Families Celebrate Halloween at Chang’s Taekwondo Event

On October 19, 2023, Chang’s Taekwondo in Aldergrove hosted its annual Trunk or Treat event, drawing families together for a vibrant Halloween celebration. The studio’s parking lot became a lively scene filled with children dressed as skeletons, superheroes, witches, and princesses. Car trunks were creatively transformed into haunted castles, graveyards, and candy stations, illustrating the community spirit that the event embodies.

Chardelle Lund, the studio manager, emphasized the importance of this gathering. “We do this once a year just as a community event,” she stated. “It’s free to come to. We do it for our taekwondo families and the community.” Around ten staff members contributed to the organization of the event, with many parents volunteering to decorate their trunks and provide candy.

As hot dogs sizzled nearby and music played, children eagerly dashed between cars, filling their bags with treats. Families, including the Bradleys, participated in the festivities wearing costumes. “It’s fun watching all the kids enjoy Halloween and get dressed up,” remarked Jennifer Bradley, a community volunteer.

The creativity of the participants shone through, particularly with friends Hailey and Zoey, whose trunk was artfully turned into a small graveyard complete with cobwebs and tombstones. “My mom decorated—but I picked out all the stuff,” Hailey said with a smile.

Lund, who has spent eight years at the studio, highlighted the sense of belonging the taekwondo community provides. “I train here and I work here. My daughter grew up training here and now she’s an instructor. So for me, it’s just a big family,” she explained. When asked about her favorite aspect of the job, she quickly replied, “The community, honestly. Everybody is just so great, all the parents, the kids, and the staff. I love it here.”

Inside the studio, instructors prioritize making children feel comfortable, especially those new to martial arts. “We tell them that the number one thing on their first day to come here is to have fun,” Lund noted. She added that instructors encourage children to watch if they prefer, emphasizing a supportive environment.

The inclusive atmosphere is a cornerstone of the school’s mission. “We do so much character building here,” Lund stated. She mentioned that many children, including those with ADHD or on the autism spectrum, thrive in the supportive environment provided at Chang’s Taekwondo. Her own daughter, now an instructor, found that taekwondo helped her manage anxiety.

“My daughter started here when she was eight,” Lund shared. “Now she actually teaches kids on the mats and she helps them. And she’s so, so empathetic to the kids.” For many children, the studio serves as a refuge from the pressures of traditional schooling, where social anxiety can be prevalent. “The studio is their safe space,” Lund explained. “This is where they can be comfortable and who they are, and they thrive here and love coming.”

The Trunk or Treat event concluded with a lively Monster Mash dance parade led by Lund, along with prizes for the best costumes and the best-decorated trunk. For Chang’s Taekwondo, the event transcended a simple Halloween celebration; it reaffirmed the studio’s commitment to fostering confidence and community in every student. “We partner with the parents to help raise a good human being,” Lund concluded.