Clio, has earned her green belt in Taekwondo. As a parent and grandparent I have watched most of the activities in which the kids participated. I have to admit, watching tee ball for our youngest daughter Katie was the least enjoyable, what a relief when she felt the same way. I lived through the Nutcracker and the girls ballet experience, still proud to remember plié and rond de jambe are important to the art. Imagine my trepidation when I was invited to watch Clio test for her green belt in the martial art and to have Margie at her first class.
Taekwondo is the art of self defense that originated in Korea reaching back over 2000 years. The name was selected for its appropriate description of the actions: Tae (foot), Kwon (hand) Do (art). The discipline does teach physical fighting skills but it shows ways of enhancing our spirit and life through training the body and mind. Master Kim started the class, which was packed with a greeting and a bow, “anyone not quite awake yet, tired, not feeling great?, over the next 45 minutes you will find your energy.” He reminds them Eye Focus, Mind Focus, and Body Focus reinforced as he calls on more experienced students to demonstrate or respond. Master Kim has their undivided attention, amazing. The enthusiasm grew through the class and concluded as several students including Clio tested for their next level stripes or belts. Clio earned her green, and Margie for a first stripe on her white belt. The girls are so proud of their effort.
The five tenets of Taekwondo are Courtesy, or Hangul (pronounced ye-wee), this refers to showing courtesy to all others in your dojang, as well as people you meet outside, integrity, perseverance, self control, and indomitable spirit. Powerful character building examples of how to live life. Master Kim asks if they pay attention to their parents, do they ever have to ask you to do something more than one time? Respect your parents and teachers by giving them your focus.
Each of us could benefit from learning the “ap Chagi”, front kick. The “snap kick” is one of the first learned but is the most powerful as skills progress. Add to the attack a martial art shout, the kihap, shouting forces us to exhale, removing air from the diaphragm and adding power to the kick. The laws of physics apply, this exhale forces an inhale which re oxygenates our bodies. Taekwondo is intended for self defense.
It can take 4-5 years to earn a first degree black belt and Clio is well on her way. We will see if Margie wants to include this art in her budding dance career. Master Kim is a wonderful role model for the students as well as the other instructors, he has reached the 8th dan in his proficiency and is a Sahyun or Master, he has one more level to becomes a Saseong (grandmaster). I am assured you are never too old to benefit from the physical and mental focus of Taekwondo.
I got to spend several days with a friend from California at Brundage Mountain early this week. The snow was exceptional and after a long day I prepared a Greyhound for my guest and I to enjoy. Karen is a juicer, my favorite is fresh grapefruit juice with a few oranges added. I discovered mixing in a shot glass of vodka or gin and a bit of club soda makes a delicious cocktail. As we savored our drinks we wondered why they call it a Greyhound. It turns out the drink became popular among those who traveled on that legendary Bus line in the 1930’s. Your trivia for today.
Try something new this week that allows you to employ the 5 tenets of Taekwondo.
Mike