HITCHIN & STEVENAGE TAE KWON-DO SCHOOLS
est 1987
H.S.T.S
21/10/08
Free sparring is to be used to free your mind of technical content. If you find free sparring difficult hit it head on. DO IT, DO IT, and DO IT AGAIN AND AGAIN. Only then will you learn to enjoy the rewards of free sparring.
Glenn Horan VI Dan
21/09/08
Training for life, if we only give Taekwon-do a chance. I do believe that the true benefits from Taekwon-do can take time to blossom. Some may be instant but others need trials for them to be born. When born they are a true blessing.
Glenn Horan V Dan
21/08/08
Grading! TEST OR PERFORMANCE.
Try and look at your grading's as a performance, we train condition and work hard towards the final performance. The grading is no longer training but the actual thing.
Glenn Horan V Dan
21/07/08
Last month the last question was "should we stop training when we are teaching"?
The answer to that question is unless you are prepared to train even harder don't even think about teaching.
REMEMBER
"IF OUR OUTPUT EXCEEDS OUR INPUT, THEN OUR UPKEEP
WILL BE OUR DOWN FALL".
We can't expect to teach to our best abilities and capabilities unless we are training. Also, as we advance in grade the training has to advance.
Glenn Horan V Dan
21/06/08
Just a thought for this month!
LETS BE THANKFULL FOR WHAT WE HAVE.
21/05/08
Previously as you can see we asked the question black belt "Beginning or the end"! When you study for a degree it takes 3 sometimes 5 years and then you get a job to use the essence of that degree. Surely it is the same in Taekwon-do, we study for 3-3.5 years to gain black belt and then we really start to train hard for the next degree and so on we then reach a point to teach others. Should our training stop when teaching?
Glenn Horan V dan
21/04/08
Continued progression even into black belt. Some see black belt as the end and not the beginning. Contemplate on your own true thoughts, do you believe it to be the end or the beginning?.
Glenn Horan V dan
21/03/08
Never tire of learning, we are always students no matter what grade we are. There is always someone with more knowledge, find that person and learn.
Glenn Horan V dan
21/02/08
Preparing for a grading is it more or less than we think, we need to build our stamina, our minds, and our attitude. We need to be positive and excel with a humble but showmanship approach. To be physically and mentally prepared which will enable us to do the best we possibly can.
Glenn Horan V dan
21/01/08
Hard physical training tests our humility and strength to carry on. If we are truly serious about our training we will welcome challenges and hardship in and outside the dojang. This will build a stronger and noble character.
Glenn Horan V dan
21/12/07
Study the theory of power thoroughly. (Theory of power)
Gen Choi Honh Hi
21/11/07
Remember practice makes permanent, so be sure to practice correctly.
Glenn Horan V dan
21/10/07
Conditioning is essential if you want to perfect your breaking. Remember training is different for different people. To enjoy your training is the most important factor.
Glenn Horan V dan
21/09/07
Power can only be produced with the knowledge of your own body mechanic's. Feel your movements understand your body, your capabilities. Study your movements and build in confidence.
Glenn Horan V dan
21/08/07
Train with hunger, never tire of learning even as an Instructor. We can never stop learning.
21/07/07
Don't rush to perfection, it takes time.
Glenn Horan V dan
21/06/07
When we point the finger 3 fingers are pointing back at us. Sometimes we are to quick to blame, we must first humble yourself and rise above this foolish way. We are martial artist trying to overcome self to ridicule ourselves blame ourselves before others. To tear ourselves apart, mock ourselves and never be content with anything we do. We must build a strong character. To achieve this with a positive altitude is the hard physical training. Sometimes we will fall down, sometimes we will loose a competition, sometimes we will get things wrong. But all through this we must humble ourselves to overcome.
Glenn Horan V dan
21/05/07
Training begins at 1st dan.
Through the coloured belt level we achieve a great deal but only after attaining 1st dan can we start learning. True Taekwon-do practitioners go on to Master the art but acquiring the understanding that they have truly Mastered nothing. The more you learn the less you know, will we ever Master the art we are learning.
The journey is long.
Glenn Horan V dan
21/04/07
We must study the pattern meaning before learning the movements and understand the meaning whilst trying to perfect the pattern. If we do not no the meaning through and through how can we truly perform the pattern.
Glenn Horan V dan
21/03/07
HIGH, MIDDLE, LOW regarding student.
HIGH SECTION, MIDDLE SECTION, LOW SECTION regarding your opponent.
