Texas

A Tang Soo Do Attitude

Tang Soo Do may sound like something you would order from a take-out menu, but for two Texas Baptist Children’s Home boys, it’s their sport of choice, far outranking baseball or football.

Jax and Israel, both 11, tried their hands at several other sports but have decided to throw themselves into their new martial arts passion instead.

“They have compared Tang Soo Do with all the other sports and are actively making a decision to make this the priority sport in their lives for now,” said House Mom Jennifer Burnum. “It has been a very positive thing for both boys.”

The idea came after Jax’s counselor suggested martial arts as a way of assisting him with self control. Jax enrolled in the class and was soon joined by Israel. So far, the classes have only strengthened both boys personally and physically.

“Each of the boys is making other relationships outside the Children’s Home and it’s a great way for me to have one-on-one time with them,” said Jennifer, who is also enrolled in the class. “We work out together, practice at home together and attend tournaments together.”

So far, the boys have attended tournaments in San Antonio, Austin and Houston, where they earned numerous medals, including several in sparring and forms, which requires memorized demonstration of particular moves in a particular order. Even more, the boys medaled higher in sparring than boys many belts
above them.

Recently receiving their green belts, the boys continue to be diligent with their practices, which run from 6:30 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday. Aside from that, they have even paid for tournaments and equipment out of their own allowances.

“One man in the class heard the boys were paying for their own equipment and volunteered to purchase them the sparring gear they needed,” said Jennifer.

That kind of generosity, along with a TBCH partnership with the YMCA, which waives class fees for Children’s Home kids, is one way the boys have been able to concentrate on improving their rank.

To do so, each boy must take a three-hour practical test, which includes cardiovascular workouts demonstrating their knowledge of the sport. In addition, Tang Soo Do requires a working knowledge of the Korean language, so a written test is also included in the scoring. Right now, the boys are halfway to their black belt and Jennifer has a brown belt, one rank higher than the boys.

“It really helps to be ahead of them so I can assist them in preparing for the tests,” she said.

Lately, the boys have been able to break boards, which, Jax admits, is one of his favorite parts. When asked what they like best about Tang Soo Do, they both answer the same. “Sparring,” they said.

“I usually whip Israel at it,” Jax laughed.

But for Jennifer, the best part is seeing the boys blossom.

Both Israel and Jax have been at TBCH for four years. 

“This is a great outlet for Jax because he can still be part of a group but can set his own goals,” she said. 

Israel was brought from Ethiopia to the United States by his father and didn’t know a bit of English when he arrived. A year later, his father placed him at TBCH.

“Israel’s improved self-confidence since taking Tang Soo Do has been noticed by just about everyone around him,” said Jennifer. “He does very well at it.”

Besides improving their self-esteem and discipline, the boys are setting a great example for other boys in the cottage. 

“They are eager to look cool and do cool stuff like Jax and Israel when they watch them practice,” said Jennifer, “but they also know it requires a lot of hard work and time.”

Neither of which seem to scare Jax and Israel one bit.