Woodward's Tae Kwon Do Academy Newsletter

The Tiger Paw: Thoughts From Mr. Woodward

“The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself a fool.” – William Shakespeare

This quote is so true for us all. How many times have we desired to learn information, but our pride got in the way and prevented us from really understanding the knowledge?

I have noticed this as an instructor from my students of all ages. They were eager to learn and then had too big of an ego to listen. It was only after they listened to the instruction that they fully understood the technique. Pride can strip us from positive changes that can make our lives better. It is only when we truly become humble that our minds can grasp knowledge.

In martial arts, we have a strict structure of authority. If this structure is challenged, then all students and parents will suffer. When proper respect is not given to authorities then anarchy will set in. As parents, we see this when we tell our children to do things that we do not do ourselves.

The children start to question our reasons and eventually rebel. As an instructor of several “children”, I have to maintain strict rules to help my students develop. Some students have to be “humbled” while others have to be built up. There is a fine line between confidence and “cocky” behavior. One of our goals in taekwondo is courtesy.

The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn’t being said. We sometimes can observe the higher ranks in class and learn proper courtesies and behavior in class. This is also true at home; follow your parents’ good examples. If you are an adult, follow the proper examples from people you admire. Learn from others’ mistakes.

Leave your egos and pride outside the dojang. You are here to learn from your instructors. If your instructor allows you to help out with a certain technique, do not assume you suddenly are qualified to instruct the class. Sometimes your training is the act of helping others.

Don’t compare your abilities to others. It can give you an ego or can make a weak-minded person want to quit. Don’t demand instruction - earn it. If you know your form and have not been shown your one step, it is for good reason.

These are a few ways to maintain a positive learning experience and humility at Woodward's Tae Kwon Do Academy. I guarantee that if you do come to train with a positive attitude, humility, and desire to learn, you will succeed. Call us to get more information regarding our taekwondo classes.

A Reminder

All students are reminded to bring either a water bottle or a drinking cup of their own to classes. On that note, if you bring a water bottle or cup to class, please make sure to label, take home and wash the item.

Please wash your uniforms regularly but never wash your belt. Washing your belt symbolizes washing away all knowledge. Also, please do not wear your belt out in public such as at the grocery store or a restaurant. It is disrespectful to the martial arts and also to Mr. Woodward.

We like to start classes on time and it makes it easier to do that if you arrive 10-15 minutes early. If you know you are going to be late or absent, please call. If you are late and don’t call, you may have to do push-ups. We do this not only out of respect, but it is also a good habit to get into for daily life.

It is now time to start learning a new form, one stance, and new moves, but don’t forget where you started. It is important to practice your previous forms, curriculum, and stances since those are the foundation and building blocks of your future forms and curriculum.

To the Parents of Kinder Kickers

What to expect from your kinder kicker: Due to their age, they are only expected to remember the current cycle. Kinder kicks is a program to introduce your child to martial arts. Do not worry if your child can not memorize the cycle, it will be repeated twice a year. Also, just a reminder, please pay your kinder kick dues by the 5th of each month.

Quotable Quote

“Doing more things faster is no substitute for doing the right things.”

-Stephen Covey