Gen Choi Hong Hi
21/02/07
Taekwon-do is deep like an ocean, no matter how long we have been training we will never reach the bottom. This should not stop us from exploring it's beauty.
Glenn Horan V dan
21/01/07
We must try to live a life without judgement, for we are far from perfect. What is wrong for one is right for another and what is right for one is wrong for another.
To be content is a valuable asset. When one becomes content one can truly be happy.
Glenn Horan V dan
21/12/06
Grading tests are an individual test of achievement, we are required to perform actions to the best of our ability. We must prepare and commit 100% to the end. If we have prepared it will be radiant.
Glenn Horan V dan
21/11/06
To produce maximum power we need to utilise our mass and speed, to achieve this we need a continuous motion through the target not to the target.
Glenn Horan V dan
21/10/06
When free sparring take a step backward, asses for at least 15seconds. Annalise your opponent and pick out their weaknesses.
Glenn Horan V dan
21/09/06
To overcome your opponent you must first become your opponent.
Glenn Horan V dan
21/08/06
We must bend with the wind to stay up. If we remain to tough we will crumble.
Lao Tzu
21/07/06
Humility is a learning from student to master not master to student. One who learns from his/her student and tries to apply what is learnt is truly humble. This is hard for the ego to stand, but it must be overcome to grow.
Glenn Horan V dan
21/06/06
Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.
21/05/06
Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of gifts he does not have.
21/04/06
Do we truly understand the meaning of training.
Training is the building of character and strength.
Training is the tool in which we arrive at the end, yet there is no end.
Glenn Horan V dan
21/03/06
We must tame the tongue, our expressions can damage the most powerful of things.
21/02/06
To be humble is not to let go,its not to be walked over, its not to stand down.
Its to recognise our own ego.
Glenn Horan V dan
21/01/06
The way of the fool seems right to him,
but a wise man listens to advice.
21/12/05
He who heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.
21/11/05
The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.
21/10/05
I shall build a more peaceful world
Gen Choi Hong Hi
21/09/05
I shall be a champion of freedom and justice.
Gen Choi Hong Hi
21/08/05
A student must be content with his possessions but never technique.
Gen Choi Hong Hi
21/07/05
A hot tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel.
21/06/05
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
A time to be born and a time to die,
A time to plant and a time to uproot,
A time to kill and a time to heal,
A time to tear down and a time to build,
A time to weep and a time to laugh,
A time to mourn and a time to dance,
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
A time to embrace and a time to refrain,
A time to search and a time to give up,
A time to keep and a time to throw away,
A time to tear and a time to mend,
A time to be silent and a time to speak,
A time to love and a time to hate,
A time for war and a time for peace.
Ecclesiastes
21/05/05
A good man alone can tell good people from bad people.
21/04/05
When fully prepared, one can deal with any situation.
21/03/05
What does man gain from all his labour at which he toils under the sun?
Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains for ever.
The sun rises and the sun sets, and hurries back to where it rises.
The wind blows to the south and turns to the north; round and round it goes, ever returning on its course.
All streams flow into the sea, yet the sea is never full.
To the place the streams come from, there they return again.
All things are wearisome, more than one can say.
The eye never has enough of seeing,nor the ear its fill of hearing.
What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.
Is there anything of which one can say, "Look! This is something new"?
It was here already, long ago;it was here before our time.
There is no remembrance of men of old, and even those who are yet to come will not be remembered by those who follow.
Ecclesiastes
21/02/05
The best leader is the one who has never failed, the next is the one who has turned a failure into success.
Ecclesiastes
21/01/05
Protect the rule of Heaven from transgression of greed: don't be moved by worldly desires at anytime or under any circumstances.
Ecclesiastes
21/12/04
A man of virtue sets great store by foundations: solid foundations are the key to success.
Ecclesiastes
21/11/04
Building a skyscraper begins with a shovel of dirt.
21/10/04
Do anything within reason without thinking of your own interests and teach people with actions rather than words.
Glenn Horan V dan
21/09/04
Man should attempt to dwell in the largest mansion in the world, stand on the correct place and walk on the broadest street. (Man's most comfortable and secure dwelling is his own virtuous mind. He should always stand on the side of justice and live honestly and fairly).
