Try the Ice Cream

  Do you like ice cream? I bet you have a favorite flavor. But before you had a favorite flavor, you had to try it first. Take a bite. See if you like the combination of flavors.
     I like running. I like bicycling. I like swimming. I thought I would like triathlons, so I signed up for a sprint triathlon. Something about the whole experience wasn't for me. The swimming was in a river instead of a pool like I practiced in, my bike wasn't up for the ride, and every step of the run made me wish it was all over. Ultimately, I'm glad I did it once, but didn't want to try again.
     Later, when I started training in Martial Arts, I didn't know if I would like to compete in Taekwondo tournaments, but I decided to try it out. My first tournament was an eight-hour drive away. I thought someone else from my school was coming, but I was the only one. I didn't understand the rules or when to show up, so I waited all day for my turn to compete. I was one of the last people to get to compete. I was the only one in my division, and I still won 2nd place. Even so, I loved it and couldn't wait to try again.
     The atmosphere was electric, and the people there were kind. Even though I lost my sparring match, there was a moment when I felt like a real martial artist, and I loved that feeling. I looked at the tournament host and thought, "I want to be like that someday." Ultimately, I'm so glad I did it because it changed my life and the kind of athlete I am for the better.
     It's impossible to know what you'll like before you take a bite. I hope you'll sample some Martial Arts competition with us.