We had the good fortune of connecting with Aaron Um and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aaron, how does tech affect you and your business? How does it help? How can it hold you or others in your industry back?
During this Covid-19 pandemic season like most TX businesses, Golden Eagle Taekwondo was recently decided to close the door for student’s safety. That left nearly over 260 students without a place to exercise their bodies and minds under the guidance of a skilled instructor. So, the dedicated masters & team kicked into high gear, and, in less than a week, converted our gym mats (Dojang) into digital studios, created lesson plans, and practiced for hours, to be ready to teach their eager students virtually. Their first online “Kick-Off” class took place on March 20th. The response was tremendous, over 200 students took part in the online workouts. The largest class included over 80 participants! Last March 27th, we have offered the whole community to join for a free class, including all the parents and it was successful, we had to upgrade our zoom capacity up to 500 participants. We know that this is time to serve not only for our students but for the whole community who needs it. That’s why we even offer to join our classes for free all of our former members during the month of April. “We know how important it is during these stressful times for everyone, particularly children, to stay physically active, mentally engaged, and maintain a routine,” said Master Um, Headmaster. “Teaching online allows our students to continue to feel a sense of community and connection with their instructors and classmates while practicing social distancing. Also, we make sure everyone ends up sweating.

We know that maintaining progress and enjoying the feeling of accomplishment that comes with it, is important to students of all ages.  That is why finding a way to online belt testing has been a topic of much discussion for us from the very first day that we had to transition to online classes. We pride our self on our high standards for teaching Taekwondo skills, and our attention to detail. We know that earning each tip/belt needs to be challenging in order to be meaningful and rewarding. We also understand that due to the current circumstances, we cannot wait until we return to our in-person classes to address student advancement. Similar to academic school, we have to meet the challenge to make online learning replicate our real-world experience as closely as possible. As a result, we have complete our first online belt testing during April. We are now confident that students who make consistent use of these systems will not only have fun, but that they will also progress in skill, and therefore will be eligible to advance in rank. 

One of the life skills that we teach before become a black belt is “during the challenging situations, maintaining a good mindset. This is probably the most important life lesson we can teach to our next generation as “when we least expect it, life sets us a challenge to test our courage and willingness to change.”

It will allow you to stay upbeat, avoid pointless sorrow, persist through the hardship, find smart solutions, and eventually turn the situation around. No matter who we are we all face adversity in our lives. For the most part, we can’t choose what troubles come our way. But we can choose how to respond to these troubles.

” The classes garnered immediate positive feedback on social media from participants. 

Excellent class. Thanks for making this online class available for the kids. It means a lot for us. Blessing!!! Ms. Victoria

Hello, Golden Eagle Family…we can’t thank you enough for all your initiatives. Together we all can come out of this tough time. Stay safe and healthy! Thanks a lot, again!!! Ms. Vijay 

Thank you, Master Um, for reaching out to our GET Family during this time of uncertainty. I feel like the strongest people I know are those who admit that they are weak and trust in God to lead the way. They are the ones that find hope and persevere. We will make the best of these unfavorable circumstances and spend as much time with those who matter most (and continue with TKD training at home — thank you for giving the kids an opportunity to do so, Masters!). Praying for everyone’s health and safety and for normalcy to return soon. Ms. Deanna 

Miller loves it! Thank you!! We cant wait to be back in class. 

Ms. Jenny My boys had soooo much fun! Thank you! Ms. Michelle 

We really appreciate your great effort!! Ms.Rania   

What should our readers know about your business?
DISCIPLINE, CONFIDENCE, LEADERSHIP! BUILD CHARACTER AND LEADERSHIP QUALITIES Martial arts classes benefit growing children far beyond the dojang and in many real-world scenarios. Our structured classes are meant to help develop coordination, physical fitness, mental strength, as well as gain valuable social skills. Through positive reinforcement, we can bring out the best in your children to help them succeed in life. As a martial arts instructor with extensive experience training kids, there is nothing better than seeing them grow firsthand. But more important than the martial arts skills they learn… is the personal skills they develop and carry for life. Because martial arts is so much more than just kicking and punching, and getting the next colorful belt. It’s about developing leadership, confidence, discipline, character, focus and respect. With every class we teach, your kids are growing in mind, body, character and public speaking. That’s because martial arts provides instant positive feedback. Through learning to focus on the core moves, they develop discipline and respect. They can instantly see and feel a difference, making them destined to build confidence, self-awareness and self-respect. And of course it’s a ton of FUN! That’s why I love teaching martial arts to kids in this community, and why I know your kids are going to LOVE training.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
La Centerra & Katy Asian Town offer great restaurants.

 

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My team who is working so hard to support all the students during this challenging time . Parents who are supporting online classes.

Also Fulshear-Katy area Chamber of Commerce who are helping many small business.

Website: www.goldeneagletaekwondo.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goldeneagletkd/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoldenEagleTKDFulshearTX/