TKD Tidbits by Master Erica Linthorst

Korea is fondly referred to as"The Land of the Morning Calm". It actually translates from Chinese characters used to describe this country in the 1300's. Did you know that in Korea in olden times at the beginning of the Lunar New Year (or first full moon) villagers would eat nutmeats? While chewing on them the same number of times as their age, people would "...pray for safety, good health, and peace in the coming year." As we welcome 2009 and prepare for the journey through classes, tournaments, and tests, let us savor each bite of food and each bite of wisdom that comes our way! Appreciate the moment in which you find yourself. Let our new goal-driven practice in 2009 also reflect the best our dojang offers. Asa! (Information courtesy of Korea National Tourism Organization)

Giving form meaning

The second form we learn (color belt Pal-gwe ee-jang, black belt T'ae-guk ee-jang) represents the tae symbolizing strength of mind. This frame of mind is serene and gentle yet firm. In actual movement, the motions are made softly yet with firm control; illustrating that man has limitations that can be overcome. We should have a sense of joy knowing that we can control our future.

Language we use

Recently, Grandmaster Kim has used phrases that we should reflect upon both daily and while practicing wholeheartedly.

Do duk in ui ye ji roughly translates to "balance in all things"

Il gyuk pil sal meaning "first strike, kill" In our dojang we say "Always give 100%!"

Philosophically speaking Tao (Do in Korean language) literally means "way" or "path". It is the ultimate law governing the workings of the universe. Lao Tzu in the Chinese classic Tao Te Ching : There are in the universe four things supreme and man is one of them [include also do, heaven, and earth]. Man follows the law of earth; earth follows the laws of heaven; heaven follows the law of Tao. Tao follows the laws of its intrinsic nature.

(from TaeKwonDo by Marc Tedeschi  

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