Taecole has been a second home for Liam Golan for over 14 years. What started as a childhood activity quickly became a lifelong passion that helped shape his character, discipline, and leadership.
Below is Liam's story, shared in his own words:
Senior Student Spotlight: Liam Golan
Arizona State University | Taecole Student Since 2011
Taecole has been a second home for me since I started taking classes approximately 14 years ago. I remember when I was little, admiring the instructors with awe and imagining myself as an instructor. I started at Taecole just like other young elementary school students, an energetic white belt eager and excited to learn. I went to classes multiple times a week for years, advancing through the ranks until I reached my first-degree black belt. I proudly thought to myself, I did it - I have my name embroidered on my belt. However, during my first black belt ceremony, Master Messina gave a speech to the newest black belt recipients. She explained that achieving my first degree meant that my next chapter in martial arts had not ended but was just beginning. It was then that I began to understand that reaching my initial black belt level was the start of my journey.
As I grew older, the skills I learned grew into a passion that I wanted to perfect. I began working harder to improve my techniques. I practiced my forms in my bedroom or basement when I was not in class, and I studied the precise movements of older students and instructors when they sparred in class or at taekwondo competitions.
When I was in high school, I realized I was ready to work with younger students and help with training. I approached Master Messina and asked her if I could help teach classes. She initially offered to let me teach as an assistant two days a week. I loved the experience as I was able to help guide the younger students. I remember when Master Messina told me that I would be leading my first class. I was shocked and nervous because even though I had trained multiple times a week for years and was assisting in teaching classes, I was not sure if I was ready to lead a class. However, Master Messina knew I was ready and told me so. Her encouragement and vocal confidence helped shape me into who I am today.
At the beginning of my senior year of high school, when I started to apply for colleges out of state, I understood my time at Taecole as a student and as an instructor would be ending. I knew that it was time to encourage other dedicated students who had materially advanced to take on my role and help train them to become instructors. When Master Messina told them that they would lead classes, I saw that they had the same initial nervous and excited reactions that I did when I started.
Having the opportunity to learn and grow at Taecole from a white belt to a senior instructor has been an integral part of who I am. I use the skills developed at Taecole in all aspects of my life. Taecole is not merely a place to learn martial arts, self-control, discipline, and self-defense, but Taecole is an integral part of the community that provides leadership opportunities and trains future leaders. Taecole is my home away from home and I am extremely fortunate and grateful for the experience to grow as a student, a leader, and as a person.
Liam, we are so proud of your journey and can’t wait to see the impact you’ll continue to make. Thank you for everything you’ve given to our community. Once a Taecole student, always part of the Taecole family.
