Presentation IS important!

If you don’t believe that the way your present everything is important, then think about this… This comes from part of the lecture that Senior Chief Master Marshall Parnell gave during the Fall 2022 Midwest Haidong Gumdo testing & training. The full post is an expansion upon the concept and not completely from Kwanjangnim Parnell. […]

Read more
Potential

This statement is very true! This happens all over the place in physical and intellectual ways. The problem is that too many people are comfortable just coasting along. It takes less work to complete tasks and projects when you’re naturally adept at those skills. It can also be a lullaby convincing you that it is […]

Read more
When do you work?

I don’t usually use a meme to make a point but… This one fits for martial arts very well. I’ve been teaching for over 35 years now and have seen a wide variety of students come through the door. Not only the typical 8 year old to 70+ year old but the reasons for why […]

Read more
Ownership

I see myself as a martial arts teacher that hasn’t gone completely into the commercialized version of the industry. Teaching first, making money second. When life changed a year ago, I had to create something new. Part of that change has been to move away from security work and pursue a different management oriented route.This […]

Read more
How can you teach?

I really enjoy helping people along their martial arts path. I gain energy and renewed excitement for my training. There are also many, many insights gained from hearing students comment or describe their thoughts. Even learning new, maybe improved, ways to “talk” my experiences to students. The most innocent problem that can arise is when […]

Read more
Focus Your Energy

Learn how to use the Hero’s Journey to bring greater happiness and success to your career and life!

Read more
The Line of My People

“…there do I see the line of my people back to the beginning.” Recently my martial arts training has taken a major upturn. After many years of training and researching my Song Moo Kwan Taekwondo heritage, I have received a chance to take some really big forward steps. Additionally, I’ve had another chance to train […]

Read more
There is no secret ingredient…just TRAIN!

I got the chance to watch Kung Fu Panda, again, and The Sorcerer’s Apprentice last night. Its a nice little piece of brain candy to relax and just enjoy. However, it did get me thinking. (Kung Fu Panda) At the end, it was discovered that the secret Dragon scroll had no writing and there was no […]

Read more
“…of no use.”

“Planning has power. Executing plans has even more power, of course, but the plan comes first. Most people dither through their lives, waiting for opportunity, dodging problems, taking what comes. This is inherently passive. This is not a winning strategy. Do you like passive people? Admire them? Quit being one. So make a plan. What […]

Read more
Remembering and growing

The past couple weeks have been a very hectic, tiring and productive time. It started with our WTMA Haidong Gumdo Fall seminar and Dan testing. We had the chance to train again with the USA Haidong Gumdo Senior Chief Master Marshall Parnell. The weekend started with Dan testing for 12 students. There were eight who […]

Read more
Journey Toward Leadership

I found this series of articles and they gave me cause for thought about my leadership and capabilities. The Essentials of Leadership Part 1 – Part 2 – Part 3. I have always tried to impress on students that the school/class is theirs, not mine. While I may have started the movement, I know it […]

Read more
My classes are NOT fitness classes!

I am NOT a fitness instructor! My martial arts are NOT a fitness class! Recently, I found a posting for a Martial Arts Instructor position with a major fitness center. The requirements were listed as: (copied from the job posting listed today – 6/4/2014) —– Qualifications – High School diploma or GED preferred – Six months to […]

Read more
Martial arts…today?

Help wanted — Martial Arts Instructor – Tae Kwon Do-EDE01156 Description: Our team of Martial Arts Instructors works to provide entertaining and educational athletic programs for our members. Utilize your excellent customer service skills and passion for martial arts in this exciting position! As a Marital Arts Instructor, you will teach new skills to members […]

Read more
Competition

So, why do you “compete”? Regardless of the activity that you prefer, why do you “compete”? It struck me recently that, even though they acknowledge the amount of effort, commitment and training that goes into competing, people really associate success with the trophy won. Now, professional athletes compete…because they’re PAID. If they weren’t, they would […]

Read more