CAMP CASEY, South Korea - To set an example and to connect with his deceased father, one commissioned officer is taking on the challenge of earning his black belt again in Taekwondo after a 20-year break.
Capt. Ronald Medina Jr., sustainment officer, 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, is using his time in South Korea to train and qualify in Taekwondo.
"I was in preparation for earning my black belt when my father died," Medina said.
Medina, a native of Copperas Cove, Texas, began training in Taekwondo twenty years ago, after being encouraged by his father, retired Master Sgt. Ronald Medina Sr.
"He was a big supporter of me; he was always proud," said Medina. "After he passed away, I sought to finish what I had started and worked hard to get my black belt."
Medina earned a black belt in Taekwondo his sophomore year of high school, but gave it up soon afterwards to concentrate on college and joining the military.
People have different reasons for participating in martial arts, but whatever the reason, it comes down to focus and determination, said Taekwondo Grand Master Yongson Yi, who teaches Taekwondo at the Carey Fitness Center, Camp Casey, South Korea.
"You have to set your goal and really push yourself to lose weight, make gains or earn your black belt," said Yi.
Learning martial arts can also help alleviate stress.
"Some people just have a day where they want to punch- and- kick stuff," said Capt. Roy Guinto, a board-certified Army endocrinologist serving as the battalion surgeon, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st ABCT.
It's not just about Taekwondo, though, said Medina. The training, the effort, the focus is about resiliency.
"Throw a goal on the calendar; every day devote yourself to it and even if you are sore, or tired, or just not feeling it, then at the very least, just show up," said Medina
Medina, who has earned his brown belt, said the training and time pursuing a black belt has been worth it.
"This experience has immeasurably enriched my time here in Korea," said Medina. "I have begun to interact with the culture and people of Korea like I could never have imagined. Preparing myself to represent my battalion at a Taekwondo competition in May has given me focus and purpose, which have greatly benefited my work life, personal life, and overall life satisfaction."
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