(I recorded a conversation with eleven year old Michael and his stepmother, Pamela, about Mike’s Friendship Club and how he started it at school.)
Pamela: I got Michael into Tae Kwon-Do because of his struggles in school and to help with his confidence. And he took it to the next step.
Michael: I made this club called the Friendship Club. There are 3 Rules:
Always Be Nice
Help People That Need Help
There’s Always Room For More Comrades
…which means there’s room to get people into my club.
P: It’s very inclusive to make sure everyone feels welcomed and supported.
One of the examples Michael shared with me is when he saw somebody that was upset after being picked on and Michael went over to check on them. It’s a simple thing but it’s an important thing.
He does this in his after school program with a couple of friends. They meet and talk about how to be inclusive and very supportive of each other.
M: It helps kids that are getting picked on.
P: Why did you want to do that?
M: I wanna make kids feel better.
P: Have you been picked on?
[pauses]
M: No
P: You’ve never been picked on?
M: Actually, that’s a lie. I have been picked on.
P: And that’s one of the big reasons he started this club, because he knows what it’s like to be picked on.
M: Yeah.
P: And he wants others to feel safe and to be a safe place.
M: Yes.
P: That’s one of the big things here at Master Gorino’s school. It’s a safe place and they teach that you as a person can be a safe place.
And that makes a big difference.
(I’m proud of Michael, and all of our younger students, who take what they learn in the dojang and carry it with them, back home and to school. Seeing them recognize a need and lead the way is just another reason why I believe so strongly in the tenets and practice of Tae Kwon Do.)
Master Gorino’s Tae Kwon-Do offers a trial program for individuals and families in Buffalo, NY and the surrounding areas that allows you to get a feel for the different classes, meet our instructors, and experience our dojang. It’s a great way to see if Tae Kwon-Do is right for you. To learn more or to sign up, register online or call (716) 836-KICK (5425) and a member of our team will follow up with you on next steps. We look forward to helping you achieve your goals. Pil-Sung!
