This past week marked the beginning of our Fall Grading cycle, and fifteen students across all age groups stepped to the center of the Spirit Circle to show us who they have become since the last time they stood there. That is what a Jungmu HapKiDo grading is for.
What we watched was not a performance. It was a demonstration of real growth. Forward movement earned through perseverance when things got harder, not easier.
Students grading above green belt faced an additional challenge this cycle. Techniques, control, precision, and their board breaks, all demonstrated blindfolded. Every board break was successful. Every single one. Some did not break the first time. And that is a hidden bonus for a student. Because they need to dig deeper into their strength of body, focus of mind and calm the spirit to break through when things don’t go your way the first time. Not just the board, but in life. That is the art, in martial arts.
What stood out as much as the individual performances was what happened in between. Classmates holding pads, taking turns as partners, cheering each other on, and yes, occasionally doing a very good breakfall when their partner connected a little better than expected. And in every age group, after a kick or a strike knocked a partner to the floor or put them on the mat, we heard the same thing:
“You good?”
Kind heart. Iron hand. 무술불심, Mu Sul Bul Sim. That is the HapKi way.
Every grading we look for something specific to each student. Everyone learns and progresses on their own timeline, at their own level, in their own way. The black belts on the review board all saw the same thing. Growth in each one of them, without exception.
After Friday’s grading, the black belts took to the mats. Honing the warriors edge.
HapKi! 🙏👊
Events, Closures, Schedule Changes, News and more…fast.
Choose text, email, or both.
Unsubscribe anytime.