12/5/07 -
As we end this year at CTC with Harmony and Unity as our theme, I would like to sum-up martial art's primary purpose in modern society as the empowerment of individuals so they may reach higher in every endeavor. Empowerment comes from mind, body, spirit, and emotions working in harmony and developing a unity of thoughts, words, and deeds.
The Power of Recognition
A pupil from whom nothing is ever demanded which he cannot do. Never does all he can.
John Stuart Mill
We learn something by doing it. There is no other way.
John Holt
The modern belt promotion system has given us our most important tool to help students develop confidence, stay motivated, see progress, and become better taekwondoin. This system helps students continue to improve month after month and year after year.
Younger students are immediately attracted to the different color belt and achievement stripes. These extrinsic rewards are like a “candy shop” for children. Although many adults will express a desire only to improve their skills, and that they are not concerned with belt promoting, they may be covering up anxiety around performing in front of others. These test become the best way for students to see advancement and make long and short-term goals.
Anxiety around public performance decreases and performance abilities increase as students gain experience. The fact that you are accountable in your martial art training makes learning so effective. Performing in front of one’s seniors and family, and peers is part affirmation of what a student has learned, part training in performance skills, and part celebration and graduation. This part of martial arts truly exemplifies the training of mind, body, spirit, and emotions all at once.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
11/20/07 - Happy Thanksgiving! I appreciate all of the positive energy and hard work everyone is doing at CTC to make it the best martial art school anywhere!
Here is the next installment of my thesis:
The Power of Self-Defense
The only people you have to get even with are those who have helped you.
R.H. Rehwinkles
Our first line of defense is self self-defense.
Paul Korchak
I like to tell my younger students that they are like “ super heroes in training.” and that the extraordinary abilities they are developing have to be used for good always. They really relate to this concept.
Internal peace comes from building confidence through challenge. It comes from developing the mind, body, spirit, and emotions, through determined practice. It also comes from becoming aware of our higher purpose in life.
External peace is a direction of a student’s inner peace. Parents and students who are concerned that martial arts encourage violent behavior find that well trained black belts are the most peaceful, grounded humans you could meet. Developing inner peace dissuades students from needing to fight for survival. Human interaction turns into cooperation and compassion. The ability to be able to fight for survival with one’s hand and feet allows the martial artist to move through life with inner confidence. He or she will also exude this confidence and will not be targeted by bullies and predators.
Here is the next installment of my thesis:
The Power of Self-Defense
The only people you have to get even with are those who have helped you.
R.H. Rehwinkles
Our first line of defense is self self-defense.
Paul Korchak
I like to tell my younger students that they are like “ super heroes in training.” and that the extraordinary abilities they are developing have to be used for good always. They really relate to this concept.
Internal peace comes from building confidence through challenge. It comes from developing the mind, body, spirit, and emotions, through determined practice. It also comes from becoming aware of our higher purpose in life.
External peace is a direction of a student’s inner peace. Parents and students who are concerned that martial arts encourage violent behavior find that well trained black belts are the most peaceful, grounded humans you could meet. Developing inner peace dissuades students from needing to fight for survival. Human interaction turns into cooperation and compassion. The ability to be able to fight for survival with one’s hand and feet allows the martial artist to move through life with inner confidence. He or she will also exude this confidence and will not be targeted by bullies and predators.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
11/7/07 - What Would A Black Belt Do?
I think on of the most important life skills taught at our center is the black belt attitude. Using black belt as a metaphor for high standards of personal excellence, students seek to “act like a black belt would.” This attitude of excellence extends beyond the martial arts class. Students work not just to become black belt martial artists, but academic black belts, black belt employees and black belt parents.
You create a standard that asks throughout each day, “How would a black belt do this?” How would a black belt sit and listen to the teacher? How would a black belt clean his room? How would a black belt work on this job?
This new standard develops into an attitude of positive self expectancy which means good things happen to people who work hard.
In our belt system, students learn the importance of the four steps to goal setting through the example of earning their black belt.
Step one is to know what it is you want. In the martial arts, it's the black belt. Most students don't set black belt as a goal initially. It's up to the instructor in the beginners classes to motivate, educate and instill the desire to earn a black belt in each student.
The second step is to take the long term goal and break it down into short term goals. In the martial arts, this is the importance of having a well structured belt and stripe system so students have exams every month. These short term goals work as motivating mini-victories for the students. All confidence is built upon a foundation of excellence and accomplishment. With each exam successfully completed, the student builds confidence towards seeing themselves as black belts.
The third step is to map out a very specific plan to take you to your goal. A good martial arts school has developed a curriculum that, while possibly based in a particular style, does not make the student serve the style. Instead, the style or curriculum serves the student. If the student attends class and practices with the black belt attitude, the curriculum is well designed and specific in helping them achieve the goal of earning a black belt.
The fourth step is critical. You must develop a team to help you achieve your goal. This is why the student/instructor relationship is so important. That's why we our Leadership Team and Instructor Team are so important. It's difficult to obtain a goal as worthy as a black belt without the help of people who have already taken that path.
We know you too can earn your black belt, but there will be obstacles and it won't be easy. In fact, you are taking portions of your black belt test every day. Every time you don't feel like coming to class but make the effort to get in your car or on your bike to get here, you have passed a part of your black belt test. Every class that you take is part of your black belt test. Miss class and you fail that part of the class. Attend class and you pass. Of course, you have to work hard in that class to make it count. Let's see how hard you will work today. Let's get started... (adopted from John Graden)
Another Sixth Dan thesis excerpt:
The Power of the Body
The body weeps the tears that the eyes refuse to shed.
Proverb
If you don’t take good care of our body, where will we live?
Anonymous
I started martial arts over 27 years ago because of the physical benefits of the martial arts, and I am just as amazed by them today. Each stance is a strengthening, stretching, and energy moving exercise. The intricate hand techniques develop coordination and brain function. The kicking not only stretches and strengthens the legs in every plane, but helps make taekwondo a more cardiovascular and weight managing workout. The best part of the physical aspect of our martial art training is the variety of movement that we continually expand on. As participants get older they may not do the jumping and spinning as much, but there are so many movements that they can continue to do and not only maintain function in those joints, but add to their ability.
Taekwondo has a unique blend of whole body movements that take into account the entire well being of an individual. The movements are natural and engaging because they are based on real-life application. An emphasis on self-perfection helps ensure safety and injury prevention. Taekwondo participation has a positive influence on health related fitness such as cardio-respiratory fitness, joint flexibility, and muscle strength and endurance, and weight management.
Cardio-respiratory fitness refers to the ability of the heart and lungs to operate efficiently during exertion over an extended period. Taekwondo striking and kicking performed repetitively over an extended time represent the upper and lower-body movements that offer aerobic improvements for the martial artist.
Joint flexibility refers to the range of motion a person has at each joint in the body. Joint movement at the ankle, knee, and hip are essential for kicks, and the shoulder, elbow, and wrist joint movements are necessary for strikes. Rotation and flexion movements at the trunk are necessary for strikes and kicks, and require flexibility of the pelvis.
Muscular strength and muscular endurance will improve when practicing taekwondo skills. Muscular strength refers to the ability to exert short-term forceful movements, and muscular endurance involves eliciting force over an extended time. Forceful contractions of upper-body, trunk, and lower-body muscle groups are necessary to perform the striking and kicking skills correctly. Students develop muscular strength through these efforts. In addition, when students perform these skills repeatedly, as in a taekwondo aerobic routine, they enhance muscular endurance.
Taekwondo can be used to aid in weight management whenever students participate in vigorous physical activity, and burn a large number of calories. Expending calories is a key factor in managing the health-related fitness component of body composition. Body composition is a person’s ratio of body fat to lean body mass, often referred to in the context of body fat percentage. A well-planned taekwondo lesson can require demanding upper- and lower-body movements. This type of energetic workout results in significant calorie usage.
Performance-related fitness such as balance, coordination, speed, agility, and reaction time will be improved through taekwondo practice as well.
Balance involves maintaining equilibrium against the force of gravity. Kicking skills require maintaining balance while standing on one leg, and at the same time moving the other leg forcefully and dynamically. Add to these circumstances bending and twisting the trunk, and studens can develop balance considerably.
Coordination involves performing a set of movements with the proper sequencing and rhythm. Taekwondo skills require a series of specific movements that flow from one to another. Practicing the transition from one movement to the next with fluidness will result in a coordinated, skillful appearance.
Speed refers to moving the body or parts of the body as rapidly as possible from one point to another. Striking and kicking with speed are important aspects of taekwondo training. When students combine speed with the force of muscular strength, the result is muscular power.
Combining two or more skills in a series of movements will improve agility. Agility refers to the ability to change directions rapidly and accurately. Moving the body forward, backward, and sideways while moving into the various techniques is what promotes agility. Students need agility to make these changes in direction quickly, efficiently, and precisely.
Reaction time refers to the length of time it takes to respond to a stimulus. The speed of the reaction determines whether you get hit a strike or kick in the martial arts class.
