Tom Vo’s Taekwondo

I first started TVT a year ago at UCI and was honestly the best decision I could have ever made. It has become a place where I can grow not only as a student but as a person overall. I have gained strength, knowledge, and friendship from our masters, instructors, and classmates. Taekwondo became my motivator and was one of the first things I started to look forward to in a long time. It gave me time to get away from the stresses of school and work and clear my head while in class training. Most importantly I made amazing friends and connections with everyone not only in the classes at UCI but the studio with our masters and instructors that make you feel most welcomed and other students. It is more than just learning Taekwondo, it allows you to become apart of a family that is supportive, understanding, and willing to work with you. I am currently a purple belt and now on track to pursuing my black belt in my second year joining the program. I will definitely continue to train with them after I have achieved this goal.

The first time I found out about Tom Vo's Taekwondo was through college when I moved into the area. Coming from my background, I was the person who usually doesn't speak out and always found myself in the corner or at home alone. However, that changed when I decided that I should try something out in college while I had the time. During the first few weeks the class, I already knew that the aura I received from the students, instructors, and masters are very warm and welcoming. The instructors and masters wanted to get to know us more like what is our names and a random fact about ourselves and so on. As a white belt in the class, I didn't know much of the curriculum and it was hard to keep up at times. However, the peers and instructors helped me out a little more to help me get back to pace. With that, I realized that although every individual is on their own track towards their own goals, there was no such thing as leaving one behind, especially in this class. I believe that not only that it would help lower belts learn, but also higher belts in maintaining and strengthening their knowledge and skills. I also was able to get back on pace! With my intention to try it out and hopefully improve my overall flexibility (I couldn't touch my toes or even kick above the waist at this time), TVT helped me achieve my initial goal (as of now, I can touch and hold my toes and kick above head level). As far as my first belt testing went, I really had a great time. There was a lot of energy at the test which was at Long Beach. It was the time when all the masters tested with all the color belts for the next rank and I got to see the amazing strength and skill from each and every one. After my first quarter with TVT, summer kicked in and I decided to train more at their Fountain Valley location. The environment between in college and at their studio was different. It felt like a faster pace and it was always full of great energy. It was a class of all ages learning the same material. It was honestly fun for all ages as we sometimes finish the day off with fun games like four corners or dodgeball. At the time there, I got to meet every master and the master's master and not only got to meet but also became friends with. It was not long until I realized that the journey doesn't stop here. With all the positive energy from the TVT family and all the skills, knowledge, and discipline that I have learned, I will continue my pursuit towards black belt excellence and achieve my goals as a leader.

When I was younger I was always the shy, quiet kid who would rather stay inside than go out and make new friends. The idea of standing in front of my peers while sharing my thoughts terrified me. It got to the point where I would gladly take the zero on any presentation. However, at some point I realized that I couldn't continue to live in this abnormal fear of the spotlight forever. Fortunately, I graduated and got accepted into UCI where I was asked to join TVT's rec class. Taekwondo basically saved my life. It not only boosted my confidence but also allowed me to meet many new friends. I can now talk to new people without wanting to hide under a rock, and I can do things in front of people without shaking. I can't say that I'm 100% better in this aspect, but I definitely improved compared to my high school self. My progress shows in the way I hold myself, and friends from high school also notice the difference. My only regret is that I was unable to join taekwondo when I was younger because I needed the self confidence boost to avoid such traumatizing experiences in high school. But I guess when people say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, they really do mean it. TVT is not only a place that I train, but it is my family that I hold dear. By demonstrating each level of poomse and sparring in front of the masters and peers, I was able to build my self confidence.

I discovered TVT through UCI in January 2017, and I'm glad that I decided to continue training with them. I started out as a white belt, and, after training at the studio during the summer, I am currently a brown belt. Originally, I wasn't going to pursue a black belt, but I talked to the masters and they were able to customize a training program for me to be able to achieve it by the time I graduate in June 2018. I also like how considerate they are in knowing that I am a college student with limited funds, so they do provide payment installments. Training at the studio was different compared to the UCI Arc setting, but it was still fun! I got to take class with kids and adults of all ages, and it just goes to show how applicable and doable this sport is for everyone. I also like how they rotate the schedule every week for sparring, boxing, and weapons. They understand that keeping the activities on certain days only means that some people will constantly miss the chance to practice. So, by rotating, nothing is static and everyone has a chance to attend these activities. Definitely love the TVT app too since I can easily check what the agenda is for the class of that day. Moreover, what I love about TVT is that it's more than a business. It's family. You will come into contact with each master and instructor at least once during your time here, and they all strive to make you feel welcome. It could be through a simple hello or them personally teaching you a new poomse move. Just know that if you invest in TVT, you come out with a higher belt and so much more. I've found a new family of friends through taekwondo, and these relationships are the ones I tend to keep well into the future. Plus, I gained more confidence in performing in front of others and lots of wisdom from our Grandmaster. I hope to continue his legacy by encouraging more UCI students to join once the quarter begins. Thank you for helping me to become a better student and just a stronger person overall!

Great school with great staff that is passionate in what they do. Master Vo shows he cares for his students and aims to make sure they get the best training available so they can be prepared for the future. Master Vo and the staff will teach their students to be leaders by building character, how to be disciplined, and aim higher in life not just physically but mentally.