For Dweck’s Project Administrator, Alex Williams, taekwondo started as a simple way to introduce her daughter, Aurora, to a new activity. What she never expected was that it would become something they would pursue side by side, eventually leading them both to national competitions, countless hours of training, and a bond that continues to grow stronger through every practice, class, and tournament.

The journey began in 2022 when Aurora turned four years old. Like many parents, Alex wanted to explore different sports and activities to help her daughter build confidence and discover new interests. Conveniently, there was a dojang (Taekwando training space) just two blocks from their house that also offered aftercare programs during the week. Aurora quickly joined the little kids’ classes in the evenings, and before long, taekwondo became part of their regular routine. While sitting and watching one evening, Alex noticed an adult class training at the same time. “I’m already here, I might as well just do it,” she remembered thinking. In January 2023, just a few months after her daughter began training, Alex stepped onto the mat herself.

Taekwondo wasn’t entirely new to her. Growing up, Alex practiced karate alongside her own mother and remained passionate about it through middle school. Her mom had come within one belt of earning her black belt, while Alex herself was only a few belts away. Returning to martial arts years later brought back memories of that shared experience and helped inspire her to continue the tradition with her own daughter. At the time, Alex was balancing work, parenting, and school while pursuing her master’s degree, so taekwondo became an outlet that was entirely her own amid the busyness of daily life.

What started as a casual commitment quickly evolved into something much more intense. After joining the dojang’s competition team, both Alex and Aurora began training three to five days a week, adding extra practices, conditioning sessions, and even weapons classes to their schedules. Friday nights often keep them at the dojang until 9 p.m., followed by early Saturday-morning practices starting at 6:30 a.m. Conditioning and strength training are a major part of preparation, especially as they approach larger competitions like AAU Nationals this June in Fort Lauderdale. Sundays, however, remain sacred family and recovery days whenever possible.

Last year, Alex traveled with Aurora to the 2025 AAU Taekwondo Nationals in Salt Lake City, where she competed for the first time in the 8–9 age division. At the time, Alex chose not to compete herself, focusing entirely on supporting her daughter from the sidelines. But after witnessing the experience firsthand, she knew she wanted to join her on the competition floor the following year. “This year I got the itch,” Alex said with a laugh. “I knew I wanted to be a part of it, too.”

Now, mother and daughter are both preparing to compete together in the 2026 AAU Taekwondo Nationals in Fort Lauderdale, FL. They will participate in poomsae events, which focus on forms and technique, while also training in board breaking and sparring. Because their belt levels are relatively close, many of their practices happen side by side, creating an experience that feels both collaborative and deeply personal. One of the most rewarding parts of the journey for Alex has been watching her daughter grow in confidence throughout the process. When she first started taekwondo, her daughter was much quieter and more reserved. Over the years, Alex has watched her step out of her shell, embrace her personality, and become increasingly confident in herself and her abilities.

“She’s a sassy girl now,” Alex said affectionately. “Seeing her become confident in who she is has been incredible.”

Alex is equally impressed by Aurora’s discipline and focus during training. Their instructor follows a very traditional Korean teaching style, pushing students both physically and mentally. Alex says it’s been powerful to watch her work through difficult moments and challenge herself to finish strong, even when training gets tough. “You can see the mental battle happening,” Alex explained. “But she pushes through it. I’m so impressed by how focused and determined she is.”

As both a competitor and a mother, Alex says Aurora will always come first on competition days. No matter what event she may be preparing for, her priority is to ensure she knows she’s supported every step of the way. “My first role is always mom,” she said. “I always want her to look over and see me there watching her.” 

“Taekwondo is all about discipline,” Alex explains. “Sometimes you have to do things you don’t want to do, but you made the commitment. That lesson goes such a long way in life.”

The experience has also become a reflection of the values Alex hopes to pass down to her children beyond the dojang. She wants them to see what it looks like to work toward long-term goals, whether that’s earning a black belt, pursuing higher education, or continuing to push through challenges even when things get difficult. “I got my master’s degree while raising my kids, and they got to watch all that hard work pay off,” she said. “I want them to see effort lead to something meaningful.”

Perhaps what makes this journey most special to Alex is the generational connection behind it all. Training with Aurora reminds her of practicing karate with her own mother years ago, and now she has the opportunity to create those same memories with her child. “That bond is so special to me,” she shared. “I want my daughter to have those memories too.”

As nationals approach, Alex, Aurora, and the rest of their team are fully focused on training and preparation. Alongside practices, Alex and several other moms are helping organize fundraising efforts to support the team’s trip to Fort Lauderdale this summer. But regardless of medals or placements, the experience itself has already become something far more meaningful: a shared journey built on confidence, discipline, family, and the kind of support that lasts far beyond the mat.