On a Tuesday night in east Clovis, the sounds of padded kicks echo through the dojang. Students are taking turns practicing drills, while others are pulled away to start on some basics. Some students have trained for years, moving up the ranks and earning their belts. For others, this is their first time stepping onto the mat.
This is the Fresno State Taekwondo Club, which just started its first year as an official club sport. This means the team can officially represent Fresno State at intercollegiate competitions, a big step up from its past status as a recreational club.
Vice President Jacob Lao has been practicing taekwondo for most of his life. He said that even within the first two meetings, the club has already seen growth.
“There’s a lot more people than honestly I expected,” Lao said. “When we’re tabling for Traditions Day, a lot more people showed interest in our club. Honestly, I’m looking forward to bringing a big competition team to our tournaments.”
While Lao brings over 10 years of experience, others are just beginning their journeys in this martial art. Emiliano Avalos, a new member, admitted he was nervous to show up to his first practice. He said he felt welcome and is certain that anyone joining will agree.
In fact, this supportive environment is what drew in Alexandra Johnson. She said she sees taekwondo as both an outlet and a challenge. She is already seeing the positive effects of joining, noting that she is able to focus more during her school and work days.
“Everyone’s there to help you, no matter what rank or age,” Johnson said.
For Joshua Fernandez, who has been training in taekwondo for 16 years, the club is about more than just learning to fight.
“It’s like a family and everyone respects each other,” Fernandez said. “It’s a good way to escape from school, and I think essentially, what we’re all here for, is to learn how to become a better person.”
Club president Simrit Dhillon said she was shocked by how many members attended the first practice and is even more astounded by the number of members interested in competing, or sparring, as they say. The team plans to participate in tournaments through the National Taekwondo Association, which will put them up against teams from University of California campuses and other universities, like Stanford.
Even though Dhillon is overseeing the club while recovering from an ACL injury, she said leading the club has given her a new perspective on the sport. In this position, she meets with the faculty adviser often to talk things over and also works with members to share her expertise with beginners. She is a gold medalist in several state and national competitions.
“I’m really excited for people that haven’t got a chance to compete yet to compete because I think once you start competing, it’s like a whole different level,” Dhillon said. “It’s almost a whole different type of experience. So, I’m really excited for that.”
Once fully recovered, Dhillon intends to compete. She desires another gold medal this season.
Guiding the group is Head Coach Austin Carter, who has been in the sport for 25 years and runs Carter Taekwondo, where the martial artists practice. He sees Fresno State’s new team as an underdog with some solid potential.
“When we go against the titans of taekwondo like Texas, UCLA, USC, places like that, they’re going to pack in 50 or so team members,” Carter said. “But we have a really good foundation for a first-year club. I think in three years we’re going to be knocking on the door trying to take them out.”
Carter added that while not every member needs to compete, the club offers both traditional taekwondo training and a more competitive “sport side.” He said the taekwondo’s atmosphere and community is unmatched.
“There’s something very weird about kicking your friend as hard as you can and then hugging them,” Carter said. “It’s a very weird thing, but it works. Everybody looks out for everybody, and there are no egos whatsoever.”
Austin’s father, Master Derrick Carter, helps the new members with basic forms and moves. Together, the two run the practices on Tuesdays from 7:30-9 p.m. and Sundays from 3-5 p.m. at Carter Taekwondo in Clovis. There is a $50 fee for club members, and it covers the entire academic year. Members of all experience levels are welcome to show up to the dojang or join online via ENGAGE.
Club Adviser Marie Tongson-Fernandez looks forward to supporting the team, especially since she has personal ties to the sport as a three-time gold medalist at the state championships.
“Our primary goal is to foster a welcoming environment where students feel supported, encouraged and proud to represent their school,” Tongson-Fernandez said. “This feeling of community and belonging extends beyond the dojang, playing a big role in their success as students.”
