The art of Taekwondo
When Lera-Lan Thomson signed up for a free week of Taekwondo classes in her hometown of Surrey, her father Alan was supportive of her new interest but wasn’t sure how long it would last.
“She’s interested in everything and wants to try everything,” says Alan. “She tried it for the week, enjoyed it and wanted to join.”
Three years later, Lera-Lan is still going to Taekwondo three days a week, often twice in a day. “She’s been fanatical about it,” says Alan.
“Every day that I go to Taekwondo, I have to take off my shoes and put on my uniform. When I come out we say ‘Hello Sir, Hello Maam’ to show respect. Before we practice, we do a lot of exercises like push ups, jumping jacks and running in place,” says Lera-Lan who has already earned her red belt and is now working on her black belt. “It’s hard but it gets easier.”
Besides all of the physical aspects, Taekwondo is also social activity says Alan, “It’s very interactive and Lera-Lan gets to meet a lot of young adults and older adults.”
In April, Lera-Lan competed in a Taekwondo tournament at Capilano University in North Vancouver. She competed in three different areas: forms, weapons and sparring. “I won three medals there and I had the chance to see some friends,” she says.
As well as practicing Taekwondo, Lera-Lan also works with her dad on a magic act. The two have performed at day cares, schools and care homes for elderly people. Recently, Lera-Lan took part in a talent contest at the Surrey Arts Centre and performed an eight-minute magic act on stage on her own.
“She can do anything that anyone else can do, if she puts her mind to it,” says Alan.
