As you may know, I made a trip over to Portland, Oregon this weekend to meet my first Taekwondo instructor from 1978. I must say, I was a little nervous. It had been 29 years since he has last seen me. I was only 5 years old at the time we moved away and came to Boise.
I didn’t train while I was there, but I sure wish I could’ve. Timing didn’t allow it. Instead, Rachel and I enjoyed listening to stories from long ago. For instance, in 1980, my old Grand Master, Hong Sik Kim, insisted that Master Bettencourt move to Boise to open a Kim’s Taekwondo school. I had known this, but didn’t know some of the details that went along with it.
First, let me explain something about native Koreans. Their culture is based strongly on hierarchy. The hierarchy exists in practically every industry, be it- politics, airline pilots, schooling, or martial arts. In the United States, we have the same hierarchy, just not taken to the same extreme. For instance, a person lower on the hierarchy tree does not question the person above. In addition to that, there is strict seating order at a table, as well as in the car, and even criteria for who enters a building first. In the United States, we follow many of the same criteria to be polite. In Korea, it’s to establish pecking order.
WhenGrand Master Kim decided that there should be a Taekwondo school in Boise, he chose Master Bettencourt to run it. Grand Master Kim took Master Bettencourt on a trip to Boise to show him where the new school would be. Master Bettencourt thought the trip was to see Boise and to decide if this were a place he would want to live and operate a martial art school in.
Well, upon arriving to Boise, Grand Master Kim was excited to show Master Bettencourt the half page phonebook ad he had already placed… with Master Bettencourt’s picture! I could only imagine the look on Master Bettencourt’s face at that very moment. Master Bettencourt enjoyed Oregon and Washington and was used to the environment, and felt uneasy about making the decision to pack up and start a new life and business in another state.
While contemplating the decision on the way back to Oregon, a loud bang happened under the hood of Grand Master Kim’s car. Immediately, Master Bettencourt knew a push rod must’ve blown in the engine. He asked Grand Master Kim when the last time he checked the oil. Grand Master Kim responded, “Oil?”
Whether it was the chain of events, or his intuition, Master Bettencourt decided, at that moment, he would not move to Boise to open a school. Instead, it was my father that started a Kim’s Taekwondo, but not out of the pressure of Grand Master Kim, but rather because he took a job at Morrison Knudsen, coincidently, just after Master Bettencourt decided to stay in Oregon.
Two years later, my father took a different job in Saudi Arabia. At that point, his students were then turned over to Master David Knife who came over to Boise in 1982, of course, under Grand Master Kim’s gentle recommendation.
“So what now?” some people have asked? Master Bettencourt and I decided that there are many things that we can share with each other to help ourselves and our students grow. We discussed many things relating to both the curriculum as well as the business aspect of our Taekwondo schools.
We also discussed doing seminars for each other. In fact, I am going to be getting him some dates to have him come to Boise to put on a special workshop for all of our students. It would mean the world to me to have all of you attend! I will keep you posted.
Respectfully,
Master Richardson
Chief Master Instructor
The Academy of World Taekwondo
www.FreeKarateLesson.com
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Reconnecting With My First Master
I was so excited the entire way to Taekwondo school. I was going to do my first Taekwondo class with my dad in Longview, Washington. It was 1978.
I remember the day vividly. When we got to the Taekwondo school, I received my dobok (uniform) from Mr. Bettencourt, now Master Bettencourt. His first name is Steve. I went into the cramped changing room with a few other students, giants actually (adults).
I was so embarrased to change in front of them, that I put my uniform on completely over my clothes. I came out with about 5 inches of blue jean material sticking out below my dobok.
I'll admit, I didn't think anyone would notice, but everyone did. It was okay, because nothing was going to hinder this day. I remember my attention being quickly drawn to a group of students huddled in the corner. After I made my way over there, and peering through the legs of the other students, I saw a young gentleman, probably 19 or 20, being rooted on as he cranked out endless fingertip pushups. When he finished, the students applauded him. I asked my dad why he was doing all those pushups and he told me that he was preparing for his Black Belt test. I was hooked!
It was my first exposure, that I can remember, to perseverance. The will and the discipline this gentleman had to get all these pushups done touched me. It was my first Black Belt lesson as a white belt.
Two days ago, I spoke to Master Bettencourt on the phone and we chuckled about that first day in class over 31 years ago. Although it's been 29 years since I've seen Master Bettencourt, he still remembers me, my mom and dad, and two sisters.
I must say, I am really looking forward to this trip!
Respectfully,
Master Richardson
www.FreeKarateLesson.com
I remember the day vividly. When we got to the Taekwondo school, I received my dobok (uniform) from Mr. Bettencourt, now Master Bettencourt. His first name is Steve. I went into the cramped changing room with a few other students, giants actually (adults).
