TKDmel
Blue Belt
This post, as have others involving child BBs, has, if nothing else, helped us all to evaluate and re-evaluate our own personal positions on the subject, which is a good thing. Regardless of our own opinions, most if not all of us have not used this article to bash or chastise the child because as noted before, a child can only do or perform as the instructor has mandated. As instructors we have to have the wisdom to realize that what we teach is not only an art, but a potentially dangerous weapon, which if in the wrong hands could have devastating affects. We have a responsibility to our students, young or older, to teach in a responsible manner. As teachers, we also have the responsibility to show by actions and deeds what being a BB is about. To me that means from day 1, I make students aware that I will not promote for the sake of money. There are enough schools out there that do. Each step in the ladder must be earned, and that by doing so, I ensure each student will be the very best they can be. I show by my own personal actions that when there is something I percieve as wrong, I take the steps to right it, even if it may be fruitless. I take the time to teach and live by the tenets of TKD. Are there those that circumvent those tenets? Of course there are, but if we hold true to our teachings, there will be less and less of the irresponsible ones in the future. JMHO
