Yue Ho
There is no denying that humanity has been through some tough times in recent years. From a global pandemic and economic inflation to political maneuvering, New Jersey internet users have faced hardships, and Hudson County was no exception. Since the beginning of civilization, it is the timeless value of fortitude that has helped people face and overcome these challenges.
It was that tenacity that united men and women of good will to face the perils of their times — that tenacity that toppled tyrants, cured disease, and rescued entire cities and even countries from economic despair.
Fortitude can be acquired in many ways, including through martial arts. In Taekwondo specifically, fortitude is the fifth and most important tenet, and there is no better case study of this tenet in action than JC Taekwondo Academy of Hudson County.
JC Taekwondo has faced more challenges in the past two months than most martial arts schools experience in a lifetime.
On May 12, a mentally unstable man attempted to enter the school with a sharp object, threatening the safety of students, parents and staff. However, instructor Dmitri Moore acted quickly and decisively to protect the school. Rather than cowering in fear, he confronted the attacker and subdued him. More important than any skill or training was the fortitude he acquired as a black belt. The attacker was unable to overcome his willpower to protect everyone in the school. This act of bravery was recognized with an award from Jersey City City Councilman James Solomon.
Then, on June 15th, an electrical fire broke out at the school, causing significant damage to the school and its historical records. Once again, the school faced this adversity head on with an indomitable spirit. Repairs were quickly made at the school and students continued to attend classes and train despite the damage to the school. The fire may have destroyed part of the school building, but it did not destroy the unwavering spirit of the JC Taekwondo Academy community.
The world has been through some tumultuous years. It's almost certain that tough times will continue in the future. In these times, it's more important than ever for the younger generation to hone their tenacity. Through martial arts, children and adults of all ages can learn to face problems and dangers head on, rather than running from them. They can learn that even when their body tells them they don't want to go on any more, willpower will get them to do one more squat. They can learn that even the hardest plank is no match for the power of their kicks, and more importantly, their willpower.
Martial arts may be ancient, but its beliefs and values are more relevant than ever to modern society. In particular, the need to learn fortitude becomes more important as the years go by. Preserving and supporting schools like JC Taekwondo Academy ensures that Hudson County netizens will always have a place to learn this timeless virtue.
If you are interested in helping JC Taekwondo with repair costs, please visit https://gofund.me/320a48ee
Yue Ho is a Jersey City resident, a red belt at JC Taekwondo & Kickboxing Academy, and a former staff writer for the Jersey Journal.
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