Conveniently located at 81 Main Street, Mountaindale, NY 12763

Conveniently located at 81 Main Street, Mountaindale, NY 12763
Upstate Karate-Where my joy is helping a child learn how to reach their full potential.

Friday, March 4, 2011

Entering the Training Hall (Dojang) by A.Lalieu

Welcome!

You have walked for a long time...and are now ready to enter a reflecting space... an oasis... where you can replenish yourself mentally, physically and spiritually. All that is asked of you is that you bring an open mind, a benevolent heart and a willingness to come as you are.

As students and instructors alike, we are asked to remove our shoes (and socks) before entering the training area. Here are some of the many reasons I thought about concerning why we do this. You may discover some of your own, as well!

1. We set aside our shoes, just as we seek to set aside for a while all extraneous thoughts and distractions, as well as any pressures from our day to day activities... allowing us to focus on our Soo Bahk Do practice with a clear, relaxed mind.

2. We strive to become more sensitive, more aware, more connected with Nature and the Earth.

3. We can rediscover our natural balance and movement, unaided, unfettered by any limitation... which encourages us to connect with our body and rediscover its unique abilities. It truly helps that we learn how to feel as well as see the proper positioning of our feet as we train, as well as learning to condition and coordinate the appropriate muscles for every movement.

4. Perhaps we can think of this as symbolizing a goal to be strong and confident enough to be ready to remove our rough outer armor with which we are 'covering up' our gentle inner nature, like the rough outer peel of a fruit reveals the nourishing, sweet interior... can we discover and share the beauty within ourselves that heretofore was hidden from the world (and sometimes even from ourselves!)?

5. To practice self-discipline. By being willing to gently and gradually move beyond some of our perceived comforts, we can grow in wisdom and confidence. Just as a small child must one day venture up those BIG stairs (with Mom or Dad close behind just in case) when learning how to walk better, we can trust that our Art will be there to support us when we have the self-discipline to push past our mental, physical, or spiritual limitations.