I think on of the most important life skills taught at our center is the black belt attitude. Using black belt as a metaphor for high standards of personal excellence, students seek to “act like a black belt would.” This attitude of excellence extends beyond the martial arts class. Students work not just to become black belt martial artists, but academic black belts, black belt employees and black belt parents.
You create a standard that asks throughout each day, “How would a black belt do this?” How would a black belt sit and listen to the teacher? How would a black belt clean his room? How would a black belt work on this job?
This new standard develops into an attitude of positive self expectancy which means good things happen to people who work hard.
In our belt system, students learn the importance of the four steps to goal setting through the example of earning their black belt.
Step one is to know what it is you want. In the martial arts, it's the black belt. Most students don't set black belt as a goal initially. It's up to the instructor in the beginners classes to motivate, educate and instill the desire to earn a black belt in each student.
The second step is to take the long term goal and break it down into short term goals. In the martial arts, this is the importance of having a well structured belt and stripe system so students have exams every month. These short term goals work as motivating mini-victories for the students. All confidence is built upon a foundation of excellence and accomplishment. With each exam successfully completed, the student builds confidence towards seeing themselves as black belts.
The third step is to map out a very specific plan to take you to your goal. A good martial arts school has developed a curriculum that, while possibly based in a particular style, does not make the student serve the style. Instead, the style or curriculum serves the student. If the student attends class and practices with the black belt attitude, the curriculum is well designed and specific in helping them achieve the goal of earning a black belt.
The fourth step is critical. You must develop a team to help you achieve your goal. This is why the student/instructor relationship is so important. That's why we our Leadership Team and Instructor Team are so important. It's difficult to obtain a goal as worthy as a black belt without the help of people who have already taken that path.
We know you too can earn your black belt, but there will be obstacles and it won't be easy. In fact, you are taking portions of your black belt test every day. Every time you don't feel like coming to class but make the effort to get in your car or on your bike to get here, you have passed a part of your black belt test. Every class that you take is part of your black belt test. Miss class and you fail that part of the class. Attend class and you pass. Of course, you have to work hard in that class to make it count. Let's see how hard you will work today. Let's get started... (adopted from John Graden)
Another Sixth Dan thesis excerpt:
The Power of the Body
The body weeps the tears that the eyes refuse to shed.
Proverb
If you don’t take good care of our body, where will we live?
Anonymous
I started martial arts over 27 years ago because of the physical benefits of the martial arts, and I am just as amazed by them today. Each stance is a strengthening, stretching, and energy moving exercise. The intricate hand techniques develop coordination and brain function. The kicking not only stretches and strengthens the legs in every plane, but helps make taekwondo a more cardiovascular and weight managing workout. The best part of the physical aspect of our martial art training is the variety of movement that we continually expand on. As participants get older they may not do the jumping and spinning as much, but there are so many movements that they can continue to do and not only maintain function in those joints, but add to their ability.
Taekwondo has a unique blend of whole body movements that take into account the entire well being of an individual. The movements are natural and engaging because they are based on real-life application. An emphasis on self-perfection helps ensure safety and injury prevention. Taekwondo participation has a positive influence on health related fitness such as cardio-respiratory fitness, joint flexibility, and muscle strength and endurance, and weight management.
Cardio-respiratory fitness refers to the ability of the heart and lungs to operate efficiently during exertion over an extended period. Taekwondo striking and kicking performed repetitively over an extended time represent the upper and lower-body movements that offer aerobic improvements for the martial artist.
Joint flexibility refers to the range of motion a person has at each joint in the body. Joint movement at the ankle, knee, and hip are essential for kicks, and the shoulder, elbow, and wrist joint movements are necessary for strikes. Rotation and flexion movements at the trunk are necessary for strikes and kicks, and require flexibility of the pelvis.
Muscular strength and muscular endurance will improve when practicing taekwondo skills. Muscular strength refers to the ability to exert short-term forceful movements, and muscular endurance involves eliciting force over an extended time. Forceful contractions of upper-body, trunk, and lower-body muscle groups are necessary to perform the striking and kicking skills correctly. Students develop muscular strength through these efforts. In addition, when students perform these skills repeatedly, as in a taekwondo aerobic routine, they enhance muscular endurance.
Taekwondo can be used to aid in weight management whenever students participate in vigorous physical activity, and burn a large number of calories. Expending calories is a key factor in managing the health-related fitness component of body composition. Body composition is a person’s ratio of body fat to lean body mass, often referred to in the context of body fat percentage. A well-planned taekwondo lesson can require demanding upper- and lower-body movements. This type of energetic workout results in significant calorie usage.
Performance-related fitness such as balance, coordination, speed, agility, and reaction time will be improved through taekwondo practice as well.
Balance involves maintaining equilibrium against the force of gravity. Kicking skills require maintaining balance while standing on one leg, and at the same time moving the other leg forcefully and dynamically. Add to these circumstances bending and twisting the trunk, and studens can develop balance considerably.
Coordination involves performing a set of movements with the proper sequencing and rhythm. Taekwondo skills require a series of specific movements that flow from one to another. Practicing the transition from one movement to the next with fluidness will result in a coordinated, skillful appearance.
Speed refers to moving the body or parts of the body as rapidly as possible from one point to another. Striking and kicking with speed are important aspects of taekwondo training. When students combine speed with the force of muscular strength, the result is muscular power.
Combining two or more skills in a series of movements will improve agility. Agility refers to the ability to change directions rapidly and accurately. Moving the body forward, backward, and sideways while moving into the various techniques is what promotes agility. Students need agility to make these changes in direction quickly, efficiently, and precisely.
Reaction time refers to the length of time it takes to respond to a stimulus. The speed of the reaction determines whether you get hit a strike or kick in the martial arts class.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
10/31/07 - Happy Halloween!
Make every class like your Black Belt Test!
Success is the not result of one action. It's the accumulation of many, many actions and decisions, each of which take you closer or further from your goals.
When you are deciding to go to class when you're tired or distracted is a decision that will move you closer to your goal of earning a black belt. During each class not trying your best on a single drill or not listening to the instructor with all of your focus will slow down your progress and move your goal further away.
This is why it's important to think of your black belt test happening right now! You will never get to the day of the official test unless you pass the small daily tests.
"Every class is a test and every test is a class." Master Korchak
Another excerpt from 6th Dan Thesis
Seven Powers Revealed:
When the body and mind are in harmony with nature than you are most happy and healthy
Choi, Joon Pyo
Power of mind, body, self-defense, unity, support groups, recognition, and success make taekwondo more than just a hobby, but a system to enhance life.
These seven powers of taekwondo training are what make it a unique system to empower its students to change and evolve.
The Power of the Mind
The power of the mind and the emotions begins with the concept of mushim, to empty the mind. This is why it is important for a student to enter class with the white dobok and white belt. As the new student bows onto the mat, they have a chance to re-create themselves in the microcosm of the dojang. It does not matter what successes they have achieved previously, or what difficulties they are experiencing in the rest of their lives, they can be emptied as they enter the dojang, and receive “beginner’s mind” again.
Participation in taekwondo can contribute to their cognitive (mental) abilities. Practicing martial art skills requires developing mental focus and discipline. The martial art student must focus on the instructor throughout the lesson. Mental endurance is necessary to perform the skills correctly as they become more complex and requires more time to complete.
Discipline and self-control are two powers of the mind that students and parents are very interested in. These mental skills are developed as an instructor helps students become aware of habits that need to be formed and habits that need to broken. As a student’s focus develops and he or she experiences control over their movements, self-control is attained.
Make every class like your Black Belt Test!
Success is the not result of one action. It's the accumulation of many, many actions and decisions, each of which take you closer or further from your goals.
When you are deciding to go to class when you're tired or distracted is a decision that will move you closer to your goal of earning a black belt. During each class not trying your best on a single drill or not listening to the instructor with all of your focus will slow down your progress and move your goal further away.
This is why it's important to think of your black belt test happening right now! You will never get to the day of the official test unless you pass the small daily tests.
"Every class is a test and every test is a class." Master Korchak
Another excerpt from 6th Dan Thesis
Seven Powers Revealed:
When the body and mind are in harmony with nature than you are most happy and healthy
Choi, Joon Pyo
Power of mind, body, self-defense, unity, support groups, recognition, and success make taekwondo more than just a hobby, but a system to enhance life.
These seven powers of taekwondo training are what make it a unique system to empower its students to change and evolve.
The Power of the Mind
The power of the mind and the emotions begins with the concept of mushim, to empty the mind. This is why it is important for a student to enter class with the white dobok and white belt. As the new student bows onto the mat, they have a chance to re-create themselves in the microcosm of the dojang. It does not matter what successes they have achieved previously, or what difficulties they are experiencing in the rest of their lives, they can be emptied as they enter the dojang, and receive “beginner’s mind” again.
Participation in taekwondo can contribute to their cognitive (mental) abilities. Practicing martial art skills requires developing mental focus and discipline. The martial art student must focus on the instructor throughout the lesson. Mental endurance is necessary to perform the skills correctly as they become more complex and requires more time to complete.