Gen Choi Hong Hi
21/08/04
Etiquette
A high degree of etiquette should be observed by students, both inside and outside the dojang. This should be applied by lower ranking students to senior students while training, by higher ranking students to elder students outside of the training hall (dojang), and by all students when visiting another dojang. In all cases, emphasis should be placed on correct and proper salutation. It is a form of respect and courtesy in Western as well as Oriental societies.
It is indeed poor taste for a black belt to slight a beginning white belt which might very well be the instructor's senior in both age and station. Students visiting other dojangs, whether they be Taekwon-do or other martial arts, must pay proper respect and observe the traits of modesty and courtesy at all times.
Gen Choi Hong Hi
21/07/04
Public Service
By contributing labor to the community, especially to the poor or disabled, the student learns charity, humility, comradeship, tolerance, and a sense of generosity.
Gen Choi Hong Hi
21/06/04
5. All black belts must register with the local Taekwon-do Association and International Taekwon-do Federation.
Gen Choi Hong Hi
21/05/04
4. Higher ranks who are found fighting should be punished by the local Taekwon-do Association.
Gen Choi Hong Hi
21/04/04
3. Personal morals, sincerity, as well as techniques should be taken into consideration upon awarding the higher ranks.
Gen Choi Hong Hi
21/03/04
2. Orientation to patriotism, obedience, behavior, practices, discipline, and humility must be undertaken.
Gen Choi Hong Hi
21/02/04
1. A close scrutiny must be made of the mental makeup and background of applicants before their admission to the dojang or school.
Gen Choi Hong Hi
21/01/04
There are also a number of obligations the serious student must fulfill, and the following steps have been taken by each Taekwon-do school under the International Taekwon-do Federation to maintain the high standards of instructors and students.
Gen Choi Hong Hi
21/12/03
This moral culture is uniquely tied in with Taekwon-do, not only for eventual attainment of the highest goals in Taekwon-do and promotion of power, technique, and self-confidence, but also for the cultivation of character. Without this, the instructor would be guilty of imparting a devastating force to those who could eventually become so enamored of their newly found techniques they might very easily become bullies or use this knowledge as a means to achieve their personal ambitions.
Most Taekwon-do masters and instructors are more apt to put emphasis on this aspect of training rather than some of the more sensational training guides of running over rocky seashores, beating the fists against pebbles or thrusting them into boiling water, attempting to stop a bird in mid-flight, and so forth.
Gen Choi Hong Hi
21/11/03
In summary, we can enjoy a greater freedom of action by preserving our basic nature while making ourselves impervious to the temptation of power money and sex. A person who has attained this stage of self-cultivation is sometimes called a "saint".
It must indeed seem like an impossible undertaking to a mere mortal. A mountain crossing begins with a single bold step and an ocean begins with each small stream.
As ancient proverbs say: "Where there is a will there is a way." "One should not look afar, when the way is right in front of you." " Even heaven can be moved if one devotes himself to his cause."
With a strong will and firm determination, it is within the reach of anyone who is willing to make the effort.
Gen Choi Hong Hi
21/10/03
BE DEVOTED
As meditation is to the religious, concentration and devotion is to the artist, and perseverance is to the labourer, so is moral culture to the practitioner of martial arts. In other words a person's unflinching dedication to his own interest and duty is the source of life and power. Cultivation of mind, therefore, is no monopoly of any particular person.
In fact the sincerity and effort definitely produce the belief and the belief makes one able to reach the final goal.
Moral culture is considered to be a cultivating movement to make one devote oneself to his work, whatever it might be, until his life and work become one.
Gen Choi Hong Hi
21/09/03
BE OF FIRM MIND
A person of strong conviction is unsuspicious and unafraid. When proved wrong, he has the moral strength to admit his mistakes to even the most humble and has the courage to stand up to the mighty I he believes himself to be right in all matters.
Strong conviction can be gained through the broad and deep "Ki" - spirit. Ki is a form of active energy which fills every physical cell and organ while "Chi" - will is the motivating force: the former moves and the latter leads. If "Ki" is nurtured with great care and allowed to grow based on humanity and justice, its soaring power and outreaching strength can fill the heaven and earth, enabling man to reach a new height of great achievements, so Mencius exhorted his disciples.
On a more practical level "Ki" helps us to keep our minds clear and alert when the affairs of life become strained and confused, or sees us through sleepless nights when our loved one is gravely ill.
Gen Choi Hong Hi
21/08/03
DEVELOPE PEACE OF MIND
A clear pond becomes muddy if agitated and then returns to its original state when allowed to settle undisturbed.
