11 of 26

Write now Article Tools

Page 3 of 3

activities.

Even now, I can put myself into a peaceful meditative state on a moments notice. My wife marvels at my ability to nap or go to sleep anywhere. Recently, I went on a diet to reduce my cholesterol. Part of that diet included staying away from alcohol. That's right, "no drinking". I used to occasionally have a drink when I was uptight and anxious about something.

I am happy to report that when I do get uptight about something, I now have the ability to consciously tune down and mellow out without the use of alcohol. I just zone out with focus and meditation.

Yes, I hung into the practice of Tae Kwon Do for eight years. I finished up with a 2nd Degree Black Belt. It took a lot of perseverance and spirit on my part to obtain that Black Belt. I feel like I actually received a Phd Degree in Self-Control.

Speaking of self-control, reminds me of the testing experience I had while testing for my 2nd Degree Black Belt. This particular test entailed breaking boards with ten spinning back heel kicks in rapid succession.

When my turn came to test, I went up to the center of the Dojang (school) and faced and bowed to the board holder Instructor. He set the board above his shoulders and I immediately went into the spinning heel kick mode.

"Bang" went the first kick. I heard and saw the board splinter and crack. Believe me, there is no time for reflection when you are doing this. Immediately I resumed my kicking board breaking action for the next nine kicks.

To my total surprise and amazement, the next kick ended in a "thud" and the board didn't break! That negative result incensed me. I kept my focus and self-control, and immediately executed the next series of nine rapid fire board breaking successful executions. To my delight and surprise, the group of instructors that were grading me applauded my performance.

They applauded me because I didn't weenie out or hesitate after my second board didn't break. The fact that I faced that difficulty and successfully persevered on was why they were pleased with me.

Now there is no question about it, I do make friends and influence people in a much more dynamic manner. I credit this activity to my new found self-confidence which stems from my very engaging and challenging martial art journey.

Lastly, none of this would have been possible for me without having a spectacularly gifted and wise Master who I was privileged to have learned from.

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention one extremely important other lesson I learned. That is, if you really want to get on top of your game, please embrace the very challenging element called "humility". Honestly, if you can truly possess humility, not only will wise people want to help you, but you will be more receptive to new and challenging concepts and progress more rapidly. This was probably one of the hardest lessons for me to learn.

But "learn' I did. How so, you ask? By embracing the cloak of humility, I now find myself interacting with people who appear stronger and wiser than myself in different areas of life. Subsequently, I no longer feel these enlighten people are a threat to me. In another words, I stopped feeling intimidated by a lot of people and circumstances that normally, I would run from. Subsequently, I am making new friends and my life is better for it.

So, the end result of my journey into martial arts proved to be both eye opening and enlightening. I not only picked up a martial art that I can practice for a lifetime, but I also have embraced a new philosophy for living, that respects and recognizes new challenges as potentially wonderful opportunities.

Learn more about this author, Jack Marinchek.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3

Add your voice

Know something about Reasons to pick up martial arts?
We want to hear your view. Write now!