We were lucky to catch up with Rachel Harshbarger recently and have shared our conversation below.

Rachel , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.

A defining moment in my Taekwondo career, was becoming a Master Instructor.

One becomes a Master Instructor at the rank of 4th degree black belt.
I began Tkd at the age of 15. My father wanted me to learn how to protect myself.

I had trained and practiced for 18 years, when I tested for my 4th Dan black belt.

Through those years, I also became a veterinary doctor, but nothing made me more proud than becoming a Master Instructor.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Almost 30 years ago, I began Taekwo n do to learn self defense. Since then, I have learned how to protect myself and other that can not defend themselves. I have also learned so much more.

Tkd teaches not only self defense, but also self control and self confidence. We follow the tenants of Tkd as martial artists. Those tenants are: Courtesy, Integrity, Peservence, Self Control and Indomitable Spirit.

As a tkd Instructor, my classes are open to all ages and abilities. Everyone can grow in body and mind through TKD practice. It’s not just kicking and punching. It’s a way of life that improves your health, helps you achieve goals and have success in all aspects of life.

There are aspects of our traditional Tae Park Taekwondo that are unique. One is that we keep classes affordable and accessible to everyone. We also follow the way our Korean Grandmaster Park taught, keeping with the 2000 year old ancient traditions and techniques.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One example of practicing perseverance was that I trained and tested for my 3rd Dan black belt when I was pregnant with my first child. I never missed a class as I prepared for my promotion testing. I worked full time as a veterinarian and was excited to be expecting! My Instructor, Senior Master May, always made sure I was being safe and following doctors recommendations.
I was proud to receive my 3rd Dan black belt during my second trimester after successfully completing 2 separate tests.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

As a young black belt in the 90’s, I trained hard. My instructor was strict yet kind. We had a disciplined and regimented class.

Then in my early 20’s, my instructor began working with at risk kids. I could not figure out why he became softer and more gentle. He really showed me how to practice patients with these kids. They could be challenging to work with and I didn’t understand why my Instructor was so easy on them. I was used to tough disciple.
He taught me to be kind and understanding of everyone. He showed me how TKD can really change someone’s life.
Now I am proud to work with students of all ability levels. We work with people with autism, behavioral challenges as well as mental and physical delays. I am proud of who I am as an Instructor all because of what I learned from my instructor all those years ago.

Contact Info:

• Website: Worldclasstaekwondo.org
• Facebook: Harshbarger Institue of Tae Park Taekwondo