Discipline and self-control are two powers of the mind that students and parents are very interested in. These mental skills are developed as an instructor helps students become aware of habits that need to be formed and habits that need to broken. As a student’s focus develops and he or she experiences control over their movements, self-control is attained.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
10/3/07 -
Story Continues
You must do the things you think you cannot do.
Eleanor Roosevelt
From Ancient times, deep learning and valor have been the two pillars of the path: Through the virtue of training, enlighten both body and soul.
Morihei Ueshiba
As my physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional health increased, I not only lost the need to fight, but learned self-self defense. I could be my own worst enemy. I learned to convert toxic energy into life giving energy, and this opened-up taekwondo to becoming an expressive performance, and something that I did not fear, but gave me joy. I have found that the martial arts have become an assistant to practicing my religious faith, by helping me center and look inward. Taekwondo’s philosophy has reinforced doing the right things in my life over and over. How have the martial arts managed to take the harmony and unity of mind, body, spirit, and emotions and help me to become a truly better person?
I believe we are all seeking enlightenment whether we consciously think it or not. We search for the truth!
The Sun Buddhist of Korea believed the ultimate goal of Buddhism is to attain enlightenment and that enlightenment is the inner experience of recognizing the Buddha-nature in the nature of oneself. Meditation was the one way to achieve this. Through exposure to meditation at the beginning and end of class we start to be able to be still in ourselves, and after we can calm the mind we find the being behind endless clatter of thoughts.
When we are truly present everything becomes more powerful! Ultimately, when we know our true self, we know how to prioritize our time, use our energy, and communicate what is important!
The quest to advance belt levels and win championships helped fuel me, but in reality it was the changes in how I felt about myself and related to those around me that helped make those changes last.
Story Continues
You must do the things you think you cannot do.
Eleanor Roosevelt
From Ancient times, deep learning and valor have been the two pillars of the path: Through the virtue of training, enlighten both body and soul.
Morihei Ueshiba
As my physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional health increased, I not only lost the need to fight, but learned self-self defense. I could be my own worst enemy. I learned to convert toxic energy into life giving energy, and this opened-up taekwondo to becoming an expressive performance, and something that I did not fear, but gave me joy. I have found that the martial arts have become an assistant to practicing my religious faith, by helping me center and look inward. Taekwondo’s philosophy has reinforced doing the right things in my life over and over. How have the martial arts managed to take the harmony and unity of mind, body, spirit, and emotions and help me to become a truly better person?
I believe we are all seeking enlightenment whether we consciously think it or not. We search for the truth!
The Sun Buddhist of Korea believed the ultimate goal of Buddhism is to attain enlightenment and that enlightenment is the inner experience of recognizing the Buddha-nature in the nature of oneself. Meditation was the one way to achieve this. Through exposure to meditation at the beginning and end of class we start to be able to be still in ourselves, and after we can calm the mind we find the being behind endless clatter of thoughts.
When we are truly present everything becomes more powerful! Ultimately, when we know our true self, we know how to prioritize our time, use our energy, and communicate what is important!
The quest to advance belt levels and win championships helped fuel me, but in reality it was the changes in how I felt about myself and related to those around me that helped make those changes last.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
9/26/07 -
The Tournament of Life
We have seen the enemy and it is (within) us
Pogo
Peace comes not from the absence of conflict, but from the ability to cope with it
Anonymous
I invested years of training for the goal of National Champion. I was zeroing in on this goal in 1988. First winning the State Championships, then advancing to the National Championships in Miami, Florida. My first round match was against a very tall, thin fighter being coached by a seasoned competitor that I had knocked-out at Nationals in 1986. I had a lot of trouble getting in on his long legs, but I was being coached by National Team Coach Dae Sung Lee and he was able to help me to hit the guy with two spinning hook kicks to win the match.
My second match was with the previous years Olympic Sports Festival gold medalist. I was in a really good place for that match. My body was still in good shape from the previous match and I was flying high from the victory! I don’t remember having to think at all during that match. It seemed that what ever I threw, I hit with. It was like a dance with my opponent in which everything was in time and seemed effortless. This was my first strong experience with the concept of Mushim.
My third match was with the current National Team member. I knew that I would not be able to compete with his speed and technical ability, so I used a completely different strategy in this match. My goal was to get him to make the mistakes. I moved patiently not letting my opponent get a good position. I fainted attacks and clinched whenever I could. I could tell this was really frustrating him. I knew it would because I lost to a competitor who used the same tactic on me the year before at Nationals. The three-round match ended with my victory not by points but by his warnings.
Whereas the first matches went closely one after another, I waited a number of hours before my fourth match began. This opponent was young and strong. My foot had taken a pretty good pounding in the last matches, and I was a little slow on my feet. I had a hard time dealing with his relentless counter roundhouse kicks. I had many coaches trying to signal me to try their trick. I tried everything they were suggesting, instead of having faith in myself. I lost the match and a chance for the 1988 Olympic Team Trials!
This was an incredible learning experience. I should not have lost my last match after beating the previous opponents, but I had lost confidence and defeated my self.
Later that same year at the Collegiate National Championships, I was still in peak physical and mental condition for these championships, but I decided to move-up to bantamweight division. I had a large number of competitors and ended-up with five three-three minute round matches! I sprained my knee and ankle in the fourth match and could barely put weight on it, but I did not want to bow-out. The competitor who I faced had a bye, a knockout and a competitor withdrawal from a match. He was also a top Olympic contender.
I showed gear spirit in this match and even received an ovation from the audience even though I did not win. My experiences competing, strengthened my will and focus in dealing with the challenges of the “tournament of life.”
Healthy competition is the natural way to insure we improve ourselves. As long as you are in the world, you must compete, and if you must compete, you must win. I believe in the importance of competition within our selves and to challenge our selves against other’s achievements. In this way, we put pressure on ourselves to change and it encourages us to bring out our best qualities and to compound those advantages into superiority.
The Dojang includes healthy competition as do all sports, but it encompasses a greater system for self-improvement than any other sport. Martial arts have a unique opportunity to train mind, body, spirit, and emotions in harmony through a unique system. This system empowers people for life! Although I though I was training to become the champion in the ring, it was really being a champion at life!
The Tournament of Life
We have seen the enemy and it is (within) us
Pogo
Peace comes not from the absence of conflict, but from the ability to cope with it
Anonymous
I invested years of training for the goal of National Champion. I was zeroing in on this goal in 1988. First winning the State Championships, then advancing to the National Championships in Miami, Florida. My first round match was against a very tall, thin fighter being coached by a seasoned competitor that I had knocked-out at Nationals in 1986. I had a lot of trouble getting in on his long legs, but I was being coached by National Team Coach Dae Sung Lee and he was able to help me to hit the guy with two spinning hook kicks to win the match.
My second match was with the previous years Olympic Sports Festival gold medalist. I was in a really good place for that match. My body was still in good shape from the previous match and I was flying high from the victory! I don’t remember having to think at all during that match. It seemed that what ever I threw, I hit with. It was like a dance with my opponent in which everything was in time and seemed effortless. This was my first strong experience with the concept of Mushim.
My third match was with the current National Team member. I knew that I would not be able to compete with his speed and technical ability, so I used a completely different strategy in this match. My goal was to get him to make the mistakes. I moved patiently not letting my opponent get a good position. I fainted attacks and clinched whenever I could. I could tell this was really frustrating him. I knew it would because I lost to a competitor who used the same tactic on me the year before at Nationals. The three-round match ended with my victory not by points but by his warnings.
Whereas the first matches went closely one after another, I waited a number of hours before my fourth match began. This opponent was young and strong. My foot had taken a pretty good pounding in the last matches, and I was a little slow on my feet. I had a hard time dealing with his relentless counter roundhouse kicks. I had many coaches trying to signal me to try their trick. I tried everything they were suggesting, instead of having faith in myself. I lost the match and a chance for the 1988 Olympic Team Trials!
This was an incredible learning experience. I should not have lost my last match after beating the previous opponents, but I had lost confidence and defeated my self.
Later that same year at the Collegiate National Championships, I was still in peak physical and mental condition for these championships, but I decided to move-up to bantamweight division. I had a large number of competitors and ended-up with five three-three minute round matches! I sprained my knee and ankle in the fourth match and could barely put weight on it, but I did not want to bow-out. The competitor who I faced had a bye, a knockout and a competitor withdrawal from a match. He was also a top Olympic contender.
I showed gear spirit in this match and even received an ovation from the audience even though I did not win. My experiences competing, strengthened my will and focus in dealing with the challenges of the “tournament of life.”
Healthy competition is the natural way to insure we improve ourselves. As long as you are in the world, you must compete, and if you must compete, you must win. I believe in the importance of competition within our selves and to challenge our selves against other’s achievements. In this way, we put pressure on ourselves to change and it encourages us to bring out our best qualities and to compound those advantages into superiority.
