Last night, I had my first lesson in the Korean martial art of Tae Kwon Do. The School is just around the corner from my house, and has very few adult students, making individualized instruction commonplace. But before I relate my experience, here is a little background on Tae Kwon Do from Wikipedia:
In Korean, derived from hanja, tae means to destroy with the feet; kwon means to strike or smash with the hand; and do means “path” or “way”. Hence, taekwondo is loosely translated as “the way of the feet and fist”. Taekwondo’s popularity has resulted in the divergent evolution of the martial art. As with many other martial arts, taekwondo is a combination of combat technique, self-defense, sport, exercise, entertainment, and philosophy.
I chose this particular school because as I was driving by, I noticed something interesting. An ichthus was prominently displayed in the windows of the school. For those who don’t know the ichthus is an old symbol for Christianity, taken and Christianized from pagan sources. At any rate, being a Christian, I always enjoy supporting Christian businesses with my business (not that I limit myself to them alone). In this way I support the Kingdom and its workers. Mr. Yi, the head instructor at the school goes to a Korean church in the area that is affiliated with the same denomination as my own. So that was one good reason.
I also knew that I needed to exercise more regularly, but I hate using the gym. Tae Kwon Do seemed a good way to learn a skill at the same time as getting fit. the academy requires attendance twice a week, which is the recommended aerobic component of exercise, and Mr. Yi’s prices were reasonable and included a two week “try us out” course for $50 that included a uniform.
So I went last night for my first personal class. Mr. Yi requires this, most likely to take my measure and teach me some of the basics so I don’t feel wholly out of place in class. I learned two kicks, two blocks, two stances, how and when to bow, how to focus my attacks and blocks with a yell, and how to say thank you in Korean (kamsa hamnida; pronunced – kahm-sah=ham-nee-da).
It was fun, and I have my first official class tomorrow. I’m still debating if I should stick with it, but he does offer plenty of times to come, if you can’t make others for some reason and he is a kind teacher, if demanding.
I like that, since I will be called to excel and not allowed to slack my way through it. So I will hopefully get fit. Progressing through the ranks is not very important to me, although I know it will happen, but that should take years. I’m in no hurry and I want to get good and earn the right to progress in rank.
I’m sore in the muscles, but I’m thinking, this ought to be a fun year.
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Ok, I guess I need to start being nice to you otherwise you are going to snap me like a twig.