It is said that calm will be able to conquer the heat. Undoubtedly you can endure the hottest summer heat if you sit calm and composed. Conversely, if you move too much in order to warm your freezing body you may get temporary relief, but it does not last too long.
We can attain peace of mind through meditation, by emptying our minds of all petty thoughts and returning to the natural state of man. Unlike in Buddhism or Zen, meditation in Taekwon-do does not mean a total divorce from the world, like a dead body, but rather an active moment to reflect on our past mistakes in silence and privacy of our thoughts, and through penitence, to continue our self-improvement towards becoming better men or women.
This active thought process in silence is called "Jung-joong-Dong"
Gen Choi Hong Hi
21/07/03
LET YOUR ACTIONS SPEAK FOR YOURSELF
Even the ablest orator is apt to err if given to verbiage. A closed mouth can save a fish from the hook as well as stay secrets from the enemy. To speak only what is meaningful is a sign of a cultivated person. People talk mostly to brag about themselves or gain advantage over others.
A man of virtue expresses himself more through deeds than words. Thus, he influences others through living examples. In the old days, the truly effective way to teach was believed to be by the actions not by the words of the teacher.
Gen Choi Hong Hi
21/06/03
KNOW TRUE HAPPINESS
Lao-Tzu pointed out that nature was based upon harmony in contrasts. For example,the universe was made up of two forces,Yin (female) and Yang (male). Other contrasts were hard and soft, long and short, night and day, solid and empty, cold and warm, big and small, beautiful and ugly.
All things in this world are relative to one another. Misery can only come from having been happy once and sorrow from joy. The wealthy and the powerful are not necessarily happy. For every rich person, there are countless poor and for each tyrant, a nation of oppressed. Mencius defined life's three happiness as follows:
1. Healthy parents and harmony within the family.
2. To live with pride and honor through correct behavior.
3. To educate the young to become upright and useful members of society.
Gen Choi Hong Hi
21/05/03
BE DISCREET
In everything he does, a person must not be impulsive or reckless but be patient and thoughtful. "He who acts without thinking at least three times, will later regret his action," warns an old proverb.
Accordingly, on a matter of an important appointment or punishment, one must not decide hastily but must deliberate to reach a decision that is both fair and objective.
Gen Choi Hong Hi
21/04/03
BE FRUGAL
Since ancient times, excessive luxury and pleasure caused the downfall of many kings and nations without exception and history is full of such examples.
Persons in leadership in particular must learn to be frugal and live moderately. As the old adage goes"if the water is muddy upstream so it will be downstream."
An extravagant leader will affect his subordinates in this same way and will bring more hardship to his subjects through increased taxation and bribery. During the Lee Dynasty of Korea, the kings roving inspector, Lee-Mong-Yong, while traveling the countryside incognito, was invited to one of the lavish dinner parties of a notorious governor. In the middle of the feast, he recited his famous poem:
The sweet wine you drink from the glittering cups
Flows from the tears of people who toil
The tender meat which fills the dishes of jades is torn from their aching flesh
Merrier you laugh, sadder they will weep
Louder you sing, more plaintive their lament.
The governor and his cohorts recognising the true identity of the poet, became frightened and fled from the scene. Remember that there are tears and heartaches of many behind one man's pleasure.
Gen Choi Hong Hi
21/03/03
BE JUST
To be corrected and forthright is to live one's life correctly. Old sages used to say; "To common men, life is most valuable, and death, most fearful." However, a righteous man would value justice above life itself and would be willing to die rather than submit to injustice. Such notable figures as Baek-e-Sook-je of China, Sung-Sam-Moon of Korea and Yoshida-Shoing of Japan all chose death in defiance of injustice leaving to their posterity lasting examples.
Baek-E-Sook-Je lived in Chou period about 2000 B.C. When King Moo toppled the twenty seventh king, who was a very notorious tyrant, he refused to serve the new king, who usurped the throne by force and not by legitimate process; he eventually starved to death in a self-imposed exile in the Sooyang mountains.
Sung-Sam Moon was an important minister of the King Se Jong, inventor of Han-Gul(Korean alphabet) in the 14th century. After the king died and the young Dan Jong became king his uncle Se-Jo conspired against the boy king and took over the throne. Minister Sung was later executed because of his persistent protest over the unlawful act of King Se-Jo. Yoshida-Shoing, one of the loyalists was also executed in protest when the Doku-Kawa military government, at the time, tried to abolish the Mei-Ji monarchy.
