When I first achieved my First Dan, the way of the sword was my shield. It was a philosophy that helped me feel powerful during a time when I was filled with doubt and facing inner struggles. Learning the intricate details of Siljun Dobup gave me a sense of control and purpose. My First Dan didn’t just teach me how to move; it taught me how to survive, giving me a foundation of strength that I desperately needed to move forward in my life. As I entered my senior year of high school, that...

In my last essay we discussed Set Soo’s (Water) guiding principle of acceptance. Set Soo’s mindset teaches us to be ourselves by not letting any internal or external influences disturb us as we accept things as they are, not as what we perceive or want them to be. The intent of Set Poong (Wind) is to act decisively with our full spirit. Once we make a decision that we truly feel is based on integrity we must act and move forward with our complete commitment to such decision. The mind has a...

The way of the sword is a concept that each individual interprets differently, yet those who truly understand it possess the ability to...