The Dojang includes healthy competition as do all sports, but it encompasses a greater system for self-improvement than any other sport. Martial arts have a unique opportunity to train mind, body, spirit, and emotions in harmony through a unique system. This system empowers people for life! Although I though I was training to become the champion in the ring, it was really being a champion at life!
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
9/19/07 -
Evolution of Martial Arts
Great works are performed not by strength, but by perseverance
Samuel Johnson
Through a careful observation of life as a whole Asian philosophy developed their construct of the universe. The theory of um-yang ohaeng sol has been understood as the ultimate principle of cosmic order that enables production of all life forms that act and react. Humans have been on a journey to conqueror nature since our beginning. The study of martial arts at its very core is about harnessing our own human nature by bringing harmony and unity to the energy within us.
Senior Grand Master Choi has described the evolution of martial arts historically and how it evolves in each one of us as well. When we are born everything has a primary mission to live happily and reproduce to continue the existence of one’s kind. In primitive times humans protected their territory against each other and other stronger creatures, using their intellect to develop strategies to survive. Hide-and-seek was the most primitive skill against bigger and stronger opponents. Humans then discovered fire and other weapons as well as living in packs to protect themselves.
In ancient times, strong leaders developed who coordinated tribes to defeat opponents and invented effective military systems. Longer range weapons made empty hand combat less prevalent. In modern times, armed forces and law enforcement took over the task of survival aspects of martial arts. Gangs and bullies remained, but those who killed were punished.
In times of peace, martial arts skills were converted to sports ands games. Taekwondo in particular developed into a modern Olympic sport. Sports became a way for communities and nations to develop and show pride.
Martial arts also developed into street defense against criminals, and military and law enforcement hand-to-hand combat and conditioning. As the weapons and tactics of violence and crime have changed so have martial art responses.
As contemporary life has become more complex and stressful, martial arts have stepped-in to help student attain inner-peace. Through an integrative method of training the mind, body, spirit, and emotions (shim-shin-sooryun), students gain life skills to thrive.
Evolution of Martial Arts
Great works are performed not by strength, but by perseverance
Samuel Johnson
Through a careful observation of life as a whole Asian philosophy developed their construct of the universe. The theory of um-yang ohaeng sol has been understood as the ultimate principle of cosmic order that enables production of all life forms that act and react. Humans have been on a journey to conqueror nature since our beginning. The study of martial arts at its very core is about harnessing our own human nature by bringing harmony and unity to the energy within us.
Senior Grand Master Choi has described the evolution of martial arts historically and how it evolves in each one of us as well. When we are born everything has a primary mission to live happily and reproduce to continue the existence of one’s kind. In primitive times humans protected their territory against each other and other stronger creatures, using their intellect to develop strategies to survive. Hide-and-seek was the most primitive skill against bigger and stronger opponents. Humans then discovered fire and other weapons as well as living in packs to protect themselves.
In ancient times, strong leaders developed who coordinated tribes to defeat opponents and invented effective military systems. Longer range weapons made empty hand combat less prevalent. In modern times, armed forces and law enforcement took over the task of survival aspects of martial arts. Gangs and bullies remained, but those who killed were punished.
In times of peace, martial arts skills were converted to sports ands games. Taekwondo in particular developed into a modern Olympic sport. Sports became a way for communities and nations to develop and show pride.
Martial arts also developed into street defense against criminals, and military and law enforcement hand-to-hand combat and conditioning. As the weapons and tactics of violence and crime have changed so have martial art responses.
As contemporary life has become more complex and stressful, martial arts have stepped-in to help student attain inner-peace. Through an integrative method of training the mind, body, spirit, and emotions (shim-shin-sooryun), students gain life skills to thrive.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
9/12/07 - 6th Dan Thesis Continued
My Beginning
The conqueror of men is powerful
The master of himself is strong
Lao Tzu
Pray not for lighter loads, but for stronger shoulders.
St Augustine
My own story starts as a boy who was small, hotheaded, and not very coordinated. I was in constant fights, losing most of them at every school I attended. Then came martial arts training when I was a twelve years old. I was given an outlet for my aggression and guidelines on how to use it.
I was passionate about taekwondo. It gave me a way to harness my energy and help me succeed at life where it had been very difficult before. How was it possible to attribute taekwondo for helping me to become less angry, more focused in school, a better soccer player, and more confident in relationships?
At twelve I was mostly in the “it looks cool stage.” My first teacher was a 2nd Dan and current national lightweight team member. He showed me how cool it would be to kick high and also how taekwondo kicking would make me a better soccer kicker. I started August 30th, 1980 and immediately loved it! I not only became a much better soccer player, because I developed better focus, kicking strength, and less fear to go after the ball, I became calmer and more focused everywhere!
The martial arts helped me develop a strong center by integrating my energy through the exercises themselves, building my confidence through the promotions, giving connection and purpose through the camaraderie that we built at our school and by teaching others.
My Beginning
The conqueror of men is powerful
The master of himself is strong
Lao Tzu
Pray not for lighter loads, but for stronger shoulders.
St Augustine
My own story starts as a boy who was small, hotheaded, and not very coordinated. I was in constant fights, losing most of them at every school I attended. Then came martial arts training when I was a twelve years old. I was given an outlet for my aggression and guidelines on how to use it.
I was passionate about taekwondo. It gave me a way to harness my energy and help me succeed at life where it had been very difficult before. How was it possible to attribute taekwondo for helping me to become less angry, more focused in school, a better soccer player, and more confident in relationships?
At twelve I was mostly in the “it looks cool stage.” My first teacher was a 2nd Dan and current national lightweight team member. He showed me how cool it would be to kick high and also how taekwondo kicking would make me a better soccer kicker. I started August 30th, 1980 and immediately loved it! I not only became a much better soccer player, because I developed better focus, kicking strength, and less fear to go after the ball, I became calmer and more focused everywhere!
The martial arts helped me develop a strong center by integrating my energy through the exercises themselves, building my confidence through the promotions, giving connection and purpose through the camaraderie that we built at our school and by teaching others.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Sixth Dan Thesis Excerpts
Over the next few weeks I am posting excerpts from my thesis for sixth dan:
Part I:
Introduction
Many men go fishing all of their lives
Without knowing
That it is not fish they are after.
Henry James Thoreau
Grandmaster Choi has said "From the moment we are born to the moment we die, we must constantly try to improve. If we don't improve, we die. It is our obligation as human beings." If this is our obligation, how can martial arts help us?
The martial arts score because it is not only uniquely, improving the whole being, but its process involves empowering each part the being. An experienced master who has traveled the path of the student is able to contain and motivate the student to overcome their difficulties,
In a world filled with wars, and an image of martial arts as cage match brawls and poisoned throwing stars, martial arts training may actually fill a void in western society, bringing together engaging, physical exercise, stress relief, practical self-defense, social development, mind/body integration, and inner reflection.
One can “catch seven tigers with one kick” according to Grand Master Choi when seven powers are part of martial arts training:
1. Power of the mind
2. Power of the body’
3. Power of self defense
4. Power of unity
5. Power of support groups
6. Power of recognition
7. Power of success
Part I:
Introduction
Many men go fishing all of their lives
Without knowing
That it is not fish they are after.
Henry James Thoreau
Grandmaster Choi has said "From the moment we are born to the moment we die, we must constantly try to improve. If we don't improve, we die. It is our obligation as human beings." If this is our obligation, how can martial arts help us?
The martial arts score because it is not only uniquely, improving the whole being, but its process involves empowering each part the being. An experienced master who has traveled the path of the student is able to contain and motivate the student to overcome their difficulties,
In a world filled with wars, and an image of martial arts as cage match brawls and poisoned throwing stars, martial arts training may actually fill a void in western society, bringing together engaging, physical exercise, stress relief, practical self-defense, social development, mind/body integration, and inner reflection.
One can “catch seven tigers with one kick” according to Grand Master Choi when seven powers are part of martial arts training:
1. Power of the mind
2. Power of the body’
3. Power of self defense
4. Power of unity
5. Power of support groups
6. Power of recognition
7. Power of success
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
8/15/07 - It has been awhile since i have written here. The Sixth Dan test is over and I believe it was a great success for me! I was able to overcome many physical limitations and perform at a personal level of success. I was able to bring together black belts past and present to help be a part of the celebration. I was able to inspire many students, instructors, and master with performance. I was able to have many family members at the test to see me in action for the first time or the first time in many, many years. It will be a day that lives in my memory for many years.
During the month of August and September, I am putting an emphasis on "True Meaning" of martial arts in my classes, and I thought I would share a few thoughts here:
If you look at the words martial arts, they are kind of the beauty and the beast. The word martial relates to that which is military and would include instruction in destruction, killing, and strategies of beating opponents. The word art would relate to those things that aethetically pleasing, and would include teachings that would be more about inner growth and less about competition.
