As a Taekwondo instructor with 35 years of experience, I have always been proud of my black belt and the knowledge and skills that I have acquired over the years. However, I also felt that I had lost something along the way: the joy of learning and improvement.
That is why I decided to go back to the beginning and embrace the beginner’s mindset once again. I signed up with a not-so-local Hapkido school and attended classes as a white belt once more..
Hapkido is a Korean martial art that combines elements of Taekwondo, judo, and aikido. It emphasises the use of joint locks, throws, and pressure points to neutralise an attacker.
Learning Hapkido has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Not only have I been able to learn new techniques and concepts, but I have also gained a new appreciation for the art of Taekwondo.
By being open to learning from others, I have been able to make significant progress in my own training. I have discovered new techniques and concepts that I had never encountered before and have gained a renewed appreciation for the art of Taekwondo.
Going back to being a student has also helped me become a better instructor. I have gained a deeper understanding of the journey of my students and have been able to share my insights and experiences with them.
By letting go of my ego and being open to learning from others, I have been able to rediscover the joy of learning and improvement. It’s a feeling that I had not experienced in a long time, and one that I have come to cherish.
If you are interested in expanding your training and would like to learn Hapkido, I will be starting a class locally in the near future. So you’ll need to check out the Premier Dojang Academy’s website.
I hope that this blog post has inspired you to consider going back to the beginning and embracing the student mentality once again. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, there is always more to learn and grow in Taekwondo.
Don’t be afraid to go back to the beginning and embrace the student mentality. You never know what you might discover and where it will take you. Good luck on your Taekwondo journey!
Mr Hollinsworth 6th Degree
International Instructor & Examiner
ianhollinsworth.com