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How to Have More Fun in Songahm Taekwondo

by Senior Master William J. Babin
7th Degree Black Belt

Taekwondo, like all disciplines, requires repetition. Whether it’s violin, or swimming, or mathematics, all disciplines require that you do things over and over again to gain what is known as "mastery." This repetition is the very nature of what we mean when we say "DISCIPLINE" with a capital "D". It means that you devote yourself to a worthy goal, then practice the rudiments of that skill again and again, even in the face of multiple obstacles, and continue working until reaching that goal.

But there is more. Because if you practice a real discipline then you soon realize that the satisfaction does not lie in reaching the goal, but instead in the journey it takes to get there. In his wonderful book, PROMISE AND FULFILLMENT IN THE ART OF TAEKWONDO, Sang Kyu Shim writes, "The real martial artist learns to appreciate the doing; the journey never ends. " Goals are important. They provide direction and motivation. But the goal is not the greatest "treasure" found on discipline’s journey. It is the peace of mind that derives from mental discipline; it is the energy of a healthy body that derives from regular exercise; it is the strength of personality—confidence—that derives from knowing you have faced many challenges and survived.

There is only one problem. To us modern Americans, repetition can appear boring. We live in a world of glitz and immediate gratification. Patience is not highly regarded by our "popular" culture.

Specialty Classes And Events

To make our Taekwondo program BOTH a TRUE DISCIPLINE and to satisfy our need for "stimulation" we provide many additional classes. As you read on, consider how you can take advantage of these classes and events to add more fun to your program.

MONTHLY BLACK BELT CLUB CLASS
Provides BASIC training in six of the black belt curriculum "protech" items: bahng mang ee, seong jul bong, jahng bong, knife defense, joint manipulation, grappling. Always a fun class that also stresses the nature of being a black belt and reaffirms the value of setting that goal. (FREE to black belt club members, $20.00 to non-BBC members)

PROTECH SEMINARS
Held periodically throughout the year, these provide DETAILED instruction in the advanced "protech" elements. Most seminars also include videotapes and manuals to support practice. The retail price of these tapes and master-level instruction is as much as $99.00; yet Master Black Belt Club members can attend for as little as $24.00! (Open to all members. See newsletter for detailed prices.)

REGIONAL BLACK BELT CLASSES
Open to all black belts throughout Arizona, this class offers a great opportunity for black belts of ALL ages to meet other black belts and to train with several other outstanding instructors. FREE to all black belts!

REGIONAL WOMEN’S SPARRING CLASS
Open to all women and teens, camo belt and above. Held at various locations around Phoenix and Tucson, this is one of the most important specialty classes because it is ONLY for women and TAUGHT by women. This class is your chance to share special issues and to learn the secrets of those ladies who have already been VERY successful in the ATA. FREE to black belt club members; $20.00 for all others.

SWAT / JTI CLASS
Held periodically, this class provides special training in leadership and teaching. Like other specialty classes, you’ll always find a different kind of activity or exercise, and often special fun activities and refreshments, as well as an opportunity to reinforce the commitment and privilege of leadership symbolized by the SWAT patch and trainee collar.

REGIONAL HIGH RANK WORKOUT
ONLY for 4^th and 5^th degrees, this class is the MOST special of all, a unique opportunity for those most dedicated to get special instruction and reinforce their special role as leaders in the ATA.

REGIONAL AND NATIONAL TOURNAMENTS
A unique experience, found ONLY in the ATA, where you can make a friend, reach for higher goals, and watch your friends and instructors strive to be their best. NATIONAL AND WORLD events are extra special, providing an even bigger experience of Songahm Taekwondo as well as family vacation opportunities at locations like Orlando and Las Vegas.

INDOOR ROCK CLIMBING, SUNSPLASH, AND OTHER SPECIAL EVENTS
To build comaraderie and provide additional fun, we also offer non-taekwondo events like picnics and seasonal parties. The rock climbing is always a sold out affair. Again, black belt club members receive special discounts for these events.

SUMMARY
Parents of intermediate (camo – blue belts) Karate Kids should try extra hard to schedule these special events. Children at these ranks are beyond the excitement of "beginning" Taekwondo and yet not close enough to black belt to experience the thrill of achieving it. Attending these special events really provides a thrill that boosts their enthusiasm. The Black Belt Club class is probably the most important event for most people to plan to attend EACH and EVERY month. But surely, in this selection there are two or three MORE events that you would really enjoy. There is only ONE catch: YOU MUST PLAN!!!! Because these events occur irregularly, you need to read the newsletter and magazines, as well as visit the websites (thewayonline.com/Babin OR ataonline.com) regularly so you are well informed. Then put the dates on your calendar so you can HAVE EVEN MORE FUN through Taekwondo. See you soon at the next special event.

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