Meet Violet Valenzuela: The 14-year-old black belt who never gives up
LA HABRA, Calif. — Violet started practicing taekwondo when she was just six years old, in the first grade. She has earned fourteen belts (from white to Black Belt, first degree) over the past 8 years. Belt tests take place about three times a year. Each belt test included demonstrating techniques from memory, breaking wood with fist and foot, reciting Korean terms, and eventually sparring. The Black Belt Test includes endurance challenges, techniques, 100 sit-ups, 100 pushups, and sparring and jumping over multiple partners from one to five at once.
Violet received her Black Belt in May 2022, and she elevated to the next level Black Belt, First Degree in December of 2022. She continues to practice Taekwondo at the US Taekwondo Center under Master Kim. She is currently working on getting her Second-Degree Black Belt and learning Hap Ki Do. Hap Ki Do is a hybrid Korean martial art. It is a form of self-defense that employs joint locks, grappling, throwing techniques, kicks, punches, and other striking attacks.
When asked about the challenges in Taekwondo, she responds, “Taekwondo itself is difficult. Sometimes I have a hard time having the energy to go to practice after a long day at school.”
She recalls, “In 2020, I had an accident at school which resulted in a broken clavicle, just days before my Black Belt Test. It was hard to see my friends getting their black belts and accomplishing the goals we made together. Taekwondo has taught me perseverance; to never give up. I had to take a break from taekwondo for a year to recover. Returning to taekwondo was a slow process, with the pandemic protocols in place, the class sizes were reduced, and no parents were allowed in the dojo. My mom would watch through the window. My friends had advanced to higher-level classes on different days than me. I felt like I was starting over. But I didn’t give up. The best advice I’ve been given is to keep pushing forward, one day at a time.”
Violet adds, “A big part of taekwondo is yelling “kihup”, it forces me to exhale, and it brings more power and speed to my techniques. In short, “kihup” is a means to concentrate a martial artist’s power. The purpose of yelling is to increase power, intimidate opponents, increase confidence, and protect our bodies.”
The 14-year-old Black Belt explains, “Staying focused is also very important in taekwondo. It keeps me from getting hurt while doing my techniques. Recently, during sparring, I kicked wrong, it was bone-on-bone contact, and it caused me to sprain my ankle. It was so painful that I could barely walk. I had to use a knee scooter for three weeks, it was not fun.”
“I proudly wear my Gi (pronounced “ghee”, taekwondo uniform) around town after practice. We usually will run errands or go out to dinner after class. One of the things I love about taekwondo is knowing I can defend myself, if necessary,” Violet shares.
Aside from taekwondo, I have played hockey with the Lil Kings, and soccer. I like going to school, seeing my friends and cousins, and baking. My favorite dessert to bake is chocolate cake with strawberry frosting. I also enjoy playing video games on my Nintendo Switch. My favorite game is Tony Hawk Pro Skater. It’s fun to skateboard and practice tricks in my spare time.
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