Martial Arts Lawrenceville Georgia — My son started his journey in Hapkido a little over a year ago. The idea was to put him in something that would reinforce discipline, allow socialization with other kids, and keep him active. I saw his excitement and eagerness to learn more with each class he attended. It felt like we found something more than just an activity. Speaking with other parents while watching him gave a sense or a belief that everyone was family. That everyone truly cared about each other not just the instructors leading the class and students in attendance.
About a month later, Instructor Moore would ask if I would like to give it a go. I thought to
myself I’m a bit long in the tooth for this kind of activity, maybe twenty years ago but at this
stage I’m no spring chicken. I politely said I’ll give the idea some thought, a few classes later we talked further and come to find out we had a lot in common. I decided a month trial wouldn’t hurt, I could use the exercise and perhaps it would be motivational for my son to see his old man walking the walk.
First class in, I didn’t know what to expect being new to taking a martial arts class especially at forty plus. The warmup was good while necessary and then we moved into a brief set of
callisthenic type exercises. Then came the target kicking and I couldn’t kick over my waist,
probably more like my knees but I survived. Later that night, it felt like everything was hurting and I considered myself to be in decent shape. Back, neck, feet, toes, even my spirit, felt like I went twelve rounds with a professional boxer. This is when I learned stretching would become my greatest and closest friend before, during, and after class…stretching.
In my journey learning Hapkido there has been highs and lows, especially being a bit seasoned.
Mostly my lows became highs since I was able to use them as fuel to progress. I found often when learning techniques you see the finality of it, but not the steps in between, at least the minute details. The instructors give you the steps like opening your front foot and turning your hip to execute the kick. Early on, I had some difficulty opening my foot and hip to really get the pop I was looking for during a few kicks. For snap kicks, which I considered to be one of my worst, was practicing with Instructor Kevin and the one thing he noticed changed my life. It was so subtle, that I missed it majority of the time watching a demonstration and probably would have never realized it on my own. He simply said I wasn’t turning my shoulders enough, voila, kick got better, and hips stopped hurting (still not my favorite kick).
My biggest low or lowest point was partially tearing my meniscus. It was two weeks before a belt test, perfect timing couldn’t have happened to a better knee said no one. I saw the doctor and the doctor said…”no more jumping on that knee young man”, at least for a month. Well, Hapkido teaches to exercise wisdom and sagacity, that went out the door before I left the office. I took two weeks to rest and rehab using techniques I learned at Google University. The belt test came, I showed up on a wing and a prayer this old knee holds up. It felt better but not a hundred percent and during warm up I was worried about one kick…jump center toe snap kick. I figured I wouldn’t practice that one and save it for the test. However, good ole Instructor Patterson, never one to except mediocrity said let’s go Malik. Six kicks later from both sides and I survived feeling confident I could nail the kick. Looking back, I probably should have said something about my knee, but had I not tried it would have been front of mind during the test.
This was one of my proudest moments because I pushed through, gave it my all, and didn’t hold back. That’s how it’s been so far, giving the good while instructors bring out the best.
A few belt tests by the waist side and I would earn the honor of being asked to join the
instructor team. I wondered why me, I’m no black belt, what do I have to offer considering I’m a student myself working on the basics. Instructor Moore, with a bit of Jedi mind trickery, offered a bit of advice in that life’s lessons makes teachers of us all if we allow it to do so willingly (sometimes when we don’t as well). Once again being reminded of my age, I thought while I don’t know a lot, I know more than a little and perhaps I could be of help in any way possible.
Well, a year later of hard work, practicing, stretching and more stretching, I can honestly say it’s been worthwhile and a privilege. My son and I have grown closer discussing techniques, practicing, quizzing each other on general knowledge. The latter of which he happens to be fantastically wonderful at, stumping me many times while I marvel at the information he retains. The kids and young adults have become extensions of my own family. I enjoy the idiosyncrasies of each, how they learn, develop, and the realization of what they can accomplish through determination is the most rewarding aspect of being an instructor as well as student.
Overall, our new Hapkido family has been a blessing. Instructor Moore has been a great teacher, mentor, and a friend most of all during periods of time in which I needed an outlet unbeknownst to me. I greatly appreciate everyone who attends (family and friends) as well as every student and instructor from all the schools. I found everyone to be genuine, caring, and just good people in general.
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For more Choe’s HapKiDo Success Stories, check out martial arts student, Jack Haydell!