Many students at WHS play an after school sport — basketball, soccer and lacrosse are popular choices. However, traditional sports weren’t an option for junior William Paik, who struggled with hand-eye coordination. Instead, Paik practices Taekwondo, a Korean martial art in which he has risen to the rank of second degree black belt.

Paik’s introduction to martial arts came in the third grade when he took Karate lessons at the Framingham YMCA. Two years later, looking for a more serious commitment, Paik’s parents showed him Taekwondo.

“My parents encouraged me to try Taekwondo because it was clear to them I couldn’t play football, basketball or anything else,” Paik said. “Once I tried it, it clicked,” Paik said. “It’s a lot of fun, and I just keep going.”

Paik has now practiced Taekwondo for six years, since he was in fifth grade. Paik says his connection to Taekwondo is partly cultural, as both Paik and Taekwondo have roots in Korean.

“This is my way to connect with my culture. I can’t speak the language, I’m terrible at Korean, but Taekwondo lets me connect,” Paik said. “It keeps me from being too American.”

On a more personal level, Paik’s older sister Jenny is also a black belt. He says he’s better but admits that she would say the same.

Paik practices at the Jae H. Kim Taekwon-do Institute in Ashland up to five times a week. For Paik, the Ashland location is an advantage, not an inconvenience.

“It helps distract me. When I get a bad test back or something else bad happens, I go [to Jae Kim], and it helps me forget and move on,” Paik said.

To earn his rank of second degree black belt, Paik had to pass a test composed of a written component, sparring and forms and a pattern of moves.

It took Paik nine months to prepare, visiting Jae Kim four times a week. Preparing for the forms was the hardest part for Paik. Forms involve memorizing complicated offensive and defensive patterns of movement. Paik practiced with his instructor, who critiqued his form, particularly his footwork, until he was ready.

Even as a second degree black belt, Paik says he has a long way to go, and he continues to practice hard.

“There’s a lot more to learn. There’s always more to learn,” Paik said. “The other day I was practicing the 540 hook kick. I saw it, and it looked cool, and I want to do it someday.”

Paik enjoys how Taekwondo is an individual activity because it allows him to practice it whenever he wants.

“It feels very free,” Paik said. “I don’t need to get a bunch of people together to play basketball. I just need myself and something to hit.”