2024 Master Bernard is only 78 yrs young.
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My Personal Journey in Tae Kwon Do
By Bernard Rathmell, 4th Dan
I began my Tae Kwon Do journey with my 6-year-old son at the YMCA nearly 20 years ago after practicing other martial arts forms such as Tai Chi, Kung Fu, and Tai Chi sword forms. I always knew I would stay until I completed my black belt, but never imagined it a lifelong pursuit and the center of my mental and physical wellbeing. I suered an inner ear disorder that compromised my balance so initially it was therapy as well being involved with my youngest son in a sport. As we grow older life changes happen to us, ready or not. TKD has helped me cope with the long illness of my wife as her home healthcare provider until her death in 2022. I completed my certication for 3rd Degree Master and my Promotion Dan Certication in Chicago the fall of that same year. I credit TKD with the resilience needed to rise above this diicult time in my life. Shortly after my wife’s passing, I was diagnosed with cancer which limited my participation during 2023 to continue training, but I persisted. I never lost sight of the strength I found in TKD and the community of people in Ohio and Texas who helped me through those days, as well as my siblings in Texas. I hope each of you will nd TKD as a source of strength, resilience, and community in your journey. TKD is more than sport if you demonstrate persistence and dedication, it will remain a part of your path in life.
By Bernard Rathmell, 4th Dan
I began my Tae Kwon Do journey with my 6-year-old son at the YMCA nearly 20 years ago after practicing other martial arts forms such as Tai Chi, Kung Fu, and Tai Chi sword forms. I always knew I would stay until I completed my black belt, but never imagined it a lifelong pursuit and the center of my mental and physical wellbeing. I suered an inner ear disorder that compromised my balance so initially it was therapy as well being involved with my youngest son in a sport. As we grow older life changes happen to us, ready or not. TKD has helped me cope with the long illness of my wife as her home healthcare provider until her death in 2022. I completed my certication for 3rd Degree Master and my Promotion Dan Certication in Chicago the fall of that same year. I credit TKD with the resilience needed to rise above this diicult time in my life. Shortly after my wife’s passing, I was diagnosed with cancer which limited my participation during 2023 to continue training, but I persisted. I never lost sight of the strength I found in TKD and the community of people in Ohio and Texas who helped me through those days, as well as my siblings in Texas. I hope each of you will nd TKD as a source of strength, resilience, and community in your journey. TKD is more than sport if you demonstrate persistence and dedication, it will remain a part of your path in life.