Being an instructor is a leadership role that comes with immense responsibility, pressure, and challenges. It’s more than just teaching classes—it’s about shaping lives, managing a Dojang, and running a community gym. The weight of being responsible for so many people’s development is significant. Beyond the training floor, there’s the driving, constant communication, managing relationships with students and their families, and ensuring the Dojang thrives. These are tasks that few see but take a heavy toll.

Many don’t fully understand the sacrifices I make for my students. They might simply turn up to class or get picked up by me, but behind the scenes, there’s a relentless effort to make everything possible—balancing home and family life, worrying about paying bills, and ensuring the smooth operation of both the Dojang and the gym. It’s exhausting and, at times, overwhelming.

What people often see is the result: students learning, thriving, and enjoying their time in the Dojang. But what goes unnoticed is the constant effort to nurture relationships, provide individual support, and maintain a high standard of teaching and personal fitness. Even as an instructor, I still train and push myself physically, juggling my own development alongside the demands of teaching. There are moments when I wish I could simply turn up to learn, to focus solely on my growth—but that isn’t the path I’ve chosen.

Teaching isn’t just about showing up; it’s about giving. It’s a sacrifice of time, energy, and thought, poured into planning new methods and improving the Dojang. It’s a lonely role at times, but the rewards are deeply fulfilling. Seeing the positive impact Taekwon-Do has on my students and the wider community fills me with pride and purpose.

Like any job, there are challenges, but my passion for Taekwon-Do and my commitment to helping others grow far outweigh the struggles. Along the way, I’ve learned an important truth: people will take as long as you give, but when the giving stops, so do they. It’s a hard lesson, but one that builds strength, resilience, and clarity.

Through all of this, I’ve come to understand who is genuine and who isn’t. It has shaped me into a stronger, more focused leader. Every challenge, every sacrifice, every triumph contributes to a larger purpose: to succeed not just for myself, but for every life I’ve touched along the way.