I was so embarrased to change in front of them, that I put my uniform on completely over my clothes. I came out with about 5 inches of blue jean material sticking out below my dobok.
I'll admit, I didn't think anyone would notice, but everyone did. It was okay, because nothing was going to hinder this day. I remember my attention being quickly drawn to a group of students huddled in the corner. After I made my way over there, and peering through the legs of the other students, I saw a young gentleman, probably 19 or 20, being rooted on as he cranked out endless fingertip pushups. When he finished, the students applauded him. I asked my dad why he was doing all those pushups and he told me that he was preparing for his Black Belt test. I was hooked!
It was my first exposure, that I can remember, to perseverance. The will and the discipline this gentleman had to get all these pushups done touched me. It was my first Black Belt lesson as a white belt.
Two days ago, I spoke to Master Bettencourt on the phone and we chuckled about that first day in class over 31 years ago. Although it's been 29 years since I've seen Master Bettencourt, he still remembers me, my mom and dad, and two sisters.
I must say, I am really looking forward to this trip!
Respectfully,
Master Richardson
www.FreeKarateLesson.com
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
1,000 Pushups in a Day
Today, I pledged that I would do 1,000 pushups. A few people have asked why? Of course, I responded with, "why not?"
I'll have to admit, I became inspired to do this by a little girl in Isaac's kindergarten class. Yesterday, I was volunteering in his class and I noticed this girl would quietly get out of her chair and do 10 pushups. She did this about every 2 minutes at every single station. She didn't do it for attention nor did she disrupt anyone at the same time.
I asked her why she was doing them, of course shy as all get out, she just shrugged her shoulders. I thought to myself after that, "what an opportunity to challenge my self discipline." Besides, if a kindergartener can do it, I can too!
So here my little self discipline project...
1,000 pushups in 12 hours. I remembered an old statement, "How do you eat an elephant?" Answer- "One bite at a time." So, my plan is to do 50 pushups every 30 minutes. Now that I'm halfway through the day, I can see that I set my sights a little too low. It's funny how daunting tasks suddenly become small once you decide to take them on!
Stay tuned for when I do 2,000 in a day!
Respectfully,
Duncan Richardson
I'll have to admit, I became inspired to do this by a little girl in Isaac's kindergarten class. Yesterday, I was volunteering in his class and I noticed this girl would quietly get out of her chair and do 10 pushups. She did this about every 2 minutes at every single station. She didn't do it for attention nor did she disrupt anyone at the same time.
I asked her why she was doing them, of course shy as all get out, she just shrugged her shoulders. I thought to myself after that, "what an opportunity to challenge my self discipline." Besides, if a kindergartener can do it, I can too!
So here my little self discipline project...
1,000 pushups in 12 hours. I remembered an old statement, "How do you eat an elephant?" Answer- "One bite at a time." So, my plan is to do 50 pushups every 30 minutes. Now that I'm halfway through the day, I can see that I set my sights a little too low. It's funny how daunting tasks suddenly become small once you decide to take them on!
Stay tuned for when I do 2,000 in a day!
Respectfully,
Duncan Richardson
B.E.A.T. Down Defense
B.E.A.T. Down Defense
It's early in the morning...
You stop at the grocery store to pick up treats for a Birthday party later that day.
Suddenly, the painful groan of a man laying beside his car calls your attention. He appears handicap as he lay helplessly trying to reach his cane which is under the car.
You look around, and see there is nobody to help. You make the decision to help the man as he painfully reaches for his cane. You help.***
Ted Bundy was convicted of murdering over 30 women, and later confessed to over 100 moments before he was executed. Playing the role of a handicap man was one of Ted Bundy's many roles to lure women.
There are many stories like this in history that bring frustration to me. It frustrates me that these people
exist in our society. It frustrates me when a woman is attacked by a man like this, and they don't always
have the skills to give them a B.E.A.T. Down Defense.
B- Beware. The first rule of self defense is to always be aware of your surroundings. Never take anything for granted, and approach unusual situations with caution.
E- Empowered. It's time to become empowered and know that you are strong and that you can possess the knowledge to take somebody down twice your size. The moment you realize this, is the moment an assailant chooses not to mess with you.
A- Attack. If the moment comes that you must fight for your life, then you will not just defend yourself, but you will attack with a storm of thunderous punches, kicks, and elbow strikes. Getting attacked by a swarm of killer bees would be more favored by your assailant.
T- Take off! When your first opportunity arises to get away, you will take it! Whether you are winning or losing the battle, your goal is to break free and get to safety in order to win the war.
