By: Sport Karate Athlete Stories
Once upon a time, in the bustling city of New York, there lived a remarkable woman named Maggie. She was among the first generation of women to break barriers and own and operate a martial arts school. With her unwavering determination, Master Maggie founded Taecole Tae Kwon Do and Fitness Inc. in 1996, and since then, the school had been a beacon of success and empowerment. Taecole grew to become one of the most renowned martial arts schools in New York State, impacting the lives of tens of thousands of individuals over the years. Not only did Taecole cater to the needs of its students, but it also extended its services to private and public schools in Nassau County, NY, and collaborated with organizations like the Boy and Girl Scouts, Girls Inc, and various non-profit organizations. Maggie herself was a world-class martial artist, a shining example of dedication and skill. With numerous gold medals for the USA under her belt, she had been teaching martial arts for over 35 years. Her expertise and passion were undeniable, as she held an 8th-degree black belt and served as a regional director for multiple martial arts organizations. Life hadn't always been easy for Maggie. She had grown up in abject poverty, facing countless challenges. However, she refused to let her circumstances define her. Instead, she used her difficult past as fuel for her future successes. Maggie had a deep-rooted drive to empower women and children who faced similar circumstances, inspiring them to reach for the lives they once only dreamed of. One of Maggie's greatest passions was advocating for female athletes. Throughout her own career, she had faced numerous hurdles and limitations. Determined to make a difference, she founded the movement called Female Fighters Matter Too (#femalefightersmattertoo). This movement aimed to bring equality to all athletes, gaining international attention and sparking positive changes throughout the industry. But Maggie's impact didn't stop there. She had a heart full of compassion and a genuine desire to help those in need. For many years, she worked as a project coordinator for Sloan Kettering Cancer Hospital in New York City. Every year, she organized toy, clothing, and food drives, personally delivering these items to women with children in homeless shelters. Maggie's dedication to making a difference was truly remarkable. Maggie's exceptional qualities extended beyond her physical abilities. She possessed a gift for captivating her audience with her awe-inspiring speeches. Her profound passion for advocating for women in sports was evident, but she fearlessly delved into sensitive topics such as child abuse, abusive relationships, addiction, and suicide. Maggie understood the significance of addressing these issues and spreading awareness. Throughout her illustrious career, Maggie received numerous awards and accolades. From the prestigious Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award presented by President Joe Biden to the New York State Community Service Award, she was recognized for her dedication to the betterment of her community and the lives of children and youth. The title of the Most Powerful Woman in Business for NYS, the Martial Artist Legacy Award, and special recognitions from the New York Assembly and state Sen. Joseph P. Adabbo, Jr. further showcased her immense contributions. However, Maggie's journey hadn't been without its challenges. As a woman in the martial arts industry, she faced relentless hostility and exclusion during the 1980s. The men around her constantly aimed to force women out through verbal and even physical abuse. These harsh realities deeply impacted Maggie, leaving her feeling inferior, vulnerable, and shattered. But she adamantly refused to surrender. In the realm of competition, Maggie endured inappropriate comments and unwarranted physical contact. It was difficult for some to fathom such experiences in today's enlightened society. Yet, for women of that era, these painful truths were a daily reality. They were often branded as "crazy" or dismissed simply because of their gender. Maggie vividly remembered instances when men arrogantly asserted that she needed them to teach on her behalf. According to their misguided beliefs, she couldn't attract students as a woman, and they even scoffed at the idea of learning from a non-Korean. But Maggie proved them wrong. Today, those very individuals stood in awe of the person she had become, acknowledging her achievements and the impact she had made. Maggie's journey taught her an invaluable lesson – never allow anyone to confine you within the boundaries of their preconceived notions. Every time she stumbled, she summoned the strength to rise, refusing to let adversity define her path. With each challenge, Maggie emerged stronger, shattering the limitations imposed upon her. When asked about the best advice she had received that impacted her business, Maggie emphasized the importance of embracing diligent efforts while remaining steadfast to one's principles. She encouraged others to refuse to let fear impede their progress and to eliminate toxic individuals from their journey. Maggie's advice was simple yet profound – stay true; stay you!
https://pointfighter.live/news-%26-stories/f/female-fighters-matter-too-with-master-maggie-messina
Learn more about Female Fighters Matter Too at https://swerv4change.org/female-fighters-matter-2
