While Hollywood perpetuates its own violent and gory image of action sequences involving  “kung fu” masters executing perfect stunts to defeat cackling and overconfident villains, it often forgets the more pragmatic purpose of training in martial arts. Junior Anura Khond is one of the many students who practices martial arts, specifically Tae Kwon Do, and proves the common misconception that disciples learn these skills purely to take offensive measures incorrect.

“Tae Kwon Do is a form of martial arts which originated in Korea,” Khond said. “It emphasizes and promotes self-defense.”

Khond began training at Kim’s Martial Arts studio in the fifth grade and was inspired by the children who wore higher belts at her studio. These children served as role models for Khond and inspired  her to strive through obstacles.

“When I was younger, my main motivation was the notion that I could be like the older students,” Khond said. “I knew that with rigorous training and perseverance, I could also attain a higher rank belt in the studio.”

However, the pressures of juggling the rigor of school work and Tae Kwon Do poses a daunting challenge for even the most adept of students.

“At one point during freshman year, I was extremely overwhelmed and quit for a couple of months to get my studies back on track,” Khond said. “After joining again, I realized that putting off my training was diverting me from my long-lasting aspiration to earn my black belt.”

By putting forth effort, Khond was able to achieve the esteemed status of black belt, a prestige hard-earned in the world of martial arts. However, now with one goal accomplished, Khond has set her next.

“Now I train with a competitive sparring team,” Khond said. “My current goal is to be able to compete in state tournaments and hopefully place first.”

Sparring simulates fighting in a controlled environment with proper safety gear and requires focus, confidence and quick reflexes. For junior Shivani Kottur, a first degree red belt, it serves as a practice round to help her develop better habits for future matches.

“Sparring for long lengths of time can be a challenge for me,” Kottur said. “I know I need to gain more stamina because I tend to lose my breath quickly.”

Increasing and maintaining stamina is a shared goal amongst students attempting to achieve a superior level of physical fitness.

“In order to maintain my stamina and stay on track with my training, I practice for about five to six hours during the average week,” Khond said.

Junior and third degree black belt Harrison Porter has seen the positive impact of practicing regularly on his techniques, especially his punch.

“I particularly enjoy speed-breaking with my punch,” Porter said. “A speed break is a board break in which a three-fourth inch wooden board is broken with only one side being held. A punch may seem like a very simple and basic move, but breaking a board with a punch requires precision and a lot of control over power.”

Though Porter takes pride in his speed-breaking, he prizes mastering new techniques such as speed-breaking above titles or bragging rights.

“For me, it is more about maintaining my ability to defend myself and enjoying practice than reaching a very high degree belt,” Porter said. “It is an incredibly valuable skill alone.”

Porter is not the only one who understands the value of developing one’s skill set rather than focusing on the visual manifestation of said skill set. Kottur also works diligently to improve her abilities.

“Just the thought of one day being my best athletic self makes me want to learn new moves and kicks despite all the hard work involved,” Kottur said. “Despite the intense difficulty level of the training, I know it will all be worth it in the end.”