where young women can grow and protect themselves with confidence.

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