The Meaning Of The Word Hiccup

We were working on Poomse the other day, and I asked the question , if you have a pause or a little hiccup in your Poomse what could that mean? A young white belt raised his hand, bowed, and said, in all sincerity,sir it could mean  you ate to much before class and were belching.  The way young minds think. I couldn't help but chuckle! My point was, you need more repetition , so the combinations link together in a flowing motion. When you understand the applications of the techniques in your Poomse,and how the body reacts to those techniques, the more flow you will have. Your Poomse will begin to take on a MARTIAL LOOK. (Opposed to a dance like look) By the way I do like dance, and am referring to TKD.
The physical aspect of your Poomse is important,equally important is the mental aspect.. I am referring to VISUALIZATION. Visualization  is a very powerful tool, be patient, it takes time to perfect. Once you understand how powerful this is you will be able to use it in every part of your life. With testing right around the corner, this is a perfect time to start.
Visualize your test from start to completion . Begin with putting on your Dobok and tying your Ti See your self walking on to the floor and working through your blocking, kicking and punching combinations. See your self snapping off quick pinpoint accurate techniques in your step sparring. See your self side stepping, circling , and skip changing when you are free sparring. See your feet and hands exploding through the boards. See your self receiving  your newly EARNED rank. VISUALIZE  every aspect of your test, OFTEN! If you do this PROPERLY, you have already completed your test mentally, now the physical part will be much easier.
This is your day to SHINE! Do your homework , on Nov. 10th. Leave EVERYTHING on the floor, hold back NOTHING. When your test is completed you will have a GREAT FEELING OF ACCOMPLISHMENT !!! This exercise  and a lite breakfast will help to eliminate hiccups.

                                        Train Hard, Train Often, Laugh A Lot.             PILSUNG

Patience

SLOW DOWN

A most treasured friend,and very accomplished man to say the least, told me a personal story. One of those hum! Moments. He and his wife were climbing one of the El Yungue Mountains in Pureto Rico. Someone had told him, when you reach the top, the view is unparalleled. My friend walked at a hurried pace,and when he reached the top,low and behold,cloud cover obscured his view. To say he was disappointed was an understatement. His wife soon followed and asked if he had seen all the beauty along the trail. He had only seen glimpses because of the importance of his objective. The experience made him take pause. On the way down the trail he was anticipating the beauty he had missed on his rush up. The only problem was that those views had also disappeared due to cloud cover. Please understand the journey is so important. SLOW DOWN and absorb the beauty around you. SLOW DOWN and enjoy life it's not just the scenery you miss by going to fast-you also miss the sense of where you are going and why. My dad told me on many an occasion, son you learn the hard way, he was correct,so I imagine I'll be working on slowing done and smelling the roses for a very long time. Have you had an "El Yungue experience? SLOW DOWN, Breath Deeply, Love Always PILSUNG

Unexpected Taekwondo Moment

I was stretching at the rec. center one morning,and I saw a sweet old couple, we've said hello and exchanged smiles for ten years. usually they walk the track together, not today.I think the husband might have had a stroke at one time, and has been going to therapy ever since.His wife is the stronger of the two without a doubt. Today she walked the track for both of them.It looked like the man could barely keep his balance as he sat on the the bench.She came over to him and said therapy could see him now, he looked at his wife and said now?,she nodded yes. painstakingly he got up and made his way to the stairs. Another gentlemen said,please take the elevator,his wife said thank you but he will take the stairs.He grasped the rail with both hands and made his way down the stairs. His wife watched for a few seconds,then turned her back and began to weep.I too began to cry. She walked the track one more time and pulled herself together.Down the stairs she went to support her husband. I felt the pain and anguish she was feeling,the feeling of helplessness ,wanting to do more but not being able to. I could see the look of such love and the pain of eventual loss.I then saw self control and perservence take over.She also showed courtesy and integrity by thanking the man for offering the elevator,and courtesy to her husband for allowing him the dignity of taking the stairs.I have no doubt that what ever happens she will have indomitable spirit also. This wonderful spirit probably doesn't know what Taekwondo is and what the tenets of Taekwondo are, but she practiced every one. I was humbled. I was reminded how important every moment is,and no matter the situation the Tenets apply. I can only hope when it is my time with Mary or myself that I can show such decorum . Train hard, train often,love always. PILSUNG!

Creating Peace through the Martial Arts: Little Ones

Creating Peace through the Martial Arts: Little Ones: I was waiting for  my students at the Rec. Center the other week, and a school teacher asked if I was still teaching children, I told her ye...