FLEXIBILITY by Dr. McCain

I have always been amazed at the ability of some in the martial arts to attain great height with their kicks. To kick higher and with great power is one goal of Taekwondo. But there is more to be said for flexibility. Flexibility allows a greater range of movement, provides greater strength, prevents injury, and does not compromise the integrity of the pattern performed. All of these factors are evident when the actual pattern is performed. Although Taekwondo flexibility is entirely physical there is a good parallel in the personal realm of being flexible in our lives. Through life, we are challenged to be more flexible. We will not see eye to eye with everyone we meet, work with, other Taekwondo students and instructors, our parents, or our friends, etc. But being flexible without compromising the integrity (pattern) of our lives is one key to getting along with other people. The character quality of flexibility develops patience with others as we progress down the road of success. Without being flexible we may be “injured” by others when they disagree with us, our range of movement is restricted (less freedom to act), we will not gain the strength needed to succeed, and the integrity of our life’s pattern will be compromised (our designed purpose for living). *Working at flexibility pictures the need for flexibility in our spiritual lives. Being flexible allows us to accept those differences as part of the program of growth for each person. When we desire to conform to something that is bad for us (drugs, drinking, pressure from peers to be immoral, etc.), we must allow ourselves the flexibility to say no and maintain the integrity of our “pattern” for living. Flexibility is inseparably linked to transformation, maturity, and change in our lives. Look at this succession of truths:

If we are not flexible, our thinking cannot be transformed. Without real transformation there is no personal growth. Without personal growth we cannot mature. Without maturity we stagnate in our lives and our Taekwondo is limited. Our martial art is also inseparably linked to our spiritual well-being. If our life is stagnate, we fail to recognize the purpose of our training in the martial arts: to build our life to a place of greater personal character and spiritual strength! Why not reach for the greatest potential that is available? The potential for man is limited. However, the potential that God provides for man is unlimited! I have added a new line to the student oath: “I will honor God with my Taekwondo.” Although this is not part of the original student oath, it reminds me of the greatest purpose of my life and art, to honor God and fulfill the tenets of Taekwondo.

Whom Do You Watch? By Mrs. Schwartz

The privilege of viewing excellent technique demonstrated in higher black belt patterns was accorded me recently by means of the modern magic of video tape. Although the stature and general appearance of the Black Belt thus featured obliged recognition, it is sometimes difficult to discern definite features clearly in amateur recordings of this kind. I had seen the pattern before, exhibited in person by the man I thought I was watching on the tape. The stance, timing, precision of technique, pace of the pattern, breathing, attention to detail in angle and concentration of power could only be one person. However, when I heard the "Kiai", the voice was not the one I expected. I watched more closely. This was not Dr. McCain, as I my first appraisal had supposed, but his personal instructor, Mr. Aregis.

In scrupulously observing Mr. Aregis and perceiving the similarities mentioned earlier between this man and his student, it was evident that the student had focused not only on the overall appearance and form of the pattern, but also on the important smaller elements that are the substance of the integrity of the pattern.
 
The instructors of Mid-California Tae Kwon Do in Porterville were encouraged by comments from Master Hardin when he and Mrs. Hardin came for Black Belt Camp.  He was pleased that Tae Kwon Do was thriving so far from its initial source in Tennessee. Because of Dr. McCain's diligence in following his instructor so closely, and our willingness to follow Dr. McCain, the details of our mechanics and the way in which we conduct ourselves reflect what Mr. Hardin considers to be important about our style of Tae Kwon Do.

There is much we can learn from each other, higher and lower ranks alike. However, the main focus of our study must be upon those things that we have seen our Instructor do and those things that he has pointed out to us specifically. We can trust that in doing so with all our effort, understanding and abilities that we will come closer to what our Tae Kwon Do should look like.
 
In development of character, an important part of Tae Kwon Do, whom do we watch? Our ranking superiors are men of exceptional integrity, and we may learn much from them. But there is one Perfect Man, who not only exemplifies perfectly all good qualities, but enables those who trust Him to press toward the mark of doing the same. Looking to Jesus, the Author and finisher of our faith; Hebrews 12:2. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. II Corinthians 3:18.

Each one of us will have a distinctive quality to our style because of differences in body weight, flexibility and personal perception. But the individual gain from working to do techniques exactly as prescribed are lessons not learned in any other way. God has made us each with unique personalities. He still requires that we obey his will expressed for our lives in the Bible, and in doing so we will know Him. Will we look like the excellence of our instructors? We shall be like Him.

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