The tiger PAW
Official Publication of Woodward’s TaeKwonDo Academy,  June 2008

Loyalty and Dedication
By Rod Gilmore

I think that many who are new students have misconceptions about what it means to be a part of the martial arts. Their knowledge is based on what they see choreographed on television or in the movies. So many believe that in a short time they will become like Bruce Lee or Jackie Chan. The truth is that it takes years and years of hard work and dedication to even approach what most consider being fairly skilled in the martial arts. Most beginners don’t want to hear this. The training will not be easy. They will have to overcome many obstacles like their own mind, physical and mental abilities, time, patience, aches and pains, disciplines and egos. Many will fall away when the reality of this level of commitment is understood.

The student needs to get to the point where they understand that the martial arts are not just about the physical but also about the mind and the spirit. Sometimes that concept is hard to understand at first. It takes dedication and commitment to get to a point where they see the whole picture. Actually, I’m not sure we ever see the “whole picture”. I think we just get to a point where we start to see what the picture looks like. And as our understanding grows, we grow.

Loyalty and Dedication are some of the principles that are at the very foundation of our school. Within these two are such things as commitment, sacrifice, effort, brotherhood, honesty, integrity, leading by example, and character. They are foundations of our school but they are also he foundations of our martial arts. 

Commitment: I know that it’s possible to come and put in your time and get yourself a black belt. But a true black belt is dedicated not only to learning the curriculum but also to growing as a person and helping others grow. This should become a lifestyle. I have very little free time, but I am committed to do everything that I can with whatever time I have to improve. 

Sacrifice: There will be a cost. Yes, some money but I’m talking more about your time. Going to class when you are tired and would rather be at home watching television. Going to the lower belt classes to help out because this isn’t all about you. Pushing yourself when it’s hard and then pushing yourself some more. Laying down your ego. These things are about creating a better person on the inside. Sacrifice is somehow cleansing to the soul. It helps us change our focus and be more complete people. 

Effort: We have to be dedicated to pushing ourselves both physically and mentally. This is how we grow. That should mean that you work as hard when the instructor’s back is turned as you do when they are looking in your direction. 

Brotherhood: The longer that I’m in Taekwondo, the more I realize that there really is a sense of brotherhood involved. I know that is mostly because Mr. Woodward has made it that kind of school. I see loyalty to each other displayed daily. I know that some of us who teach don’t always come across the way we should but I know there is a deep commitment and desire to help the other students become better in every way. I also see a bond between most of us that is genuine. I think that this loyalty is what makes our school unique. 

Honesty and Integrity: What does honesty and integrity have to do with loyalty and dedication? If loyalty and dedication are the foundation of our school, then honesty and integrity are the cornerstones of that foundation. They go hand-in-hand and one doesn’t work without the other. 

Every one of us has limitations. I’m sure that we know them better than anyone else. I would challenge each one of us to look for those areas that might be a little more hidden that we can improve on, especially in the areas of loyalties and dedication. They are issues of the heart and mind.

As I mentioned earlier, Taekwondo is about the body, mind, and spirit. If you are not working on all three areas you are missing the message. If you commit yourself to grow in these areas, you and those around you will be better for it.


June Birthdays

1- Christian Bertram
2-Mr. Steven Welch
2- Ms. Keriann Ashley-Chase
6-Austin Kibler
7-Gabe Henneberger
14-Spencer Cole
26-Mariel Empinado
28-Ken Hopkins

**HAPPY BIRTHDAY**

EVENTS
June
7th- Master Pierce’s Board Breaking Seminar
7th- Tournament Judge Certification Seminar (Black Belts only)
21st- HTF 2008 National Championships
25 & 26- Tentative Testing Date
28th- Master Pierce’s TKD School Picnic

Master Pierce’s Board Breaking Seminar
Saturday, June 7th in Lynnwood, Master Pierce will be holding a seminar on how to break boards. The cost is $20.00. 
Child and Adult Color Belts: 9:15-11:45am
Adult and Child Black Belts: 11:00-12:30

Tournament Judge Certification Seminar
This seminar is for Black Belts who need to certify and re-certify to be an HTF judge at tournaments. The date is Saturday, June 7th from 1PM-5PM, full white uniform. For more information, please see the flyer at the front counter.

HTF 2008 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS TOURNAMENT
Saturday, June 21, 2008, Edmonds Woodway High School, Master Pierce is hosting the Nationals. This is the one of the biggest tournaments for our organization. Everyone is asked to participate and go to cheer on everyone. Bow in is at 8:45am. For more information, please see the flyer at the front counter.

Demo Team Competition

There will be a special demo team competition at the tournament. You do not have to be a member of Woodward’s Demo team to compete. For all the complete rules, pick up a flyer. 

Testing

We have penciled in testing dates to be June 25th and 26th. 
Make sure you practice everything you learn in class for at least 5 minutes a night. Paperwork needs to be turned in before you will be eligible to test so make sure to get that turned in as soon as possible. 

Master Pierce’s TKD School Picnic

Master Pierce has invited all the HTF schools to a picnic on June 28 from 9:30-3:30 at Forest Park in Everett, WA. This is a potluck style event, but no beer or alcoholic beverage will be allowed. 

T-Shirts

Warm weather is coming, and with that, students have the option to wear short sleeve WTA shirts or dobak top. June we ask that you wear your Woodward's Taekwondo Academy t-shirts to stay cool during classes. 

Demo Team Demo

Our demo team needs your help. We need to show our demos. Do you know anyone or a place where we could show of our team? It could be an office party, a school function, a military presentation, etc. Please talk to Mr. Danny Gilmore to schedule a demo that can spread our art to others as well as get our team practice being in front of an audience.