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