November 2016 Tiger Tracks

Strickland's Taekwondo - What you want to know about us and more

We are a professional full-time martial arts school unlike any other in the area.  At Strickland’s Taekwondo Karate you will learn true self defense as well as traditional Taekwondo, aka Korean Karate, from highly skilled and unique professionals with many years of martial arts experience that take their job seriously.  Our instructor team is comprised of full time paid instructors, as well as volunteers that teach class for the sheer enjoyment.  More importantly, all the instructors are personal students of Mr. Strickland, trained by him.  As well as learning an ancient martial art, you will also benefit from high-energy workouts and fun programs. You will train in a spacious and safe environment.  Come see what sets us apart from other schools in the metroplex.   We have exciting karate, kickboxing, anti-bully, and self defense classes for Children, Teens, and Adults - ages 4 and up! 

Strickland's Taekwondo Adult Class

Strickland's Taekwondo Children's Class

Strickland's Taekwondo DAAB Class

(Women's Defense Against Agressive Behavior)

Why I Want To Be A Black Belt: Jack Contreras

Why I Want To Be A Black Belt: Jack Contreras

When I first started Taekwondo I really wanted to be a black belt now, three years later I am about to

reach my goal. I thought the boards would be a challenge. Watching the instructors do their form
inspired me to become a black belt. When I had tested for my red belt I had I felt very sad that I didn't
pass my testing but that did not stop me from wanting to be a black belt as much and I decided not to
give up on taekwondo it made me more determend to earn my black belt.

Taekwondo made me think about if I should become a security guard. I decided I want to be a black
belt, because I could defend myself when people bully me so I won't get seriously hurt. I could also
defend others. I need to defend myself because I'm short and when I get to middle school I'll probably
get bullied a lot more. I could also get into a good college and then get a good job because if I show
them I'm a black belt they will probably want me in their college because I don't give up. Also if I treat my boss with respect if he's kind enough he might give me a raise in my salary. If I am a security guard knowing taekwondo would help me arrest someone who broke in. I could teach my brother Nick how to defend himself I could also help him with the forms if he decides to join Taekwondo again. If I decide to become a wrestler (which probably won't) my skills would help me because I could win fights. I would like to learn more skills for more ways to defend myself. I think of the black belt as an accomplishment my friends and family will respect and admire. I could entertain my family because they like to see Ethan and me demonstrate our forms we are learning. If I ever join the military and my gun runs out of ammo my skills in taekwondo would give me a chance of fighting of the enemies and winning but not a very good one. I could teach my son or daughter because I don't want them ever getting bullied. I could open my own taekwondo school and make a living off of that. Mr.Strickland , you and the other instructors inspiered me to do better in taekwondo by after testing you would tell the whole class something like a story or don't stop because you failed a testing or you would tell us what the program was about. You taught me about respect by when we don't answer you might make us do pushups. Thank you for teaching me skills, forms, and lessons about qualities like respect or not giving up. I have had a great time in taekwondo and I hope I will be able to become a recommended black belt soon. Thank you Mr. Strickland Mr.Cain and other instructors for your time you spend teaching me taekwondo
and helping me learn this art.
Sincerely,
Jack Contreras

Why I want to be a black belt? By: Saikrishna Gujjarlapudi

Why I want to be a black belt? By: Saikrishna Gujjarlapudi      

 I, Saikrishna Gujjarlapudi, would like to become a black belt because it is one of my ambitions to become a black belt or first-degree black belt. The reason I had come this far without quitting or failing a single testing is because of this dream that I have with me. This gets me one step closer to reaching my goal of being a first-degree black belt. This essay takes me a step further to my hard and rigorous goal. This helps me in self-defense and helps me defend myself at any time, any place, and any moment of chaos. This also gives me physical exercise, skill, and flexibility to my arms and increases my growth since I am in the growing age of children. This increases my brainpower with more complicated forms then ever in my life, the only ever time I have completed such a mind-stressing task is in math. If I become a black belt, I will finally get to stop learning the basics that I have been learning for the past two years and finally become another master in martial arts. The form that I am now doing is known as, Chung Mu, it looks difficult when seen, but simple and fun when it is being shown or is done any form that may occur. Taekwondo will also go very far in my life. Taekwondo will be helping me in my future a lot. It will be put on my extensive resume .I enjoy taekwondo very much. It relieves me of any pressure I have outside of karate. 

