As she stepped into her first martial arts class, she encountered something entirely new to her. Before her eyes, she witnessed her fellow students dressed in white robes engaged in unusual activities. Wondering if she would be able to succeed, she soon realized that the combat sport was her true talent. Kicking her way through each level of Taekwondo, junior Sofia Perez has been working her way to the top since she was a 13-year-old. Enrolled in Taekwondo classes with her stepfather, Perez has gradually developed a love for martial arts.
Despite starting during her teens, Perez has remained committed, as she practices at Master Kim’s Taekwondo and Hapkido Center every Tuesday and Thursday. Though she originally wanted to start Hapkido, another form of Korean self-defense, her instructors encouraged her to enroll in Taekwondo, one of the most systematic Korean traditional martial arts. Teaching more than just fighting skills, it also gave control between the mind and the body.
“My instructors have helped to guide me out of my comfort zone. Before I started Taekwondo, I was really shy and laid back. But, they have shown me what it’s like to be in the spotlight, and that I don’t have to be scared of expressing myself. If it was not for them, I would not be the same person that I am today,” Perez said.
As Perez continues to emotionally mature with every Taekwondo lesson, her love for the sport also increases. Since she started her martial arts journey, Perez has gained more muscle and technique than ever before, allowing her to defend herself in new ways. Once a scrawny 13-year-old girl, she has now transformed into a strong 17-year-old teenager.
Proud of how far she has come, Perez only hopes to continue practicing throughout the years, as she has become passionate about the art of kicking and punching. Always admiring martial arts, Perez is thrilled that she now can perform moves such as the front kick, roundhouse kick and jumping front kick.
“When I walk in for my Taekwondo lesson, I feel like I am immediately surrounded by family. Everyone is so kind and supportive, and I am so grateful that I have been able to find such amazing instructors. I truly feel at peace when I’m practicing Taekwondo, and it’s all thanks to them,” Perez said.
Although Perez does not plan to compete anytime soon, she is determined to keep practicing Taekwondo. By keeping a strong mentality and never giving up, she has already earned her red and black belt, and she intends to get her prestigious black belt soon. When she reaches that point, she will be faced with a wooden board to be broken with a singular kick. If she successfully breaks the board into two pieces, she will be awarded the black belt, one of the highest honors in Korean martial arts.
“Taekwondo has really been a life-changing experience for me. I’ve learned so many defense tactics, including all different types of kicks and punches. I’m more confident in my ability to not only defend myself, but also to talk to others and be more social,” Perez said.
Because of her hard work and dedication to Taekwondo, Perez embodies what it means to be a student-athlete. She hopes that her love for martial arts will follow her throughout her lifetime. For her, Taekwondo has become more than just a physical outlet as it has allowed her to gain confidence, discipline and strength.
