Changing Your Perspective

Last week, me and the whole family went to a "well" visit for Zoey. The doctor's office is on the 4th floor. Rachel hung back to take care of the paperwork, so I decided to take the kids to get loaded up in the car. As we were entering the elevator, my 3 year old daughter asks, "What about mommy?" While we were riding the elevator down, I said, "She'll be okay. She'll catch up."

After exiting the elevator and walking to the car, my daughter asked the same exact question. Now, I'm thinking that she might be nervous that we are leaving her behind. I'll soon find out, she was horribly nervous.

So, I asked Reese, "Are you worried about mommy?"

"Well... what about when she goes into the elevator?"

Confused about what is troubling her, I say, "Then, she'll meet us at the car when she gets out of the elevator."

"But, when she goes into the elevator, the room will change..."

Ah hah!!! I wanted to snatch up little Reese and give her a big hug at that moment, but I had a carrier in one hand and we were crossing the street. Imagine having a 3 year olds mind and truly believing that the elevator is some sort of portal that when the door shuts and reopens, the room is actually different, then being nervous that mommy would be trapped in another realm.

Needless to say, I did change Reese's perspective on how an elevator works and that it's just a ride that carries people up and down a building.

Of course, there is a lesson in all of this. For me it was one lesson compounded by another. Did you imagine what Reese was thinking? You walk in a small closet, the door closes then reopens, and ta da..! A new room appears. What if life were this easy? Not for the shear ability to travel from point A to point B, but to literally change our perspective on life.

There are so many negative things going on right now with the government bail outs, the unemployment rates, the housing market, Angelina Jolie & Jennifer Aniston, etc. If only we could change the circumstances with an elevator.

What if we could change things? I believe we can. I believe we can change our perspective on life. Take this for example... what would happen if you and your spouse lost your job? I'm going to come back to this question.

Recently, Rachel and I, and the whole family, met up with a long time friend and her daughter. We met at Ihop, for National Pancake Day. I tell you, it's like Christmas when the kiddos hear we're going for free pancakes!

That day, I learned another amazing life lesson. A lesson that came at the ultimate expense. Our friends husband is an engineer at Micron, and they used to wonder what the heck they would do should he ever get laid off. If you ask either one of them today, they would say, "Oh well, it's not the worst that has happened to us."

Her outlook on the future is positive. A few months back, our friend lost their baby boy to an unknown cause. I couldn't ever imagine losing a child. From where our friend stands now, her perspective is completely different.

So let me ask again, "What would happen if you and your spouse lost your job?" Could it be any worse than losing a child? Not in a million years! I try and live by certain principles. Principle that our found in our Taekwondo- Black Belt Creed. Modesty, Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self Control, and Indomitable Spirit. I am always moved when someone displays more of these principles than I ever have. Our friend, not only taught me a lesson about changing our perspective, but also taught me just how far Perseverance and Indomitable Spirit can be taken.

The economy can be in the tanks, people can be losing their jobs, but there is one thing that can never be taken from us and that's our perseverance and indomitable spirit. Now, just change your perspective... that's up to you.

Respectfully,

Duncan Richardson

3rd Day- Black Belt Test (Official Test)

Day 3... The Test! Wow!!! What a journey it has been leading to this moment. Everybody, and I mean everybody has sore hamstrings, and back muscles from drilling for absolute perfection. The standard that was set for us was so amazingly high. I watched some of the officials basically tell some of the Black Belt candidates that there was no need for them to test. At least that was what was implied.

I must say that I have some new heroes in my life. One of them is Grandmaster Park Jeong-Beom (pictured), as well as those group of participants testing for 7th Degree. Last night, approaching midnight, there were only a handfull of people still drilling. No surprise, but the ones left in the room were the best out of about 300 people, and most of them were Korean. Their discipline, their focus, their conviction, and their confidence was absolutely amazing. Never in my entire life have I ever seen such a large collection of devoted martial artists. I've seen many martial artists who were outstanding fighters or excellent technicians, but these individuals were on a whole new level. And, the best part about it is... I was a part of it!

This morning, despite the fact that we were all sore, we warmed up, drilled, stretched, rested... warmed up, drilled, stretched, rested, etc. Unfortunately, we were all unsure of our exact moment we would go. Many of us had flexibility that was comprised by tight muscles, so it was important to remain very warm and loose. It would have been detrimental to allow the body to cool down.

