Branch Instructor
Instructor Kavita Kumar
2nd Dan Black Belt
Sutherland Shire NSW Region – Gymea North Dojang
How long have you been training in Taekwondo? And what got you started?
I have been training with United Taekwondo since July 2013.
My elder son, who was around 6 years of age at that time, joined United Taekwondo at Carlton branch. We wanted him to learn discipline, respect of others and good values of life. Self confidence and defence was to be the bonus.
It was also one of my childhood dreams to learn martial arts however I never had the opportunity to do so. My son has trained for around 6 months and I decided to join with him to fulfill my long outstanding dream. It was the best decision I made.
Highlights of your Taekwondo success?
Initially I was told that I am going for black belt grading which I was fully prepared for however on the day our Master Paul asked me if I want to exceed and go for my 1st Dan and straight away I agreed and decided to go for it.
I have now achieved my 1st Dan and also within few months I was offered to be a Branch Instructor of United Taekwondo.
When our Master with so many years of experience, wisdom and knowledge offered me that position, I was really grateful to be a part of this wonderful organisation and help him fulfill his vision. I accepted this new role of Branch Instructor.
Describe your first black belt grading, and what it took to get you there?
I faced few challenges during my journey from brown belt to black belt. After sitting on brown belt for a while, I made a goal to get my black belt by 2020 however a few injuries and Covid-19 had pushed it further away from me.
I kept going with all my persistence, training with a few different instructors and visualising my dream of black belt with my name on it on a daily basis and finally after few months, I was told that I am going for black belt grading.
Even on grading day, I had few personal important matters to attend to in the morning before my grading started in the afternoon. I managed to get all done and made it to the grading hall just on time. I was there with mixed emotions, exhaustion and dream in my heart and I finally achieved my dream of having my black belt. I am not the kind of person who can cry very easily, however I burst into in tears while driving back home, it is an incredible feeling of accomplishment.
How often do you train? In Taekwondo? Gym? etc
I train for Taekwondo at least 3 times a week. I also enjoy walk with my children to beach, park and in nature.
Favourite Taekwondo move or moves?
- Turning Kick
- Axe Kick
- Inward Crescent Kick
- All Patterns
What are your personal goals in Taekwondo?
My personal goal is to build up my fitness level, stamina and overall good health for myself and my family. Also my aim is to improve my techniques, speed and power into my taekwondo patterns.
I believe that there is so much to learn in life and if you are not learning it means you are wasting your precious life. I try to challenge myself to be better each day than the one before.
Has Taekwondo benefited home life? If so, in what way?
Being active makes me more focused and productive at home with day to day things and looking after my children. It also helps me spend quality time with my children while we train together as well as help each other to achieve our goals for taekwondo and other areas of life.
Your favourite saying and what this means?
“Dream big and achieve them”
Best advice you can give someone training and wishing to start training in Taekwondo?
Don’t just wish, just go for it and achieve it as they say time and tide wait for none
Don’t regret by wishing, make it a reality that awaits you.
“The act of taking the first step is what separates the winners from the losers.”
― Brian Tracy
What other activities apart from Taekwondo do you enjoy?
- Spending quality time with my children and husband
- Watching Sunrise and Sunset, exploring nature, hikes, chasing waterfalls and taking lots of photos
- Travelling other parts of the world as well as learning about other cultures
- Socialising with friends
- Enjoy reading personal development and leadership books
Favourite movie(s) and why?
- Karate Kid
- Titanic
- Indiana Jones Movies
Favourite food?
My favourite food origins are Japanese, Thai, Indian, Italian, Mexican and Mediterranean cuisines with lots of vegetarian options and flavours.
With regards to Taekwondo where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
Working hard to achieve my next level – 2nd Dan in 2 years time. Also help others to achieve their goals and make difference in others lives.
“Success means you are living your life to your full potential. If that has to happen you need perception and an active intelligence: – By Sadhguru