The two words seem to be in paradox, but together they are the two sides of the yin and yang that seem to bring it's students into balance. The word that brings these two forces together is RESPECT. When we bow in the martial arts, we lower ourselves to the flags, which would represent that which is bigger than us and to our classmates and instructors. This is a sign of modesty, not so much submission. The martial side of our practice trains us to be strong inside and out, but without the art side we would all be bullies!
The art side emphasises that with respect to nature, ourselves, and to those around us, we operate best in cooperation not just competition, and by not showing off, putting others down, or raising ourselves up at other's expense we best empower ourselves to reach higher as human beings!
During the month of August and September, I am putting an emphasis on "True Meaning" of martial arts in my classes, and I thought I would share a few thoughts here:
If you look at the words martial arts, they are kind of the beauty and the beast. The word martial relates to that which is military and would include instruction in destruction, killing, and strategies of beating opponents. The word art would relate to those things that aethetically pleasing, and would include teachings that would be more about inner growth and less about competition.
The two words seem to be in paradox, but together they are the two sides of the yin and yang that seem to bring it's students into balance. The word that brings these two forces together is RESPECT. When we bow in the martial arts, we lower ourselves to the flags, which would represent that which is bigger than us and to our classmates and instructors. This is a sign of modesty, not so much submission. The martial side of our practice trains us to be strong inside and out, but without the art side we would all be bullies!
The art side emphasises that with respect to nature, ourselves, and to those around us, we operate best in cooperation not just competition, and by not showing off, putting others down, or raising ourselves up at other's expense we best empower ourselves to reach higher as human beings!
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
7/26/07 -
Unfortunately, I have not been able to get brick break video to upload. Fasting and meditation went really well. I was especially proud of Tamara that she was able to complete the meditation after slipping a disc in her back last week. Tamara has to be one of the toughest people I know. When things get tough she never quits. She just finds away around it.
Now I am slowly returning to to physical training and a diet that will be much stricter than my usual fare. I am recovering from stiffness in my back and hips from the 12 hours of sitting, so I am taking it slow.
Unfortunately, I have not been able to get brick break video to upload. Fasting and meditation went really well. I was especially proud of Tamara that she was able to complete the meditation after slipping a disc in her back last week. Tamara has to be one of the toughest people I know. When things get tough she never quits. She just finds away around it.
Now I am slowly returning to to physical training and a diet that will be much stricter than my usual fare. I am recovering from stiffness in my back and hips from the 12 hours of sitting, so I am taking it slow.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Thursday, June 21, 2007
6/21/07 -
I wish I had more time to write right now, but it has been hard enough to find time and energy to work on my thesis paper. I started my fasting period officially as of yesterday, but I have been tapering for some time now. My last practice with Grandmaster Choi was punishing on my first day of fasting! He had us do every basic form: mushim, innae, geukgi, daemahng-chun (including a new number eight many, many times), daemahng-ji, and then all eight palgwe forms, and then all of our sixth dan requirements. It was one of my most challenging work-outs ever.
It looks like I have all of my members of my sixth dan team assembled. I t is just a challenge to get them all on the same night to practice.
I wish I had more time to write right now, but it has been hard enough to find time and energy to work on my thesis paper. I started my fasting period officially as of yesterday, but I have been tapering for some time now. My last practice with Grandmaster Choi was punishing on my first day of fasting! He had us do every basic form: mushim, innae, geukgi, daemahng-chun (including a new number eight many, many times), daemahng-ji, and then all eight palgwe forms, and then all of our sixth dan requirements. It was one of my most challenging work-outs ever.
It looks like I have all of my members of my sixth dan team assembled. I t is just a challenge to get them all on the same night to practice.
Monday, June 11, 2007
6/11/07 -
My training is coming along very well. I am smoothing-out the forms I have learned, and am focusing my time on my self defense and breaking routines!
It is getting exciting to see so many of my students like Joe Tolle, Tony Barker, Rachel Ancona, and Kevin Bruns who have been students for over 20 years are coming out to be assistants at my testing!
My training is coming along very well. I am smoothing-out the forms I have learned, and am focusing my time on my self defense and breaking routines!
It is getting exciting to see so many of my students like Joe Tolle, Tony Barker, Rachel Ancona, and Kevin Bruns who have been students for over 20 years are coming out to be assistants at my testing!
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
First Red Brick Break
6/5/07 -
Here is a video of first attempt of Red Brick Breaking at In-laws house over weekend!
http://video.google.com/url?docid=-6635786322927657295&esrc=gvpl&ev=v&vidurl=http://video.google.com/videoplay%3Fdocid%3D-6635786322927657295&usg=AL29H20tnhEjDTa-4mf0mvQnQTLK2-Cgow
Here is a video of first attempt of Red Brick Breaking at In-laws house over weekend!
http://video.google.com/url?docid=-6635786322927657295&esrc=gvpl&ev=v&vidurl=http://video.google.com/videoplay%3Fdocid%3D-6635786322927657295&usg=AL29H20tnhEjDTa-4mf0mvQnQTLK2-Cgow
Thursday, May 17, 2007
5/17/07 -
Due to focusing time on writing my thesis paper, I have taken a break from writing here. I will start writing again June 1st. My training is going very well and is on track! I have really stepped-up intensity and have started to work on self defense and breaking more. I hope to have assembled team of assistants for test by end of next week.
Due to focusing time on writing my thesis paper, I have taken a break from writing here. I will start writing again June 1st. My training is going very well and is on track! I have really stepped-up intensity and have started to work on self defense and breaking more. I hope to have assembled team of assistants for test by end of next week.
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Thursday, April 26, 2007
4/26/07 -
Yesterday was a milestone of a day! The curriculum for our test finally came together and I haven't felt so good with my technique since before my 5th dan test! Now it is just putting it all together and refining. I am planning on meeting with Maste Bleil once a week to practice our partner work, and I begin working on my thesis last night.
Yesterday was a milestone of a day! The curriculum for our test finally came together and I haven't felt so good with my technique since before my 5th dan test! Now it is just putting it all together and refining. I am planning on meeting with Maste Bleil once a week to practice our partner work, and I begin working on my thesis last night.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
4/24/07 -
I can really see things starting to come together in my form practice today, and I have begun to concentrate more my breaking starting today. It should be a pretty fun routine! I have listed some of the books that have influenced my life, especially my martial art life, and I the one that comes back to me every day is Stephen Covey's book about highly successful people. I truly find the benefit of reminding myself of these habits daily. I have used a Franklin/Covey Planner for years and have used it to keep me focused and on track.
Being a student who was labeled "hyperactive" as a child I had to find ways to keep focus. Martial arts and the Covey system are the two that have benefited me most. I think that ability to prioritize and organize your time is one of the most valuable skills you can give your children and I now require reading "The Seven Habits Book" for all those testing for black belt.
Training for any endeavor will all come back to keeping to basic good habits and getting rid of bad habits. If you can focus on the basics, and I am not just talking kicks and punches, but eating well, getting sleep, balanced exercise, giving attention to relationships, etc... you will be 90% there!
I can really see things starting to come together in my form practice today, and I have begun to concentrate more my breaking starting today. It should be a pretty fun routine! I have listed some of the books that have influenced my life, especially my martial art life, and I the one that comes back to me every day is Stephen Covey's book about highly successful people. I truly find the benefit of reminding myself of these habits daily. I have used a Franklin/Covey Planner for years and have used it to keep me focused and on track.
Being a student who was labeled "hyperactive" as a child I had to find ways to keep focus. Martial arts and the Covey system are the two that have benefited me most. I think that ability to prioritize and organize your time is one of the most valuable skills you can give your children and I now require reading "The Seven Habits Book" for all those testing for black belt.
Training for any endeavor will all come back to keeping to basic good habits and getting rid of bad habits. If you can focus on the basics, and I am not just talking kicks and punches, but eating well, getting sleep, balanced exercise, giving attention to relationships, etc... you will be 90% there!
Sunday, April 22, 2007
4/22/07 -
Today is exactly 3 months until the big 6th dan test. I started this blog to allow others, especially student s to see my reflections on this journey. Here is an update at the three month mark:
1. I have learned 80% of my requirement ( I still need to finish working on cane routine and self defense)
2. My hip is getting stronger and more flexible, but it is a slippery balance between improvement and pain still.
3. I spent a big part of Spring Camp, working with Master Bleil on our requirements.
4. In the past week I have increased my practice of my martial arts and intensity of strength, flexibility, and cardio training.
5. I have begun the process of decreasing caffeine, sugar, and other toxins in my diet.
My "gratefullness of the week" is of my Mom. The older I get the more I appreciate that my Mom was able to raise me to to respect an appreciate differences in race and gender. I especially learned through her example the challenges of woman raising children and working. I see the roles of men and woman coming closer and closer as more men tak-up nurting and raising children and more woman enter the work force ful-tim with children. These changes certainly challenge our theme of the year of "harmony and unity."
Look for more thoughts tomorrow and thanks for following!
