Being Believable

In September we are discussing leadership and the phrase 'to be believed you need to be believable'. In one discussion we talked about who in our life has been a great example of an inspirational leader. I chose General Choi, the father of TaeKwon-Do. I was lucky enough to attend a seminar he gave before he died and the way this diminutive man carried himself with such strength together with such humility was inspiring. He would demonstrate techniques on the biggest people in the room with such quiet confidence and skill. General Choi was so short and small framed and in his 80s. He commanded such great respect from everyone in the room without the need to yell and be agressive. I respect the way someone can develop such great skill and power but still be humble and treat others with great respect.

Last Thursday we had a class with Sifu Maury and he talked about being believable. He focussed on entering everything we do with 100% conviction. Not just Kung Fu, but at work, raising our children etc. Not to do anything in half-measures even if we think it is a task that is not worthy of our time and attention. It is a great thought to bear in mind throughout all our activities in life. It was a lesson I helped teach a beginner on Saturday. We have put together a demonstration for the next sash ceremony where at one point we call out a kung fu move and perform it. When ever it got to him this beginner would sigh, shrug and half-heartedly say 'dragon' and go into a lame dragon position that he has seen his son do and not been taught himself. He communicated 'There is nothing I feel confident to do so I may as well do this one'. After seeing him do the same thing twice I approached him and reminded him that if he was to be believable he needed to do the move with some conviction - to shout the name of the move with confidence and perform it straight away with 100% focus and intention.

In that Saturday class we continued our discussions about leadership and were asked to name someone in the school that acts as a leader and explain why. The first one named me, referring to how I coached them during sparring that day. The second person also said me, mentioning how I helped them through their forms after class last week. The third person named me as well, referring to how I was able to correct some form movements recently in a positive way without making her feel bad about herself. The forth person was me and I mentioned Kevin, who has taken the role of a Sihing (big brother) for me since I joined. It was great to hear how I have made such an impact on so many people in the school.

Nick
Yellow strip sash