The world of tae-kwon-doe is a way to improve myself and those are some reasons I want to become a black belt. I want to be a black belt because I want to improve in my only physical outside school activity, tae-kwon- doe, it is my only chance in my life to earn some reward in something other than academic learning. The way I became a black belt is because I worked very hard for the past two years. I had just wanted to do tae-kwon-doe but now I want to become a black belt because of my two years of determination from the brain and my heart. I always wanted to start tae-kwon-doe since I was six years old, and I finally got to start at the age of 8 years old. This is a very harsh way to become a black belt but still forces you to do the work to be worth to become a black belt. This also helps me because I have to get a bigger appetite, so more vigorous, more appetite I can grow. The reason I wrote this essay is because of my desire to become a black belt. There are many other reasons I want to become a black belt but I am not talking about them. Thank You for reading this essay about why I, Saikrishna Gujjarlapudi want to be a black belt.

Why I Want to Be a Black Belt: Rick Rizzo

Why I Want to Be a Black Belt: Rick Rizzo

My overall interest in Martial Arts began to develop in the early 1990’s as Royce Gracie began to gain exposure through the burgeoning UFC.  Royce is roughly my size and I watched him submit a much larger fighter via lapel choke while being held upside down.  What caught my attention was how knowing the right skills and how to apply them can neutralize and overcome disadvantages like size, strength and circumstance.  Now let’s fast forward 20 + years, now with two young children whom I steered to Taekwondo training beginning at age 4.  Watching them train, and more importantly watching the instructors re-lit the interest that was sparked back then.  The tipping point to my pursuit to become a Black Belt came when, as I have written before, our family decided to raise the level of training for our kids and came to Strickland’s Taekwondo.  After a short period of watching my son’s train with Mr. Strickland and the rest of the staff, I quickly decided to join in and now, almost three years, 157 classes, physical therapy, knee surgery and 14 belts later, I am on the verge of earning a probationary black belt.  But why go through all of this?  Why do I want to be a black belt?

As I looked internally, which I suppose is the purpose of this exercise, I came up with two main reasons for this pursuit.  Interestingly, neither has to do with what originally interested me…fighting.  My reasons can be classified as “internal” and “external.”  There are several reasons I am doing this for me and several reasons I am doing this for others.

I have three main internal reasons for why I want to become a black belt.  The first is finishing what I start, following through on my commitment.  This is somewhat oxymoronic as I have learned this is really just the very beginning which actually is exciting, challenging and motivating all at the same time!  Secondly, this is something I am hoping to do as long as I am physically able.  I really enjoy the fact that Taekwondo simultaneously provides high levels of both mental and physical challenge.  This is an excellent way for me to try to stay in shape while continuing to learn and grow in focus, discipline and execution.  Lastly, I really enjoy our environment and relationships I am developing at Strickland’s Taekwondo.  I am able to work with and learn from some really great people which is fun and rewarding as well!

Externally, my main driver for earning my black belt is to continue on in pursuit of my instructor collar.  I am excited about the prospect of working with children coming into the Taekwondo program.  I feel like I will be able to relate well to the challenge while transferring knowledge, tips and “tricks” that have been shared with me to help young students prepare, succeed, progress and stick with Taekwondo.  Additionally, I want to do this with and for my sons Trey and Trevor.  I hope to show them how to persist and push forward no matter the difficulty or challenges faced and the mental rewards that brings.  Lastly, I hold a thought of someday owning my own school with my sons.  I even have the name picked out already, “TNT TKD”.

Collin Thomas - Why I Want to Be a Black Belt

Collin Thomas - Why I Want to Be a Black Belt

I began taekwondo with Strickland’s Taekwondo at the age of 5. I do not really remember why I started, I guess because my mom signed me up.   It was one of the best decisions my mom made for me.  After I started and got a little older and knew what I was doing, I really enjoyed it because I felt I was getting stronger.  I also became more confident and was not afraid of kids. 

