Imagine growing up as the child who was always picked last for sports teams, the one for whom catching a ball seemed like an unsolvable mystery, and running was an exercise in frustration.
For Rachael, this was her reality. "I was never a sporty kid," she admits. "In fact, I was the one chosen last in every team, as catching a ball was a mystery to me, as was running." By the time she reached 30, Rachael had firmly decided that she was simply bad at sports, and as a result, she hated them all.
Yet, life has a funny way of surprising us when we least expect it. One day, while attending the Worcester Show, Rachael happened upon a Taekwon-Do demonstration. What she saw there caught her attention in a way that no other sport ever had. "Somehow, it appealed to me," she recalls. "It did help that there were women in the group and some people who were older than me!" For Rachael, whose school days had only offered hockey, netball, and swimming for girls, the world of martial arts was a revelation. Encouraged by the friendly and inviting atmosphere at Worcestershire Martial Arts, she decided to take the plunge and give Taekwon-Do a try.
A Humble Beginning: Discovering Strengths in Taekwon-Do
The early days of Rachael’s Taekwon-Do journey were anything but easy. Determined to support her in this new endeavour, her husband joined her for the first month of classes. The experience was a rude awakening. "Both of us left the first class not being able to walk for about three days after," Rachael laughs, reflecting on the soreness that followed.
"I was using muscles I never knew I even had."
While her husband eventually decided to return to his preferred sport of running, Rachael found herself drawn to Taekwon-Do in ways she hadn’t expected. "Taekwon-Do was actually playing to a few of my strengths," she explains. The lessons were challenging, but they also provided her with something new to learn each week, a fresh perspective that gradually transformed her relationship with physical activity. It wasn’t just about fitness; it was about growth, both physically and mentally.
Building Confidence and Community: The Impact of Worcestershire Martial Arts
As Rachael continued her Taekwon-Do journey, the supportive community at Worcestershire Martial Arts became an integral part of her experience. "Being part of WMA has been rewarding," she shares. "The support given, the community of people, and for me, seeing how much bodily confidence I have gained in the 10 years since I joined."
This sense of belonging became even more crucial when Rachael discovered she was pregnant. Sally Gleaves, one of her instructors, was one of the first people she confided in. "Sally was excellent in putting in some actions straight away," Rachael recalls. From non-contact sparring to avoiding exercises that involved holding the kick shields, Sally ensured that Rachael could continue training safely throughout her pregnancy.
Training during pregnancy wasn’t just about maintaining fitness for Rachael; it was about feeling strong and capable during a time of immense physical change. "The main benefit was the stretching exercises for pregnancy as it helped awfully in labour," she says, though she quickly adds, "I don’t want to scare anyone by going into that!" Beyond the physical benefits, Taekwon-Do provided her with a much-needed mental and emotional outlet during a particularly challenging time in her life.
Just a month before her daughter was born, Rachael’s mother passed away after a battle with illness. In the midst of this overwhelming grief, Taekwon-Do became a crucial part of her healing process. "I actually wanted to go to Taekwon-Do to be able to just do something physical," she explains. "And frankly, to hit a pad very hard." Her dedication to the practice was so strong that she continued training until she was 40+2 weeks pregnant, much to the concern of her instructor, Sally, who was likely relieved when Rachael didn't go into labour on the mats!
Returning to the Dojang: A Postpartum Journey
After her daughter was born, Rachael took a well-deserved break from Taekwon-Do to recover and adjust to life as a new mum. It wasn’t until six months later that she felt ready to return to the dojang. "My body was frankly knackered," she admits.
"It took me quite a lot of courage to get back into it, as I just didn’t realise how tired I would be."
For Rachael, the return to Taekwon-Do wasn’t just about getting back in shape; it was about reclaiming a part of herself that had been put on hold during those exhausting early months of motherhood. "Being a new mum can be overwhelming, tiring, and all-encompassing," she says. "But once I did my first couple of lessons, I found it was good for me. I had an hour off on a Sunday night just to be myself and not to worry about anything."
Balancing Taekwon-Do with the demands of motherhood wasn’t easy. Rachael had to reduce her training to once a week, recognising that her family needed her time and energy as well. "I used to go to the Droitwich class too, but felt I had to cut back to once a week for many reasons—tiredness, but also it was unfair leaving my husband to look after our little one all the time."
The postpartum period brought its own set of challenges, from physical recovery to the unexpected issues that arise from breastfeeding and pelvic floor health. Rachael doesn’t shy away from sharing these realities, offering practical advice to other new mums who might be considering returning to physical activity. "No-one talks about this much, but please, if you are going to have a baby, do your pelvic floor exercises!" she warns. "Jumping for more than two seconds still is a no-no for me, and breastfeeding meant that I was leaking over my Dobok when away from the baby."
Despite these challenges, Rachael is quick to emphasise the positive impact that Taekwon-Do has had on her overall well-being. "You do recover from pregnancy eventually," she says. "And my body and mental health couldn’t be better right now."
Reflecting on the Journey: The Transformative Power of Taekwon-Do
As Rachael looks back on her decade-long journey with Worcestershire Martial Arts, it’s clear that Taekwon-Do has had a profound impact on her life. "Taekwon-Do has been a positive influence on my bodily confidence both before and after having my baby," she reflects. While she acknowledges that she has never struggled with mental health issues, she recognises how valuable the combination of regular exercise and social connection can be for others. "The social part of Taekwon-Do is good, especially as the group has many women."
