Bowing

One thing I learnt from the recent NCAP course... One thing I really really really admired... One thing that got into my heart... The following:

Bowing must be done in a slow and dignified manner... It signifies respect, humility and DEPENDENCE on another individual... Bowing must never be done to hide malicious intentions... It must be done genuinely...

I have been so lost.. So proud and so 'independent'... I have forgotten all about the fact that Taekwondo is all about mutual dependence... How can you spar without an opponent? How can you improve without someone to hold the target for you? How can you grow without someone to correct your mistakes? How can you train without an instructor... How can an instructor conduct a class without his students? How can juniors survive without the tender care of their seniors? How can seniors survive without the respect of their juniors?

The concept of mutual dependence is so intrinsic to taekwondo that it is encapsulated even in the process of bowing... Bowing has become such a habit that it has lost its significance.. In essence.. when you bow to someone, you are telling him/her that you GENUINELY respect him, you want to learn from him and you need him... Do it slowly and in a dignified manner.. With your feet closed, your fists at the side of your body... Do it properly... And everytime you do it, clense yourself.. Tell yourself this," I have bowed to this person, I will not do or say mean things about him... Or my bowing will lose its meaning."


Dear Lord,

I have been so wrong..
I now know that there is something
very innately wrong about my character..
My pride has forced me into a shell..
I am so sorry...

I am like salt that has lost its saltiness...
I am no longer good for anything...
For you have showed me grace...
And kept me in the squad...

I need to know the purpose...
Of my presence..
I am so sorry...
I am so sorry...

Thanks for blessing me despite my pride..

In Jesus's name,
Amen


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Sam Sir told me this: (pardon me for recollection errors)

Taekwondo trains a man to become a physically, morally and socially idealistic person.

In essence, man are flexible creatures... They will stay alive... even if they choose to direspect their parents, themselves... They can spout vulgarities, drink and smoke... indulge in all kinds of pornography... But what taekwondo trains us to be is to have a backbone of morals... Of inflexible values that must be attained... In order to have a dignified life...

Be a good man... Taekwondo is not all about kicks and punches, medals and fame... It is about being a good man...or woman...