Developing Proper Attitudes
Dr. Dennis McCain
The development of a proper attitude is critical to every person. This is especially true of the martial artist. Each of us entered TKD with personal attitudes that were ingrained over a number of years by experience, family relationships, and observation. Some of these attitudes are negative and some are positive. As we recognize the negative areas of our life, we should endeavor to change them, thereby enhancing the good qualities which honor God, our parents, our instructor, and reflect the good teaching that we have received. I was reminded of this when I recently experienced a situation with a rude driver. He seemed to have a "Get out of my way attitude" which is sometimes reflected in the lives of those who are selfish, arrogant, unkind and unteachable.
However, the attitude of a proper martial artist should be reflected in the qualities of his/her life which demonstrate service, humility, kindness, and a teachable spirit. Do you want to learn Taekwondo? If so, learn the concepts of good character, listen to your instructor, allow your instructor to provide the necessary teaching that will build your life, find ways to help in your school, learn all that you can, follow the tenets of TKD and the student oath, and let truth govern your life. Arguing over who is senior student, showing off or bragging, rudeness, not being diligent in your work ethic, are ways NOT to develop good character.
Watch other Black Belts in our association and copy the positive qualities that you observe. Movies distort the true quality of life which the martial artist should strive to achieve. The real achieving of these goals comes from knowing God, and obeying those whom He has placed in authority over you. Think through and ask your parents, pastor and instructor to explain it to you.
