I haven't posted much, but wanted to share my perspective on TKD. First off,my son wanted to practice martial arts. Admittedly, to my dismay, he has given up all his stick and ball sports, but since he is doing something, I can live with it.
So, in my area our choices were limited, and after visiting some schools and clubs, we settled on an ATA school. So, signed the contract, won't say how much other than it was less than dance lessons for the girl, and had at it. Within a month, I'm thinking, "I can do that". (Mea culpa, 50 year old body, 20 year old brain.) I think I could barely walk for a week after that first session.
So now my son and I are learning Songahm Taekwondo. We train 2 to 3 times a week. I'm fitter, stronger and more flexible that this time last year, son is an athlete anyway, but he is more focused, and more level headed. (God gave them to you as lovable babies, so you wouldn't kill them as teenagers.) We are both advancing, and learning.
Generally, at my "McDojang", my instructor has us working pretty hard on basic fitness, then specific TKD skills, and finally forms. he encourages where needed and corrects where needed. He expects the complete best from each students ability. He also admits his imperfections, and demonstrates his own will to improve. What really surprised me has his ability to coach and push us out of our comfort zones. Admittedly, I'm not ever going to be the next Chuck Norris, but I see Black Belt as an attainable goal. And, according to my instructor, that's when the real journey begins.
Now on my journey, I find out that ATA sucks and we aren't real martial artists. Worse, it's just a money making scheme for the school owners. (I know what I pay, I looked around and counted heads, and I'm glad I have a day job, There isn't a Lambo in the owners parking space.) And, I wonder why? Because we had a Grand Master with a different vision? Doesen't every style, and every martial art? Is there never innovation? I mean, we train, we kick, we punch, we spar, (sometimes vigorously), and we learn. And some are better than others. Yep, I said it, some are better than others. Some get that black belt and are gone, and some don't get past white belt. And some continue for a lifetime. But most of our goals are the same, be fit, be active, and learn TKD.
Mostly, though, I appreciate my school, and my instructor. He is dedicated to us, yet, as a reasonable adult, I know he has to eat. I feel we get his best, and that in turn deserves our best.
Maybe my son and I are just lucky.
B
So, in my area our choices were limited, and after visiting some schools and clubs, we settled on an ATA school. So, signed the contract, won't say how much other than it was less than dance lessons for the girl, and had at it. Within a month, I'm thinking, "I can do that". (Mea culpa, 50 year old body, 20 year old brain.) I think I could barely walk for a week after that first session.
So now my son and I are learning Songahm Taekwondo. We train 2 to 3 times a week. I'm fitter, stronger and more flexible that this time last year, son is an athlete anyway, but he is more focused, and more level headed. (God gave them to you as lovable babies, so you wouldn't kill them as teenagers.) We are both advancing, and learning.
Generally, at my "McDojang", my instructor has us working pretty hard on basic fitness, then specific TKD skills, and finally forms. he encourages where needed and corrects where needed. He expects the complete best from each students ability. He also admits his imperfections, and demonstrates his own will to improve. What really surprised me has his ability to coach and push us out of our comfort zones. Admittedly, I'm not ever going to be the next Chuck Norris, but I see Black Belt as an attainable goal. And, according to my instructor, that's when the real journey begins.
Now on my journey, I find out that ATA sucks and we aren't real martial artists. Worse, it's just a money making scheme for the school owners. (I know what I pay, I looked around and counted heads, and I'm glad I have a day job, There isn't a Lambo in the owners parking space.) And, I wonder why? Because we had a Grand Master with a different vision? Doesen't every style, and every martial art? Is there never innovation? I mean, we train, we kick, we punch, we spar, (sometimes vigorously), and we learn. And some are better than others. Yep, I said it, some are better than others. Some get that black belt and are gone, and some don't get past white belt. And some continue for a lifetime. But most of our goals are the same, be fit, be active, and learn TKD.
Mostly, though, I appreciate my school, and my instructor. He is dedicated to us, yet, as a reasonable adult, I know he has to eat. I feel we get his best, and that in turn deserves our best.
Maybe my son and I are just lucky.
B
