Hi Lina,
Leo did an excellent job of answering your post, especially from the perspective of a new student (thank you Leo!).
Like I said in my message title, martial arts is all about setting small, reachable goals for yourself, and eventually reaching them. When you take this perspective of looking at martial arts, in my opinion the larger goal of "black belt" or "master", "school owner", "Korea trip", etc., seems a whole lot easier and more manageable. The feeling of accomplishment of meeting just the small goals does wonderful things for one's confidence, motivation, outlook, and mental well-being in general.
Don't feel like you have to come in impressing people or having everything "figured out" beforehand. Every student comes in with issues they need to iron out. One of the wonderful things about an excellent martial arts school is that not only your instructor but your fellow students will be right beside you through this process. Without this support from my fellow students, masters, and instructors, both in the US and in Korea, I know I wouldn't be where I am today. Our grandmasters are like fathers to me and Master J.E. Circle, and we try to emulate the way Grandmaster Lee Jee Hoon and Grandmaster Jung Tae Ik dedicated themselves not only to our martial development but our personal development as well.
You say in your last sentence that you have what it takes from your end, but your primary fear is that nobody would be willing to teach you or believe in you. The masters, instructors, and students at Koguryo literally believe in anybody who is willing to try. By coming to class and demonstrating a desire to learn, you give Master Jared Circle the go-ahead to believe in you and put effort into teaching you and helping you progress toward your personal goals. All any true teacher wants is a willing student, and you most definitely seem to be one.
Koguryo isn't a place where only the best athletes are welcome. We feel that any person can improve themselves significantly through martial arts, and we love dedicated students of any level of physical ability or experience.
Regarding the fears you mentioned such as punching something, easily damaged pride, and performing in front of others; these are fears you will eventually face up to and conquer if you choose the path of martial arts. While you may be able to overcome your difficulty in punching others relatively soon, it may take longer to overcome the fear of embarrassment or humiliation; that is quite reasonable, and those are reasonable and common fears. The difference is that many people are not willing to face those fears, while martial arts students want to not only face them but eventually get past them. When you visit the school and discuss your personal motivations for learning martial arts, these are things you can mention to Master Circle. He'll keep your personal goals in mind as he works with you in class and do his best to help you through the rough spots, although ultimately overcoming those fears will be your accomplishment.
You're welcome to call or stop by the school anytime! In addition, we're having a demonstration at Easton Town Center in the mall area at the bottom of the stairs near the food court, the Wednesday, February 22, from 6-8pm. Master Jared Circle, Master Kristin Circle (me), Master Michael Nye, and Master William Ruffing will be present, and many of the students will be performing. By the way, participation in the demonstration is voluntary.
You can do that if/when you're ready! If you'd like to talk to me at the demonstration, I'll be videotaping so walk right up, I'd love to meet you.
Thanks for the compliments on our school and for the interest; we try very hard to have a supportive family atmosphere in addition to authentic Korean martial arts.
Master Kristin Circle