Moo Do means the martial way. First and foremost, this means being mindful or paying close attention to our thoughts, words, and actions. It is also about being a great observer or aware of what is happening all around us.
When we speak about using proper Moo Do protocol, we are talking about following a true and time tested path. It includes:
- Behaving Correctly
- Acting Honorably and With Dignity
- Keeping the EGO in check
When it comes to behaving correctly, all we need to do is consider the 5 codes and 7 tenets. These are the core principles that all true martial artists live by.
If the 5 codes and 7 tenets are the root of what we do, then the route or path leads to honor and dignity. Dignity is defined as a state or quality of being worthy of honor or respect.
A total practitioner or enlightened warrior lives the code, the creed, the tenets, the articles of faith, and the attitudinal requirements. By doing so, we demonstrate martial mastery. This includes following Federation policy, procedures, and protocol including our code of ethics.
Tang Soo Do is a traditional martial art based on respect for all life. It is important to develop this respect and apply it consistently to our art, our country, the Grandmaster, Senior Dan members, and all members in accordance with our core principles.
To accomplish this, every member should be well schooled in Federation and Moo Do protocol as it relates to proper courtesy and etiquette. In this first of many peak performance emails on this topic, I will address the various protocols that members should not only understand but always abide by. Of course, it all starts with the leadership. In fact, “Everything rises and falls on leadership” when it comes to protocol. This is why a true teacher of the martial arts practices what they preach. As the old saying goes, “They walk their talk”.
As the year draws to an end, it is a good time to reflect on all of our accomplishments and victories especially for this rollercoaster of a year. While the martial arts industry has been hit hard during this pandemic, we are proud to share that Cambridge Tang Soo Do has thrived in 2021 and it is in no small part due to all our collective efforts. Even though we could not attend our yearly Black Belt retreat nor the regional competition, we have accomplished quite a lot:
- We welcomed 13 new students to our school
- We promoted 8 gups to the rank of Cho-Dan
- We promoted 5 students to 2nd and 3rd degree Black Belt
- We had 11 students from CTSD attend the Master’s Clinic.
I am very grateful for everybody’s contribution and support in these extraordinary times. Practicing Tang Soo Do over Zoom is not easy and I admire everyone’s dedication and perseverance as we struggle to maintain our training. I commend all the instructors for their dedication and focus and for finding new ways to teach classes in this virtual environment we live in. It is clear that as a TEAM, we were able to accomplish some great things. The old saying (TEAM), “together, everyone achieves more”, is surely true in this case. I look forward to the year 2022, when we’ll have the opportunity to go back to in person training. Hang in there, there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Progress happens one step at a time. There is no sudden leap to greatness. Success lies in taking consistent action every day. Good work done little by little eventually becomes great work. Habit of Consistency is similar to the Law of Process, greatness doesn’t happen in a day, it happens daily. Many people can give a great effort for a day, a week or even a month. But few are willing to give their best day in day out. Anytime you apply consistent focus and persistent effort, your results will soon begin to show consistent improvement that eventually leads to greatness.
Habit of Consistency can take someone of average talent and eventually make them great. This is true in the Martial Arts and any other endeavor that requires Spirited Repetition.
When you combine consistent focus with consistent action, you will succeed and achieve great results. Everything in life is a progression of steps. You can walk a 1000 miles simply by putting one foot in front of the other. All winners start as beginners, every great Black Belt Leader & Champion started their journey as a White Belt. Class by class, day by day, the eager White Belt eventually becomes a seasoned Black Belt.
Practice Consistency and it will soon become habit!
Have you ever lost control of your emotions and done something, said something or acted in a way you later regretted? The answer for almost everyone would be “Yes!” Anger brings out a very negative and ugly side of just about everyone. Most people agree that positive emotions and attitudes are far more productive than negative emotions.
Tang Soo Do classes help students by challenging them both mentally and physically. A sharp mental edge helps you endure the strenuous demands of training and sticking to your goals. Here are some tips to get in the right frame of mind:
Visualization: Once you learn a new movement, imagine yourself performing it perfectly. Make sure you sit quietly and concentrate on the entire sequence of the move as you were really doing the movement. This stimulates your thought patterns which enhance your perception of the movement. Also, visualization helps you master skills and improves your perception.
Relaxation: First, sit or lie in a comfortable position, then consciously tense and relax your foot muscles. Continue this technique by doing your legs and continue throughout your body. When you become adept at this try and relax each part of your body without tensing up first. This exercise improves the communication between the nervous system and the muscles. Also, relaxation helps you obtain discipline and patience.
Meditation: Begin by sitting in a relaxed and upright position. Then, with your eyes closed take deep, but natural breaths. Your mind should be clear and flow freely, do not force yourself to focus on anything in a particular move to another thought. Start by concentrating on the count of your breathing. Breath in for a count of four; hold your breath for a count of four, and exhale for a count of four. Do not use your chest and shoulders to breath. Instead, work your stomach muscles. As time goes on you can increase the sequence to six seconds. Meditation will help you increase your mental endurance.