Gen Choi Hong Hi
21/02/03
RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF OTHERS
To criticise someone who is better, to covet others possessions and to steal the merits of others are the marks of an unscrupulous man. Mother nature does make claims to her domain, yet all creatures within it acknowledge her eternal accomplishments. To help others develop and succeed in life is a reward in itself and has a true value only if nothing is expected in return.
Throughout human history, people who in jealousy have stolen the recognition due to others and have stolen their possessions out of avarice have always left dark imprints of shame and dishonor.
Gen Choi Hong Hi
21/01/03
RESPECT OF ELDERS
As son respects parents, younger brother respects older brother, man must always respect his elders or seniors. This is the beauty of mankind, and one of the distinctions between human and animal.
Mencius said there are three things of value in human society; position, age and moral integrity. In government, position is considered important, in a community, age, and for a leader or advisor, moral integrity. Indeed, there can be no children without parents, nor a young generation without the old generation. A society and a nation could not avoid chaos without its culture and social order being based on respect for the knowledge and the wisdom of its elders.
Gen Choi Hong Hi
21/12/02
BE SOFT
Because light is formless and soft, it can illuminate and give warmth to even hidden corners. As water can assume any shape or form, it can better serve the living things that need it to survive. Once water becomes a part of the Ocean, even the largest ship is like a mere leaf, and its awesome fury when aroused can conquer the tallest mountain.
If one claims to be strong, he will soon meet someone who is stronger. A tree, such as sapling, can withstand a strong wind when it is soft and flexible but may be toppled or broken after it becomes old and brittle. The same principle also applies to human beings.
Gen Choi Hong Hi
21/11/02
SELF-CRITICISM
No one is wise from the moment of birth. As human beings we have many faults and are prone to make mistakes. However, once having acquired knowledge we learn to correct these shortcomings.
It would not be impossible eventually to become perfect human beings.For this purpose, it is essential not be idyllic towards learning and continue to be wiling to criticise oneself.
It is said that Confucius and his pupils practiced self-criticism by repeating the following three times daily:
1. Have I neglected others requests because of selfishness.
2. Have I behaved with a sincere attitude towards friends.
3. Have I inspired others with certainty, while being uncertain
myself.
4. Have I neglected to practice virtue.
5. Have I eroded in my studies
6. Have I avoided acting with righteousness.
7. Have I corrected myself immediately upon realising my fault.
Gen Choi Hong Hi
21/10/02
BE HUMBLE
A weed holds up its head in arrogance while a mature grain bows its head in humility. Lao-Tzu taught that lofty virtue is like a deep valley into which all streams of water flow. A virtuous man will draw the respect of others towards him in the same fashion while one who is selfish and egoistic will loose the respect of his fellow man and become despised and isolated.
To be humble is not to engage in petty squabbles, but to be like the magnamous river in the low valley which irrigates the farm fields around it.
Gen Choi Hong Hi
21/09/02
GREED IS INSATIABLE
He who is content with what he has is the richest man in the world. On the other hand, if one has everything and still wants more, he may yet be poor. A man who is blinded by greed is not only given to corruption, intrigue and exploitation of others, but worse of all, he casts himself in the position of "friend fighting against friend, father fighting against son," finally becoming no better than an animal.
There is certain truth in the old saying that a truly good person
cannot be rich, and a rich person cannot be a truly good person.
According to an ancient adage, "constant material dissatisfaction is considered to be the root of all misfortunes." There is no better way to self satisfaction and human growth than the constant development of a generous nature
Gen Choi Hong Hi
21/08/02
MAN MAY OCCUPY TWO POSITIONS IN A LIFE TIME
Basically there are two kinds of position; one is the five virtues given by heaven, explained earlier, and the other given by man, such as a cabinet minister, bureau chief, and so on.
Unfortunately man often relies too much on worldly position which is transient at best, for what man gives can also be taken away. On the other hand, what heaven endows us with is eternal. This is not to say that we reject all worldly things but rather that we keep both positions in proper balance so that the virtues of the former position provides guidance for the proper use of the latter.
In this manner a man will gain respect and set good examples for others to follow. Without proper guidance, a person can easily fall victim to the temptations of personal power and wealth, employing unethical means to further his/her ambitions. Ultimately such a person will become a tyrant, or a dictator and an enemy of the people.
According to Confucius, a generous and loving man cannot have enemies. Therefore, humanity, the first virtue, is like a strong secure fortress.