We drilled our techniques and poomse over and over again. We critiqued each other and never settled for anything less than perfect. It was stressed to us that we should not hesitate or pause. If we do, our test will be comprimised. The panel of judges were the official Kukkiwon instructors, and didn't want to see anything that was less than perfect.

Waiting for my turn felt like an eternity. I quit watching the people before me since some were cracking under the pressure. The room was filled with high ranking officials from Kukkiwon, as well as The World Taekwondo Federation, let only a few hundred spectators. Some people testing completely froze and couldn't even begin their poomse.

I decided to spend the next 30 minutes visualizing every possible poomse I could do. In practice, I was not always happy with my techniques, but I decided that I must do my best at this point. Every other poomse I would do, in practice, had some small error. Over the next 30 minutes, I visualized myself executing perfect techniques. I self-talked and commanded nothing but excellence, power, and conviction from my subconscious.

My number was called... and I couldn't wait to take the floor. I face the judges with confidence and poise.

Charyut!
Kyung-nae!
Koryo Joonbi!

"Adapt, adapt, adapt...!!!", was what went through my head. The last 32 people started with Taegeuk Pal Jang! Those of you who are martial artists must be thinking, what's the big deal? The big deal is that these judges what to see a poomse beyond what you can ever imagine. Beyond anything that I could ever imagine, up until this weekend! Every starting position, ending position, feet position (to the inch), balance, power, fluidity, with the proper combination of slow and fast movements, etc., etc., etc. Even masters testing for 7th Degree took this very seriously.

Hardly anyone arrived to this Black Belt Test with 100% of the knowledge the judges wanted to see. Even within the past year, their have been HUGE changes in poomse! Changes that needed to be mastered in 2 days, and habits that needed to be broken from over 30 years of training. The alternative is to fail the test.

I am proud to say that I nailed every single poomse as perfect as I could possibly make it. It was as flawless as I could presently make it. I could not have been anymore proud of myself for ending such a challenging journey. Oh, I almost forgot to mention, the sparring was a breeze. Funny how things have changed for me. The amount of pefection being demanded by Kukkiwon actually made sparring a walk in the park!

I won't know if I have passed this test for a few weeks. I am not worried one bit, because, if I have failed, I will at least know that I have experienced from this journey. I know that I am strong, both physically and mentally. I know that I am a true master with devotion, and conviction. I know that next time, I will be better.

Respectfully,

Duncan Richardson

2nd Update- Black Belt Test

The second day has ended up being a lot longer than the first day. I'm writing this blog post at 2:32 am, 20 minutes after leaving the Tropicana Hotel (site of testing). For the record, the official test is not until tomorrow. What is tomorrow? Is today, tomorrow?? I've been punching, blocking, and kicking for 16 hours straight, minus lunch, dinner, a few snacks, and restroom breaks. I'm a little delirious.

Believe it or not, there are 300 people testing for a different rank of Black Belt. Today, Grandmaster Park informed everyone that 10% of our group would pass the test if the test was right now. Well... I wish he hadn't told me that. I'm accustomed to long hours of teaching and training, and minimal sleep. Therefore, guess who was the last to leave tonight? You guessed it! Nery and I. Nery is my new hardcore training buddy from Los Angeles. I'm not sure what happened to Carston, my buddy from Germany. He called it a night after dinner.

I sure wish I could write more, but I'm thinking I need a few hours of sleep before I take the official test tomorrow.

Respectfully,

Duncan Richardson

1st Update- Black Belt Update

As promised, I am making a blog post on my quest for 6th Degree Black Belt.

5:30 am - Wake up (Boise)
6:00 am - Cringe as the taxi driver rings the doorbell (3 sleeping kids!)
7:45 am - Land in Las Vegas. I did travel light. I checked in a bag, but carried my hogu (chest protector) with me. I have traveled to a lot of tournaments with this hogu, and never have I had so many people ask me what it was that I was carrying. Evidently, 3 people had a bet on what it was. Apparently, one gentleman thought it was a ping pong paddle case.
8:10 am - Picked up by the Hampton Inn shuttle (that I called for, by the way)
8:20 am - Arrive at the wrong Hampton Inn.
8:25 am - Get back on the shuttle I thought I called, but really didn't, and head for the airport. Mine was there waiting.
8:35 am - Get to the right hotel, check in, shower, eat breakfast, and head to the Tropicana hotel for the poomse seminar.

