Healing Through Taekwondo

14
Mar

Healing Through Taekwondo

Five years ago I began experiencing horrible bouts of dizziness that did not go away. I couldn’t get a diagnosis, couldn’t get the help that I needed. Fast forward to 2020, and I was finally diagnosed with Vestibular Migraines, a brain disorder that results in chronic dizziness. I couldn’t do even the most simple tasks- standing in the shower, walking alone, or even driving. My whole world was flipped upside down.

Being married to a Martial Artist and taekwondo school owner, I always wanted to earn a Black Belt. I trained over the years, but never consistently and it took me nearly five years to get to my red/black belt. When the dizziness hit, I couldn’t imagine training in taekwondo ever again. There were risks of getting kicked in the head during sparring, balancing on one leg during kicks, and the many turns involved in forms. 

In January of 2023, I decided I was going to go for it- to earn my Black Belt. Through years of healing I learned that the hardest obstacle I had to overcome was my own mind. I needed to believe that I was capable of doing anything that I set my mind to, including the challenge of becoming a Black Belt. 

The training to get there was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do both mentally and physically. Being married to Mr. Mueller has its perks, we would go to the gym together three times per week, training two hours on those days. I would practice forms one through six back-to-back, over and over again to get them to the best of my ability. I attended class five days a week and practiced even more.

My body and mind were run down and beyond tired. Balance and mind body connection over the years of my health issues has been a constant challenge, but I pushed myself past what I thought I could do. Every day I got stronger and realized that I am capable of doing hard things. I noticed that I felt normal, not experiencing dizziness while training or throughout my day. I came to realize that I am healed. 

I never thought I would be able to perform the forms, spar, and break boards like that. When I finished testing, getting that belt tied around my waist, it was a moment of pure empowerment. I set my mind to something, worked hard to achieve that goal, and accomplished it. I overcame my fear of not being okay, not being able to do it, and crushed every part of it. 

It just proves that no matter what you are going through, if you have true belief in yourself, you can accomplish anything. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the support system and training of Mueller’s Martial Arts. Getting my Black Belt will be a moment I will remember for the rest of my life and will cherish forever. 
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