Today is exactly 3 months until the big 6th dan test. I started this blog to allow others, especially student s to see my reflections on this journey. Here is an update at the three month mark:
1. I have learned 80% of my requirement ( I still need to finish working on cane routine and self defense)
2. My hip is getting stronger and more flexible, but it is a slippery balance between improvement and pain still.
3. I spent a big part of Spring Camp, working with Master Bleil on our requirements.
4. In the past week I have increased my practice of my martial arts and intensity of strength, flexibility, and cardio training.
5. I have begun the process of decreasing caffeine, sugar, and other toxins in my diet.
My "gratefullness of the week" is of my Mom. The older I get the more I appreciate that my Mom was able to raise me to to respect an appreciate differences in race and gender. I especially learned through her example the challenges of woman raising children and working. I see the roles of men and woman coming closer and closer as more men tak-up nurting and raising children and more woman enter the work force ful-tim with children. These changes certainly challenge our theme of the year of "harmony and unity."
Look for more thoughts tomorrow and thanks for following!
Sunday, April 1, 2007
4/1/07 -
I have been thinking a lot about goals as I move ahead closer and closer to July. I have taught over and over again that goals are made only so you can experience he journey. I remember so often a trip that highlighted a particular destination became more memorable because of what happened or what I saw on the way. Some people use this as an excuse not to embark on a journey. " I could have had just as much fun here at home." A change of scenery might be just what we need to learn more about our selves and this world. I think part of it is that we get so habituated to our surroundings and daily routine that getting away cam break this spell!
Setting off on a new goal gets us out of our habituated life and challenges our mind, body, spirit and emotions to change and grow through new experiences. When we get to our end result, if we do, we are not instantaneously different. These changes may be noticed all along the way. The changes I notice about myself is how do I deal with the stress of doing and asking more from my body, mind, spirit, and emotions. I can let it tear me down or build me up? I have been finding that I have to give myself time and space to grow. If there is all "doing" and no rest and reflection, I do not learn and grow from the experiences.
I have been thinking a lot about goals as I move ahead closer and closer to July. I have taught over and over again that goals are made only so you can experience he journey. I remember so often a trip that highlighted a particular destination became more memorable because of what happened or what I saw on the way. Some people use this as an excuse not to embark on a journey. " I could have had just as much fun here at home." A change of scenery might be just what we need to learn more about our selves and this world. I think part of it is that we get so habituated to our surroundings and daily routine that getting away cam break this spell!
Setting off on a new goal gets us out of our habituated life and challenges our mind, body, spirit and emotions to change and grow through new experiences. When we get to our end result, if we do, we are not instantaneously different. These changes may be noticed all along the way. The changes I notice about myself is how do I deal with the stress of doing and asking more from my body, mind, spirit, and emotions. I can let it tear me down or build me up? I have been finding that I have to give myself time and space to grow. If there is all "doing" and no rest and reflection, I do not learn and grow from the experiences.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
3/22/07 -
Last Friday I kicked-up my training by starting a weekly training with Rob Radford. Rob is one of the top trainers and boxing coaches around. He is the trainer for Rich Franklin, the current UFC middle weight world champion. I met Rob around 1992 and we started having Sunday morning boxing classes at our Wooster Pike center.
The training is only 30 minutes, but it is a very intense thirty minutes starting with swinging a heavy sledge hammer into a mat, doing interval punch mitt work in the ring, and ending with some new stretches for my hip.
In my lesson with GM Choi yesterday, I learned the opposite side of my two-person kung-fu form. Learning the opposite side of a form is really trying mentally, because you have to be totally aware of your opponent's action to stay in time with them, but stop yourself from doing the first side of the form! I also learned Dae=Mahng Chun # 8, "hot off GM Choi's mind." I am not sure who will learn this form yet, so we will wait to debut it.
Last Friday I kicked-up my training by starting a weekly training with Rob Radford. Rob is one of the top trainers and boxing coaches around. He is the trainer for Rich Franklin, the current UFC middle weight world champion. I met Rob around 1992 and we started having Sunday morning boxing classes at our Wooster Pike center.
The training is only 30 minutes, but it is a very intense thirty minutes starting with swinging a heavy sledge hammer into a mat, doing interval punch mitt work in the ring, and ending with some new stretches for my hip.
In my lesson with GM Choi yesterday, I learned the opposite side of my two-person kung-fu form. Learning the opposite side of a form is really trying mentally, because you have to be totally aware of your opponent's action to stay in time with them, but stop yourself from doing the first side of the form! I also learned Dae=Mahng Chun # 8, "hot off GM Choi's mind." I am not sure who will learn this form yet, so we will wait to debut it.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
3/14/07 -
I have had the honor to teach thousands of students of the last 24 years of being a black belt. I am constantly learning from my students, not only better ways to teach, but better ways to live! Two of my students and closest friends started when they were about 9 years-old and are in their thirties now gave me two very basic but profound messages that I use all the time to put things in perspective:
Thank You Tony for "It's all good!"
Thank You Rachel for "It is what it is."
Thank you to all my students who are teaching me new things every class!
I have had the honor to teach thousands of students of the last 24 years of being a black belt. I am constantly learning from my students, not only better ways to teach, but better ways to live! Two of my students and closest friends started when they were about 9 years-old and are in their thirties now gave me two very basic but profound messages that I use all the time to put things in perspective:
Thank You Tony for "It's all good!"
Thank You Rachel for "It is what it is."
Thank you to all my students who are teaching me new things every class!
Thursday, March 8, 2007
3/8/07 -
I had another amazing lesson with Grandmaster Choi yesterday! As I have always taught, the difference is in understanding the basics correctly. Yesterday, I came to understand back stance, cat stance, and mantis in a way superior way. My flexibility and strength improved immediately from this practice. GM Choi was also able to help me modify my side kick and roundhouse kick to keep from injuring hip. I felt like had turned a corner in confidence, and I am working on re-vamping my creative form!
I had another amazing lesson with Grandmaster Choi yesterday! As I have always taught, the difference is in understanding the basics correctly. Yesterday, I came to understand back stance, cat stance, and mantis in a way superior way. My flexibility and strength improved immediately from this practice. GM Choi was also able to help me modify my side kick and roundhouse kick to keep from injuring hip. I felt like had turned a corner in confidence, and I am working on re-vamping my creative form!
Monday, March 5, 2007
3/5/07 -
I heard and read several times a quote That said " I was constantly being annoyed by interruptions at work, until I realized those interruptions were my work!"
I have found this that not only are some of our most significant accomplishments made in a passing conversation or taking time to really listen to others. This is really about taking time to observe and listen. We can become so goal oriented that we not only not enjoy the road to the goal, we can mistakenly veer of onto another road without realizing it!
I heard and read several times a quote That said " I was constantly being annoyed by interruptions at work, until I realized those interruptions were my work!"
I have found this that not only are some of our most significant accomplishments made in a passing conversation or taking time to really listen to others. This is really about taking time to observe and listen. We can become so goal oriented that we not only not enjoy the road to the goal, we can mistakenly veer of onto another road without realizing it!
Thursday, February 22, 2007
2/22/07 -
I had a great lesson with GM Choi yesterday. It had been three weeks since we had a lesson. I always have taught that mushim, innae, geukgi, jajeh are the most important techniques even at my level, and Gm Choi confirmed this in words and action yesterday.
He made some slight adjustments to my scorpion stance that made a huge difference in my balance and the stretch that I felt. Gm Choi also improved my innae 7,8,and 9 as well. These small adjustments are the details that only a seasoned grandmaster can give you. We also worked on the two person kung-fu form, Chang-Kwan. Being GM Choi's partner for this make you sweat from the intensity! There is a jumping right leg twisting, shin kick that seems to be specifically designed to be the most difficult possible technique for my hip. In the two person form you actually smash your foot into your partner with this technique. My leg does not go too high yet, so GM Choi's foot hit my shin and I went down in pain, although I was fine after a few minutes.
This is a technique that will be very difficult to execute, but very beneficial for my hip to work the flexibility and strength that is required1
I had a great lesson with GM Choi yesterday. It had been three weeks since we had a lesson. I always have taught that mushim, innae, geukgi, jajeh are the most important techniques even at my level, and Gm Choi confirmed this in words and action yesterday.
He made some slight adjustments to my scorpion stance that made a huge difference in my balance and the stretch that I felt. Gm Choi also improved my innae 7,8,and 9 as well. These small adjustments are the details that only a seasoned grandmaster can give you. We also worked on the two person kung-fu form, Chang-Kwan. Being GM Choi's partner for this make you sweat from the intensity! There is a jumping right leg twisting, shin kick that seems to be specifically designed to be the most difficult possible technique for my hip. In the two person form you actually smash your foot into your partner with this technique. My leg does not go too high yet, so GM Choi's foot hit my shin and I went down in pain, although I was fine after a few minutes.
This is a technique that will be very difficult to execute, but very beneficial for my hip to work the flexibility and strength that is required1
Sunday, February 18, 2007
2/18/07 -
I'm happy that Kenyon College was able to make the committment to us to keep the July 22nd date for our Black Belt Testing. We have so many people coming from so many countries this year. My workouts are moving towards more of a mix of martial art basics and forms combined with my strength and cardio. The key for me is get as much martial art practice while keeping my overall conditioning and high.