Gen Choi Hong Hi
21/07/02
How, then, can man discover his own human nature?
There are two ways by which person can find him/herself ; first, by preserving the goodness given to him/her by God or heaven at birth, and secondly by renouncing greed for material things.
Gen Choi Hong Hi
21/06/02
TRUST
The ability to keep one's word and promises, not only to one's friends but to everyone in general. Without trust a person loses all principles and dignities and becomes a liar and a cheater.
Gen Choi Hong Hi
21/05/02
WISDOM
The ability to judge right from wrong, not especially in matters concerning the right and wrong of others but in matters concerning oneself.
A wise man once said to his sons, "no matter how small it is you should not do what you realise is wrong. On the other hand you must do what is right no matter how small it may seem."
Gen Choi Hong Hi
21/04/02
PROPRIETY
Unlike animals fighting over food, a courteous man would offer another man a piece of bread even though both were starving, out of respect and good manners.
Confucius said,"Propriety must be practiced for the proper development of personality, and whoever lacks sincerity in his words, cannot be considered a gentleman."
He also said:
"Honesty without courtesy can be rather ruthless."
"Respectfulness without courtesy can make the recipient rather uncomfortable."
"Courageousness without courtesy can be rather violent."
"Prudence without courtesy can be rather cowardish."
Ye is a term describing proper code of conduct between various social status, for example: superior & inferior, noble and common, old and young, rich and poor, etc.
Gen Choi Hong Hi
21/03/2002
RIGHTEOUSNESS
The ability to feel ashamed of unjust acts and to do one's duty to others.
Mencius said;"for the ordinary person life and death are the most important in the life.However, for the virtuous person to live and die for righteousness is far more important than life and death themselves."
Righteousness is well defined in the act of a certain army general depicted in the book of "War Manual" written about 2,400 years ago.
A General was taking a break form the grueling war with his soldiers by a river bank when an aid brought him a small carafe of wine for refreshment. He took the carafe and slowly emptied into the flowing river in full view of the puzzled soldiers and invited them to share the wine with him by taking a sip of water from the river.
As to righteousness;
Manfucius claimed it to be the fundamental virtue to be observed by a human being.
According to Soonja, "It is the supportive measure employed to enhance humanity thought to be the highest degree of virtue."
Gen Choi Hong Hi
21/02/2002
HUMANITY
The ability to feel sorrow for the misfortunes of fellow men and love
them all equally as parents love their children equally.
Confucius defined humanity in the following ways:
To love people, especially one's parents.
Not asking others to do what you would rather not do.
To behave automatically with the nature of propriety by promoting moral sense.
To have unbending desire to accomplish what is right regardless of how insignificant the result may initially seem when compared to the amount of effort put forth.
To value others honor before your own.
To put others freedom before your own.
To implement humanity he said one should:
Practice utmost prudence, modesty and discretion in everyday life.
Devote oneself to assigned work be it large or small.
Demonstrate sincerity with whole heartedness to others at all times.
Tae Kong Mang (12th century B.C ) said;
The heaven provides four seasons while the earth has the power to produce all living things. This privilege is not reserved for any specific person but for all human beings.. Therefore, humanity lies in the idea of sharing the fruit of nature with all people.
Gen Choi Hong Hi
21/01/2002
Elements of the Moral aspect of Taekwon-do:
Humanity
Righteousness
Propriety
Wisdom
Trust
Gen Choi Hong Hi
21/12/2001
To know the outcome,look to the root.
Study the past to know the future.
Be real.
Embrace simplicity.
Put others first.
Desire little
Lao Tzu
21/11/2001
If you don't want to be broken, bend.
If you want to be straight, allow some crookedness.
If you want to be filled, become empty.
If you want to be made new, let yourself be used.
If you want to be rich, desire little.
Wanting more and more is craziness.
Therefore the sage embraces oneness
and becomes a model for the world.
Not self-centred,she is enlightened.
Not self-righteous, she is a shinning example.
Not self-glorifying, she accomplishes glorious things.
Not boastful, she grows large inside.
She alone does not compete.
And so the world can never overcome her.
Lao Tzu
21/10/2001
Do we try hard enough?
Do we try too hard?
When we train do we try 100% or are we just going through the motions. Do we just train because we have been, for so long. Sometimes we need to ask ourselves this question. Sometimes this can spur us on and give us the extra drive we need. We can try and look deeper for a real meaning to what we are doing. The utmost is to enjoy training and to see what we are achieving.
