TESTING
We completed another color belt testing on November 6, 2004. Congratulations to everyone on a successful testing. Overall it was one of the best testings we’ve had at the Youth Center in a number of years. With a few exceptions, everyone completed their requirements with no problems, and everyone will be promoted. Now it is time to learn your new patterns, step-sparring, and hand and foot techniques. Train hard and prepare for the next testing, tentatively set for February 2005.
USTF MEMBERSHIP
The United States Taekwon-Do Federation (USTF) (www.ustf-itf.com) is our national governing body, and requires all students to join the Federation before they can test for 6th Gup / Green Belt. Students may join the USTF at any time; however, all students must have their application filled out and sent in “prior” to testing for 6th Gup. We have let this requirement slip in the past, but USTF requirements are very specific. The Membership Fee is $25 for which you will receive the USTF Membership Card and both a USTF and ITF patch for your dobok (uniform). The bottom line is: under NO circumstances will any students be permitted to test to Green Belt without an active membership! See Mr. Bushor for a membership form. And turn in the filled out form with cash or check to either Mr. Todd or Mr. Bushor.
ETIQUETTE
Mr. Todd has posted and excellent piece on etiquette on our Axe Taekwon-Do homepage (http://members.cox.net/ustfneb/index.htm). Take a few minutes to read through it and if you have any questions see one of your instructors. I would like to take a few minutes to expand a little on what is posted on the web site. Taekwon-Do is more than just Tuesday and Thursday evenings. The primary purpose of TKD is to protect yourself and those who can’t protect themselves. That can happen any time and any place, and because of that we expect you to live by the Tenets of TKD at all times. Courtesy (Ye Ui) is the first Tenet and therefore the most important. You should extend Courtesy to everyone not just those higher in rank or age than you. But you need to extend Courtesy to your seniors at all times whether it is in person, on the phone, or writing a letter or an email. For Example: 1. Ensure that you use the correct and appropriate language (Mr. Todd, Sir, please, thank you, etc). Calling your friends “Yo dude…” may be appropriate at times, but never to your instructor, seniors, or any Black belt. If you are not sure how to address someone in an email, write as if you were talking to them in person in class. 2. Do not send unwanted jokes or email to your seniors. Your instructors are always available to you if you have a question or problem; however they may not have time to help if they have to work their way through dozens or hundreds of unnecessary emails. 3. Do not provide your seniors or other Taekwon-Do students email addresses to others without their permission. This is common courtesy as well as a safety issue. You hear on the news almost every night about predators on the internet. Don’t be the person to unwittingly give an email address to someone who might want to do harm to your fellow students.
HOLIDAY PARTY
Mrs. Schulze is coordinating a holiday party scheduled on Thursday, December 23, 2004. All Students and family members are invited to the Pasta Feast. We will have pasta, salad, bread, desserts, and drinks. Mrs. Schulze has sign up sheets so she can coordinate the number of people attending and the food needed to be provided. Pick up a flyer and sign up sheet if don’t have one already, fill it out, and turn it in as soon as possible. This is a class night and we will not have a class that night (don’t wear your dobok). We have had holiday parties in the past and they have always been a good time, so come out and enjoy the holiday spirit.
MORAL CULTURE
General Choi believed that Taekwon-Do was more than just a means of self-defense. He believed that by developing a strong mind as well as a strong body we would be able to gain the self-confidence to stand on the side of justice at all times. If we, as Martial Artists unite with all people in a common brotherhood, without regard to religion, race, sex, national origin, or ideology we can build a strong and peaceful society. General Choi stated in his Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do:
“In Taekwon-Do a heavy emphasis is placed on moral culture, for it not only promotes a healthy body and keen mind, but good sportsmanship and the perfection of moral behavior. As ancient Greeks first espoused in their sound mind, sound body, creative spirit concept, the more disciplined and cultivated the mid is, the more disciplined and cultivated will be the student’s use of Taekwon-Do.
“No doubt the following lessons may be somewhat hard to fully understand; however, it would behoove the serious student of Taekwon-Do to read, digest, and attempt to grasp these very fundamental essences of moral culture. A. Return to the basic nature – Mencius gave the following analogy when he reasoned that a man is basically good. ‘Even a ruthless robber, coming upon an innocent child about to fall into a well, will try to save the child, forgetting for the moment, his intention to rob the house. This good nature becomes obscured or completely lost by greed for money and power.’ B. Be virtuous—It is difficult to define what virtue is. However, these are five human qualities which have been recognized as virtues since ancient times: humanity, righteousness, courtesy, wisdom, and trust. To be virtuous one must constantly cultivate and practice these virtues.”
In future news letters we will expand further on the five virtues that General Choi described. As was stated in the beginning of the news letter, Taekwon-Do is more than something we do 2 or 3 nights a week. It is a lifelong journey down a path of self improvement, both mentally and physically. Bruce Lee once said that “Success is the Journey, not the Destination.” We should travel on the Journey together.
COURTESY
Courtesy is very important in class, but it needs to extend outside of the dojang as well. It’s not just for your instructor or your parents, it should be for everyone at all times. Set the example for others at home, at school, with the Youth Center staff, with the lunch lady. Set the example for your friends, your teachers, even for your parents. Lead by example.
PS – send me your email address if you didn’t receive this by email… kbushor@cox.net
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