My Niece Jazmine

Videos

Never Too Old

Since my beginning in TKD back in 1968 Korea, age was never a question. It wasn't until I retired from all activities involving martial arts that my concern about age began. Was I too old for this or was I too old for that? You always here that age is just a number. I retired from active participation in Tae Kwon Do and any martial games in 1985. I had been a good player especially when I was on active duty in 1974 through 1978. I had some really fun times meeting all the players in the 1970's and 80's. I enjoyed the competition and it was a must that I compete. I just decided to hang up my Do Bok and call it quits. During that time it wasn't about the age but the politics which still exist today. Enough, anyone involved in the martial arts whatever style knows the politics involved.

In 2005 we moved back to Illinois and then I met my Great niece. She was only 8 at the time and after looking into photo albums boasted a claim that she was interested and could do what she had seen in pictures. My wife and I discussed it and thought we should try something small in the way of a school and if it worked out then that would be great. She (wife) wanted me active. I had found out also that I had high blood pressure and maybe exercise and medication would help. I also had the mindset of I was too old to start something and especially after being away from the art for so long I couldn't do the things I use to do. I was 57 years old and my age was blocking me from really wanting to give it a go.


So, in May of 2006 I opened a school and began to put age in the background. I must admit I was not in any kind of shape but I had the background to be able to show and help others do some good for themselves. I thought of myself as Bela Karolyi. I had never seen him in his early days as a gymnast but he was a great coach in his 50's -60's. As each person walked through the doors to sign up I didn't hide anything from them. I told them exactly who I was and where my journey began and how I wanted it to end. I was truthful with all and that was the best thing. During those early months of training those that came to our school didn't view me as an  aging player or teacher. They only saw me as some one who could possibly show them the way. It was the ultimate respect. In the early years we only average about 15 to 20 students. Today we average 48 to 50 students a month.
Just think if I had let my age keep me from what I loved most in life then I wouldn't be posting today. In a few months I will be 68 years young and I don't intend to stop.

Patience

I quit! That's what I sometimes say to myself but I really don't mean it. What's the use of trying to teach or share with someone? You're suppose to be the master the one that has the solutions to the problem even if it means seeking help from another source. The one who supposedly has the mental capacity to focus and have control over his/her emotions. There is always frustration no matter who you are. I guess I get frustrated when people simply think of the art as a joke. When people are not patient enough to stick with the program. Most will assume and believe that things can be done in just a few short weeks.
Most of us that have been around for a while understand the necessity to be patient and that repetition is important to anything even in school your job and in general everyday life. How will anything get better or improve if you don't have patience. Some people just don't get it they don't have the patience to endure, everyone is looking instant gratification. Those that do stick with it, find a way to be successful.
You have to have the mindset to want and train hard in any of the arts. It is not always the instructor who is responsible for your achievement.  It is up to the individual him or herself.
I remember back to days when I trained with my master in Korea. He didn't have to say to me what I should do when I left his dojang at night. I just knew that if I was going to be good at what it was he was showing me then I had to put in some extra effort. That effort was repetition away from the dojang. Not solely relying on his guidance in my training but understanding that all he was sharing with me the real burden of improvement in my techniques was up to me. I had no one to blame for my poor execution but me.
Today most think that you can magically transform them into a martial artist. They have to realize that the transformation starts with them. Of course it is still my responsibility to get the point across and what is the point.
To be continued...

You're Never Too Old

Since my beginning in TKD back in 1968 Korea, age was never a question. It wasn't until I retired from all activities involving martial arts that my concern about age began. Was I too old for this or was I too old for that? You always here that age is just a number. I retired from active participation in Tae Kwon Do and any martial games in 1985. I had been a good player especially when I was on active duty in 1974 through 1978. I had some really fun times meeting all the players in the 1970's and 80's. I enjoyed the competition and it was a must that I compete. I just decided to hang up my Do Bok and call it quits. During that time it wasn't about the age but the politics which still exist today. Enough, anyone involved in the martial arts whatever style knows the politics involved.

This post is about never being too old to be in the arts. When I moved from Illinois to Florida in 1985 and stopped my practice in Tae Kwon Do I decided upon playing softball and  for 20 years I did just that. In that time I still thought about Tae kwon Do and on occasions would practice. In 1989 I just quit the practice altogether and concentrated on playing softball and lifting weights. Suddenly and before I knew it I was into my fifties and thinking of old age.It wasn't until my wife and I decided on moving back to Illinois that I made the decision to get back into the art. It was what I needed to stay active.

In 2005 we moved back to Illinois and then I met my Great niece. She was only 8 at the time and after looking into photo albums boasted a claim that she she was interested and could do what she had seen in pictures. My wife and I discussed it and thought we should try something small in the way of a school and if it worked out then that would be great. She (wife) wanted me active. I had found out also that I had high blood pressure and maybe exercise and medication would help. I also had the mindset of I was too old to start something and especially after being away from the art for so long I couldn't do the things I use to do. I was 57 years old and my age was blocking me from really wanting to give it a go.

So, in May of 2005 I opened a school and began to put age in the background. I must admit I was not in any kind of shape but I had the background to be able to show and help others do some good for themselves. I thought of myself as Bela Karolyi. I had never seen him in his early days as a gymnast but he was a great coach in his 50's -60's. As each person walked through the doors to sign up I didn't hide anything from them. I told them exactly who I was and where my journey began and how I wanted it to end. I was truthful with all and that was the best thing. During those early months of training those that came to our school didn't view me as an  aging player or teacher. They only saw me as some one who could possibly show them the way. It was the ultimate respect. In the early years we only average about 15 to 20 students. Today we average 48 to 50 students a month.

Just think if I had let my age keep me from what I loved most in life then I wouldn't be posting today. In a few months I will be 63 years young and I don't intend to stop.