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.