“When I think about my childhood, I feel lucky for my family. I grew up with my two sisters in a small family. My dad worked for the government, and my mom took care of our home. What made my childhood special was that my parents let me choose what I wanted to do. This allowed me to follow my passion for sports from a young age.
Walking almost five kilometers every day to reach my school and college was a big part of my life. My days started at 5 AM with martial arts practice until 7 AM, then getting ready for school. The daily walk was tough, but my love for sports kept me going. It also gave me time to bond with friends and helped me stay fit.
Balancing school and Taekwondo wasn’t easy, but when you’re passionate, you find a way. I gave up some sleep and woke up early to train by 8 AM. The rest of the day was for my studies. Looking back, it wasn’t as hard as it may seem.
In high school, I dreamt of joining the army. I heard that knowing martial arts could help me. Luckily, martial arts classes started near my home, and I jumped into Taekwondo. Winning medals in local competitions and the support from my trainers made me love Taekwondo even more.
Teaching and practicing martial arts is like meditation for me. It helps me forget about everything else. I started teaching at Orchids The International School a year ago. I’m grateful for the support from the school, the Principal, my colleagues, and my students. The school really values sports and its importance for students.
My goal is to teach self-defense to women, boosting their confidence and safety. In India, more people are interested in self-defense and martial arts. For those who want to make it a career, there are opportunities for training and competitions. Schools also recognize the importance of sports, just like I’ve experienced at Orchids The International School.
To the people who are reading this, my message to all of you is simple: Follow your passion. It might not always make you rich, but it will make your journey fulfilling and satisfying. Pursue what you love, and success will come naturally.”
- Sweta Reddy, Taekwondo Trainer, Orchids The International School