As some of you may know, I wasn't super excited to do 2 days of straight poomse training before the actual test. After spending about 8 hours on poomse, then an additional 2 hours working with some new friends, I'm actually kind of excited. I've been to a lot of seminars, but this one is different. The seminar leader is a 9th Degree Grandmaster. He started his training in the 60's, and has the agility of a cat! He doesn't speak a lick of English, and has a translator relaying his wealth of knowledge to the participants.

Many of the Black Belt participants have their school logo on the back of their dobok (uniform). Not the seminar leader and assistants! The back of their uniform has one word written in big bold letters... KUKKIWON. Let me explain- Kukkiwon is the heart and soul of the Black Belt curriculum. Kukkiwon is the headquarters for the development and processing of Black Belts and their certificates. Having KUKKIWON on the back of your dobok is about the equivalent to a room full of people with their state on their back, and a few people with the words- WHITE HOUSE.

Aside from having some very knowledgable big dogs, it was actually quite exciting to understand the development and changes of the particular techniques in a poomse. I understand that students aren't thrilled about change. It has actually occured to me that our students must simply understand that poomse changes, not because it was being down incorrectly, but because it must evolve. There are vast changes in poomse from just 5 years ago! It's no wonder there is so much controversy over the correct techniques. Let me back up. There is controversy amongst those that don't keep their knowledge updated. Don't misunderstand me, I still have my thoughts on the starting and stopping positions of a poomse:).

Alright, it's time for me to veg out and visualize Pyongwon, Sipjin, and Jitae.

Respectfully,

Duncan Richardson
The Academy of World Taekwondo

6th Degree Black Belt

I am excited to announce that I have applied to participate in a historical Black Belt exam. It's the first Black Belt exam, of this nature, in history. So far, there is no other test like this foreseen in the future. The test is being conducted by a panel of high ranking Black Belts, including 9th Degree Grandmasters from the Kukkiwon headquarters in Seoul, Korea.

The test is being hosted by the United States Association of Taekwondo (USAT) at the US Taekwondo Open Championships in Las Vegas this weekend. This historical event can be best described as a make up test. It's for Black Belts who had errors in processing their applications, or for whatever reason, missed their opportunity to test when they were scheduled to.

11 years ago, I participated in a Black Belt test that was supposed to transfer my current rank, and move me up 1 degree as a Kukkiwon Certified Black Belt. Evidently, when my application was processed, I was actually 1 degree lower as a Kukkiwon Certified Black Belt. Four years ago, I opted to take my 4th degree Black Belt test from my sisters instructor in Los Angeles, Ca. No problems with processing there.

When I learned about this special Black Belt test, I contacted the CEO of the USAT, Mr. David Askinas, and we determined that I indeed qualify for a promotion. This year, I am technically up for my 5th degree Black Belt test. I had every intention of testing in Korea this year, until I learned about this historical test. Due to the circumstances 11 years ago, I was adviced to apply for a skip promotion, which would allow me to test for my 6th degree Black Belt. I prepared all the necessary documents, including a 10 page thesis on my philosophy of Taekwondo, plus my Taekwondo resume that began in 1978. My application, thesis, and resume was reviewed in Korea, and... ACCEPTED!

Although I am thrilled that I have this opportunity to test for my 6th degree Black Belt, I am more excited that I made contact with my original instructor from 1978 because of this event. I was documenting him in my resume and wanted to confirm that I was spelling his name correctly, so I Googled him. Surprisingly, I found him! I had actually sought him out a few times over the past 15 years with no luck, therefore, I assumed he was no longer involved in martial arts. His name is Master Steve Bettencourt, and he has 7 schools in his organization. http://www.worldmusadofederation.com. He is still very much involved with martial arts!

I sent him an email explaining who I was. I was hoping that he would at least remember my father, who was a Black Belt at the time. He responded within 12 hours and remembers exactly who I am, as well as my entire family, even affter 31 years! We've been in touch since I made contact with him, and I hope to visit him and his schools this year.

See you in class!

Respectfully,

Duncan Richardson

It Starts With YOU!

On Monday, during our 5 week Fitness Bootcamp training, one of the participants had caught my attention. I wasn't teaching the class... my wife was. I was standing on the side holding our 10 month old daughter. I couldn't believe this girl. She was rotating through every station- mountain climbers, jump switch lunges, push ups, etc., and doing it 100%. Maybe you don't understand... some of these stations are very physically challenging and very enduring. While everyone was sweating and breathing hard, she was smokin' through the exercises. Perhaps I am amazed because it was my 3 year old daughter.

