This is the first of the 8 key concepts in Tang Soo Do.
How does the concept of honesty apply to Tang Soo Do?
Time and training for starters.
Let me explain.
If I want to gain improvement, I need to put in the time. If I want to maintain, a couple classes a week can do that. BUT if I desire to improve, I must adhere to at least 5 days of the week to train. I do not live in a vacuum providing me with uninterrupted training time. I work. I have responsibilities. I have 9 grandchildren, lawn to mow and a life to live. Must is a tough word but it requires honesty on my part. Am I training enough to be prepared for my test? Am I planning the time to do that? Honesty comes in here big time. If I can’t figure it out, am I honest enough to cry “uncle” and contact my instructor for help?
Training does not come without a plan. Sit down and figure out a time frame first. When can I train? For me, it has to be before I go to work or it doesn’t happen. That means getting up earlier, which means I need to get to bed earlier.
How can I train?
Asking my instructor is a great place to begin. He/she can help me with the techniques, hyungs, and one steps I should be doing at my rank level.
My plan should include at bare minimum, all techniques, hyungs(forms) and every single one step. Some schools have manuals, get one. Use it!
Write up a plan! Create a chart! If I am involved in this process it give credence to what I am doing. It makes it mine. No one else has a plan like mine. I love to have boxes to check, or things
to cross off. I love paper. If I put it on a screen, forget it. Other people utilize technology with a phone app. I’m what you’d call “old school.”
Set a time 5 days of the week and use every minute. I suggest at least 30 minutes, but if I am starting from scratch, I start small and work my way up. And yes, if I am not well, I rest. If I feel tired or wiped out, then training “soft” helps me gain back perspective and doesn’t drain me.
Other options
Private lessons are also a good investment .
Zoom classes , if offered, are an awesome investment.
Training takes time. It requires honesty with myself in drawing up a plan and working it. I need to stay in communication with my instructor, attend as many classes possible and ask for help if I need it.
Keep training! Tang Soo!
