Ryan Geagan’s Martial Arts Journey | Hong Ik Martial Arts of New Rochellle
Ryan Geagan’s Martial Arts Journey
I have practically no memories that predate my Taekwondo journey, which began at a small studio in New York City when I was two years old. Since then, Taekwondo has remained one of the few constants in my life. Today, I am a third-degree black belt, an instructor (SUSA), and a member of the MUSA leadership program at Hong Ik Martial Arts in New Rochelle. In the fall, I will be attending Cornell University, studying psychology and pre-medicine. Outside of the dojang, I balance academics with athletics and extracurriculars—such as Varsity Football, Varsity Rugby, Spanish Club, and Science Research. But through it all, Taekwondo has truly grounded me both physically and mentally.
When my family moved to Eastchester when I was five, the change felt overwhelming. One of the first questions I asked my parents was whether there would be a dojang near our new home. Even so, I broke down crying during my first class at Hong Ik Martial Arts in New Rochelle, frightened by the size of the bigger kids. But later, as I sat in the backseat of my dad’s car, I felt my determination pull at me. I remembered how much I loved Taekwondo in the city—so I returned and tried again.
Over time, Taekwondo shaped me into a far stronger and more disciplined person. As a result, I gradually discovered the deeper meaning behind the art. For instance, I’ve come to realize that we practice forms not only to advance to the next rank, but also to enhance our concentration, refine our technique, and foster a stronger mind-body connection.
The same goes for our kicking combinations: they prove useful in sparring and enable us to defend ourselves. Additionally, Taekwondo serves as a strong social outlet. By working together to achieve common goals, we build friendships while supporting one another through training. Some of my fondest memories at Hong Ik Martial Arts come from events like cultural celebrations and birthday parties, where I’ve shared many memorable moments with masters, students, peers, and parents.
But this balance is not easily established. As the Brown Belt curriculum conveys, the Tae and the Kwon (Korean for kicking and punching) must be harmonized by the Do (the good way of life). The associated story teaches us that as we grow stronger, smarter, and more skilled, we simultaneously grow more dangerous. Thus, we must assert control over our emotions and abilities in order to work toward a better world.
At every step in the process, students are taught moral lessons specific to their rank. As a teacher, I constantly emphasize the importance of these principles. For example, when I see a student becoming visibly frustrated, I encourage them to practice Su-Shik (controlled breathing) to help them calm down. My main goal is for students to develop a strong Taekwondo attitude and to train at their own pace. I’ve learned that this is the best way to approach training, as it allows students to advance while embracing the core values of Taekwondo.
Ultimately, Taekwondo is far more than a sport; it is a source of physical strength, mental discipline, and social harmony. Over the years, I’ve learned that improvement does not always come from training more, but from improving the quality of what I do and remaining consistent with it. By reserving even just a few hours each week for training during busy times, I’ve continued to benefit from the art. Although progress can sometimes be slow to recognize, I’ve learned that patience is essential, and that Hong Ik’s ethical principles can serve as a guide both inside and outside the dojang. In this way, I know Taekwondo will continue to help me succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. I sincerely believe that Taekwondo can help anyone find balance, build meaningful relationships, and grow stronger through discipline and perseverance.
– By Ryan Geagan, 3rd Dan Black Belt, SUSA, and MUSA