By Juana Rodriguez

I would like to dedicate this article to the wonderful force behind the women of the West Coast Hwa Rang Do Academy – our very own Jo Kyo Nim Olivia Vaatate.   Through her love and dedication she has been a source of inspiration and role model to us all.  By earning her Black Sash and remaining an active thriving force at the Academy, she has shown us that the “can do” attitude is the only way to live.  I recently asked her how Hwa Rang Do has changed her life.  She said, “It has taught me that nothing is unattainable. ‘Can’t’ is not an option!”

I have often heard the phrase, “A grain of rice can tip the scales”.  In this case Jo Kyo Nim Vaatate has tipped the scale towards a strong future of Won Hwa warriors.  By earning her current rank and continuing to train, she has opened up the dojang, leading by example, to other future women warriors.  Watching her persevere and succeed at the dojang makes the higher ranks attainable for women.  Since I have been there, I have seen the Wonhwa warriors grow strong and there is an aura of sisterhood that is prevalent throughout the Academy. I write this article in the hopes of motivating and inspiring more Wonhwa warriors to join us.

Hwa Rang Do has helped me tremendously. It feels different than Tae Soo Do because my mentality has changed. I now appreciate how much it helps me and I welcome the criticism as an opportunity for growth. It isn’t always easy, but I recognize the difference it makes in my life and how it positively changes the outcome of everyday challenges. Last night, Master Lee had reprimanded me for being sloppy and lazy with my basics and that I shouldn’t take the easy way out, but do the basics correctly every time. Some of you may shy away from this type of criticism, but truly it is the best kind of criticism because it comes from love and the deep desire to inspire great people to be greater!  Thank you, Chief Master Lee for showing us tough love.

Please remember when you are sitting at the end of class gasping for a fresh breathe of air that you are better than you were an hour ago and stronger than the day before. Your exhaustion will bring many thoughts to your mind and maybe reasons why you can’t show up for another class. But, you did make it through the class and you are stronger now than ever before.  As you increase in rank you will look back and notice the difference from white to yellow, from green to blue and for those who are about to graduate from TSD to HRD.   As a new Yellow Sash I can tell you that so far it has been the greatest part of my training.  It is intense yet so fulfilling. It helps me handle my days with new optimism.

I have asked a few of the women in the academy to give me brief quotes describing how Tae Soo Do/Hwa Rang Do has changed their lives.  All were more than willing to help out.  Each and every one of us is a grain of rice.  Each one of us makes a difference.

“It makes me more disciplined and has helped me bond with my brother.”

-Noelle Corbin

“It has taught me that I can do things I never thought I could do.”

– Anne Fiser

 “It has given me great mental strength and I have grown a lot.”

-Julia Gache

“As a junior attorney, it is important for me to project confidence and to remain calm under pressure.  I believe that my pursuit of Hwa Rang Do has helped me to develop these attributes and enabled me to project them at work.”

-Jennifer Hodulik

“It gives structure to my life.”

-Linda Lee

“TSD/HRD has taught me patience and tolerance. The training is so difficult for me I have a greater appreciation of the effort others make in endeavors that I personally find easy.”

-Denise Parga

 “Tae Soo Do has improved my focus, confidence, and the “can do” mentality.  Also, through all my older brother and sisters here at the Academy, I have a great support and friendship foundation that I have not found anywhere else.”

-Angela Shih

“Training in HRD has developed a stronger state of mind.  A strong state of mind allows me to achieve greater heights in my daily life as a daughter, sister, wife, auntie, and friend.”

– Chy-Ahn Tran

 “I can do things I thought I could never do!”

-Amber Vaatate