Granted, her petite, little, 30 pound frame (soaking wet) doesn't require much work to move around. There is a greater lesson here. About 90% of the things Rachel and I have said or done has been mimicked by our kids- Isaac and Reese, and even Zoey. Later that day, I pondered... "Are we good role models for Isaac, Reese, and Zoey? Are we setting the best example we can set?" I decided a long time ago, parenting is difficult, when it's done right. I also decided that it's easier than we all think, at the same exact time.

Let me explain when parenting is difficult. It's difficult when you teach your kids that smoking is bad, but you still smoke yourself. It's difficult when you teach your kids to not use foul language, but you continue to use foul language. It's difficult when you teach them not to fight with their siblings, when you are fighting with your spouse. It's difficult when you don't set and achieve goals, but you want your child to be successful at reaching their goals. It's difficult when you want your child to be healthy and active, but you aren't healthy and active yourself.

Get the picture? Much of what we want our children to learn can be taught simply by living the life we want our children to have. That is the simple part. Now, here is the caveat... if you are going to be a teacher, it's good that you show up to class. We have to be present to teach these life lessons. My wife and I have realized something over the past 2 weeks. We have become much closer as a family, and have had many great discussions about these very lessons. How? It's simple... dropped down to having only 1 car! Before you say, "Hold on a minute! We're not going down to one car, that's impossible!"

Let me explain. We got rid of our studio-apartment-on-wheels (H2 Hummer), and I bought a 1969 Ford Bronco to restore. Well, being that Rachel and I work in the same place and we're only 7 minutes from the Taekwondo school, we decided that 1 car will work, temporarily, for a week. 8 weeks later... and still driving 1 car, I'm still working on the Bronco. We decided that we are having a ball driving everyday as a family to and from the Taekwondo school. I decided that I would just keep the Bronco in the garage and continue to make greater headway in restoring it, instead of restoring and driving it simultaneously- which would slow the progress down immensely. I realize everyone is not in this same position, but that's not the point. Continue reading.

Several years ago, a parent in our program- Julie Oliver, who by the way, is still with us, told me something I will never forget. We were having a discussion about getting the kids to all of their activities. I told her, why don't you just hire a driver, then have just quality time elsewhere instead of just quantity time in the car. She said, "I actually cherish that time in the car, especially right after school, and from sports when the kids are the most chatty." She continued, and I won't forget this, "Quantity time = Quality time in my book."

Lesson #1
Overspend on time with your kids. I have a personal training client who is arguably the busiest person I know. He travels around the world frequently. He is the leader of a publicy traded company on the NASDAQ. When his time is limited, he does private Taekwondo lessons with his kids.

Other busy leaders I know do the following:
1. They volunteer on the playground.
2. They volunteer in the classroom.
3. They coach or assists with their child's sport team.
4. They join Taekwondo with their kids.
5. They take their kids to school or pick them up.
6. They teach them a hobby or a recreational sport on the weekends.

Lesson #2
The lessons start from you. Don't have a "Do what I say, not as I do" attitude. In our Taekwondo program, I have actually had parents cry to me, and thanking me for the guidance we have not only given their child, but have given them. It never occurred to them that things like Respect, Confidence, Self Esteem, and Goal Setting begins with them.

Over the years, I've actually grown to really love the UBC (Ultimate Body Challenge), because I've seen how it affects everyone's lives. Again, I've had participants become very emotional and thankful for the healthy lifestyle they have learned and adopted. More importantly, they are thankful that they now have the tools to pass on the same healthy lifestyle to their kids. More Info on The UBC.

It's amazing how many of us want to be healthy, and want to eat right, but we just don't know how to go about it. We really live in a culture that is unlike the rest of the world. Only in a America, is there a greater chance of dieing from obesity and heart disease, than from starvation.

My goal is to do everything I can to live long enough to enjoy Christmas with great grandchildren. Although, I am only 34 now, I intend to continue living a healthy lifestyle so that me and my family will be free from disease and happy for as long as possible.

Leading By Example

How to Teach Confidence

Allow your child to...
1. See you set goals.
2. See you struggle.
3. See you succeed.
4. Teach your child to follow 1,2 and 3.

