How Do You Define Desire?

A young man wanted to know the meaning, the true meaning of desire. He search his early life for that meaning. He asked many people and the answers left him wanting more at each interval and each stop. It was suggested to him to go in search of an old mysterious old sage. Some believed the old wise man did not even exist.

The young man set out on his journey to find the wise old man. He searched for days when he finally came upon the sage. He asked the wise, old man, "What is the definition of desire?"

The old man said, "follow me!" The two hiked up and down mountains for hours to a crystal clear bluish green lake. It was medium sized, but gorgeous. You could see right through the water a good twenty feet or so before the distortion was just too much. The sage waded slowly out into the clear cool water with no expression on his face. At that point he placed his head in the water as if to see something. He lifted his head. He was nearly thirty feet out when he turned back to the shore.

He motioned for the young man to follow him out to the place where he was standing and said, "Come here young one. Come and see desire."

The young man started out to meet him. The water was very, very cool. It made the youth flinch at its coolness. He looked up at the sage still having no expression on his face. He continued on. The water stung as he waded out to where the old sage was. He looked at the the old man. The old man inclined his head downward motioning for the youth to look in the water. Slowly the youth lowered his body to look into the lake.

Suddenly, he felt two amazingly strong hands holding his head underwater. He could not escape. He fought with every ounce he could to free himself. He was beginning to lose hope, but with one last surge he managed to break free of the grip of the old man. He pulled his head out of the water and took in a huge breath. The precious air filled him with what he needed. Exasperated, the youth yelled, "Why did you do that?"

The old sage calmly stated, "My dear boy, when you find that which you are willing to fight with your entire being to obtain, just like you fought for the air, you will master desire."

The young man had found the meaning of desire and the answer to his question.

Blast From The Past !

Black Belt Study Habits

1. Get your class work done: The more you get done in class, the less you have to take home.

2. Plan your homework time: Start on time and concentrate on your homework 100%.

3. Homework area: Have a nice area with everything you need easily available.

4. Plan your work: Put each subject and assignment in order and complete each task accordingly.

5. Do it all: Always be honest with your parents about how much homework you have.

6. Block distractions: Don't let the TV, phone, or people distract you. These distractions can make it harder to learn and make it take much longer to complete your work.

7. Get help: Put the homework you need help with on the side and continue working on something else until someone is available to help you.

8. Check it: Go through each assignment to make sure it is complete and correct.

9. Organize: Organize your finished homework neatly so it is ready to turn in the next day.

10. Do your best: Homework and studying help you get smarter and achieve great things in life.

Tenets of Taekwondo

Courtesy is giving a bow,
to Black Belts and teachers who show you how.
It’s doing your choices before you are asked,
and being helpful in every class.
It’s simple words like “thank you” and “please”,
and never, ever to hurt or to tease.

Integrity is the simple rule,
of being honest at home and in school.
It’s never cheating when taking a test,
or thinking you’re better than all of the rest.
To lie or steal just wouldn’t be right,
so try to be honest with all your might.

Perseverance is telling you heart,
you’re going to finish the things that you start.
It’s refusing to quit when the going gets tough,
or starting to cry when the sparring get rough.
It’s not giving up on the board you must break,
no matter how many tries it may take.

Self-Control states a simple fact,
you should always think before you act.
It’s standing in class, not a muscle you twitch,
even if you only scratch an itch.
It’s counting to ten when things make you mad,
then walking away because fighting is bad.

Indomitable Spirit is showing no fear,
and not freezing up when trouble is near.
It’s knowing in life there’s some risks you must take,
and along the way some mistakes you may make.
It’s standing up proudly and thinking with glee,
I’m OK! I can do it! I believe in me!

Weaknesses and Strengths

One day, as a Zen master strolled through a field with his student, a pheasant started from a bush in front of them and ran awkwardly into a thicket. The student laughed and said, "Birds are so silly and defenseless." The Zen master swung his walking staff and struck the student across the shins. "Fly," he commanded.

How To Teach Your Child To Politely Get Your Attention

Here's a sure-fire way for kids to get their parent's attention in a well mannered way. 

When you are on the phone or talking to another person, and your child wishes to get your attention, have your child come up and put his or her hand on your arm, or shoulder, etc. without speaking, tugging, jumping up and down, etc. Now you are aware that your child needs something, but you can finish your thought and then turn and acknowledge your child -"Yes Johnny, now what can I do for you?"

The Black Belt Success Cycle

• Know what you want

• Have a plan
• Find a success coach
• Take consistent action
• Review your progress
• Renew Your goal

Our students use the Black Belt Success Cycle during their every day life.  First, you must decide, "what you want." Whether your goal is to earn a bachelor's degree, obtain a certain job, or open your own business.  Then you must decide what steps you are going to take to accomplish your goal, that is, to "have a plan."  For example, if your goal is to earn a bachelor’s degree, you make a list of what you must do to attain the degree, register for school, set-aside time for studying, etc.  A "success coach," is someone you choose that will support you during your difficult times and good times as you are attaining your goal.  Your success is dependent on your consistency.  You will only be successful in attaining your goal if you "take consistent action."  That means, do not give up, no matter what.  Another important factor is to "review your progress," re-evaluate how much you have accomplished within a certain period of time.  Take a step back and decide if you have followed the Black Belt Success Cycle.  Finally, "renew your goals." This helps you to keep motivated and focused.