Overcoming Dyslexia through the Tenets of Taekwondo

By Jonah Elstad, red belt, 13 yrs old

Dyslexia is a reading and spelling disorder that I struggle with every day.  Being a student at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute has helped me overcome dyslexia.  I have applied the five tenants of Taekwondo to my difficulties with dyslexia. The five tents of Taekwondo are; courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit . I have had to learn how to deal with my dyslexia and this is how the tenants of Taekwondo have helped.

First, courtesy has helped me to be polite to my teachers when I need extra help. Being polite to my teacher instead of getting frustrated helps both of us. If I was not nice to my teachers, then they would not be as eager to help me.  Showing courtesy to those who help me helps the process go smoother.

Second, integrity is super important to have.  Since I am not a good speller I often want to cheat.  I do not want to be a cheater or a liar and being at CTI reminds me of the importance of integrity.   I have never cheated before but sometimes I have wanted to because I have struggled, and it seems so easy to cheat.  I would rather be known as a bad speller than a cheater and I appreciate how Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo constantly reinforces that.

Third, perseverance means not giving up.  If I just give up I will be a horrible speller.  I do not want to be a horrible speller, I want to be a great speller.  I use the perseverance I learn at CTI and I strive to get better.  I will never give up no matter how difficult it is.  I want to be a good example to others who struggle to not give up.

Fourth, self-control is very important when having a learning disability.  Having good self-control helps me to focus better. If I didn’t have good self-control I would get distracted easily. So, I need to stay focused and not get side tracked.  Self-control also helps me in the other tenants of Taekwondo!

Fifth, having an indomitable spirit means being brave.  I show courage when I am scared to ask a question. If I am not brave enough to ask a question, then how will I ever know the answer?  Sometimes it is embarrassing to admit that I have dyslexia and need extra help.  However, learning to have an indomitable spirit has helped me overcome this.

In conclusion, Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute has been a great help to me to overcome the daily struggles of having dyslexia. I will always have dyslexia, but I have learned to cooperate.  The five tenants of Taekwondo can help you with your difficulties too!