I’ve always been a person who finishes what she starts. Some goals just take a little longer to reach than planned. I started practicing Tae Kwon Do when I was in college. I had made it as far as purple belt. Then I moved out of state, broke my nose, got engaged, joined my new husband’s gym, had two children, and started yoga. However…in the back of my mind I always felt that some day I would finish what I started and get my black belt. My son, Ben, started taking Tae Kwon Do classes at Ziwak’s when he was seven years old. I investigated several schools and met with several masters before I came to Ziwak’s. I know that the school I started my training at was exceptional, supportive, and uncompromising and I was looking for the same type of school for my son. After talking to Mr. Ziwak for 10 minutes, I knew I had found the place for Ben. Then I met Mrs. Alberghini and started to think, “Maybe I have found the right place for myself,” as well. The idea of being taught by a 7th degree black belt woman was awesome and inspiriting.

After about two and half years of sitting on the “other side of the glass” and watching Ben’s classes, I decided to finish what I started and earn my black belt. I am now a 2nd degree black belt and I have learned an important lesson about the martial arts. You never really finish what you start. It gets into your mind, and your blood, and your body and you continue to push yourself further – both in the martial arts and in your own life. The fact that my now – 16 year old son is also a 1st degree black belt and we are able to train together and support each other through testes and share our passion is a fantastic, unexpected benefit of my martial arts experience for which I am grateful to Mr. Ziwak and Mrs. Alberghini.

Sincerely,
Leslie Redmond