An Unexpected Honor

By Amy Ilko, 5^th Gup

May 2003

If you define the word honor, a few of the meanings are to hold high respect or to have a distinct privilege. As martial artists we can take the various definitions of the word honor and apply them to various parts or stages of our training. Most important, above all, we learn to respect and honor ourselves.

Reflecting back to when I was a white belt, which seems so long ago, it was just an honor to study the 2000 year old art of Tang Soo Do; furthermore, it was an honor to study under a highly respected Master of the art. We hold high respect for our instructors and the people with whom we train. As my training progressed, I was taught various other applications of the word honor related to martial arts. For instance, think of a time when you were sparring an opponent and you landed several good techniques, the person you were sparring never recognized your techniques that you landed and began to jump on your back. Your opponent never “honored your hits” which bring another meaning to the word. This meaning regards recognition. We even recite this meaning at the end to every class with the tenant: “honor friendship”.

When I was promoted to the rank of green belt, the word honor took on an unexpected meaning for me. Who would of thought being a green belt, you would have the privilege to help instruct a class. Definitely, I did not. In December of last year, Master Homschek asked for adult volunteers to help with the youth beginner’s class. After some consideration, I decided to volunteer, and I started the beginning of January. My first surprise was being able to work with Master Homschek. I knew this was a great privilege, but it also made me nervous. While he was instructing class, I found myself watching every move and correction he made with students. After the first couple of classes, he asked me to lead warm-ups. This was not something I had ever done before, and it was different calling the commands. During pahl put ki, is it ki hap-punch or punch-ki hap? I wasn’t sure. During the class, I would watch and wait to be told what to do. Now that I feel more comfortable and confident, I just help the students without being told.

For me, this is an honor where I get to learn various aspects of instructing students and learning the “behind the scenes” things we need to know to make us better and consistent instructors. There is a lot more involved with a simple front kick, than meets the eye.

This has been a very rewarding experience for me. Not only being able to work with the kids, but also in my own training. In helping to instruct the beginner youth students, I am also helping myself by constant repetition and breakdown of basic techniques. I feel that I have been given a great opportunity. My goal is to inspire students, through my spirit and enthusiasm, to have a greater passion for Tang Soo Do and apply it to everyday life.

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