“A child must be taught early that money is only a means, a type of usefulness, an implement. Like all instruments, it has certain purposes, but it will not do everything. One must learn how to use it what it will do but above all, what it will not do.”-Bruce Lee
Money, it can be helpful, as well as burdensome. When I first started my study of Taekwondo, I wasn’t worried. I had many new things to learn. Everything was new; new outfit, new rules, and new people. I didn’t mind though. It wasn’t as if I was moving from one grade school to another. I was about to start training in a martial art!
It was exciting. Like when you first learn to ride a bike. Or, when you taste something new for the first time, and love it! Such was my feelings towards “The Way.” Soon, training became a sort of habit. Not so much a choir, as a necessity. It was something you would hate to miss. Like planning an outing, weeks in advance, then realizing that the weather forecast predicts rain.
In many cases, similar to my own, the rain is bound to fall on the most dedicated of martial artists. In this case, the “rain” is known as money problems. Put simply, not being able to pay for your lessons, one way or another.
Of course, it’s not all bad. Now, if you lose your job, then get hit by a car on your way out of your former workplace, you have the right to say it’s all bad. Then again, even that situation may not be horrible either, considering the amount you would sue the driver for running you over.
But, would you like to know the secret? How to continue with your training on your own? Want to be in better shape when you come back to the dojang than you left? I’ll tell you--Perseverance.
What? Isn’t that one of the tenants of Taekwondo? Yes it is, and you know what else? It’s something that either makes or breaks us. Perseverance is what true martial artists are made of. It’s the will to keep going, not to give up; having an Indomitable Spirit.
You will have to make a commitment to your training, just as you made a commitment to going to Taekwondo classes regularly. But, that won’t necessarily be all you should do while training at home. I highly recommend adding running to your training. Run every other day, if you don’t already do so. Here’s why…
For me, adding running to my training was incredible. I lost ten pounds in the first few weeks! This is coming from someone who practiced taekwondo and nothing else, everyday. I was already in great fighting condition (tournament wins to prove it), but it was incredible to see how much better I could be. I firmly recommend running if you don’t already do it. It has been absolutely incredible. I promise that you won’t be disappointed.
But obviously, running alone isn’t enough. The main way to make sure you get back into your Taekwondo class in better shape is this: Go through your average Taekwondo class, by yourself, at home. Sense you already know what you’ll be returning to, train the same way you normally would.
Sounds simple? Sure does. Is it simple? Sure is. Well, the plan is simple at least. But that’s not a bad thing. Don’t think you’ll get bored training by yourself either.
Think of it this way. Ever go to the dojang, hoping to work on a particular technique you’ve been interested in, only to end up working on something completely different? Sure you have. Well, here’s the beauty of training on your own (as if it’s your choice in the first place). You can now work on whatever it is you feel you need to work on as much as you want! Cool Huh?
The best thing you can do is to hang in there. Better times are on there way.
Tags: Aftertalk Money Bruce Lee Payment Can't Pay
