YH Park Taekwondo Black Belt Sits Down With Miss USA

YH Park Taekwondo Black Belt Sits Down With Miss USA

From the desk of TaeKwonDo Times Senior Writer, and YH Park Academy Black Belt, Marc Zirogiannis:
On Thursday June 12, 2014 I had the privilege to sit down with newly crowned, 2014 Miss USA, Nia Sanchez for an interview. Miss Sanchez has the distinction of being a 4th Dan in TaeKwonDo, in addition to a competitor in the upcoming Miss Universe Pageant.

During our hour conversation I learned a lot about her, but three things really stood out, which I wanted to share:

1. She was well aware of the YH Park legacy. The YH Park Taekwondo Academy is a universally known and respected martial arts institution. Grandmaster, Master Edward and our Dojang are respected as serious martial artists and as contributors to the globalization of the art. It is a privilege to train at the YH Park TaeKwonDo Academy.

2. Miss Sanchez reinforced the sense of family and generosity that exists in the Taekwondo community. She recalled traveling the world and visiting Dojangs, where people did not know her, and where she didn't speak the language, yet the TaeKwonDo community embraced and supported her. TaeKwonDo is, truly, more than just our sport. It is our way of life.

3. One of the most important views she shared with me is how she believes TaeKwonDo practice is a key to developing the strength to be true to who you are as a person. She praised Taekwondo for helping her live the best life she could without fear of judgment or persecution from anyone else, and without allowing others to determine her self worth. This is true wisdom, beyond her 24 years.

My entire interview with Miss USA Nia Sanchez will be published in TaeKwonDo Times Magazine in the Fall.