How to Improve Your Child's Self Esteem

1. News Flash... Realize it has very little to do with your child.
2. Never use negative words that make a child feel defeated.
3. Allow them to take age appropriate risks. I find most parents would not allow a 3 year old to carry a carton of eggs because, "you might drop them." $1.99 is an age appropriate risk in my book. When you show a child that you believe in their ability, they will believe in themselves.
4. Ask your child about their opinion on something.
5. Take your child up on a recommendation. If their recommendation wasn't the best, make light of the situation and find something positive about it.

How to Teach Your Child to Not Give Up

1. Look in the mirror and ask yourself what project you started and never finished. Every project starts with enthusiasm. In the beginning you're excited, the spouse is excited, and the kids are excited. What happens down the road when nothing is ever brought to completion. NOTHING! A project should have a Beginning, a Journey, and a Destination. All three should be EXCITING, in their own way. Don't teach your child just the Beginning phase.
2. The Journey is the most difficult stage- encourage your child by pointing out small milestones and reminding them of the Destination.
3. Strive to achieve the Destination as much as possible.

How to Teach Your Child To Be Healthy and Active

1. What do your children see you doing for 1/3 of your life- eating, watching tv- sorry, you may call it "relaxing." We have 24 hours in a day- 8 hours for sleep, 8 hours for work, 8 hours for anything else. If you're like most, you're sedentary at work for 8 hours. Unless you sleep jog, you're sedentary for 8 hours in bed. Okay, what is going on for that other 1/3 of your day, or better yet, the other 1/3 of your life?
2. That's great that you go to the gym, but is it teaching your kids anything about the importance of exercise? Take them with you once a week.
3. Lose the cable TV! Between kids movies from the Library's weekly Bookmobile trip and Netflicks, we watch only what we sign up for. And, by the way, save like $90 a month.
4. Teach your child the components of food- Carbohydrates, Protein, and Fat, and what each of their purposes are. Don't know the purposes? Learn! Sign up for the UBC (Ultimate Body Challenge), and get the best education on exercise and eating to live a strong healthy lifestyle. Before long, your child will be asking you, "is this a carbohydrate or a protein?" What they really want to know is if they are feeding their organs or their muscles.
5. Join an activity where you move and sweat together. Hmmm... how about Taekwondo as a Family (big smile).

Hopefully, you've gathered that all the things I've mentioned above start from YOU. In fact, some start with you, and end with you. As for my 3 year daughter, don't expect to see her on the sidelines anytime soon, at least not as long as mom is setting the example.

Respectfully,

Duncan Richardson
Chief Master Instructor
The Academy of World Taekwondo
Martial Art Lessons in Boise & Eagle

My Goal Setting Project

As you may know, goal setting is a huge part of my life. In fact, I practically set goals for everything. I believe that it's such a powerful tool, that I pass it on to all our students. For the past few months, I've been looking at several students goal setting projects. Every year, I am sure to set a goal right along side everyone else.

This year, I'm setting a goal that has created a little bit of excitement. I'm going to share it with everyone. By the way, the format is the exact one that I expect all the students to follow. I've shorten this goal to just phase I of the Bronco Project for easier readability.

Goal-

Restore a 1969 Ford Bronco (302 V8)- Phase I: Rebuild and restore engine and compartment.

Deadline-

Oct. 15th (2 weeks behind schedule)

Benefits-

• Always wanted to restore a Bronco
• Big challenge
• Will learn something new
• Something to be proud of
• The kids will have a blast riding in the Bronco
• Hopes of passing this car onto Isaac and teaching him how to care for it
• No monthly car payment
• Although it's not meant to be an investment, the car will be worth over twice as much money as we put into it (hard costs).
• The project creates an outlet to relieve stress (my therapy)
• Occasionally, the family get's involved with helping me.
• Develop a new appreciation for old engines and the mechanical masterpieces they really are.
• Safe automobile (built like a tank)

Action Plan-

1. Purchase Ford overhaul manual
2. Create parts & price list in Excel
3. Create budget for different phases
4. Line up help
5. Line up tools
6. Schedule days with family to devote to Bronco
7. Determine which tools will be rented, borrowed, or purchased
8. Select machine shop
9. Create invoice folder
10. Create work log
11. Create schedule of work
12. Commence work!

I've double checked and my goal is indeed SMART- Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Tangible. I also think of the T as Time Driven.

Check out the video clip of the completion of Phase I.

Respectfully,

Duncan Richardson
Chief Master Instructor
http://www.freekaratelesson.com