Ms. Joyce Bridger

3rd Gup, High Blue

      Hailing from Sheridan, Wyoming, Ms. Joyce Bridger joins the ranks of talented Wyoming women in Taekwon-Do.  While working full time as a social worker for child development, still she finds time to run an on-line fabric store as well as creating and marketing quilt designs under the name of "Red Leaf Designs".  She attends quilt shows as a vendor, travels to teach classes and travels to give trunk show presentations as much as possible.  Joyce completed her Master's degree in communicaiton last summer and just recently had her thesis project accepted into a juried show called "Sacred Threads" in Ohio.  Currently a single mother of two boys, ages 15 and 17, she says "I am looking forward to whatever is on the next page of the story of my life."  Here's what she has to say . . .
      "I originally started TKD about 7 years ago in Riverton, Wyoming with my son Kyle.  It was not our style (USTF) and although I loved it, at the time we did not have much consistency in getting it together.  After we tested for our yellow belt the organization fizzled.  Four years ago the family moved to Sheridan and joined the YMCA.  We discovered that they had TKD and talked about joining.  Kyle started first while I watched to see how "this group" was going to be.  After watching how wonderful the instructors were in working with everyone for a session, I decided to join.  That way, I could get some exercise and work out with Kyle instead of watching.  Several months after I joined, I was diagnosed with a health condition.  Not only did I undergo 6 months of interferon treatment with no success, my marriage also fell apart.
      "During this period of time TKD was a bright spot in my days.  The discipline helped me keep a focus.  My doctors encouraged me to keep it up as much as possible and so I did.  One of the best things about TKD are the people involved with the organization.  The folks here are positive, supportive and encouraging.  They are always willing to help if someone in our group needs it.  A TKD "crew" came over and moved me out of my house and into my new house.  Then they helped me move again.  It’s like a little family only more formal.  I have found that where the USTF is, the people are the same.  The best words I can find to describe the people involved are loyal and honorable.  Good character witnesses and you don't see that everywhere!
      " My goal in TKD is to eventually get my black belt and go from there.  This last while has been slow going, but I'm still going.  It's hard work, really hard and just when I think I might have something down, my instructors give me 10 more things to think about.  I guess that one of the beautiful things about it.  I can go at my own pace knowing (ask my instructors) my white twitch muscles are probably not ever going to speed up much, ha-ha but I'll keep on trying.  I think that is the key for others coming up, you don't have to go up the ranks fast, just keep it steady.  I think TKD is also great for building self confidence, especially with women.  When you break that first board, that's a boost, and when you get to the point that you know you could defend yourself, that's a boost.  You find yourself walking a little straighter because you are more confident in yourself and your abilities.  That is a boost.  One of the best things TKD has brought me has been Mr. Bob Thompson.  A wonderful friend and encourager.  A man of integrity.  A man I will be fortunate enough to be able to call my husband as we plan our wedding this summer."  (Editor's Note:  Mr. Bob Thompson is a 3rd Dan from Sheridan--congratulations!)
      For those of you who might be interested, here's the web address for Joyce's store . . .