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After tagging along to watch her sister participate in a trial Taekwondo class, sophomore Devin Bratkiv fell in love. She started taking Taekwondo classes in 2007, at the ATA Martial Arts dojo. And after almost seven years of passionate training, she has become a second-degree black belt.

Seth Wilson, an instructor of 15 years at Ko’s Black Belt Academy, says that most students think they want to “get” a black belt. He has a different philosophy. Wilson believes in “being” a black belt. To achieve this, his students must follow the Taekwondo virtues of “courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and abdominal spirit.”

They must also have the attitude that expected of  a black belt, never give up, always be willing to try harder, and try to be the best in everything they can be. Bratkiv worked very hard to “be” a black belt.

Other than Taekwondo, she sings in the Choraliers, and plays tennis here at BVSW. Consequently, her schedule is pretty full. However, her friend, sophomore Leah Joseph says that since the Taekwondo practices and competitions are on weekends, it’s not too difficult to get together. Joseph, along with a few of Bratkiv’s other friends, support her in this self-defense art, by going to some of her tournaments.

Taekwondo helps Bratkiv to stay physically fit, and to be confident. She used to be quite shy, but Taekwondo has encouraged her to be bold, and make new friends.

“She uses it to clear her mind,” Joseph said.

Matara Hitchcock, a senior, says that martial arts are a great way to learn self-protection, and as she has done similar things before, “a fun way to burn calories.”

Some students have considered taking Taekwondo as an exercising method. They see it as an interesting and diverse form of learning defensive techniques and building strength.

There are obstacles to face, though, like the pressure to become a better fighter. Bratkiv says she’s had unrelatable instructors, and that was a big problem for her. However, at the moment, she is very pleased with her teacher, Mr. Bedford. Other difficulties include breaking her arm, which was not as challenging as she would’ve expected; for a few weeks, she was left out of only a couple exercises.

Bratkiv fought in the national championship last year, competing in the top ten, and placing in her division, second for forms.

She is considering a career in Taekwondo; becoming an instructor, and owning her own dojo. It would be a great job for someone who is so dedicated to the art. But, she is still debating what she will do.

Bratkiv recommends learning this martial art  to anyone.

“It helps keep you physically fit,” she said. “While building relationships and making friends.” It’s a great way to strengthen discipline and responsibility, while preparing to be able to fight, and training the mind to be calm.