Getting to be a black belt would be a major accomplishment for me.   Learning self defense and how to fight is pretty cool.  Also, since Mr. Strickland makes class fun, I thought I would stick with taekwondo because it is a sport I really enjoy.  I like getting sweaty and I love playing around.  But most importantly, I want to be a black belt because I want to be a leader.  I never really lead anything or taught anyone anything and I see being a black belt as allowing me to do those things.   My ultimate goal is to become an instructor and I have to be a black belt in order to do that.

Throughout my 5 years at Strickland’s Teakwondo, I have earned many belts.  Each time I am very excited because it brings me a few steps closer to becoming a black belt. The forms are very challenging when you get down the line for the different belts.  The fact that I made it this far is incredible to me.  I can not stop now until I reach my goal and even then I will keep going.   I take testing very seriously.  Every time I prepare to test, I think about 3 things - forms, sparring, and board breaking.

Becoming a black belt would be a dream come true.  A black belt stands for the strongest belt ever.  It is the top belt for me.  I know that getting a black belt does not come easy and it takes a lot of hard work to get it.  It will be the hardest test for me because it is so important to me.  I would be so proud to become a black belt.  It would mean that I could tell everyone about my accomplishment and also let my little brother see that I made it to black belt.  My teachers would be proud of me and my parents.  I can also inspire my little brother to get his black belt one day.  

When I pass the black belt test, I will wear my black belt with pride.  I will jump for joy and thank God for allowing me to pass.  I would thank all the instructors when I go to shake their hands.  I will be so exited in the inside because it would mean that I never gave up in over 5 years and I stuck with something and accomplished my goal.  I would also thank Mr. Strickland because he always believed in me and he always encourage me.  He is a really nice man and if it was not for him I probably would have quit but he kept me motivated and I have to thank him for that.  Even if I do not pass my first try for black belt, I will test again and again until I get it.

Why I Want to Be a Black Belt - Gabby Rice

Why I Want to Be a Black Belt - Gabby Rice

My name is Gabrielle Rice and I want to be a black belt. I have been at Mr. Strickland’s taekwondo studio all my life! When I was small, I would watch my brother, CJ. CJ has been doing taekwondo since he was four. He has been at Mr. Strickland’s taekwondo studio since he was five. CJ will be 12 on December 20, 2015.  CJ is a black belt and an instructor. I love my brother. He and Mr. Strickland and the other instructors have taught me a lot of things. Watching them has made me want to be a black belt too. Being a black belt is a huge responsibility. You have to be ready to put in the work and be an example to others. Being a black belt is a privilege and honor. Not many people get the opportunity. It is a goal I set for myself when I started as a student. In class, I try to always give my all and be the best. I started breaking boards before I needed to because I want to be good at taekwondo. I try to always be prepared and know the name of my form.   The instructors have taught me sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. When you lose, you cannot cry. When you lose, you need to 
try harder and harder until you win. They have helped me to learn to control my emotions and to focus when I am in front of people. They have taught me to use my brain and common sense. They have taught me to never ever ever give up. I want to encourage and 
support kids this way. I want to be able to coach kids and show them all the things I have learned. When you are a black belt, you know defense skills to protect yourself. The tenets are like life lessons. They teach you how to use your skills. They teach you to never use your skills to do bad things. You should only use you skills to do good things. They teach you to be a leader. Being a black belt means being a leader in all that you do. This means being respectful to others, being kind to others and helping others. I know I am only 8, but I am ready to challenge myself and one day be an instructor. My brother has told me that being a black belt and an instructor is hard work, but I know I can do it. Being a black belt is also fun. You get to do cool things. You get to stand in front of the class. You get to help with the other belts. The coolest of all is getting a belt and jacket with your name on it.  The best part about being a black belt is that I will be able to teach and encourage my little brother Vaughn just like my big brother CJ did me.  

Gabrielle Rice

Halloween Party Success!!!!

We had an AMAZING Halloween Party

Our Fearless Leader......

