Paths of Transformation

Here are some pictures from the belt test last weekend. Everyone showed awesome effort on the test–congratulations!

During rank tests, we have seen adults and children break boards. Board breaking can be very exciting to watch, especially when advanced techniques and combinations of techniques are being used. In a recent children’s test, we saw four kids breaking boards. Though they were using a relatively simple technique (sliding sidekick), the tension in the Dojang was almost overwhelming. They all tried several times before finally going through their boards. And, each successful break was greeted with an explosion of cheering from onlookers. Clearly there was something more than a simple display of technical expertise happening. continue reading…

Many of you had the privilege of witnessing Zachary Hicks break his first board during this last test. Those of you who know Zach have seen how he packs a huge spirit into a little, eight-year-old body. You know that he has the loudest Kiap in the school (by a long shot), surprisingly powerful kicks, and a willingness to give his best effort towards anything he puts his mind to. When Zach’s sliding sidekick put his foot through that board, the crack of the wood released an explosion of cheering in the Dojang.

But the minutes proceeding Zach successfully breaking that board were difficult and uncomfortable ones, filled with his foot repeatedly bouncing off the wood, rather than going through it, as he attempted to break it with a front kick. With such power and focus, why did he fail at first? It was the latter, his focus, that undermined the former, his power. continue reading…