Mansfield MA Martial Arts - Personal Growth at Mu Han

It is perhaps no surprise that I have taken pride in my growth as a martial artist.  Like many people, I originally thought of tae kwon do as something reserved for those with exceptional physical talents and strengths.  Me?  Ha ... you must be joking.  So to be honest, I feel astonishment in how far I have come in tae kwon do.
 
But what I truly did not expect was how much pleasure I would get in watching the children students, including my own son.  They're young, so whatever feelings they may have are there for everyone to see.  Naturally, as they mature, they will master the ability to keep their feelings inside.  But in the meantime, it's all out there.  Extra hard workout in class?  They let you know by dragging their limbs and groaning in protest.  Can't remember their poomsae requirement at testing?  They freeze in fear and sometimes cry in angst and disappointment.  But if they perform well, especially if they struggle at first, and hear the approval from the audience the expression on their face touches my heart.  It is a display like no other, of joy and of satisfaction with one's accomplishment.  If I could pick one type of moment that represents the best of Mu Han, that would be it.  Those who have witnessed these moments at a testing know what I am talking about.
 
It is not just at testing that I see these little victories.  Sometimes they are during the most mundane moments in class.  Recently, I was watching my son do pushups in class.  It occurred to me that he was, in fact, doing them, and doing them pretty well!  That is, he was actually using his arms, bending his elbows, as his body moved up and down.  It occurred to me: Wow, he's come a long way since he first started, when his pushups resembled more of a pelvic thrust.  (In a beginner class, every child's  earnest attempt at a pushup is unique and hardly resembles a pushup.  It always makes me smile.)  There is another boy, more physically challenged than my son, whom I recently sparred with in class.  I encouraged him to land some kicks in my midsection.  It took me by surprise at how I felt some power in those kicks.  I remember how, in the past, those kicks would be feathery light.  But now, not only did I feel them, I heard that definitive "bam" sound when his leg made contact, and it sounded great.  Small as it may seem, it was another victory.
 
The school strongly emphasizes the importance of the ki hap, the sound made when practicing TKD.  A good ki hap focuses the mind and body, and over time, I have come to realize how much it does make a difference.  For some of the kids, this is just as much a hurdle as the physical demands of this martial art.  Some kids are timid, and  it shows in their faint-sounding ki hap.  But over time, I notice that they get stronger in their ki haps.  Their strength develops inside and turns outward.  It is wonderful to see and hear.  What is also nice about the ki hap is that even though you may not be as physically big and strong as the others, if you have a good ki hap, it commands respect.  There is a girl in the school who is small compared to her classmates, but when she opens her mouth, everyone realizes she is a force to be dealt with.  I can hear her clearly on the other side of the building, above everyone else.  As a woman, I feel especially proud of our young female students as they grow stronger mentally and physically.
 
This brings up another point.  While the majority of credit in a child's upbringing goes to the parents, I believe the school is a major positive influence.  Other organized sports offer similar benefits, but I think what sets martial arts apart is its philosophy.  How many extracurricular activities do you know that emphasize "codes of conduct", being respectful of others, doing your best, ust as much as technique and skill?  We are fortunate to have the Mu Han schools in our community for many reasons.  For me, one of the biggest reasons is the wonderful young men and women who grow up there.  As proof, take a look at the next children's class and see the teenagers who were once the novices and are now sharing their gifts with the youngsters.  A classic example of "pay it forward."
 
I look forward to the next testing, to see the next tiny, shy girl in pigtails somehow find the inner strength to break the board held in front of her...and to see the expression on her face when she realizes she's got it.

Paula - 7/27/2009