Today we’d like to introduce you to Kennedy Fitzgibbon.
Hi Kennedy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My Tae Kwon Do journey began around age 6, and no matter where my family moved, I always found my way back to the dojo. After relocating to St. Louis as a teenager, I trained at Blue Wave. I even started working at the desk, then gradually took on roles as an instructor in Tae Kwon Do, Fitness, and Self-Defense – immersing myself in the art.
I’ve trained in various styles for over 15 years, with nearly 15 of those years dedicated to Chung Do Kwan Tae Kwon Do under Master Blevins. I hold a 2nd degree black belt and am working toward my 3rd. In August 2023, I opened Blue Wave Foundation, my own school. Since then, our community has flourished, and we now offer Adult Tae Kwon Do, Kids Tae Kwon Do, Pre-School Tae Kwon Do, and Self-Defense Courses.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road hasn’t always been smooth. As a child, I had to restart my Tae Kwon Do training multiple times due to frequent moves, which was a challenge in itself.
Advanced training in Chung Do Kwan also proved to be demanding and, at times, incredibly frustrating. Refining techniques requires immense dedication, and there are moments when exhaustion makes it feel like you might not make it through. Balancing training with other responsibilities, especially when I wasn’t working at the dojo, was tough.
Board breaking for exams is another significant challenge. It’s a demanding test of mind, body, and spirit. When boards don’t break, it can feel like an insurmountable obstacle, but when they do, it represents a major breakthrough to the next level.
Teaching has its own set of challenges, but they are also incredibly fulfilling. As our classes grow, I’m constantly inspired to evolve and improve as an instructor. Guiding students through their own challenges and witnessing their progress and successes is deeply rewarding and motivates me to keep pushing forward.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
We specialize in Traditional Korean Tae Kwon Do, focusing on the fundamentals and hard work that embody the indomitable spirit of the original martial arts masters. Our approach emphasizes a strong mind-body-spirit connection, which sets us apart as one of the few schools maintaining such a traditional philosophy and practice today.
What truly distinguishes us is our vibrant sense of community. We are connected with over 10 Chung Do Kwan schools, participating together in tournaments and other engaging training events. This network strengthens our collective experience and enriches our students’ training.
We are also leading in self-defense, particularly with our focus on empowering women and children. I’m passionate about self-defense as a form of self-care, and we are committed to providing valuable skills that enhance personal safety and confidence.
Our newest offering, the Tae Kwon Do Tigers Pre-School Program, stands out because it integrates Tae Kwon Do skills with age-appropriate lessons in emotional regulation. While many programs focus solely on physical skills and discipline, we emphasize helping young children understand and manage their emotions. This unique approach supports not only their physical development but also their emotional well-being from an early age.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is to never give up on something worth fighting for. During challenging times, I’ve found that these are often the moments where true growth and transformation occur. The hard work and persistence required are not just physical; they are deeply spiritual. You discover that you are far more capable than you realize and that your potential is ever-expanding. Embracing these tough moments as opportunities for growth can lead to profound achievements and a deeper connection to your own strength.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bluewavefoundation.net
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- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bluewavefoundation
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