Senior Master Cavanaugh’s (owner of WMA) Personal Story:
I know, personally, what Martial Arts has done for me. As a young boy, I grew up in a large Southern city. I was not very aggressive and didn’t take much interest in team sports. But I went ahead and tried them, only to sit on the bench most of the time. When it came to defending myself, as all youngsters were eventually forced to do in our neighborhood, I tried my best to avoid getting in such predicaments, but at times it was unavoidable. On the outside I probably didn’t look scared, but inside I really was.
I dealt with my fears throughout high school and college. Then one day, a good friend of mine persuaded me to come with him to a meeting. A professor on the University’s campus was starting a Taekwondo program and was holding an informational meeting. My friend and I went and listened to the professor speak about what Taekwondo was and what it could do for us. He talked about the obvious benefits; self-defense skills, weight control, muscle toning, . . . physical improvement. But he also claimed that Taekwondo could increase one’s self-confidence and their self-esteem. He further claimed that Taekwondo Training could lead one toward attaining greater respect for themselves and others as well as patience and, yes, better grades! He spoke of five Tenets of Taekwondo: Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, and Indomitable Spirit.
After listening to his claims, I knew that if Taekwondo could do half of what he said it could, I was going to at least give it a try. So, my friend and I joined the program. To make a long story short, the professor was not lying that day. The program did what he professed it would do and the Tenets of Taekwondo became very influential in shaping not only our attitudes and behavior, but our destiny as well. They became the framework for our lives and today they still play a major role in shaping what we think, and I actually had a growing sense of confidence in myself! My self-esteem had also improved. And my physical and athletic abilities became razor sharp. I know for a fact that Taekwondo was invaluable in shaping my future successes. I know it can help strengthen your kids too; mentally, emotionally, spiritually, or physically. . . whatever it is they could use more of. And yes, it can help them get better grades too. Give it a try, like I did 50 years ago. Personally, I wouldn’t take even a million dollars to give back everything Taekwondo has given me! Senior Master Cavanaugh, 8th Degree Black Belt
