UC Irvine Taekwondo

When i joined the UCI TKD team, I met my second family.
Now, let me just clarify that there are two different programs for UCI TKD: the Recreation club and the Team. The recreation club, I believe, is for beginners as well as those who are new to Tae Kwon Do and is taught by 9^th degree black belt, Master Tom Vo. Usually, the recreation class is taught earlier, right before the team/​club does in the sports studio. After the rec class is done, black belts and red belts usually train.
As for the team, it is coached by Master Sam Sa. What’s so cool about Master Sa being coach is that he actually partakes in the practice with the teammates as well as enter himself in competitions. In addition, when we talk about the pains of cutting weight, Master Sa usually cuts weight with us. We always joke about wearing «trash bags» or sauna suits just to make weight. Personally, I go with excessive running and an extreme rabbit diet.
I find going to practice an excellent way to stay in shape, relieve stress from school, improving my skills, and interact with people I would have never otherwise gotten the chance to know if i did not join the club/​team.
In terms of competiting, UCI just recently joined the Pac West Collegiate league, and just last year, we took third place along with CAL. For our first year in the league, we did really well. I would also like to add that there are six weight divisions: fly/​bantam, featherweight, lightweight, welterweight, middleweight, and heavyweight. As for the exact weight qualifications, they differ for males and females. It is also the bane of our existence since everyone has to maintain or drop weight.
I myself started off as 135 pounds, but then I had to cut the extra 18 to make featherweight. I remember Master Sa commenting on how I had a runners body the day of weigh in. That first sip of water and first bite of food was unlike any other I tasted. I also remember that after my first weigh-​in, I literally gained 2.3 pounds since I scarfed down a whole bottle of water, half a bottle of gatorade with electrolytes, ²⁄₃ box of Triscuits, a banana, and some crackers. I ate and drank as if I was starved for days.
UCI uses the brand Mooto, and our uniforms have our school name on the back. Master Sa also helps his students buy gear and athletic tape.
I had the time of my life with my teammates, especially those long drives with teammates to Nor Cal, «bull rings» (a UCI birthday tradition), tri-​meets, and binge eating after a competition/​weigh-​in. So much so, that I’m coming back for more next year.