My most cherished memory of a strong spirit experience was when I received my Black Belt. My Master presented me with a special trophy award for my demonstrating a very strong spirit.

I showed this spirit in several ways. During classes, I always put all my effort into executing the many different kicks associated with Tae Kwon Do. No doubt my kicks weren’t always the most beautiful or perfect textbook wise. My age held back some flexibility that is always desirable. But, I did get the job done. What I lacked in flexibility, I made up for in desire and enthusiasm. And, my Master apparently appreciated that fact.

One of my biggest kicking challenges was the jumping front kick with board breaking. My toe was not very flexible. Consequently, it got in the way when I jumped high into the air and tried to break the board. Oh, I broke the board alright. I was always scarred to death I was going to break my toe. I never did. But, I often walked away from that exercise with a very bruised toe. I was always so pumped up with adrenaline during these board breaking contests, that I would have gladly driven that big old toe right through the board if that was what it took to break the board.

Tournament sparring was another activity were I exercised strong spirit. During one tournament, I came up against a guy who was 12 years younger than me and also more experienced. He was an instructor.

I figured I would have to be very aggressive in order to win the match. My straight forward aggression won me a “Tied” match. We both got lst place trophies which we were both happy with.(To be continued)Stand For Your Greatness

I was working out, martial art, at the local gym, when this guy near me, turned around and asked, “Hey man, you into Tae Kwon Do?"

I was wearing my Black Belt graduation sweater. “Yeah. How about yourself?”

“I am an instructor in karate at a state prison in northern New York. It works very well with the prisoners. I mean, like it has a very positive effect on them.”

“Oh yeah. I’ll tell you. It has a very positive effect on me.”

This karate instructor went on to say, “Yeah. When I was a teenager, martial arts was the only thing that helped me. I was on drugs and ran around with some bad company. Religion, counselors, you name it, just didn’t work with me. But, believe me, karate put a positive grip on me. It turned my whole life around.”

We soon ended our conversation and continued on with our workout.

Chuck Norris, the world famous actor, action hero, and ex-champion kick boxer does the same thing with young people. He helps them gain their self-respect, esteem and integrity through the teaching of martial arts.

I believe the reason it is so effective with juvenile delinquents is because of FEAR. The majority of these kids have been traumatized with fear and or some form of abuse. In order to face and deal with this fear they use the defense mechanism of tough guy or gal.

Starting out, young people gravitate to the martial arts because they want to learn to fight well. You know, to protect themselves and if necessary, hit on others. After they are in it for awhile, they learn getting into fights is the very last thing a student wants to do. I am talking about schools and Instructors that subscribe to the Traditional Way. (To be continued)Stand For Your Greatness

From white belt to 2nd Degree Black Belt.

At age 57 I began my journey into Tae Kwon Doe, a Korean martial art. I had no idea what I was getting into. I just knew I was in a rut and stagnating-mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. So I wanted to do something totally different in order to get out of my rut.

I remember the experience was quite demanding. Because this experience was new and different, I was forced to focus 100% of my attention on the Master’s instructions. The next morning, I woke up stiffer than a board. I had to force myself to just walk.

I soon realized, if I was going to survive this Tae Kwon Doe, my focus in class was going to have to be very strong. Executing the various kicks and sparring techniques was fun and interesting. However, continuous practice was going to be required.

After a few weeks of practice and attendance at the Dojang,(Tae Kwon Do school) I noticed that I was more relaxed and at ease with myself and others. I enjoyed the release of aggression and tension resulting from class participation.

To my surprise, my wife noticed a change in me. She thought I was getting easier to get along with. In another words, I was more relaxed. Physically and emotionally, I had loosened up a little. My mental attitude towards other people was changing also.

The idea of showing respect to everyone is one of the fundamental principles of Tae Kwon Do. I believe this idea and practice of giving respect to others was very significant in changing my relationship with my wife to a more positive manner. To be continued.Stand for Your Greatness