The Academy of World Taekwondo will be providing a 2 hour B.E.A.T Down Defense workshop to teach women the physical & mental skills of self defense described above.
Here are some FAQ's
Q. What will be covered in the program?
A. Participants will spend a portion of the class learning about:
1. The criminal mind and how they choose their victims
2. How to remove yourself as a potential target for these criminals
3. Simple tips to stay safe while you and your family sleeps
4. How to implement B.E.A.T. (Beware, Empower, Attack, Take Off)
The other portion of the program will teach students:
1. Verbal defense and non-violent techniques for low risk situations
2. Techniques for: Striking, joint submission or breaking, and leveraging someone much larger than you
3. Scenario defense- Pinned Against a Wall, Pinned on the Ground, Attacked in Your Car, Grabbed Unexpectedly
Q. Is this appropriate for all ages?
A. No. This program is specifically designed for adult women and teenagers. Keep in mind, the attacks and motives for criminals vary for men and children targets.
Q. What do I wear?
A. Comfortable clothes (exercise attire). We are going to move around and sweat! B.E.A.T. Down Defense is more than just self defense techniques, it's also about building strength and endurance to dominate any situation from a sleazy, no good- attacker!
You can get more information here: BEAT Down Defense
When: Monday, Apr 27th
Where: AWT-EAGLE
Time: 5:45 to 7:45 pm
Cost: $25
Who: Students & Friends of AWT (13 yrs +)
Enrollment Limited to 30
When: Wednesday, Apr 29th
Where: AWT-BOISE
Time: 6:00 to 8:00 pm
Cost: $25
Who: Students & Friends of AWT (13 yrs +)
Enrollment Limited to 20
It's early in the morning...
You stop at the grocery store to pick up treats for a Birthday party later that day.
Suddenly, the painful groan of a man laying beside his car calls your attention. He appears handicap as he lay helplessly trying to reach his cane which is under the car.
You look around, and see there is nobody to help. You make the decision to help the man as he painfully reaches for his cane. You help.***
Ted Bundy was convicted of murdering over 30 women, and later confessed to over 100 moments before he was executed. Playing the role of a handicap man was one of Ted Bundy's many roles to lure women.
There are many stories like this in history that bring frustration to me. It frustrates me that these people
exist in our society. It frustrates me when a woman is attacked by a man like this, and they don't always
have the skills to give them a B.E.A.T. Down Defense.
B- Beware. The first rule of self defense is to always be aware of your surroundings. Never take anything for granted, and approach unusual situations with caution.
E- Empowered. It's time to become empowered and know that you are strong and that you can possess the knowledge to take somebody down twice your size. The moment you realize this, is the moment an assailant chooses not to mess with you.
A- Attack. If the moment comes that you must fight for your life, then you will not just defend yourself, but you will attack with a storm of thunderous punches, kicks, and elbow strikes. Getting attacked by a swarm of killer bees would be more favored by your assailant.
T- Take off! When your first opportunity arises to get away, you will take it! Whether you are winning or losing the battle, your goal is to break free and get to safety in order to win the war.
The Academy of World Taekwondo will be providing a 2 hour B.E.A.T Down Defense workshop to teach women the physical & mental skills of self defense described above.
Here are some FAQ's
Q. What will be covered in the program?
A. Participants will spend a portion of the class learning about:
1. The criminal mind and how they choose their victims
2. How to remove yourself as a potential target for these criminals
3. Simple tips to stay safe while you and your family sleeps
4. How to implement B.E.A.T. (Beware, Empower, Attack, Take Off)
The other portion of the program will teach students:
1. Verbal defense and non-violent techniques for low risk situations
2. Techniques for: Striking, joint submission or breaking, and leveraging someone much larger than you
3. Scenario defense- Pinned Against a Wall, Pinned on the Ground, Attacked in Your Car, Grabbed Unexpectedly
Q. Is this appropriate for all ages?
A. No. This program is specifically designed for adult women and teenagers. Keep in mind, the attacks and motives for criminals vary for men and children targets.
Q. What do I wear?
A. Comfortable clothes (exercise attire). We are going to move around and sweat! B.E.A.T. Down Defense is more than just self defense techniques, it's also about building strength and endurance to dominate any situation from a sleazy, no good- attacker!
You can get more information here: BEAT Down Defense
When: Monday, Apr 27th
Where: AWT-EAGLE
Time: 5:45 to 7:45 pm
Cost: $25
Who: Students & Friends of AWT (13 yrs +)
Enrollment Limited to 30
When: Wednesday, Apr 29th
Where: AWT-BOISE
Time: 6:00 to 8:00 pm
Cost: $25
Who: Students & Friends of AWT (13 yrs +)
Enrollment Limited to 20
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