I just need to confess. I am getting so excited about the Olympics, and especially TaeKwonDo competition this year in London. So we are going to be working on a lot of Olympic style sparring, the rules, and how it works. Here is a really fun video to check out with some outrageously cool techniques.
lessons (9)
Be aware of what you’re doing, beginning with your breathing.
“I am aware that I am breathing.”
“I am aware that I am listening.”
“I am aware that this too shall pass.”
This moment. Here. Now.
Nobody can make you sad, angry, happy, depressed, or grouchy; you don’t give anyone that much power over you. Only you can make yourself anything. Maintain control of your own emotions and thinking.
When someone wants to argue or fight or make you struggle, just tap out. It’s a lot better than getting hurt or causing someone else pain. Tap out and don’t worry, you’ll be able to come back soon enough.
When in a bad position, when under pressure, instead of struggling and wasting energy, embrace your opponent and relax. Your time will come.
Surprise your opponent by doing exactly the opposite of what’s expected. If someone expects you to be hurt, be honored. If they expect you to be angry and upset, surprise them with your calmness. Train yourself this way and you almost always have the advantage.
It takes a certain mindset to be offended by someones words or actions. Choose not to take offense, as once taken, your opponent already has the advantage. Instead of being offended, be “fascinated.” You cannot control others actions, but you can control how you choose to respond to those actions.
When someone pushes you, physically or emotionally, don’t push back. You lose nothing —and often gain a better position. Two wrongs don’t make a right —so resist less and think more.
It’s this simple: Children defend themselves with their heads. It’s knowledge that protects children in today’s world. Knowledge about safety, about what to avoid, about what to do, where to go, and how to stay out of harm’s way.
We are a part of a remarkable association of martial arts teachers, really forward thinking and action-oriented instructors, who come together almost every day to move worthwhile projects forward. The group is called The One Hundred, it’s headed by a 6th degree black be