Threw a Halloween Pizza Party!!

Costume Contest!!!!!

Games!!!

FUN FUN FUN!!!

Scary Story!!!!

Eats, Treats, And Face Painting!!

Even brought out the Dry Ice Just Before....

The BAD Guy Concluded our Scary Story...

Flo Mo Food Truck Fest 2015! Great Time Great Fun!!

Stricklands Taekwondo Demo Team 

Had an Amazing Performance this Weekend!! Thank you to all who came out and supported us!!

(CLICK OUR DEMO PATCH ABOVE FOR MORE ON DEMO TEAM AND COMMUNITY)

2015 #TUDisneyNationals Ring Assignments

September 2015 Tiger Tracks

Why do I want to become a black belt? William (Will) Mize

William (Will) MizeWhy do I want to become a black belt?

I first started doing martial arts at the age of 8, at Turners Karate School. From that point I knew that I wanted to be a black belt. But alas, at the young age, I lacked the focus, control and discipline to do so. I quit very early, never making it past orange belt. Years went by and I never considered doing martial arts again, until I met Hunter Bushnell. I saw the control and discipline he seemed to posses, which is something most 7th graders didn’t have. He then explained how he had been doing Taekwondo for years, and was a first-degree black belt. From that moment I realized I wanted the same skill and discipline that he possessed.

I talked my parents into letting me join Taekwondo at the beginning of my second semester 8^th grade year. Immediately I loved going to class and looked forward to it every single day. Everything about class was enjoyable, from the atmosphere provided by the people, to the exhausting exercise we received. I felt at home around everyone, and knew I wanted to continue working towards my black belt and further for as long as I could.

After earning my back belt, I wish to eventually become an instructor and continue to do Taekwondo for as long as I can. There I an innate respect for those who are well versed enough in a martial art to be able to teach it. I hope earning my black belt and eventually becoming an instructor will help me achieve that respect from my peers and others around me.

Texas A&M University has their own Taekwondo team that I wish to join as freshmen my first year attending. I hope to compete to better both myself and my teammates, while supporting the school's name.

Taekwondo is phenomenal in the sense that it is something you can do at almost any age throughout all of your life. Furthermore, as you better yourself physically you also do so mentally. This is apparent in the way all students and instructors treat one another. No matter what your age you are either sir or ma’am, and are treated with respect. To me, a black belt student not only has this respect, but has proven they deserve it.

I have worked for two and a half years toward this testing, and have been determined to get to this point from the very beginning. I want to become a black belt so I can further better myself both physically and mentally, while helping my peers along the way. To me a black belt represents the tenants of Taekwondo; Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self Control, and Indomitable Spirit. These are tenants I’ve been working to improve for within myself, and earning my black belt is a representation of that work.

Strickland'sTKD July 4th Parade

July 4th Community FUN!!

Watch for Our Mascott!!

Reyes Power!!

We Celebrated With our Community

James was there!

Lots to do After the Parade

 

Everyone had FUN!! Even Seena's Dad!! You GO Mr. Farhadi!!

Happy Smiles

Seena had a great time!!

 

Mr. Cain was Mr Meet and Greet!! Talked to Everyone!

 

Start to Finish Line, A happy team!!

 

Ms Anderson... always working with a smile....

 

A Community Event

  

There was a lot of fun to be had!!

 

Isabelle rocked it with Celebratory Hair!!

 

Lots of People. So much Fun!!

 

And he was just walking along....

 

Everyone wanted to talk to our Mascott!!

The officer brought his son to see our Mascott!!

The little boy was a little nervous but he was very happy when he touched our Tiger

It was a great day!!

Congratulations to the Demo Team Members who earned their Merits today!!! We had a great time and it was excellent exposure for the School too!!!!
Demo Team Merits were earned by the following members of your team:

Santiago (James) Palafox, Ashley Reyes, Stephanie Reyes, Phillip Reyes, Jacquelyn Andersen, Bella Dick, & Isabelle Knight!!

Our July 4th Parade was a smashing success!! 

The Team had a BLAST!!

Thanks to All!!!