<p>I am one of many Korean teenagers who does Tae Kwon Do as an EC. Most kids who have done TKD some point in their life, not neccessarily in high school, and write in their college essays that they have done TKD as an EC for HS. Hey, that's not bad. BUT HOWEVER, some korean kids who have done tkd when they are little and have received black belts write that they have received a black belt in high school. (OH I HAVE A CERTIFCATE TO PROVE IT, they say). That ****es the heck out of me. The thing is, I bet that the college administraters get thousands of college essays from TKD martial artists, especially Koreans, that the student has gotten black belt. Hey, most people say that that's good (Oh, he must be very talented. Oh, he must have a good EC life. Oh, he is well disciplined. Oh, he must be a good athelete). But the people who have a black belt right now and are currently doing TKD are also "teaching" as instructors. Some even get paid for "teaching." These teens are usually 1-3rd degree black belts. What I am trying to get is that TKD happens to be the most important, central EC in my HS life. And I have done it since I was 7 years old (10 years). And I am currently a master (4th degree) in TKD. And to see that most korean teenagers applying for colleges put on their apps that they've gotten a black belt or that they "teach" classes (which is supposed to show leadership skill) is just making me feel that colleges won't give a rat's butt that I am indeed a higher rank than most teenagers (I mean, come on, most teenagers reach only 3rd degree by end of HS) and that I will be considered some average TKD korean kid. What do you guys think? DO i stand out, or am I just some black belt that wasted his time striving to be the best TKD athelete he can possibly be.</p>
<p>I feel your pain. I’m a white guy who has done martial arts for basically forever. For the last 14 years I’ve trained in Shotokan Karate, Judo, Krav Maga, and Jiu Jutsu. I definitely know what you mean when you feel like just “another martial artist” in a sea of people who seem like they just do martial arts on the side, or do them for the extra “leadership” opportunities, etc. It’s seriously frustrating. </p>
<p>A lot of them are not even qualified. A lot of them study at institutions where the promotions are lax; a student may even earn their black belt in 2-3 years. It’s sad really, but there is currently no standardized system for the martial arts. I am currently about to take my test for 3rd degree black belt. I have been training for 14 years, and I assure you I have acquired a great deal of skill. When I see another kid who claims to be a 3rd degree black belt and he says he has been training for about 4 years, I just feel sick inside. There is no standardization; a 3rd degree at one institution is not the same as a 3rd degree somewhere else. </p>
<p>I guess it really depends on how you articulate yourself. I think that if you can truly show them your passion for the sport - not just the achievements you have racked up - you will shine through. While I understand your frustration, I don’t think that it’s good to call it “wasted time” spent doing the martial arts. If it truly is your passion, then it is not wasted time - it is following your dreams. I understand your frustration and even empathize with you a lot, but you need to keep your mindset not as “I am the only true martial artist” but more as “I show exemplary dedication and passion for the sport, and do not do it simply because it looks good on my college transcripts”… </p>
<p>Good luck, and don’t let other people get to your head - because as you develop true skill and drive, you will come to see that that in itself is your reward. Keep your kicks high, mate ;)</p>
<p>this is just a guess, but I think you might feel more like there are many “average TKD korean kids” because you are one. you’re surrounded by it. but I don’t think there are as many around as you’re implying. I wouldn’t worry about it</p>