PHILOSOPHY OF TEACHING
By: DR. STEVENS
A living dedication to Taekwondo gives meaning to establishing a Taekwondo sense of value. The underlying purpose for teaching is to share knowledge in the pursuit of Taekwondo values while building life-long friendships. A true sense of value is achieved by demonstrating an intense commitment and devotion to the art and its philosophy. This dedication empowers students to succeed even amid disappointments and setbacks. It is the Master's job to inspire and influence his students so they may grasp the art with their whole heart and soul. Discipline is a natural part of this dedicated spirit.
No one has the capacity to respect others unless they first learn to respect themselves. The Taekwondo Do Jang is the perfect place to earn dignity, confidence and the will to help others. I teach to build attitudes of respect, which result in actions of courtesy. A work hard ethic is basic to a feeling of self-improvement and personal dignity. Caring corrections from which one can grow to higher levels of achievement is essential. Praise when deserved is equally important. To identify and work on areas of weakness, whether in skills or personality, creates the foundation for mapping a course toward improvement. To accentuate the positive is to give earned dignity and the confidence to hone those skills and traits to even higher levels. Human spirit and the will to fulfill spiritual desires are basic in establishing a Taekwondo sense of value.
There are ten two lettered words in English that are taught in my Schools. They are, "If it is to be it is up to me." The responsibility for self is basic to the giving of self in the pursuit of excellence. It is that attainment which permits the sharing of knowledge in teaching others. I attempt to instill the question: Will you endure the pain of hard work and discipline or the pain of regret and disappointment?
Discipline stems from a person's decision to live a certain way and follow a path of expectation in the journey to a destination. Discipline leads to perseverance in fighting battles within our minds.
The teaching philosophy develops a taekwondoin sense of value in our country in the pursuit of this martial art. The teaching philosophy indicates a sense of value grounded in respect for the value of human life and our individual differences. Discipline and courtesy (sportsmanship), self control, integrity, perseverance and an indomitable spirit are taught directly and by example. To hold these lofty goals foremost even while concentrating on skill perfection is our assurance that we established a sense of taekwondo value.
In the teaching philosophy, it is understood that control is implicit in a Taekwondoin beginning early in life. The ultimate goal is for Taekwondoins to take responsible control of their life. This implies the need at early ages to have some opportunities to make choices and build personal dignity. Teaching a child Taekwondo carries the responsibility to teach not to use the skills to bully or intimidate other children.
Basic ethics - a respect for life is an ultimate goal. Rules of conduct apply to all. Humility and rules of good conduct are taught best by example. A Taekwondo sense of value and ethics serves every practitioner regardless of age, status, sex, race or creed.