I always wanted to be in activities. My dad wouldnt let me be in anything when I lived in NC with him. I moved here to VA with my mom a few years ago. She asked me if I wanted to do some kind of sports in school. I wanted to be in band, but didnt have the classes I needed for that. I wanted to take taekwondo or karate. One day, my mom came home with information about Lindamood's Taekwondo America. I tried class and loved it.

I was always bullied when I lived in NC. I wanted a way to defend myself if i needed to. My mom wanted me to learn discipline and control over my temper. We decided TKD would be a good way to learn both. I started as a white belt two weeks later, keeping the black belt fresh in my mind. I knew it would be hard work to achieve what I wanted. Before I realized it, it was time to test for my yellow belt. I was nervous about being out there on the mat in front of everyone. Then my name was called, I had to do it. I realized at that moment how much I really wanted to prove to everyone and myself that I could do it and that I could get to the goal I set for myself. I became more than just a chance to defend myself, it became a goal to better myself.

By joining Lindamood's Taekwondo, I made a new family. I have a support team when I need it and I have someone to go to when I need help. The classes push me harder than I think I can go. I am glad I took the challenge and decided to reach high and try to get my black belt. I have gained a new confidence and feel good about myself and all I have achieved. I look forward to sharing what I have learned with everyone who is taking that first step and starting out as a white belt. I hope that I can help them gain their goals. i hope I am able to continue into the higher ranks of black belt and can use it in my everyday life to obtain my goals as I grow into an adult. I feel confident and secure with the knowledge I have learned at Lindamood's Taekwondo and would proudly suggest it to anyone wanting a rewarding challenge and alot of fun combined into one. I am so glad my mom suggested taekwondo to me and hope others enjoy it as much as I do.

It has been almost 15 years since I began my training under Mr. and Mrs. Lindamood. They were and are some of my favorite instructors, even after 15 years I still have the utmost respect for them! I hope all of your students realize how caring you and Mrs. Lindamood are. Can't wait to stop by for a refresher course! lol It might kill me! But the fire station is luckily beside the school!! haha

Taekwondo has helped me alot. It has taught me self control and other good virtures. it has helped me build my confidence. it is my form of exercise. I love taekwondo.

I have been doing taekwondo for two whole years now. Even now that I am a black belt, I still want to try my hardest. Being a black belt isn't the end of the road for me. I will still work to achieve the highest rank I can get. i want to stick with taekwondo for a very long time.

Taekwondo is the only thing I really do. I am going to start football this summer for my school. Eventhough practice is four times a week, I will still try my hardest to go to taekwondo.

Taekwondo is one of my favorite things to do.

I want to be a black belt because it is hard and my goal is ninth degree. I have learned all the moves and that is important to me so I can use what I have learned against bullies. Taekwondo has helped me to concentrate.

Both of my girls' confidence levels have grown their sense of responsibility has increased and they are more respectful to each other and others around them. It gives them a sense of pride to know they have accomplished goals and are finishing each belt. It is expensive but in the long run the benefits outway the cost. Also there is one thing they get out of Taekwondo is they are taught to respect themselves and other sports I don't feel does that.

My quest in Taekwondo started about two and a half years ago. As a white belt I could not yet see the Black Belt. At 49 years of age, I thought I would fall short of it.

Since the time I was a young boy, I would watch movies of martial arts and wish I could do some of the amazing things I was watching, but now I was too old...So I thought!

Self confidense is one of the many benefits of the martial arts. It took some time to find self confidence, but little by little I was getting it.

Each belt I made was one more wrung higher on the ladder. With each new form, I was a bit overwhelmed. But, as I pressed forward, what looked like a wall blocking my way became a stepping stone.

I would watch the high ranked students and instructors and became determined to reach their level some day.

By the time I reached the rank of Brown Belt, I could for the first time see the Black Belt. I knew then that it was in reach!

This gave me more drive and determination.

I remember the instructors saw the potential in me, long before I saw it in myself, and their encouragement was most helpful.

As I stand at the door of 1st Degree Decided Black Belt, i see the endo of my fist journey and the beginning of my new journey just on the horizon.

Now that I have the basics of Taekwondo, I am to face the challenges that lie ahead.

In closing, when we recite the tenants of Taekwondo in class, I am reminded that Taekwondo America is not about violance, as some people think, but rather an honorable sport. A lady and gentlemans sport and will be honored to take part in becoming a 1st Degree Decided Black Belt.

Connor's Black Belt Essay

Yah! Now I am a master of the basics in TKD. When I started TKD, I was scared to play dodgeball and spar. Now I am not scared anymore. I can even spar bigger and older people. I have learned how to protect myself from bullies. I can even teach other people.

Joining Lindamood's Taekwondo America has been one of the best things I have ever done for myself. After briefly studying taekwondo years ago, I began taking classes again a little over two years ago. Now, at age 41, I have recently received my probationary first degree black belt! It is something that I am very proud of. Not only am I in the best shape of my life (I am 50 pounds lighter now than I was a few years ago), but I have benefited from the many other positive attributes of studying taekwondo. These include greater self-confidence, self-control, determination, perseverance, and the ability to better deal with stressful situations in my everyday life. Physically, I am stronger, leaner, and have greater stamina and flexibility. These are just some of the benefits that I have experienced, and I look forward to improving every day!

Mr. and Mrs. Lindamood are the best instructors a person could ask for. They are patient and make the classes a lot of fun!

My kids have been involved with Taekwondo for almost 3 years. They started out as Little Dragons and are now in the junior program at Lindamood’s Taekwondo. The Lindamood’s run an excellent program teaching not only Taekwondo but the importance of respect, discipline, and perseverance in order to meet the day to day challenges of life. They teach all of these basic principles in a way that is fun and exciting for the kids. If your thinking about putting your child in any extracurricular activity that will teach and reinforce the basic principles for success in life give Lindamood’s a try. You will not be disappointed.

Respectfully, Donald & Samantha Poe

Proud parents of Caleb & Jordan Poe Sr. Brown Belts

Since adding cardio kickboxing to my taekwondo classes at the first of the year, I have already dropped 10lbs! (Jan 20th). I am looking forward to even more weight loss, it is all about consistency

have been taking Cardio Kickboxing at Lindamood's Taekwondo America for a little over a year. In this time I have lost over 60lbs and shedded 4 dress sizes. People do not even recognize me with the weight loss.

Thanks for your commitment to this, Tyler really enjoys it.

We love you Mr. Lindamood!

Your school is wonderful, and I truly appreciate the way you approach the instruction. I honestly believe the growth in the school is a result of the approach the two of you take, and is a direct reflection of the values you instill in each of your students. You have no idea how appreciative I have personally been with your attitude, especially with Benjamin

I was very impressed by the tournament today. Well done! It was a great experience for the kids. I am proud of how hard they tried and how seriously they took it

I want to thank Mr. and Mrs. Lindamood for putting together a great tournament and getting Harrison so well prepared. It was a fabulous event!

Marquaza has come so far since she has joined Lindamood's Taekwondo America. We could not ask for better teachers.