A life lesson

There are several reasons why I have Taylor and Bennett taking Tae Kwon Do. One, obviously is for the physical exercise. It is a time where they can go and act like boys. Running, kicking, screaming and fighting are o.k. In fact, it is even encouraged. Along with that is the extra stuff they are learning - strength, coordination, balance etc.

However, there is another reason why I have them signed up. It is because Tae Kwon Do also focus's on other traits that are important in life. The tenets of Tae Kwon Do are:

Integrity
Perseverance
Courtesy
Self-Control
Indomitable Spirit

Master Augustine does an amazing job at incorporating these tenets into his lessons. And he does it when the kids are very open and ready to listen to him. There is no lecturing involved, but every single kid understands what he is trying to teach them and the importance of the lesson. Not only is he a great teacher and loves to teach, he has earned an incredible amount of respect from all of his students and parents without demanding it.

Last Saturday, Bennett and Taylor tested for another belt. During Taylor's test time another kid was trying to break his boards and was not succeeding. He had tried so many times to break them that I'm sure his foot was hurting and to top it off he was crying. Every single parent there felt so bad for him. In fact his mom couldn't watch anymore and had to go outside.

Master Augustine asked him if he wanted to give up and try for his new belt next month and this little boy refused. Finally he broke his board with Master Augustine's encouragement. However, the real lesson came right after. Master Augustine turned to his student's and said "Who here would like a $100?" Of course every student raised their hand. He then asked "Who here would be willing to let me hit you on the back of your hand with this pen for that $100?" Every single kid, again raised their hand. He went on to explain that earning another belt is like receiving $100. Sometimes it is hard, difficult and may hurt, but in the end they would get their reward. A perfect lesson in perseverance. Short, simple but very powerful for those kids.

After every test Master Augustine has a tradition of signing the boards that the kids break. This is what he wrote on one of Taylor's boards:



Congratulations My Friend
You're Awesome Keep It Up And
Never Give Up No Matter the
Circumstance

Master Augustine 04/12/08


I talked to Taylor about this after his test. Needless to say, he understood the lesson - no explaining necessary. So Taylor I hope you remember this lesson every time you see your board. There will be times in life when what you are trying to accomplish will be hard, difficult and may even hurt a bit. But please remember - Never give up no matter the circumstance.