Taekwondo has made me a much stronger person mentally and physically, where I’m able to persevere through challenges and do a lot of other physical activities.

Matthew Amador

By Danica Rivera

The combative sport of taekwondo was an unexpected route for junior Matthew Amador to follow before entering middle school.

As a fifth grader, Amador found himself in several fights due to being a victim of bullying. Although the torment and violence had stopped by the time he got into sixth grade, Amador continued his passion for taekwondo, allowing him to become a highly skilled martial artist within his current division.

The unarmed practice of taekwondo is a Korean martial art of self-defense. It involves both mental and physical discipline which are vital when it comes to deciding which set of moves or strikes to aim next against the opponent.

Amador’s years of practicing taekwondo have eventually led him into invitational competitions and tournaments that require winning a qualifier match to compete. Taekwondo tournaments are divided into certain age and weight divisions, where Amador’s opponents are in the 15-17-year-old range, weighing within the 45kg (100lb) category.

In September, Amador was invited to compete in the 2023 U.S. Grand Prix Final in Texas, placing silver in his division.

He described his training for the tournament to be difficult, cutting a ton of weight before competing. On average, Amador trains six days a week, practicing his kicking and punching techniques, and visualizing future opponents when sparring with his teammates. As these laborious matches have Amador visiting various locations like Florida, North Carolina, Colorado, and Mexico, it cuts his time spending moments with friends and family.

“I still find ways to have a lot of fun with friends and visit relatives,” Amador said. “I’m grateful about this schedule because it sets a balance between hard work and fun in my life.”

Taekwondo has ultimately increased Amador’s bonds with those around him. He expressed his relationship with his family, having two sisters who also practice taekwondo, where their parents encourage their efforts displayed on the mat.

“My relationship with my siblings has gotten closer because we can relate over the hard practices and push each other,” Amador said. “My parents, especially my dad, have supported my passion for this sport.”

Along with his family, Amador has grown with adept mentors and gained genuine camaraderie because of taekwondo.

“My coach, who is one of the most inspirational people I know, or my teammates, who are some of the most fun people, push me to be the best version of myself,” Amador said.

While Taekwondo emphasizes the importance of discipline and individual progress which can be challenging to many, this technical martial art has been an instrumental part of Amador’s life. Amador has shown immense drive and tenacity throughout.