Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kennedy Fitzgibbon. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kennedy, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
One of the core principles of our art is that of “Effort and Perseverance”. Emphasis on this has helped me to develop resilience.
Martial arts demand consistent practice, self-control, and dedication, which have instilled in me a strong sense of discipline that carries over into various facets of my life.
The physical and mental conditioning that I’ve honed through years of training have contributed significantly to my resilience. Tackling challenges on the training floor has prepared me to deal with whatever life throws at me outside of the training floor.
Throughout my journey, I’ve encountered obstacles, faced failures, and dealt with setbacks. Through commitment to progress and the willingness to learn from each experience I have fostered a tenacity that I carry with me wherever life takes me.
My Tae Kwon Do community has also been a huge pillar of support throughout my journey, encouraging me, believing in me, and pushing me out of my comfort zone. Reminding me that giving up, or quitting is not a viable option.
The philosophy of Tae Kwon Do involves control of the mind body and spirit. Training is both humbling and empowering, demands grueling hard work and kindness. Balance in all things.
I am endlessly grateful for my mentors, and the lessons learned from both setbacks and successes. Being a martial artist is a constantly evolving process that involves continuous growth, and unwavering determination. The lessons I learn shape not only my teaching approach but also my outlook on life.
So long as you do not quit, you cannot fail.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am a second degree black belt, teaching and training in Chung Do style Tae Kwon Do. I have been training for over 12 years and continue to be passionate about the journey, and sharing this art with others.
I have been teaching for over 8 years! I love teaching because I get to continue to learn and develop my skills, while learning more about myself and my students, plus it gives me the opportunity to share what I love with others.
Starting in September I will be opening my own club, called Blue Wave Foundation, in Maryland Heights. Classes will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Maryland Heights Community Center. We have been having pop up classes at local parks this summer leading up to the grand opening at the community center on August 24th. Classes are for ages 5 to 105!
One very special thing about my training is that I have had the chance to train with my family! That is a big reason why my classes will be open to both kids and adults – to encourage families to train together! Tae Kwon Do is beneficial for anyone at any age!
Tae Kwon Do has taught me life skills that have helped me to be able to succeed and persevere even through the most difficult situations. It has strengthened me mentally, physically, and spiritually. It has helped me to get to know and understand my inner workings. It keeps me accountable to a growth mindset, and keeps me healthy and active. The self defense skills & awareness that I have learned through my training are invaluable. I have made lifelong friendships. It has shown me what I am capable of, and that there is ALWAYS more to learn.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I think this can be summed up in mind, body, spirit control and connection. Finding balance in all things.
Failing. Again, and again. Getting back up again, stronger each time. Realizing that the only way you can truly fail is by giving up.
Humbling myself by facing myself and all my flaws – deciding to continue the pursuit of excellence anyways. Seeing how far I have come.
Learning to harness my emotions and direct them for the results that I want to see, instead of letting them control me.
My advice to someone who is early on, is that this becomes far more than just a hobby, it is a lifestyle. In the beginning, it may just be a fun activity to keep you active, improve your focus, or learn some self defense.Stick around and your will see that this is a life long journey.
If you keep coming back and you will see yourself begin to transform, you will push past your limits, and do things you never knew you were capable of! The learning and possibilities are endless.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
I think the most impactful thing my parents did for me, is encourage me to go for what I love.
Within that, it has been very special that they do martial arts with me. Sharing what I love and being a part of it.
My dad did martial arts in his early 20s and loved it, this inspired an interest in me at a young age. We began training together when I was very young, we moved several times and my desire to train stayed strong. Finding a new place to train each time, I always knew I wanted to earn a black belt.
When we settled down here, and I started training at Blue Wave, it took a bit of convincing to get my parents to start with me again. I am so happy that they did. At first I think it was just for me mostly, but now I know they do it for themselves too.
To see your parents being and doing in ways that they want to see you develop, and learning alongside you, is much more inspiring than having a parent with a “do as I say but not as I do” attitude.
I have watched them overcome hardships and experience challenges on the training floor. I would respect them regardless, but it makes me very proud to see how strong they are firsthand, and see them striving to grow and improve. It has also been a great way to connect through the years.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bluewavefoundation.net
- Instagram: @bluewavefoundation
- Facebook: @bluewavefoundation
- Other: https://linktr.ee/bluewavefoundation
