Quest’s Black Belt of the month is — Cayden Kahan. The true makings of a Black Belt, Cayden is respectful, humble, knows what’s expected of him and then follows through. As he trains to get to the 2nd dan level this June, you’ll find him thoroughly focused during his classes, whether practicing his poomsae or sparring with the Fight Team.

Diligent and tenacious, yet with a calm resolve about him…Let’s get to know Cayden a bit more!

How old are you now and at what age did you start taekwondo? —  “I am now 10 years old and I started Taekwondo when I was 5 years old.”

What is it that you like about taekwondo and what is your ultimate goal as a taekwondo athlete?“The thing that I mostly like about Taekwondo is being a leader to all of my juniors. My ultimate goal is to become perfect with every move I know and moves that I am learning.”

Tell us about a peak moment in taekwondo, one that you are especially proud of and will never forget. “One accomplishment that I am proud of at Taekwondo is when I got my first degree black belt. I will remember it because it meant a lot to me and that I was challenged more.”

In all the tournaments you have competed in, what match stands out the most for you that you would consider as the most challenging one?“I think the most challenging competition for me was the first time I was sparring because I was only a yellow belt competing for the first time.”

And thereafter, he got his gold at the 2018 JKI Tournament

Other than being an avid competitor, please share with us your other accomplishments outside of taekwondo. Another accomplishment that is outside of Taekwondo is winning the baseball season when I was 8 years old.”

What advice would you give a beginner student who wants to be a black belt someday? —  Some advice I would give to a white belt who wants to be a black belt someday is to always listen to your masters and give everything all your effort.”

What are your favorite things?My favorite things are sports, reading, and the color blue.”

How about pet peeves…what are things you just dislike?I don’t like annoying sounds, being awaken by other people, and people interrupting me while I am saying something important.”

If you were a fictional character who or what would you be and why that character? If I were a fictional character I would be Dog Man from the book, “Dog Man” by Dav Pilkey (First name pronounced “Dave” but he chooses to have no “e” in his name). I would be Dog Man because he always saves people and he fights bad guys with his little cat sidekick, L’il Petey.”

Please finish this sentence: “Most people don’t know that … . I was picked to be student of the month by my teachers in K-4 (I’m currently in fourth grade).

If your friends and family were to describe you, what adjectives would they use? — “My friends and family would describe me as funny, smart, kind, outgoing, creative, and responsible.”

If there is one famous person you could spend the whole day with, who would that be, and what would you talk about? “If I could spend the day with a famous person it would be Mike Trout and we would talk about baseball and how he started in sports.”

What do you think is the #1 thing that young people these days should learn as they’re growing up? “I think the number one thing that people should learn as they are growing up is how to respect other people that they know or don’t know.”

What words of wisdom can you share with other young men your age? When you go to a competition you don’t lose, you either win or learn.”

Lastly, tell us about your most important wish at this moment. Maybe someone who’s reading this (like Mom and Dad) can make that come true for you. My one wish at the moment is to achieve my 2nd dan black belt.”

“And maybe that’s what he asked Santa last Christmas!”

Nevertheless, we know that Cayden doesn’t need Santa to bring that 2nd Dan Black Belt to fruition; it is his dedication and “doggedness”, like his favorite character Dog Man, that will make that happen for him in June.

All the best to you, Cayden!

We have another outstanding Black Belt to feature next month, so please check in or subscribe to our blogs. If you’re in the South Bay area, swing by Quest Taekwondo and watch these amazing young Black Belts and future Black Belts train. We have every taekwondo and fitness program to suit every age group and physical profile. Check out our home page for new promotions and offers.

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“Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.” ~ John Quincy Adams
 

 

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