It is the Path that counts...

In today's society, there are so many goal oriented people. Everyone is trying to achieve the American dream of success.

Set your goals high, and you can achieve them. Great Grandmaster Tae Yun Kim, always encourages students to open their minds to larger possibilities. She tells people to set your goals higher, and then go for them. Don't limit yourself by your own thinking. In Jung SuWon training she emphasizes -> He can do, She can do, Why not me! Dr. Kim encourages people to not be held back by their attitudes, to have a positive mental attitude, and focus your mind toward your success.

Sometimes people take this to the extreme and forget about the here and now. Great Grandmaster Tae Yun Kim, also emphasizes the balance, of body, mind, and spirit. Students need to keep up their training regularly, and stay healthy. It is also recommended to meditate daily and free you mind from stress and anxiety. She tells students that they need to learn to smile to themselves everyday. Be happy from within. This is part of enjoying the path in your life. Make each and everyday a great day, through your attitude. Have the knowledge that your journey may be long, but that each day you are taking a step in positive direction.

Enjoy the path. Have fun. Be healthy and help those around you. Never do anyone any harm.

To see some more on other students and how they have used the Jung SuWon teachings to better their lives read the online writings from Angela Sommers and Sarah Kim.

Jung Su!

Keeping up your own training..

Remember, when you become an instructor, the general business and student issues will start filling your life. Somehow, you still have to train for yourself. Even if it is only 30 minutes a day, find time. Make it a habit. It will keep you healthy, clear your mind, and keep that indomitable spirit alive inside you.

I have found this is critical to your attitude and facing each new day with a positive mental attitude.

Great Grandmaster Tae Yun Kim always emphasizes, "He can do, She can do, Why not me!"
A positive attitude is critical for our success and happiness in life.

Reminding students why they are training...

Many times I have to remind students to put out more energy. The more energy they put into their training, the better for them. This is such a simple concept, and anyone reading this would say, that is just common sense, but no, "common sense is not so common".

When we are in Jung SuWon Martial Arts class, people say, why are you pushing me so hard?? Can't you layoff. But the student often forgets what they wanted when they first joined. They asked for help. They asked to be pushed. They stated goals they wanted to overcome, and they asked for our help, and now they get angry at us for trying to teach them. 2 situations generally come up. #1 - They had no idea how much energy it takes to train in the martial arts, and if you want to actually change bad habits it takes hard work and discipline.

As instructors we have to realize this. Most people today want instant results. They feel like they can go to JC Penny's and buy their confidence, or buy their happiness. It just doesn't work that way, and when they figure that out it is a shock. They also don't want to accept they can't do it, so many times they will look for faults in the instructors or schools. This is a common situation that we all must learn to deal with and/or avoid.

There is so much that one can gain from the martial arts. Great power, great confidence, good health and more. So I understand why we talk positively about the benefits. They are in reach for those willing to sacrifice and put in the energy, But once you find out a student has unrealistic expectations, it is better to relax, let them enjoy what they can, and don't push them anymore. In your mind, recognize you are at an inflection point. At this point the student will be not be happy, and therefore help them set new goals and move on in life. Otherwise, somewhere down the line, they will start blaming you for their unhappiness, and they will become angry and vindictive. Life is too short for that. Keep bringing in new white belts, and move on to other students that really desire to learn.

The "Artist" in Martial Artist

Grandmaster Tae Yun Kim once explained to me about the "artist" in the word martial artists.

Great painters produce great paintings, and their tools are their brushes and paints.

As a true Jung SuWon Martial Artist, your tools are your body, mind, and spirit, and what you produce is YOU!!! So take charge of your thinking. Be disciplined. Create who you want to become. Right now, your thoughts and actions are creating you. Take charge and responsibility for becoming the best you can be!!!

He Can Do, She Can Do, Why Not Me!!! Why not YOU!!!