Welcome!
Let me introduce myself.
My name is Veronique Cain, and I am a current co-owner of Cape Martial Arts.
I can vividly remember being 8 years old and riding past an old brown building that read “Taekwondo Advantage”. I begged for my parents to take me back to that old brown building and sign me up, at which some point they finally did. I had no idea what I was getting into at the time, but I’d say it was one of the smartest things an 8 year old could have begged for.
Shortly after they registered me for classes, my parents grew interested in classes for themselves and joined in on the training. Martial arts became a such a strong bonding opportunity for us, and I will forever be grateful for the memories we were able to create together as a family.
Over the course of the last 14 years, there have been more story-worthy memories than I would ever have the breath to tell. However, I’d like to share some of the most memorable experiences with you as to provide a better understanding of why this business means so much to my family and I, and why we do what we do. I will upload a 3 story series over the course of the next 3 weeks (to be uploaded on Friday afternoons) that will highlight the key opportunities we offer, and why we offer them. Join back every Friday afternoon to discover more about us and what we do!
Story 1: Start Where You Are
Let’s go back to the introduction of this blog. I was 8 years old, begging to learn to be a ninja. I was so excited I remember writing about it in my diary for weeks. To my surprise, my parents gave in and drove me back to that studio. The head instructor and owner’s name was Master Tim Wall, and with his help, I somehow convinced my parents to sign me up.
Here was 8 year old me. We all start somewhere, right…?
With a lot of love and patience, Chief Master Wall taught me to block instead of look terrified (eventually, anyway).
Fourteen years. That’s how long it’s been from that picture to now.
I would be lying if I said it’s been all sunshine and rainbows. There have been some rough moments through the years, but I cannot stress enough how much martial arts has impacted my life. I don’t know who I would be if it weren’t for martial arts, and Chief Master Wall’s training. I don’t want to know who I would be without this part of my life.
Courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, indomitable spirit — the five tenets of Tae Kwon Do. They’re the underlying lessons that I learned (sometimes unknowingly) throughout the last 14 years.
Martial arts is more than kicking and punching. Sometimes it’s fun and games. Sometimes it’s kicking your opponent’s head and winning that match. Sometimes it’s being side kicked through the wall (yes, that happened).
Sometimes you’ll want to quit. Sometimes it’s your instructor pushing you to quit. In fact, most people do quit.
But that’s what makes a black belt. Because a black belt is a white belt that didn’t quit.
A black belt is a white belt that didn’t quit when they got knocked down.
A black belt is a white belt that didn’t quit when their schedule got busy.
A black belt is a white belt that didn’t quit when they were tired.
A black belt is honestly just a white belt that didn’t quit when it would’ve been easy to.
Your body is already a lot stronger than you think. Martial arts teaches you to strengthen your mind.
“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t–you’re right.” – Henry Ford
Thanks for reading. Check back in next Friday to learn more about Cape Martial Arts and why we do what we do!
If you have any questions about what we offer or if you just need someone to talk to, feel free to email me at [email protected].
Enthusiastically,
Veronique Cain