Miss. Chantal Mathieu
1st Dan Black Belt
How long have you have been training in Taekwondo?
I have been training for 10 years now.
How did you get involved in Taekwondo?
One of my aunts in Winnipeg took me to one of her Taekwondo classes and I had such a good time that as soon as I got back in Ottawa, I asked to be registered in Taekwondo. I did a Taekwondo summer camp that year, and in September I was taking classes.
What is Taekwondo to you specifically?
To me, Taekwondo is a home away from home. The people at the school are a second family to me. We’re all there for each other and it makes for a very comfortable and pleasant atmosphere.
What do you enjoy about Taekwondo?
I enjoy the physical challenge as well as constantly pushing forward and learning something new. I’ve recently started competing and it’s a whole other world. I’m still discovering it and I’m finding that I love it more and more.
How has Taekwondo affected you?
Taekwondo has changed me all around. It has made me a more confident, strong, powerful and independent person. I now take on things without being afraid of the what if’s. I dive in, give it my all, and in most cases, I come out on top.
What's your favourite motvational/inspirational quote(s)?
"Motivation is a fire from within. If someone else tries to light that fire under you, chances are, it will burn very briefly."