Taekwon-Do: My Commission to Future Taekwon-Do Generations. 4th Degree Candidate Paper.

[Jim B]

My Commission to Future Taekwon-Do Generations

Technical Expert:

The 4^th degree black belt represents the technical expert in Taekwon-Do.

An “expert” in any field is commonly defined as a person who possesses a special skill or knowledge gained from training and experience. Note: The expert is not defined by physical talent or ability, it is by training. A skill is only gained through training and experience. Within the context of Taekwon-Do, that means years of hard training and hard work. There is no substitute for this.

One of the roles of 4^th degree black belt is that of an ambassador and technical authority in Taekwon-Do technique. While these terms are, of course, relative to others' knowledge and experience, the 4^th degree should be able to confidently answer most technical questions that should arise during the course of a normal training session, such as proper stance, weapons of the human body, correct blocking technique, correct movement during hyung practice, etc. These are the nuts and bolts of Taekwon-Do, and the 4^th degree should be able to recite this basic technical information instantly and accurately.

Being a technical expert also means that the 4^th degree should be able to look past the aesthetic portion of a student's technique and see the true strength and development of technique.

For example, a 1^st degree black belt instructor may see a junior student's technique, such as a sidekick, as correct simply because it possesses strength and technically looks correct or aesthetically pleasing. The 4^th degree should be able to look further into the technique and determine if there are further minor corrections that could be made to bring out even more potential in the student, or if there is some minute correction that could be made that might subtly improve power or balance. This will come with training and experience. Likely, this experience will come with having been exposed to hundreds of other students of different body types, and the 4^th degree can pull from his or her training and experience to further improve the student's technique.

Of course, this should not be simply an academic study. The 4^th degree should also have performed enough correct repetitions of each technique that they are a part of the candidate's being, and should be absolutely reflexive in nature. By all description, the 4^th degree should have practiced the basic techniques long enough that he or she should be near their peak performance level, and can now be seen as an authority on technical aspects of martial art.

Ideal Instructor:

The 4^th degree black belt should represent the ideal instructor of Taekwon-Do. In Gen. Choi's Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do, the guidelines for an ideal instructor are laid out:

1. Strong ethical and moral standards.

2. Clear outlook and philosophy of life.

3. Responsible attitude as an instructor.

4. Scientific mind in matters of technique.

5. Knowledge of the vital spots of the human anatomy.

6. Unshakeable integrity in political and financial dealings.

7. Dedication to spread the art of Taekwon-Do throughout the world.

8. One who gains confidence of his seniors, is trusted by his fellow instructors, and is respected by his juniors.

   
   

My commission:

My simple commission to future generations of Taekwon-Do students is to live up to these ideals and pass on Kim's Taekwon-Do technique in as accurate and true form as possible. It has helped me to live my life honorably, given me health and fitness and I can only hope that a student of mine will someday be inspired to do the same.

Taekwon-Do can only be passed from teacher to student. It cannot be learned through books and video.