For me, achieving Black Belt is a recognition of self-belief. Inspiring me to not give up, remain determined and persevere through all self-doubt.
You too can start your journey today.
Black Belt acknowledges a long journey of mental, physical and spiritual growth through the development of self-discipline and focus. It is also about working hard and dedicating myself to a journey to inspire and give me the confidence to believe in myself.
World Taekwondo is a great avenue to escape into another world where you leave your problems behind and actively focus 100% on training as soon as you walk into class, it's like an active meditation for me and I always feel fantastic when I finish training.
My name is Rita Zaikos and I began my World Taekwondo journey in 2011.
I have always been interested in Martial Arts and practised Aikido in my early twenties for a short time before moving interstate. Fast forward 20 years and three children later, I enrolled all my children in World Taekwondo as I believed martial arts is a wonderful sport for their minds, body and spirit. World Taekwondo stood out amongst the other schools I had looked at for its innovativeness, passion, energy, enthusiasm and quality of teaching and training.
One day Grand Master Wahid suggested I join World Taekwondo …. At that point I realised as a Mum I got caught up in doing so much for my family I forgot about myself.
That was the beginning of my journey in World Taekwondo, I stepped out of my COMFORT zone and entered the CHALLENGING zone! I truly believe looking back that this was the best decision I made for myself.
World Taekwondo challenges your body and mind and strengthens them in ways that are unique through the training and self-discipline that is taught in classes. It's like you take a journey of self-discovery with a continuous fine tuning of one self.
Training has helped me immensely in my life, physically I have become fitter, stronger, more flexible and mentally it has strengthened my mind to push past my limitations to stay focused and positive no matter what life serves me. World Taekwondo is also a great avenue to escape into another world where you leave your problems behind and actively focus 100% on training as soon as you walk into class, it's like an active meditation for me and I always feel fantastic when I finish training.
My favourite part of training is sparring and self defence techniques. I enjoy putting into practice the techniques we have learnt in a fighting situation and learning to read your opponent to get the advantage in defending yourself. I also enjoy giving back to the club in volunteering at the gradings and assisting with the kids, it’s a great feeling!
For me, achieving Black Belt is a recognition of self-belief. Inspiring me to not give up, remain determined and persevere through all self-doubt. Black Belt acknowledges a long journey of mental, physical and spiritual growth through the development of self-discipline and focus. It is also about working hard and dedicating myself to a journey to inspire and give me the confidence to believe in myself. As well as crediting Grand Master Wahid, Master Carol and all the instructors and fellow students who have helped and supported me in this quest to achieve Black Belt.