Taking Time

Barack Obama was in London over the weekend. He was overheard having an informal, private conversation with the Conservative Party leader, David Cameron.

Cameron asked Obama if he had taken any holiday. Obama mentioned that he would hope to take a week in August and then continued,

"…somebody who had worked in the White House – not Clinton himself, but somebody who had been close to the process – said that, should we be successful, that actually the most important thing you need to do is to have big chunks of time during the day when all you’re doing is thinking."

It made me think of what we do in both Ki and Hapkido classes, and the importance of time-out, away from the constant barrage of demands at work or at home.

In the short term, Ki Class forces us to take a pause in our increasingly chaotic world. More importantly, one significant long term effect is our ability to manage our day-to day stresses much more effectively. Similarly, we experience this when we practice Hapkido, particularly though the discipline – which teaches us to be more present.

Sometimes the more stressed and busy our lives, the harder it is to take time out. But, paradoxically, it is usually then when we most need it.

I’ve lost count of the number of people who have come up to me after a class and said, “Saboumnim, I almost didn’t come to class tonight. Work is really full on at the moment, I felt shattered. But, I’m so pleased I came. I have so much more energy now, and my head is clearer.”

I’m really pleased. Let’s keep taking time.

Finding the meaning of Black Belt

There is a story that Master Chang has told many times:

Being the best Karateka
A young boy travelled across Japan to the school of a famous martial artist. When he arrived at the dojo he was given an audience by the sensei.“What do you wish from me?” the Master asked. “I wish to be your student and become the finest Karateka in the land,” the boy replied.“How long must I study?” “Ten Years at least,” the master answered. “Ten years is a long time”, said the boy. “What if I studied twice as hard as your other students?”“20years” replied the master.“20years! What if I practice day and night with all my effort?”“30 years”, was the master’s reply. “How is it that each time I say I will work harder you tell me it will take longer?” the boy asked.“The answer is clear. When one eye is fixed upon your destination, there is only one eye left with which to find the way”

I heard someone say a little while ago, “If I know I’m going for my Black Belt, I’ll train much harder”.

Of course, when you are testing for Black Belt you naturally increase the intensity of your training – you want to do your best.

At Chang's Hapkido Academy though, the Black belt test is taken...then a few months later you must complete a written test...then you must continue to wait for your result. It’s a long process that might last 6-12months.

All through this process Master Chang asks me about your attitude, your attendance, how you treat your instructor, what else is happening in your life.

This seems a lot; does it seem too much?

Mr Presser, who was awarded his black belt in March 2008 would probably say that the process made his achievement even more special. I would agree. If it was easy, or simply about performing for one hour on one day, somehow it would be worth much less…

Through this long process, Master Chang not only checks the external – your physical abilities – but also your internal.

Are you motivated just because you have an external goal? or have you found inner motivation? for example.

So often we look outside when we are lacking something inside…

• Maybe if I run the marathon then I’ll be fit, healthy?
• Maybe if I compete against someone in the boxing ring then I’ll be strong?
• Maybe if I train in 2 martial arts at once, then I’ll be a good fighter?
• Maybe if I earn £10,000 more then I’ll be secure?
• Maybe if I lose 10lbs then he’ll like me?
• Maybe if I do … whatever…. Then I’ll be worthwhile?

The ironic thing is that by seeking the answer externally – we get further away from the real answer – the internal answer.

That’s why the process isn’t instantaneous… time helps you reflect, and find the real meaning of black belt.