Photo : Provided by Tishal Arjun Beegadhur



How I found my way using Martial Arts

Tishal Arjun Beegadhur

My name is Tishal Arjun Beegadhur, a 17-year-old residing in Phoenix, Mauritius. At the tender age of 7, my sister and my cousin introduced me to the world of Taekwondo, igniting a passion that has shaped my journey ever since. Growing up, I was captivated by Martial Arts, immersing myself in countless movies and shows. However, it was a serendipitous encounter with a group of older students adorned in pristine white kimonos that led me to inquire further. Eventually unveiling the profound artistry of Taekwondo, thanks to my parents' guidance.

Beginning as a white belt, I grappled with insecurities—fear, shyness, and a lack of confidence. However, through the years, my journey has been transformative. The Tigers Taekwondo Club Saint-Paul Under the guidance of Master Kiran Mihdidin, 5th Dan, and Master Rosan Ruhee, 4th Dan, I not only sharpened my physical skills but also cultivated valuable virtues such as self-control, discipline, and honor. Martial Arts became more than just a practice; it became a cornerstone of my identity, fostering confidence, strength, and mental fortitude within me.

Over the span of a decade devoted to Taekwondo, I've attained numerous accomplishments and experienced profound personal growth. More than just a sport, Taekwondo has become my sanctuary—a realm where I find comfort while pushing my limits during rigorous training sessions. At The Tigers Taekwondo Club Saint-Paul, we transcend the boundaries of mere acquaintanceship, evolving into a tight-knit family united by our shared passion. Each training session is not merely a physical exertion but a communal hard work toward self-improvement.

We kick off our sessions with energetic warm-ups, accompanied by upbeat music that gets us pumped up. Following this, we delve into the spontaneous movements of poomsae, where we not only focus on the physical execution but also emphasize the importance of cultivating the right mindset and learning to manage our aggression effectively. Through Taekwondo, we learn the valuable skill of self-restraint, ensuring that we wield our abilities responsibly and with respect. Our training sessions cover a wide range of techniques, from defensive maneuvers to precise strikes, each meticulously refined to prepare us for real-world situations. Personally, executing the Back Hook Kick, my favorite kick brings me immense satisfaction—a movement achieved after years of dedication and practice.

During my 10 years of practicing my favorite sport as a Black Belt, 1st Dan, I have been fortunate to participate in numerous regional and national competitions. I have competed in both Poomsae and Kyorugi contests, often winning the gold medal. However, it hasn't always been smooth sailing.

During my last competition in 2023, I faced a misfortune incident where my foot got seriously hurt in the final match and I ended up losing. Nevertheless, this setback hasn't dampened my spirits. I am determined to give my best in future competitions, with hope of avoiding any injuries this time. To infuse variety into our training routine, we occasionally venture to the beach or jogging parks for sessions where we practice our normal class. We practice on the sand or on grass.

Moreover, annual team building outings to natural parks, mountains, natural resources parks, and beaches, give us the opportunity to exit and relax with each other, reinforcing the bonds between every member. After a year full of training we have our end-of-year celebration that we usually do at the club itself where we all participated and enjoy as a treat for a very good year of training. During these parties we invited the Great Master Hung Wai Wing and other club Masters to enjoy this moment with us. Some activities are organized like, showcase talents by students, beyond Taekwondo, underscoring the familial bonds we've cultivated over the years.

In the journey of life, martial arts has been my guiding star, showing me the way to understand myself and become stronger. Through Taekwondo, I learned not only how to fight but also how to be resilient and brave. Looking back on my journey, I remember a saying by Bruce Lee: "A successful warrior is an ordinary person with strong focus." This means that it's not about being extraordinary, but about staying determined and focused on our goals.

※ Views in this writing are the author's own