Braun competes internationally in taekwondo

Many people may not know exactly what Taekwondo is. Sure most people have heard the word before and probably understand that it is some type of Martial Arts, but how is it different from something like Karate? Senior Mitch Braun knows this better than most.

“Taekwondo is a Korean form of Martial arts that goes back thousands of years. While most people mix it up with Karate, they are very different. Karate focuses on offensive martial arts; Taekwondo focuses on defensive martial arts” explained Braun.

Braun has been practicing Taekwondo at ‘World Champion Taekwondo’ since he was little. For him his fascination started when he was four years old.

“I watched my cousin Chandler getting his yellow belt. When I saw him, I instantly wanted to join. And I've been doing Taekwondo ever since,” described Braun.

In Taekwondo status is measured in belt color and in order to move up a belt one must take a “color belt test” said Braun.

As a fourth degree black belt Braun has had plenty experience with these tests, “For me to get my Fourth degree black belt I had to take 10 tests, as well as learn 8 new forms.”

Braun also teaches Taekwondo and has been since 2012. While teaching one day Braun was presented the once in a lifetime opportunity to travel to South Korea and participate in the World Championship that was taking place there.

He explained, “For one year I trained with my father for the tournament. I was nervous as the tournament was closing in, but I knew I was going to love the experience.”

Although while in South Korea it wasn’t all work and no play according to Braun, “We spent two weeks in South Korea. 10 of the 14 days were dedicated to touring around the country. While the final four days would be for the tournament.”

Braun hopes to continue his journey with Taekwondo through college and hopes to one day reach eighth degree black belt status.