When I taught in a public school system in a low socio-economic area, I noticed a disturbing trend. Very often, students would be passed onto the next grade with no concern for their grades or their mastery of basic, necessary skills.
It was simply to move them on and move them out.
Some believe this is strictly a socio-economic issue. I can’t speak to that. But, what I can speak to is the fact that I see a lot of students at our dojang who come from what most would consider to be “better” socio-economic school districts.
And, even with those students, I notice that they often possess what I call a “good enough” attitude.
During my mat chats, I ask what “good enough” means.
Good enough to shut me up?
Good enough to pass your test?
Good enough to be number one in the class?
Good enough to be number one in the world?
Good enough to fool your parents?
Good enough to get the minimum wage job for the rest of your life?
When kids first start, we tell them: “you don’t have to be better than somebody else, you just have to be better than you were yesterday.” That’s a great starting point for a kid, but I don’t believe it applies to adults.
At some point, you do need to be better than someone else.
If you apply for college, you need to be better than those who are applying against you if you want to get in.
If you’re applying for a job, they’re not going to choose number three, they’re going to choose number one.
From a Tae Kwon-Do standpoint, if you’re attacked on the street, you definitely want to be better than the person attacking you!
We encourage that attitude at our dojang. We want you to go beyond merely what’s expected of you, to giving people more. To always strive to be not just “good enough,” but to be the best of the best.
These days, there aren’t a lot of venues for kids to gain that attitude as absolutely as they get it at the dojang.
And, it’s very personalized. I look at every student that comes through the door and assess what you’re capable of now, and what I believe you can become.
Helping you become is my joyful challenge. My duty.
Master Gorino’s Tae Kwon-Do offers a trial program for individuals and families in Buffalo, NY and the surrounding areas that allows you to get a feel for the different classes, meet our instructors, and experience our dojang. It’s a great way to see if Tae Kwon-Do is right for you. To learn more or to sign up, register online or call (716) 836-KICK (5425) and a member of our team will follow up with you on next steps. We look forward to helping you achieve your goals. Pil-Sung!
