Grandmaster Shim's Healthy Halloween Safety Tips!

Grandmaster Shim's Healthy Halloween Safety Tips!




• Plan a safe route so parents know where their older kids will be at all times.
Set a time for their return home. Make sure they are responsible and carry a cell
phone in case of an emergency.


• Let your children know not to cut through back alleys and fields.


• Look both ways before crossing the street.
Use established crosswalks wherever possible.


• Instruct your child to never go into the home of a stranger or get into their car.
Explain why this is not a good idea.


• Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.


• Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.


• Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them.
Limit the amount of treats you eat.


• Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you.


• Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats
unless you know the cook well.


• Try to ration treats for the days following Halloween.

Integrity (yum-chi)

The second principle we will be focusing on is "Integrity".  Although it may be similar, this form of integrity takes on a more wider role then defined in the common dictionary. In Tae Kwon Do, integrity means not only to determine what is right or wrong but also having the conscience to feel guilt if one has done wrong and to have the integrity stand up for what is right.  So just remember, most of the issues of integrity you face in life will be small.  Such as saying you will do something for somebody, or saying you will give them something. Whether or not you choose to be a person who shoes integrity  in these situations, may not seem a big deal at the time.  But throughout your life they will have a cumulative effect, and so all of your actions, no matter how big or small, will ultimately affect your sense of self.  So from now on, make it your goal to be a person who shows integrity in all situations.  If you say you are going to do something, make sure you do it.  Over  time you will be rewarded with a great sense of self respect and trust, not only from yourself, but also from others.

SMA (Shim's Martial Arts) Philosophy of Taekwondo

The purpose of Tae Kwon Do is not to learn how to hurt people. Some people look at martial arts and say "I wish I knew martial arts. Then I could beat everyone in a fight." This is not the true meaning of martial arts, however. Once someone begins their study of martial arts, they start to understand and learn the true philosophy and ethics of martial arts.

At Shim's Tae Kwon Do, there are five principles practitioners need to focus on.

1. COURTESY(ETIQUETTE)

2. INTEGRITY

3. PERSEVERANCE

4. SELF-CONTROL

5. INDOMITABLE SPIRIT

This week the first principle we will be focusing on is COURTESY. Korean translation is Yeh Euh.

Tae Kwon Do originated in Korea with a strong military background. If you read the history of Tae Kwon Do, you learned the "Hwarang" were noblemen who used martial arts to defend themselves against the opposition. They had a code of honor.

1. Serve your lord
2. Serve your parents
3. Trust your friends
4. Never withdraw from battle
5. When taking a life, be selective

The modern commandments of Tae Kwon Do stem from these.  You might recognize some similarities.

1. Respect oneself

1.  Respect your parents/Teachers/Elders

2. Be loyal to your friends
3. Have a strong and invincible spirit
4. Be loyal to your school
5. Always finish what you start

As you can see, loyalty and respect play a big role in martial arts. Lets try to focus on being courteous towards one another as a martial arts family!

Children benefit from Tae Kwon Do...

Taekwondo is a total learning activity. Lessons are tailored to your child's age and skill level. Your child begins by practicing basic patterns and forms, board breaking, kicking, blocking, striking, and punching. These fundamental skills increase your child's physical coordination, flexibility, balance, strength, and mental acumen.

Taekwondo develops your child's athletic abilities and self-awareness, and improves the child's capabilities in self-defense.  Taekwondo emphasizes moral development as well. Children learn respect for themselves and others, heightened concentration, and increased self-discipline and self-restraint.

The self-discipline that develops as a result of learning and practicing the techniques usually carries over into other areas of the child's life. School grades often improve as your child learns to focus on objectives and to work toward achievement. The self-discipline and self-resect which Taekwondo develops can provide your child with the skills and mindset necessary to resist peer pressure.  Bring out the positive qualities that have always been part of you! Develop patience, confidence, self-discipline, inner calm, and a consistently positive mental attitude.