Little Dragon’s Corner / My Journey

Little Dragons Magical Corner My Journey

By: Linda Bustamante Padron

“We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” – Walt Disney Black Belt Beginnings

Humble Beginnings

Growing up with martial arts being such an influential part of my family, some of my most cherished memories were that of training with my father and going to the bookstore. I remember so clearly being 5 years old, following my father’s instructions as he would guide me through every stretch, strike, block, and kick and it was due to my father guiding me in our backyard that made me respect and devote myself to the martial arts. After my father would have a lesson with me, he would sit me down and talk to me about the individuals that influenced and motivated him. He would then proceed to pick up a martial arts magazine and educate me about the living legends we know today. Every month was a new adventure as my parents would take me to our local bookstore so I could familiarize myself with the legends I heard about after our training sessions. Looking back, it must have been a sweet moment to capture a father and daughter discussing the beginnings of a lifelong love of the fighting arts and how magazines were a means to educate, and showcase one’s hard work and talents. These monthly family trips to our local bookstore planted a seed, that one day, my stories, experiences, and accomplishments would be featured in martial art magazines.

Every martial artist must have confidence to fulfill whatever one chooses to set their mind to, determination to broaden one’s knowledge in the arts, and humility that demonstrates gratefulness and appreciation for the ones who helped you get to where you are today. When one earns their black belt, it is much more than just the belt; earning a black belt is the result of the hard work one puts in achieving that ranking, but the most important thing is knowing that earning your black belt is not the end but rather just the beginning of a long and fruitful journey in the martial arts. For me, that day started on January 30, 2006 when I earned my 1st degree black belt in the art of GojuRyu Japanese Karate and earned my 4th degree black belt six years later. In 2010, I earned my 1st degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and most recently in 2020, I ranked in Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do. If the arts are a way of life, then we must continually be a student of life, ever changing with the times, and honing one’s craft; therefore, I feel that becoming a black belt is just the beginning. Growing up, one of the columns that I loved reading came from Tae Kwon Do Times Magazine. The column was titled, Black Belt Beginnings, and that

was the first section within the issue that I would turn to. I would turn the page with such excitement to read how individuals started in the martial arts, how they paved their own path, how they succeeded, and what I could learn to apply to my life. This was such an enjoyable part of the magazine for me that I aspired to be on that section one day. Fast forward to the July 2010, Tae Kwon Do Times Magazine were accepting martial arts photos to be submitted for the chance to be featured on the “Killer Kicks” section. Being huge supporters of the magazine, my father submitted my photos, and on the September/October 2010 Issue, my photos were selected to be amongst many talented martial artists showing their killer kicking abilities. Four months later, I received a lovely call asking if I would like to be featured in the Black Belt Beginnings section sharing my journey with Tae Kwon Do Times Magazine’s readership. The feeling of exhilaration rushed over my body and I was so humbled to share my story to readers that, like me as a child, I could inspire as well! March 2011 will hold a special place in my heart because the March/April 2011 Issue was not only the month that I was featured in a magazine, but it was also the year I started writing for Tae Kwon Do Times Magazine.

New Beginnings

Grandmaster Jung, thank you for inspiring me with your magazine since I was 5 years old. 27 years later and I am now a contributing writer for a group of individuals I consider to be my martial arts family. Thank you for granting me the platform to share inspirational stories, including decorated athletes and entertainers, and a magical corner for our youth. As this is the last physical magazine, a new beginning arises. I will always associate this magazine with my childhood, the excitement of going to the bookstore, and the ability to make a little girl’s dream come true. It has been an honor to have been a contributing writer for 10 years and plan for many more years to come!

Linda Bustamante Padron is a martial artist who is ranked and certified in Wei Kuen Do and Chi Fung under Grandmaster Leo Fong, ranked in Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do, as well as a 4th degree black belt in Gojo Ryu Japanese Karate and 1st degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. She is a writer for World Black Belt, FMA Informative, and Martial Science magazine. She is a featured martial arts model for Kung Fu Tae Chi Magazine, Tiger Claw Martial Arts, and Martial Arts Mart as well as an actress and martial arts champion. Her Twitter: @lindabpadron