TaeKwonDo Tournament – Nashville, TN

TaeKwonDo Tournament – Nashville, TN

We made our second attempt at a TaeKwonDo tournament by traveling to Nashville, TN. Both my wife and oldest son competed in their respective belts and age groups. It was held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort. It was an interesting experience to say the least. Both my wife and son competed at a tournament locally in Northern Kentucky, and my wife wanted to attend this one too. I don’t do TaeKwonDo, I prefer to lift weights as my exercise routine, but I wanted to support them both and visit a city I’ve not been to in almost twenty years.

The tournament itself was a spectacle. I’ve not seen that many people in one room since COVID started. There were probably 500 people or so, with their families, as well as various officiants of TaeKwonDo America. They’re broken off in little sessions, with 7 or 8 competitors. They compete on form, then on sparring. Each receives a grade, and then they are awarded medals. Both my wife and son placed individually in both of their competitions. My son really seemed to learn a lesson there – that hard work pays off. We really had to pump him up for the competition, my wife worked with him a lot to get his moves and steps learned. I tried to get his confidence up and have him concentrate on what he was doing so he did it the best way possible. It all seemed to pay off for him and he was so proud afterwards.

A few notes on the venue – Opryland Resort. What a beautiful place. I loved the garden interior, it felt so great despite it being winter. I can imagine this place being super hot during the summer, but at this time of year it is really pleasant. The shear size of this place also. One thing I noticed – I can’t believe that nobody was sitting out on their balconies. I think if we were staying there, we’d almost certainly spend our time there looking out from one people watching. Unfortunately were were not able to stay there and see if first hand as the block of rooms for the tournament was gone almost immediately. Instead we stayed across the street at a Wyndham Suites which worked out for us as we ate dinner in the room one night because of a fever my youngest son caught. He’s fine, but it was nice to have a small dining room to use.

We are planning an adults only trip here some time, a little romantic getaway with the wife. Perhaps we can make that happen next winter. I’ll also add that we ate dinner at RainForest Cafe in the spacious OpryMills Shopping Mall. I had my misgivings, but the food was good and it was an interesting experience. The robotics were cool and I loved the aquariums everywhere. The boys really enjoyed it also – especially the periodic “storms” that would occur and the ensuing lighting effects.

TaeKwonDo Tournament At Gaylord OpryLand Resort
TaeKwonDo Tournament At Gaylord OpryLand Resort
Hanging Guitar At The Gaylord Opryland Resort
Hanging Guitar At The Gaylord Opryland Resort
Domed Ceiling At Gaylord Opyrland Resort
Domed Ceiling At Gaylord Opyrland Resort
Fountain At The Gaylord Opryland Resort
Fountain At The Gaylord Opryland Resort
RainForest Cafe - OpryMills - Nashville TN
RainForest Cafe – OpryMills – Nashville TN
RainForest Cafe - OpryMills - Nashville TN
RainForest Cafe – OpryMills – Nashville TN