November 2006 Newsletter

Sa Bom Nim’s Sermon

Tang Soo !!!!

I'm very excited about attending a weekend training camp with Kyo Sa Nim James Davis' students.  The weekend will be full of Tang Soo Do, but also fun activities for all participants.  It'll be great to be outdoors and enjoy the fresh air. 

I plan on spending quiet time there to think about the future of Aim and Focus Karate.  I think it's time for some changes in our school.  There are times in life when you must stand up and be counted.  I feel like I'm coming to one of those crossroads.  I'm excited about the possibilities our future holds, but also humble.  I know I will be leading my students down new and interesting pathways.  They are trusting me to make the best choices for our school.  I can promise you that the direction we take will be the one that I honestly believe is the best choice for everyone.  I'm calling on my sense of Pyong Ahn (Peaceful Confidence) to lead me in the right direction. 

One change I'm seriously considering is changing the name of our school from "Aim and Focus Karate" to "Aim and Focus Martial Arts".  The term "karate" is often used to refer to many different styles of martial art, but is in fact a specific Japanese system.  It sometimes confuses new students and other martial artists when they learn that I don't actually teach "karate".  We will always be "Aim and Focus" and that is what really matters.  

On the theme of stand up and be counted, those of you that participated in or watched the last belt test saw four young people doing just that.  Gianluca Mazari and Danny Mazari were testing for red belt.  This is a very important test in our belt system.  I always try to push students hard on this particular test.  I pushed Gianluca and Danny to perform to the best of their ability.  They never quit.  When their bodies slowed down they waited to recover and then gave me what they had left.  Zac Gibbons and Kala Heldoorn were testing for red belt 1-stripe and 2-stripe respectively.  I ask only the best from my red belts.  Their technique is important, but their attitude speaks volumes.  Zac pushed himself to his physical limits without complaining or quitting.  Kala made a few technical mistakes but didn't let that rattle her or spoil her test.  I will proudly promote these students to their next rank.  Sure, they are fine young martial artists....but MUCH more importantly they are fine young people.  I'm very proud to be associated with them as their teacher.

Tang Soo !!!!!!!!!

Your Sa Bom Nim