When we train do we train too hard, are we creating too much tension and thus creating the opposite effect. Do we train so hard that we are blocked off from the real meaning to what we are doing.
When we train we must try and see what is going on with our energy. Thus enabling it to be enhanced, enjoyed and to be moved.
Glenn Horan IV Degree
21/09/2001
The assimilation of learning is called knowledge,and the proper use of that knowledge is called wisdom.
As a serious student of Taekwon-do one must:
Be willing to go where the going may be tough and do the things that are worth doing even though they are difficult.
Be gentle to the weak and tough to the strong.
Be content with what you have in money and position but never in
skills.
Always finish what you begin, be it large or small.
Be a willing teacher to anyone regardless of religion, race or ideology.
Never yield to repression or threat in pursuit of a noble cause.
Teach attitude and skill with action rather than words.
Always be yourself even though your circumstances may change.
Be the eternal teacher who teaches with the body when young, with the words when old, and by moral precept even after death.
Grandmaster Gen.Choi Hong Hi IXth Degree
21/08/2001
To become different from what we are, we must have some awareness of what we are. Whether this being different results in dissimulation or a real change of heart, it cannot be realized without self-awareness. Yet, it is remarkable that the very people who are most self-dissatisfied, who crave most for a new identity, have the least self-awareness. They have turned away from an unwanted self and, hence, never had a good look at it. The result is that most dissatisfied people can neither dissimulate nor attain a real change of heart. They are transparent and their unwanted qualities persist through all attempts at self-dramatization and selftransformation. It is the lack of self-awareness which renders us transparent. The soul that knows itself is opaque.
Bruce Lee.
21/07/2001
A steed is not praised for its might,but for its thoroughbred quality.
The sagely person is like water , water benefits all things and does
not complete with them.
It gathers in unpopular places.
In this it is like the Tao.
In dwelling, live close to the earth.
In thinking, be open to new ideas. In relationships, be kind.
In speech, tell the truth and keep your word.
In leading people, demonstrate integrity.
In daily matters, be competent.
In acting, consider the appropriate timing.
If you do not try to prove yourself superior to others,
Yo will be beyond reproach.
Lao Tzu
21/06/2001
The courage we need to keep on training is great.
Sometimes the hunger dies, sometimes the need for training dies, sometimes the longing for technique dies.
We must look on these times as a challenge, we must not let these challenges beat us.
We must train even harder than before to overcome this down.
The journey is everlasting but the gains are ever increasing.
We must look deeper and harder to enlighten our spirit of Taekwon-do.
With this knowledge we can over come any obstacle before us.
Each day is a challenge, there are no downs only ups, we must improve with knowledge not go down with defeat.
Glenn Horan IV Degree
21/05/2001
DAN-GUN
According to the ancient legend, the creation of the Korean peoples lies with the mythical figure of Dan-Gun, and his father Hwanung
In the year 2333B.C, descending from heaven with 3000 followers, Hwanung, son of the Lord of Heaven, established a 'City of God' on the summit of T'aebaeksan Mountain.
Here a bear and a tiger pleaded with the son of heaven to turn them into humans, he gave them instructions to eat nothing but garlic and mugwort for a hundred days, and to avoid exposure to daylight. The tiger failed the test, and left the cave in which they were both living, but the bear remained hidden inside. After the hundred days were up, the bear had transformed into a beautiful young woman. She bore Hwanung a son, Dan-Gun, the first ruler of Korea. He founded his Kingdom of Kochoson, or ancient Korea, and its capitals, the walled city of P'yongyang, and Asadal, in what is now North Eastern China.
The actual location of Taebaeksan (san meaning mountain) is today uncertain, the three main possibilities are Paekdusan, situated in what is now North Korea, T'aebaeksan in Kangwon-do province, and Manisan on Kangwhado Island. Masisan boasts a five meter tall altar named Chamsongdan, and according to myth, Dan-Gun used this altar to offer prayers up to his father, Hwanung. Whilst most scholars agree that the legend of Dan-Gun is just a myth, in 1993 the communist government of North Korea claim to have discovered the decayed bones of Dan-Gun, these are displayed in a museum outside modern day P'yongyang(which they claim is also one and the same as the mythical walled city of P'yongyang, Dan-Gun's ancient capital)
From Gen Choi Hong Hi Encyclopedia
19/04/2001
The moral aspect of martial arts is sometimes misunderstood, misinterpreted or just not explained correctly.
