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In September, Sa Bom Nim Gilliland spoke about leadership.  He described how important it is for our students to develop leadership qualities as they progress in their training.  These qualities are useful in the Dojang, but more importantly they are invaluable at school, at work, and in life.  Leadership is a skill that can be achieved through practice of Tang Soo Do.  As you advance in your training you will be given opportunities to practice leadership.

Leadership requires confidence, plain and simple.  Confidence is developed through repetition of the material your are learning.  Practicing techniques, such as choon gul ha dan mahk kee (low block), over and over will improve your understanding of and confidence in the technique.  Your instructors want to challange you to lead others when they are sure you have sufficiently practiced and know the material.  Be mindful that you may be asked to demonstrate for others.  The ability to demonstrate your knowledge to others will carry over into everyday life.  Through Tang Soo Do training you will develop confidence in your physical abilities and communication skills.  This will be beneficial in all situations.

My father once gave me some applicable advice - a leader leads from the front.  This is very important, as it is natural for the student to emulate the teacher, and not just in technique.  A teacher should display all the qualities they would like to see in their students.  Respect for others, patience, good listening skills, and proper etiquette (at the Dojang and in all social situations).  Act like a black belt.  Lead by example.  Other students will see your example and learn from your lead.  We want all of our students to become black belts in Tang Soo Do and in life.

Leadership requires the ability to communicate.  We encourage students to speak load and clear in class so fellow students can hear and understand them.  We often ask students to demonstrate techniques in front of the class and to describe their movements.  We want students who've gained confidence in their abilities to show off in a way that inspires others.  We want them to speak to instructors and fellow students in a way that inspires others.

Lastly leadership requires practice.  Sure some people have more natural ability than others, but with practice you WILL get better.  With that growth we expect a willingness to demonstrate leadership in the Dojang as you advance in rank.  Advanced testings will specifically measure leadership qualities of students.  Demonstrating leadership in class is a way of honoring your school and your instructors in return for the knowledge you gain.  Demonstrating leadership in class will give you confidence to lead outside of class. 

So leadership is especially important at OC School of Martial Arts.  Leadership exhibited by your instructors developed with years of dedication and training in Tang Soo Do.  It is our desire that we serve as good examples for our students.  In this way leadership becomes an essential part of your Tang Soo Do training as well.  With patience and practice you too will develop to be an effective leader.

Tang Soo!
Son Saeng Nim Matt Torchia