I'm happy that Kenyon College was able to make the committment to us to keep the July 22nd date for our Black Belt Testing. We have so many people coming from so many countries this year. My workouts are moving towards more of a mix of martial art basics and forms combined with my strength and cardio. The key for me is get as much martial art practice while keeping my overall conditioning and high.
Monday, February 12, 2007
2/12/07 -
Last week was tough getting ready for the tournament, but I was so satisfied with my performance and how the whole tournament ran! For most people, they never think they are good enough or ready enough to perform, compete, or test. The reality is that we are perfect in the NOW already, and that the best way to get grow and share what we have learned is to put it out there.
I encourage students to take every opportunity to demonstrate what you have learned. It could be you family, friends, or strangers like the upcoming Battle of Columbus. I am very happy that Kenyon College was able to finally confirm our original Summer Camp dates, so that I could make proper arrangements. I really hope I don't get "snowed-out" of my lesson with Grandmaster Choi again this week! I am really ready to work on the two-person kung-fu form.
A sincere thanks to Sally and everyone who gave many hours of time in planning, setting-up, running, and cleaning-up out tournament this year; it was really outstanding!
Last week was tough getting ready for the tournament, but I was so satisfied with my performance and how the whole tournament ran! For most people, they never think they are good enough or ready enough to perform, compete, or test. The reality is that we are perfect in the NOW already, and that the best way to get grow and share what we have learned is to put it out there.
I encourage students to take every opportunity to demonstrate what you have learned. It could be you family, friends, or strangers like the upcoming Battle of Columbus. I am very happy that Kenyon College was able to finally confirm our original Summer Camp dates, so that I could make proper arrangements. I really hope I don't get "snowed-out" of my lesson with Grandmaster Choi again this week! I am really ready to work on the two-person kung-fu form.
A sincere thanks to Sally and everyone who gave many hours of time in planning, setting-up, running, and cleaning-up out tournament this year; it was really outstanding!
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
2/09/07 -
I have not been writing as much as I would like and I have a back log of things now. Last week's lesson with GM choi was had us really working the details of the Chinese Long-Fist Form, as well as working on Joen-Gyung, my creative form. It was the first time Gm Choi had seen me do it, and he seemed to really like it! He helped me improve the the stuck areas I had especially with the way back. He did it in a way where as, I bounced things off of him, so that I was doing the creating! We also decided that i would ressurect my Po-Eun, a Black Belt ITF Form similar to the Chulgi Forms.
This week, I have been really slacking. Partly from being so sore from last week, partly to give my self a break before the Demo this weekend at the School Tournament, partly because I have been so busy, but mostly I have been in a funk. I think it is normal for me this time of year and in this phase of training, so I am not too concerned. We'll see how I feel after the tournament. Overtraining, over-working, etc... will cause some depression, and this cold weather always adds to it. The important thing is to not resist it or it continues to persist.
We had the kids home today from school and I got very little work and no lesson with Gm Choi or training in again. It would seem that this week will be a wash as far as traiing goes, but it the time put into areas may serve and important purpose to bring me out of my funk!
I have not been writing as much as I would like and I have a back log of things now. Last week's lesson with GM choi was had us really working the details of the Chinese Long-Fist Form, as well as working on Joen-Gyung, my creative form. It was the first time Gm Choi had seen me do it, and he seemed to really like it! He helped me improve the the stuck areas I had especially with the way back. He did it in a way where as, I bounced things off of him, so that I was doing the creating! We also decided that i would ressurect my Po-Eun, a Black Belt ITF Form similar to the Chulgi Forms.
This week, I have been really slacking. Partly from being so sore from last week, partly to give my self a break before the Demo this weekend at the School Tournament, partly because I have been so busy, but mostly I have been in a funk. I think it is normal for me this time of year and in this phase of training, so I am not too concerned. We'll see how I feel after the tournament. Overtraining, over-working, etc... will cause some depression, and this cold weather always adds to it. The important thing is to not resist it or it continues to persist.
We had the kids home today from school and I got very little work and no lesson with Gm Choi or training in again. It would seem that this week will be a wash as far as traiing goes, but it the time put into areas may serve and important purpose to bring me out of my funk!
Thursday, February 1, 2007
2/2/07 -
Whew! It has been a week since I have written. It was so busy getting ready for Winter Camp last week. Winter Camp was probably the best camp ever from the point of view of running it, spirit, attendance, and learning for me. I had a chance to learn more of Chang-Kwon, and even see GM Choi perform the entire form at performance speed. For many it was the first time anyone had seen Grandmaster Choi perform a whole form! It was "mind numbing." I mean the power and life that was behind it was the difference between Mozart and us 6 year-olds.
We had a really good Tai-Chi master that taught us the fundamentals of tai-chi and a short form. It was amazing with his skills how much we learned in a short amount of time! It was very centering and relaxing. He also, demonstrated the combat application for all of the techniques on our black belts. He confidently applied what he had been teaching on his subjects.
We had anothe kung-fu teacher come in and teach us an ancient Shaolin form that I am really enjoying working on. It is very different than any of my other forms, and I may demo it at the tournament. On Sunday, I tested and became one of less than a dozen certified Kimoodo Teachers worldwide!
Whew! It has been a week since I have written. It was so busy getting ready for Winter Camp last week. Winter Camp was probably the best camp ever from the point of view of running it, spirit, attendance, and learning for me. I had a chance to learn more of Chang-Kwon, and even see GM Choi perform the entire form at performance speed. For many it was the first time anyone had seen Grandmaster Choi perform a whole form! It was "mind numbing." I mean the power and life that was behind it was the difference between Mozart and us 6 year-olds.
We had a really good Tai-Chi master that taught us the fundamentals of tai-chi and a short form. It was amazing with his skills how much we learned in a short amount of time! It was very centering and relaxing. He also, demonstrated the combat application for all of the techniques on our black belts. He confidently applied what he had been teaching on his subjects.
We had anothe kung-fu teacher come in and teach us an ancient Shaolin form that I am really enjoying working on. It is very different than any of my other forms, and I may demo it at the tournament. On Sunday, I tested and became one of less than a dozen certified Kimoodo Teachers worldwide!
Thursday, January 25, 2007
1/25/07 -
Yesterday's lesson with Grandmaster Choi was very powerful! Combining a physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual workout, Grandmaster Choi workd to correct bad habits in my tiger stance, punching, skip front kick. We learned Um/Yang mushim-InNae to improve basics and warm-up. GM Choi showed how we can use this with students, especially children to hide repetition and improve basics. He taught us he original form of chung-kwan (chinese long-fist form) and showed us the two person application. It is very cool! We did partner Geugki and stretching that I thought was going to kill me, but I feel stronger than ever today!
GM Choi used the word Shim-Ryuk (Mind Power) to describe how to tell your body to relax as you work through pain and to re-educate cells from a place of pain and injury to its original form. It was extremely difficult, but it may just work. More on this tomorrow. Off to the pool
Yesterday's lesson with Grandmaster Choi was very powerful! Combining a physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual workout, Grandmaster Choi workd to correct bad habits in my tiger stance, punching, skip front kick. We learned Um/Yang mushim-InNae to improve basics and warm-up. GM Choi showed how we can use this with students, especially children to hide repetition and improve basics. He taught us he original form of chung-kwan (chinese long-fist form) and showed us the two person application. It is very cool! We did partner Geugki and stretching that I thought was going to kill me, but I feel stronger than ever today!
GM Choi used the word Shim-Ryuk (Mind Power) to describe how to tell your body to relax as you work through pain and to re-educate cells from a place of pain and injury to its original form. It was extremely difficult, but it may just work. More on this tomorrow. Off to the pool
Sunday, January 21, 2007
1/21/07 -
My work-out today was shoveling snow and cleaning the basement to get ready for the plumbers to jack-hammer tomorrow. I seemed to have pulled a muscle in my back doing mushim with the cane the other day so I will have to be cautious not to aggravate this week! Tonight I would like to thank my wife as an example of excellence. Tamara come from a family of six children. All of them have reached excellence in their own way. I attribute this to the excellent of their parents. Earl and Alma our very talented, hard working, have such high standards, and they have passed this one to their children.
My wife has extremely high standards and she exemplifies these in the way she does everything. Tamara is able to focus on any task at hand. It might be her work as an illustrator, care for our children, or performing martial arts. She never does anything half way. Even when my spirits are down her drive motivates me to focus just a little more energy!
1/24/07 -
Speaking of motivation, although my conditioning has gone well this week and my back is feeling better from doing kimoodo gently over the past few days, my hip pain has come back in full force, and I now it if from kicking. I am going to try back off the power for awhile and see if this helps. My fear is that I will be reduced to no kicking at all! Well I am off to Columbus for lesson 2 with Grandmaster Choi today.
