Esteban Sandoval
01/01/10
Chang Moo Kwan, not just a Martial Art
When I say Chang Moo Kwan, what comes to mind? A kick? A punch? “Karate Kid”? All of these are the most common answers to the term martial art, but little is known on the impacts that it can have on your life as a person, a friend, a citizen, a son, and a leader. Chang Moo Kwan , or “martial training school,” is an ancient practice, a discipline, that was created in Korea with many virtues and rules that apply to those of a military type teaching. Am I in the military? Certainly not. Does that give me an excuse to not have their courage, leadership, discipline and potential? Even less. Because of Chang Moo Kwan, I have grown mentally, emotionally, and physically more than I could have ever seen myself become.
Emotions. A very commonly misunderstood word that when used in today’s culture represents “weakness”. To this comment I have one simple phrase that my Master Alex Peredes taught me, “Once I put my mind to it, NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE.” Approximately a year and 4 months ago, I was a regular guy, just like most, I had a vague idea of discipline, and duty, but even less had a vague idea of me and my limits. Back then, if asked to do 50 push ups consecutively, I would have probably said impossible. Now, not only have I done and can do it, I respond, Yes sir. Where does that strength come from?
Discipline. How does this apply to emotions? I have a stronger sense of duty, to do what’s right at all times when no one else will, but at times it may require a little more of myself, a little more than I had, but never more than I CAN do. I play my role being more sensitive towards others and always offering to help and even more so being proud of helping, that’s much more than I ever did before.
Mind. “That’s not a muscle” is the common reaction to this. No, but you can still train it. My mind has grown, evolved, matured with my body, not only can I see and think more clearly, but I can act the way I should because of that. Never let your guard down. Words true to the very world we live in today, unfortunately, there is and will always be pain, suffering, evil, and corruption. Fortunately, Chang Moo Kwan has trained me to prepare myself for just that. If I get into a fight can’t I just beat them up? That’s what my untrained mind thought, now I can think, “Do I have to?” Because of Chang Moo Kwan I can see my resources, I can think my options, I can minimize risk, I can be a much wiser person. Chang Moo Kwan has boosted my mental growth substantially, and continues to do so every day.
Body. The most obvious of the three I save for last because I grew in a way that I didn’t see coming. I can do more push-ups, I can run more, I can kick 3 feet higher than I used to, but, I can do more for the community than I used to. That was one thing that I didn’t see I could become. I can act more, I can become a better person, I am more physically able to help those that can’t. Courtesy is not something I watch anymore its what I do. Justice, is not just for the courts, it’s my life. Perseverance is not just an army term, it is my discipline. Self-control, isn’t just not doing wrong, but training me to do what I need to when I need to without hesitation. Fighting Spirit, becoming who I couldn’t without Chang Moo Kwan.
Chang Moo Kwan has had the biggest impact in my life yet. It has taught me, shaped me, and trained me to become who I am today. To my master I give the most sincere thank you I could possibly give. I remain to my promise I made, it is the least I can do, it is my honor to be able to do this. You have made me more than I could have been, and see what more there is to become, and for that I say thank you, sir.
Esteban Sandoval
Master Blue Belt CMK
Esteban, Instructor A. Paredes and Shane