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Last month the underlying theme behind many of our lessons was In Neh which is Korean for endurance.  Sa Bom Nim Gilliland defined endurance as "the ability for the body to keep going when tired."  He further defined perseverence as "the ability for the mind to push the body when tired."  Lastly, he explained that indomitable spirit is the unyeilding character or will that demonstrates enduring perserverence.  It is that special quality (spirit) that makes you unique.  These definitions clearly tie-in the concept of In Neh to body, mind and spirit. It is important in your martial arts training to recognize the connection and train in a way that challanges you to improve your own stamina on all 3 levels.

Here are some of the things our red belt candidates who wrote a paper on In Neh had to say on the subject.

In Neh helps me the most in karate. I have to pay attention to the instructor or I get the dreaded push-ups. Paying attention is endurance for my mind and if I fail then I get endurance for my body. When I break boards for a test or a special occasion I need patience, courage and indomitable spirit. The board doesn’t always break the first time. Do you walk away and give up? No! You never give up! My motto is “you never give up no matter what.” You need In Neh every time you go to a karate class.

Endurance means to keep doing something without getting tired.  Endurance means you try your best to accomplish something you like.  It takes endurance because it can be hard and it takes a long time.  You can build your endurance by trying harder every second and by practicing it over an over again.  You put all your strength, power or even mind into it.

Endurance means continuing to do your best even when you’re too tired to go on, but you go on anyway.  When I come to class even when I don’t feel good or I’m tired, enduring through will make me stronger. I’m sure their will be times between now and the time I get my black belt that other things will come up when I’m supposed to be in Karate classes, but I will go to Karate. It is important to me to get my black belt so I will do whatever I need to do to get it. I think that is In Neh.