Rolling around on the floor is something that children are used to, but that’s not usually the case for adults.
Being A Student
As someone who came to Tae Kwon-Do at a later age, my goals were centered around exploring methods that were entirely new to adult learning. I wanted to be challenged to learn how to use my mind and body in a different way. I wanted to learn the balance and concentration that comes with this martial art.
As a student at this school in particular, the variety of students, and the variety of education was very stimulating. You never know from one day to the next what the curriculum is going to bring. Our curriculum develops students longitudinally. So, you go through certain exercises, you repeat them later on, and you can eventually start to see your own growth.
Because there is a lot of variety, if you’re not good and are rather “clutz-y” in the beginning, you can find other students that are better than you to use for inspiration, and also those that aren’t as good as you to use for reassurance.
Becoming An Instructor
Transitioning to being an instructor was, and remains, rather thrilling and daunting because some of the detail that you learn as a student, you are now needing to internalize. Each person learns and thinks differently. Some days are good, some days are bad. So, you must be creative about how to speak, how to show, and how to demonstrate in a variety of ways. As instructors, we are always hoping to find the phrase or the experience that will help students grow within themselves.
As a new instructor, I was taught in somewhat superficial terms the world of Tae Kwon-Do history. I learned about the school, about the traditions, and about the grandmaster that invented Tae Kwon-Do, and is our leader. But, as I progressed and became more senior in my experience, I found myself wanting to learn, be inspired, and understand how this particular art form differs from others. To discover why it evolved, the traditions of the leaders and legends, and almost to tease out of oneself how Tae Kwon-Do is unique compared to other martial art traditions.
Master Gorino, as an instructor, is an exceptional teacher. I have always loved being a student and looking for teachers who could inspire me to work hard. To not always necessarily succeed, but to keep going and want to come back and do more. I also like the somewhat Socratic method of asking questions, evolving to an answer, re-affirming those answers and going on from there. It’s an incremental learning, building on past knowledge, and seeking new knowledge.
I have found that here as a student of Master Gorino’s, and am inspired to incorporate it as an instructor.
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!
