Living With Wolfram Syndrome – Adam Zwan

What is Taekwondo to Me?

As a Wolfram Syndrome patient, I have learned that controlling my diabetes and my overall health can slow down the progression of any illness.  Thus, I have become a huge advocate for fitness and nutrition as a means of promoting quality years of life.  Health is a broad term that encompasses physical, mental, psychological, intellectual, and spiritual health.

When I was first asked to help teach taekwondo classes I was eager to help as well as improve aspects of my own physical health.  As a trade off, I would assist in teaching classes and then be taught the art of taekwondo to help improve my balance, flexibility, and technique.  After a few weeks of assistance I was shown that lessons of taekwondo can be used to teach various aspects of health.  Members of the academy ranged from 2 to 16 years old and learned not only taekwondo but how to make a difference at home, in school, and in the community.

It is important to know how to defend one’s self and how to avoid danger but equally valuable to show respect, discipline, and self control.  Behavioral attributes are woven into each lesson of taekwondo and prove to create amazing men and women for the future.  The fast food industry targets children so that eating habits are developed early in life; the same philosophy is used in teaching taekwondo but in contrast, the members I engage learn proper manners, how to be respectful, and how to interact with others using a positive demeanor.

After several months of training and teaching taekwondo I see improvements within myself as well as the members who I have engaged.  While I experience better balance and flexibility the members are bringing n progress reports with better grades, notes from parents explaining good deeds performed at home and in the community, and showing respect and discipline towards instructors and peers.  Taekwondo has proven to be a valuable lesson in life that teaches not only self defense but behavioral attributes that mold bright futures for the next generation.