As a new parent full of apprehensions, I sought to find guidance for my son Nicholas. I wanted to find a place where he could learn discipline and grow to become a better person. He was very young when he started, but like many new parents I wanted to try everything and anything that would enhance my child's potential.

Amazingly, in my attempt to give my son guidance beyond my expertise, I have actually given myself a tremendous gift: an opportunity to train with him and engage in a journey of understanding my own potential and connection to the Universe. Training together gives us the tools we need to face the everyday challenges the world presents. It gives us guidance in accepting our mistakes as great lessons. This is the greatest gift my family shares. We make sacrifices for love and in return we grow stronger day by day. Because we are being continuously challenged, we are always striving to rise above our fears and move forward to another level of understanding. In addition to my training, I am able to give back to the HRD community by participating as a TGT member. Again, here I am rewarded and inspired by others. Just the other day, working with Mrs. Claudine Lopez, I noticed her progress. She didn't know it, but as I held the paddles for her I could feel the difference in her confidence from her white belt days. I could sense growth in her determination and her ability to persevere. I was impressed because I knew that she had joined for her family, but I could see in that moment, it was all about her. I was happy to witness it. I have observed other families training at the Academy, and I notice the same occurs with them. Some join for the same reason I did, to do something greater for their families, but it turns out to be an individual quest and one that does make the family stronger. Each individual discovering his or her potential becomes stronger, and the family circle grows united because there is a common goal and vision.

There are a lot of apprehensions why some members of the family object to joining their loved ones. I can certainly relate. I remember stepping into the white uniform and being very frightened. I was the clumsy one going left when Master Lee said go right. I cannot tell you enough of the horror of learning the Jang Bong. There are Instructors who witnessed the whole scene - it was quite hysterical. I recall Master Lee simply saying to everyone, "She will get it someday . . . I hope."

He looked completely appalled, but with his patience (and that of my instructors) I learned how to perform my Tae Soo Jang Bong Hyung. His dedication is unparalleled. He never gives up on his students. As I move on to new challenges, I look out into the dojang and see him again and again with different beginners going over it once more, never relenting. Every student is treated with the same level of love and dedication.

Now working in a school, I have a greater respect for educators. Teaching has to be one of the most unappreciated professions of our time, yet the most crucial and the most priceless. We are very lucky to have such a teacher who continues to have such tremendous patience with us.

I have had many doubts along the way and thought many times of ending my training, particularly after black belt graduation, but this is where training as a family makes it all balance. My son spoke to me in my own words. He came into the room, looked at me with tears in his eyes and said, "Mom, didn't you say we should always go to Hwa Rang Do because we always need to learn? I'm very disappointed, Mom. You said we should never quit." He was so upset. I stood there looking at him in amazement. Wow! My little "Flowering Knight" was showing me the way.

He spoke from his heart, and this confirmed what I had to do. So I slipped on the new dobok, tied my yellow sash, and continued my training with wholehearted willingness to learn. When I immersed myself the only thing that mattered to me was the look on my son's face ? he had such a tremendous smile.

It is said that life is too short to learn all the lessons, and that not until we are older do we realize the opportunities missed due to fear or over-contemplation; by then it is too late. We are then faced with, "What if?"

If you have given training any thought at all; if there is a smidgen of interest or perhaps a gleam in your eye when you watch us in class, give it the opportunity to serve its purpose. Try not to over analyze it. Given the opportunity you will discover that you are capable, and that you have a strong force behind you. Yes, it is difficult. Yes, there are times of sincere exhaustion. But I can attest that training together has made Nicholas and me stronger both physically and, more important, mentally. We both carry a warrior spirit that gives us the strength to face our everyday battles and our everyday fears with optimism and laughter. All it takes is love.