geri liu
2nd dan | june 2023

Good afternoon Master Brian, Master Joyce, Master Bryanna, Master Benecia, friends and family. 

Since my first grading in 2019 from white to yellow belt, it’s insane how everything has changed. Many of my friends whom I graded through colour belts with are no longer here, and many people whom I previously looked up to have moved forward to their separate ways. 

This might have been the case for me earlier if I had not rejoined the Poomsae team, and I do not regret it. Taekwondo has never had so much value in my life up until 2022, and for the final months of my competition period in 2023, I finally fully understood the value of experience and the compulsion of time. 

I think I can safely say that I have grown a lot during my time of 4 years at WeiWu. Whether it is physical, social or moral, I am deeply grateful for everyone that has helped me along the way. The most memorable moments of my high school years will always include those with friends, teammates, and family here. 

To Master Benecia, thank you for always motivating me to spare no effort in everything I do. For all the constructive feedback you gave me (even for the most horrendous side kicks - I am very sorry) and your compassion with such things - thank you. 

To Master Bryanna, thank you for making sure every class is as entertaining and enjoyable as possible. I always looked up to your ability to establish such a positive environment for classes and training; and of course, your magnificent sense of humour. 

So to both Master Benecia and Bryanna - thank you for coaching me in Sparring and Poomsae. I would have lost something very important without your guidance and support that inspired me to keep competing.

To Master Joyce, thank you for being so patient with me all throughout my journey and helping me lay down the necessary foundations from the start. Thank you for also arranging everything so that I always had the chance to take advantage of the opportunities presented to me. 

To Master Brian, thank you for the countless hours you spent teaching, training and coaching us. I still remember when I first started attending Poomsae training, and I had thought it was impossible for me to improve my skill and confidence by so much as of today. But without your continuous encouragement and faith in me, it would have remained impossible. Mere words cannot express the degree of my gratitude to you. 

To my friends - thank you for inspiring me to become a better martial artist, athlete and person. Thank you Keanen, Earnest, Charlotte, Ray, Chook, Lorelle, and others for making my Taekwondo journey infinitely better than I could have ever imagined. Even if it was for a short time, I have so much appreciation and love for you all. 

The range of opportunities I was given and all the people that I have met are invaluable; as I move forward, I will do my best to continue to apply the skills and values I have learnt from them. 
Again, to the Cheong family, thank you so much for believing in me and supporting me every step of the way from the first day. I will forever be in your debt. 

Thank you for listening.

---