The damage done as a result of the abusive relationship I was in had developed into such crippling anxiety – sometimes I would struggle to even leave the house.

Despite the support of my loving family, once the external bruises had healed I had to start dealing with the internal damage that had occurred as a result of a being in a violent and abusive relationship.

I relocated to Perth to be closer to family and much needed support networks. It has been years since I’d made a commitment to any sort of physical sport or exercise, the thought of trying to learn something new in my 30’s was completely daunting.

Then I saw the Pink Belt Scholarships advertised on Facebook and noticed that a club near me was participating. I nervously got in contact with the instructor of the club to express my interest.
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*Sienna (*name changed) is a 22 year-old university student who was sexually assaulted by her romantic partner. In January, 2020 to help gain a sense of control back over her life she commenced training with her local Taekwondo club under a Pink Belt Scholarship.

In her own words, this is how she has found the experience so far… Continue Reading »

In *Renee’s own words: My first introduction to taekwondo was around 2006 as a mother to a spirited 3 year old, I wanted to get back into shape and found a friendly environment to learn and train in at IronTiger Castle Hill.  Continue Reading »

Hi my name is *Linda. I am a pink belt recipient of the pink belt initiative.

I feel very grateful. Continue Reading »

In *Nicole’s own words: As a 42-year-old I never thought I’d be where I find myself today – heading into a taekwondo class amongst a sea of children.

As the only adult donning a white belt, I feel a little out of place and somehow gigantic!

I’m the type of person who breaks into a sweat upon entering a gym. Not the endorphin inducing kind, but the get-me-out-of-here kind.
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Do you remember the story of brave Anaya in a previous blog article? She’s the young woman from India I introduced as my inspiration for the whole concept of Pink Belt Scholarships.

Last year she was forced to quit Taekwondo because she could no longer afford the fees after escaping a violent marriage and living on her own.

Her spirit crushed, she felt utterly worthless and close to giving up on life. Continue Reading »

“Friends come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.”

I’m not an early bird or a night owl. I’ve read that makes me some kind of permanently exhausted pigeon. *sigh

I’m especially averse to dragging myself out of bed early for exercise. Those who do, I salute you (toes pointing up) from the comfort of my pillow.

So with this in mind, I have surprised even myself lately by joining a group of my Taekwondo buddies once a week for pattern practice by the water at (omg!) 6.30am. Continue Reading »

How could I have known that single decision, that very first step would lead me to here?

And, I’m wondering, where exactly is here? Plus I’m pretty sure you are too, or at least, where on earth I’m going with this.

The truth is, I don’t actually think I’m there yet. So I’m not sure where here is, what it looks like or how to point you in the right direction.

What I can tell you, is how the journey began… Continue Reading »

Several Australian women in need have been awarded Pink Belt Scholarships – a joint project by a The Mortal Mouse and Australian Taekwondo to empower women through martial arts.

Thanks to a crowdfunding aspect of the project, two women who are both former victims of domestic violence – one in WA and one in New South Wales – have received $2,000 to cover all expenses associated with one year of Taekwondo training at their local school.

Funds will be paid direct to the two schools where the women will begin their training early in 2019.

And under matched scholarships offered by Taekwondo clubs and schools across Australia who threw their support behind the project, a further seven women have also been provided with an opportunity to train at no cost for a year and one for six months.

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