Freshman Kensie Milner may look like your every day student. She goes to class and does her work just like every other student. However, there is one thing that makes her stand out. She has almost mastered Tae-Kwan-Do.

By mastered, I mean she almost has her black belt. Tae-Kwan-Do is a type of martial arts. Milner has been doing it for over three years now.

“I enjoy this sport very much,” said Milner, when asked why she does Tae-Kwan-Do. “I also want to be able to defend myself in a situation where I needed to fight back.”

Unlike most people, no one really inspired Milner to do this sport.

“I’m the first one in my family to be remotely interested in martial arts, and it was my interest that inspired me to join Tae-Kwan-Do,” said Milner.

Milner does not just do Tae-Kwan-Do; she is also very good at it.

“I have advanced faster than most people, and I skipped my yellow and green belt,” said Milner.

But Milner just does not do this alone.

“My mom and my instructor, Dave Atchison, help me the most,” said Milner. “If it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t be able to get my gear, do tournaments, or get to the tournaments. They both help me practice, too.”

When kids do football, or any other sport, they would want to do it professionally, but will never get to. Milner actually will, though.

“I plan on going into the Marines and doing their martial arts program, Mcmap. I already do Tae-Kwan-Do, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The knowledge I have from them will help me a lot,” said Milner.

Do not be fooled by Milner’s ease at the sport, though. She has had to overcome obstacles.

“The hardest part for me is when I feel like I have disappointed my instructor,” Milner said. “But my biggest obstacle has been belt testing. The tests get harder as you advanced and take days to complete.”

When asked why Milner enjoys this sport, you could tell it was an easy question. “Because some of best friends are in there, and I feel like I can do anything.”

Milner also has some advice to give to beginners on Tae-Kwan-Do.

“It will take a lot of time and practice to be good at it. You may feel that you are not learning anything, but you can’t give up. You have to overcome you obstacles. You also can’t except to be the best fighter and kick everyone’s but, because there will be someone better out there.”

 She does have her Deputy belt, the one just before a black belt. Milner is also planning to continue her Tae-Kwan-Do career.

 “I plan on going into the Marines and doing their martial arts program, Mcmap. I already do Tae-Kwan-Do, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The knowledge I have from them will help me a lot,” said Milner.

She also says she does not see herself ever quitting Tae-Kwan-Do. Most people cannot comprehend how she can do such a sport, but she does. She has truly accomplished a major thing in her life.

Story by Emma Walker