My work-out today was shoveling snow and cleaning the basement to get ready for the plumbers to jack-hammer tomorrow. I seemed to have pulled a muscle in my back doing mushim with the cane the other day so I will have to be cautious not to aggravate this week! Tonight I would like to thank my wife as an example of excellence. Tamara come from a family of six children. All of them have reached excellence in their own way. I attribute this to the excellent of their parents. Earl and Alma our very talented, hard working, have such high standards, and they have passed this one to their children.
My wife has extremely high standards and she exemplifies these in the way she does everything. Tamara is able to focus on any task at hand. It might be her work as an illustrator, care for our children, or performing martial arts. She never does anything half way. Even when my spirits are down her drive motivates me to focus just a little more energy!
1/24/07 -
Speaking of motivation, although my conditioning has gone well this week and my back is feeling better from doing kimoodo gently over the past few days, my hip pain has come back in full force, and I now it if from kicking. I am going to try back off the power for awhile and see if this helps. My fear is that I will be reduced to no kicking at all! Well I am off to Columbus for lesson 2 with Grandmaster Choi today.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
1/20/07 -
Last Wednesday, I spent a few hours with Grandmaster Choi, Master Gross, and Master Bleil. Gm Choi went into specifics about the types of things he would like us to perform. He suggested about 10 personal training sessions with him up front so that we could get the requirements down, and then have plenty of time to perfect them. He is really having us do many new things. Although most systems really don't teach many new techniques after 5th dan or require much of a physical test either.
Grandmaster Choi spelled-out a practice plan of 15-30 minutes of practice this week on Mushim-Bong (cane), InNae-In, and Geuk-Gi-In. This will start helping us get into greater condition to do many forms in a row! We will do the set of three several times without a break! We will be adding a new Karate form, a Two person Kung-Fu form, a Taekwondo form, sword, cane, Hapkido self defense, straw and bamboo cutting with sword, a breaking form, Our own invented form, and 5 day fasting and 24 hours of meditation. This is a lot between now and July 22nd!
I am concerned about really learning everything between now and then, and with a plumbing problem at the house, I am concerned about paying for so many personal training sessions, and being gone every Wednesday.
I have also had to make some modifications to my training schedule to make sure I including enough martial art practice each day, and not over training.
Last Wednesday, I spent a few hours with Grandmaster Choi, Master Gross, and Master Bleil. Gm Choi went into specifics about the types of things he would like us to perform. He suggested about 10 personal training sessions with him up front so that we could get the requirements down, and then have plenty of time to perfect them. He is really having us do many new things. Although most systems really don't teach many new techniques after 5th dan or require much of a physical test either.
Grandmaster Choi spelled-out a practice plan of 15-30 minutes of practice this week on Mushim-Bong (cane), InNae-In, and Geuk-Gi-In. This will start helping us get into greater condition to do many forms in a row! We will do the set of three several times without a break! We will be adding a new Karate form, a Two person Kung-Fu form, a Taekwondo form, sword, cane, Hapkido self defense, straw and bamboo cutting with sword, a breaking form, Our own invented form, and 5 day fasting and 24 hours of meditation. This is a lot between now and July 22nd!
I am concerned about really learning everything between now and then, and with a plumbing problem at the house, I am concerned about paying for so many personal training sessions, and being gone every Wednesday.
I have also had to make some modifications to my training schedule to make sure I including enough martial art practice each day, and not over training.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
1/17/07 -
Tamara and mine's trip to see my step father in Princeton, New Jersey was really nice. I took my cane along and I needed it during our long walks in Manhattan. Walking distances definitely takes the most toll on my hip, so I have to watch how long I go for treks these days! Besides the long walks, I did a work-out on Sunday at the house.
Today I had my first in a series of lessons with Grandmaster Choi. He is working with Master Gross from Columbus and Master Bleil from Dayton at the same time. It was an awesome experience and reminded me on why he is the Senior Grandmaster. Tomorrow I will give you a rundown.
Tamara and mine's trip to see my step father in Princeton, New Jersey was really nice. I took my cane along and I needed it during our long walks in Manhattan. Walking distances definitely takes the most toll on my hip, so I have to watch how long I go for treks these days! Besides the long walks, I did a work-out on Sunday at the house.
Today I had my first in a series of lessons with Grandmaster Choi. He is working with Master Gross from Columbus and Master Bleil from Dayton at the same time. It was an awesome experience and reminded me on why he is the Senior Grandmaster. Tomorrow I will give you a rundown.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
1/11/07 -
Ah! I have almost finished a week of my new workouts! Yesterday I was so sore and tired. I was thinking about taking the day off. Luckily, Wednesdays I work-out with Tamara and she encouraged me to go though with it. We did our forms in the driveway and it lifted my spirit by the time we were done.
The center is so busy with everyone coming back after the break and all the new program beginning. It was starting to wory me if we could hadle the infulx and the nI remember it is like this every January and that in a few weeks instructors and students settle into their routines, and I could already see it happening today. I am out of town the next four days visiting my step-father, but I know that my workout will travel with me. I will report on this next Tuesday
Ah! I have almost finished a week of my new workouts! Yesterday I was so sore and tired. I was thinking about taking the day off. Luckily, Wednesdays I work-out with Tamara and she encouraged me to go though with it. We did our forms in the driveway and it lifted my spirit by the time we were done.
The center is so busy with everyone coming back after the break and all the new program beginning. It was starting to wory me if we could hadle the infulx and the nI remember it is like this every January and that in a few weeks instructors and students settle into their routines, and I could already see it happening today. I am out of town the next four days visiting my step-father, but I know that my workout will travel with me. I will report on this next Tuesday
Monday, January 8, 2007
1/08/07 -
Over the holidays I saw the new Rocky movie. I was a big fan of Rocky growing-up. I was a poor athlete as a kid, but had a lot of energy that needed to be focused. The Rocky movies helped me believe that with an indomitable spirit and perseverance you could achieve anything. This philosophy served me well in those days and I went from be a bench warmer in soccer to a real leader of a champion team. I took this work ethic into martial arts, and although I strugggled to learn the moves, I never gave-up and practiced and practiced until igained a very high skill level.
At almost 39 years old, I saw many new things about Rocky that I had not thought about before. The obvious analogy was his come back at 60 years old! I could understand his yearning to fight and to continue to prove himself as well, but the most impressive part of the movie was how principle centered Rocky's character was. You could have an entire book entitled "What Would Rocky Do?" I found myself impressed with not only his determination, but his also his heart. I find myself wanting to tap into that kind of solid earth energy these days.
My first week of training this year was a great success. Now for week # 2
Over the holidays I saw the new Rocky movie. I was a big fan of Rocky growing-up. I was a poor athlete as a kid, but had a lot of energy that needed to be focused. The Rocky movies helped me believe that with an indomitable spirit and perseverance you could achieve anything. This philosophy served me well in those days and I went from be a bench warmer in soccer to a real leader of a champion team. I took this work ethic into martial arts, and although I strugggled to learn the moves, I never gave-up and practiced and practiced until igained a very high skill level.
At almost 39 years old, I saw many new things about Rocky that I had not thought about before. The obvious analogy was his come back at 60 years old! I could understand his yearning to fight and to continue to prove himself as well, but the most impressive part of the movie was how principle centered Rocky's character was. You could have an entire book entitled "What Would Rocky Do?" I found myself impressed with not only his determination, but his also his heart. I find myself wanting to tap into that kind of solid earth energy these days.
My first week of training this year was a great success. Now for week # 2
Wednesday, January 3, 2007
1/3/07 -
I thought about hobbies and other diversions over the break. Most people I know have some sorts of hobbies. For many people martial arts are a hobby. I think that a hobby may be an escape for some from the dealing with life's realities. It may might something that adds real value to our lives physically (a sport), mentally (reading), spiritually (volunteering to help others), emotionally (taking a walk with a friend. In balance all of these things are great. Martial arts may fall into any or all of these categories for you and me, but it may also become a "way of life" if you go beyond escaping life with it and enhancing your job, family, relationships, and spirit with it.
I have not had many hobbies in my life, but have tended to try to just doing a few things with all of my heart, mind and soul. I think that is the way I will continue in 2007. If I can live life with the honesty and courage that martial arts brings to our hearts I will have a great year.
I thought about hobbies and other diversions over the break. Most people I know have some sorts of hobbies. For many people martial arts are a hobby. I think that a hobby may be an escape for some from the dealing with life's realities. It may might something that adds real value to our lives physically (a sport), mentally (reading), spiritually (volunteering to help others), emotionally (taking a walk with a friend. In balance all of these things are great. Martial arts may fall into any or all of these categories for you and me, but it may also become a "way of life" if you go beyond escaping life with it and enhancing your job, family, relationships, and spirit with it.
I have not had many hobbies in my life, but have tended to try to just doing a few things with all of my heart, mind and soul. I think that is the way I will continue in 2007. If I can live life with the honesty and courage that martial arts brings to our hearts I will have a great year.
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