The Korean word "Choong Sil" means constant and never ending improvement. The first of four phases of this philosophy begins with "imagination." All of our new students take classes with us for many different reasons. Each student's "imagination" of what they will become or get out of the program varies. Children want to become ninjas and perform fancy aerial kicks. Parents want their children to learn virtues and skills such as: discipline, respect, confidence and self defense. Adult students seek a constant, driving, one-hour class of sweat, to stay young, tone up and lose body fat. No matter your original goal or imagination, it's important to make it very clear. Be aware that as you progress, your goals will quickly change. That is why it's necessary to evolve and update your goals often, to ensure constant and never ending improvement and keep your motivation levels high. Make your goals challenging but realistic!!!
I am constantly setting short-term goals for myself. As I achieve them, I quickly set another one. This has enabled me to make tremendous gains, even in my 5th decade as a martial artist. I was actually in better physical condition in my 40s than when I was in my 20s. In 2003, at the age of 37, I won three gold medals at the World Championships. It's okay to take a short break from "goals" from time to time and just train for fun. For example, I'm very strict with my diet eight to nine months out of the year. The other three to four months, I enjoy my cravings for chocolate, pizza, and other "cheat" foods. This enables me to reward myself for the amount of discipline necessary to maintain a high level of conditioning.
As we kick off 2018, it's important that all of our students set goals immediately and share them with our teaching staff.
White Belts - Look far into your future and imagine what you will become from your training. For example...a Black Belt, an Instructor, in-shape, confident, disciplined, a better leader.
Orange-Blue Belts - You need to constantly set new short-term goals with each rank. Keep improving on old techniques while you learn new ones. As your physical fitness levels rise, you need to push yourself harder and expect more from yourself. This improved work ethic will carry over into all aspects of your life.
Brown-Red Belts - This is an extremely important level. As you approach your goal of Black Belt, feel good about the years of commitment you devoted to achieving this goal. Also feel good about the accomplishments you've made along the way. It's time to reevaluate your goals, and set new ones that are higher and embody that "white belt imagination" once again. This will be your "key" to motivation, while you work through the levels of Black Belt. At this time, you'll also decide if you're up for the challenge of our Instructor Training Program. This is a sure way to not only improve your physical skills, but to also develop important leadership skills that will allow you to reap the rewards of helping others.
Black Belts - The recommended ranks of 1R, 2R, and 3R all have a six month minimum time requirement on them. This gives you a chance to push yourself towards a new level of excellence in only six months. Your goal is to look better at your decided testing than you did at your recommended testing. Attending academy seminars such as weapons, advanced training concepts, ground fighting, sparring, competition workshops, and judging clinics, are all necessary areas to master on your path towards Black Belt Excellence
Adults of All Ranks - Communication with your instructors is vital. We need to know what goes on in your head. As adults we want so much from ourselves but need to stay focused on smaller, short-term goals. Reward yourself after each testing or after completing one of our "killer classes." Let us know how we can serve you better. Our Taekwondo program is very unique in that we offer over 30 short-term required goals before the Black Belt, while providing the student with nine major goals or levels of achievement. This cannot be rivaled to any other activity such as: soccer, baseball, dance, gymnastics, golf, etc. etc. The life lessons of courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit are priceless lessons that not only our children need, but adults as well. The positive, winning atmosphere is very conducive to life improvement. We all need to harness this and use it to the fullest potential. Take the time to set goals for yourself. Look back on your prior achievements, reevaluate yourself and decide what your next goal will be.
As you set new goals, it's important to share them with us. Our duty/mission is to improve your life in whatever way we can, and this is a promise/commitment we make to all students – white belts through black. It would be our honor to help you set new goals for 2018. Please set up a time with Ms. Sharon so we can map out your Taekwondo training path and ensure you achieve everything you've imagined.
One Body - One Life - Train Hard
Wishing you the best - Be Blessed
~ Senior Master