Rachael’s experience with Taekwon-Do during pregnancy and motherhood has also deepened her understanding of the importance of community and support. "Being part of any community is important, and this is a community that understands the struggles that come with motherhood," she says. Her journey is a testament to the adaptability and empathy that Worcestershire Martial Arts offers to its members, particularly women at various stages of their lives.
As she continues her Taekwon-Do practice, Rachael is mindful of the ways in which motherhood has influenced her as a martial artist. "I now see some of the young girls growing up with such confidence in their own abilities," she says, "and it makes me want to get better at my explanations of techniques." Although she has not yet pursued formal instructor training, Rachael feels a growing desire to work with younger students, driven by the knowledge that one day her own daughter might be among them. "I would want my daughter to be taught in a specific way," she explains, "meaning I should work on that side."
Looking Forward: Goals and Aspirations
Rachael’s journey with Taekwon-Do is far from over. While she has no immediate plans to rush through the ranks, she has her sights set on eventually earning her black belt.
"For me, Taekwon-Do is about learning something new each week, being part of a group, and working on my ever-developing body confidence," she says.
Her focus is on the process rather than the destination, a philosophy that has served her well throughout her martial arts journey.
In the future, Rachael also hopes to start working with the children who join Worcestershire Martial Arts. However, she acknowledges that this could be a delicate balance, especially with her daughter soon to be of an age to participate. "As my daughter is 5, I am not sure she would appreciate me being an instructor in her class when she finally gets to join in," she laughs.
An Inspirational Journey
Rachael’s Taekwon-Do journey is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to start something new, even if you’ve spent your entire life believing you’re "bad at sports." Her story is one of perseverance, community, and self-discovery, illustrating how martial arts can be a transformative experience for anyone, regardless of their starting point. Through the support and camaraderie of Worcestershire Martial Arts, Rachael has not only developed physical strength and confidence but has also found a supportive community that has stood by her through some of life’s most challenging moments.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or someone looking to return to martial arts after a hiatus, Rachael’s journey offers inspiration and encouragement. Taekwon-Do is more than just a sport; it’s a path to personal growth, resilience, and connection. As Rachael herself puts it, "Taekwon-Do is about learning something new each week, being part of a group, and working on my ever-developing body confidence." Her journey showcases the power of martial arts to build not just physical fitness, but also mental resilience and a sense of belonging.
The Power of Perseverance: Lessons from Rachael's Journey
Rachael's story is also a testament to the importance of perseverance. From the moment she took that first tentative step onto the mats, she faced challenges that could have easily discouraged her. Whether it was the physical soreness after her initial classes or the daunting prospect of returning postpartum, Rachael met each obstacle with determination and a willingness to push through.
Her ability to adapt and grow is particularly evident in how she managed to balance her Taekwon-Do practice with the demands of pregnancy and motherhood. Rather than giving up when the journey became difficult, she found ways to continue that worked for her body and her life circumstances. This adaptability is something that all martial artists can learn from, particularly those who may be facing their own challenges—whether physical, emotional, or situational.
Community and Connection: The Heart of Taekwon-Do
Throughout her journey, Rachael emphasises the crucial role that community has played in her experience. Worcestershire Martial Arts provided her with a supportive environment where she could grow, learn, and connect with others. This sense of community became even more significant during her pregnancy and after the loss of her mother. In these difficult times, the Taekwon-Do community was not just a place to train, but a source of emotional support and connection.
The camaraderie Rachael found in her Taekwon-Do classes is something that anyone considering martial arts should take to heart. The physical benefits of training are undeniable, but the social and emotional connections formed through shared experiences are just as valuable. In a world where isolation and stress are increasingly common, being part of a supportive community can make all the difference.
Inspiring the Next Generation
As Rachael looks ahead, she’s inspired by the young girls in her Taekwon-Do classes, seeing in them the confidence and self-assurance that she herself has worked so hard to build. Her journey has given her a deep appreciation for the importance of teaching and mentoring, especially when it comes to empowering the next generation of martial artists.
While she’s not rushing into a formal instructor role just yet, Rachael is clearly passionate about the idea of passing on what she’s learned to others. Her experience as a mother has only deepened this desire, as she envisions a future where her daughter might follow in her footsteps. By working on her own skills and knowledge, Rachael hopes to one day contribute to the development of young martial artists, helping them grow with the same confidence and support that she has experienced.
A Call to Action: Join the Journey
Rachael’s journey with Worcestershire Martial Arts is more than just a personal story—it’s an invitation to others. Whether you’re someone who’s always felt "bad at sports," a new parent looking for a way to reconnect with yourself, or simply someone seeking a supportive community, Taekwon-Do offers something for everyone.
"Taekwon-Do has been a positive influence on my bodily confidence both before and after having my baby," Rachael says, and her story is a powerful example of how martial arts can transform lives. The lessons she’s learned, the strength she’s gained, and the connections she’s made all point to one thing: the journey is worth it.
If you’re considering joining a martial arts class, Rachael’s story is proof that it’s never too late to start. The first step might be the hardest, but as Rachael has shown, it can lead to a journey of growth, confidence, and community that lasts a lifetime. Worcestershire Martial Arts is more than just a place to train—it’s a place to belong, to learn, and to become the best version of yourself.
So why not take that first step today? Like Rachael, you might just discover strengths you never knew you had, and in the process, find a community that will support you every step of the way.
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