We as martial artists study and practice ways to injure, mame and kill other human beings. This is what the non understanding people not within the martial arts see and think is what its all about. We as martial artist have a moral obligation to educate people about the true aspect of our loved art.
We must first understand our selves,what and why are we doing these things. We must try and develop a strong character to build upon. To understand what parts of the body are vital in an actual confrontation thus, to always want to stop fighting. To use confidence to overcome confrontation. To develop a sound mind and an understanding of philosophy. To reach out to people in need, to help others when we are able to. To show and be able to understand others compassion. To always be righteous never being selfish. To overcome ones ego and always be humble. With all of these things and much more we must always enjoy what we are doing.
Glenn Horan IV Degree
08/03/2001
Seek not to know the answer but to understand the question.
Why do we practice martial arts, is it for self defense, fitness flexibility, and much more. It may be all of these things at first, but as we train year after year we come to live the way, the martial arts way. We look at other people differently, we try and find where we are going what we are doing. It gives us a focal point, it gives us trials with our physical and mental abilities. We develop the ability to channel our energy and to tune into others energy. We improve a great deal without actually seeing the change, we become more confident more self aware. As the years go by the self defense, fitness, flexibility and more become less important. We train now for more self awareness, more union between mind and body, how we can help others, and to keep climbing the mountains (trials) we are faced with. I say to all martial artists, train for your self development,strive to become a better person with the flow of energy (KI) throughout your body. Build and keep building the bond between your mind, body and spirit but eventually decrease the mind and let the spirit drive the body without any hindrance.
Glenn Horan IV Degree
3/02/2001
CONTEMPLATION.
The binding of the perceiving consciousness to a certain region is attention (concentration) A holding of perceiving consciousness in that region is meditation. When the perceiving consciousness in this meditation is wholly given to illuminating the essential meaning of the object contemplated and is freed from the sense of separateness and personality, this is CONTEMPLATION.
Unknown author
04/01/2001
To ask, is a moments shame, not to ask,
and remain ignorant is a lifelong shame.
Lao Tzu
PERSEVERANCE (in nae)
There is an old oriental saying, Patience is a virtue or merit. One can make a peaceful home by being patient for 100 times. Certainly happiness and prosperity are most likely brought to the patient person. To achieve something, whether it is a higher degree or the perfection of a technique, one must set his/her goal, then constantly persevere. Robert Bruce learned his lesson of perseverance from the persistent efforts of a lowly spider. It was this perseverance and tenacity that finally enable him to free Scotland in the fourteenth century. One of the most important secrets in becoming a leader of Taekwon-do I to overcome every difficulty by perseverance. Confucius said; "one who is impatient in trivial matters can seldom achieve success in matters of great importance."
Gen Choi Hong Hi
08/12/2000
Do without 'doing'.
Work without forcing.
Taste without seasoning.
Recognise the great in the small.
And the many in the few.
Repay hatred with kindness.
Deal with the difficult while it is still easy.
Begin great works while they are small.
Certainly the earth does difficult work with ease,
And accomplishes great affairs from small beginnings.
So, the sage, by not striving for greatness, achieves greatness.
If you think everything is easy,
You will find only difficulty.
That is why the sage considers all things difficult
And finds nothing too difficult in the end.
Lao Tzu.
A gem is not polished without rubbing
nor a man perfected without trials.
09/11/2000
Remember ! Martial arts training is a life long journey, a journey that has few beginnings and no end.
Remember ! The belt coloures are just a focal point for us to gauge on.
Remember ! We are all different in many ways, it would be foolish to think otherwise. We are all growing in all ways at different paces.
Remember ! When we meet our difficulty it is easy for the mind to give up or just be complacent, in some ways it is too easy to give up.
Remember ! You are a martial artist that has overcome many trials and difficulties already, so why let the next one evercome you.
Remember ! The spirit is more powerful than the mind, but the mind has more vision. We must blind the mind and let the spirit over come and gain strength. This powerful spirit will push and drive you through the difficulty.
Remember ! The difficultes are all around within and outside Taekwon-do.
Remember ! Taekwon-do will build your spirit subconsciously, and very gradually.
Remember ! Enjoy life and enjoy your training, please use the past to build your spirit for the future. Use your martial arts journey of mountain climbing to increase your awareness and to help others.
Yours and always yours in Taekwon-do.
Glenn Horan IV Degree
