I recently received a call from one of my good friends down in Alabama who owns an ATA (American Taekwondo Association) school down there. He was just checking in on my healing progress and giving me an update on how things are going there -- backstory: he started out as my TKD instructor when I was in flight school and by the time I returned to Rucker for my career course, we were more like peers than student-teacher.
It seems that one of his black belts, a person that was once very much like a little brother to me, has changed dramatically during the course of his stint in the Navy.
When he left Alabama to join the Navy, he was in the Instructor Training Program - a Red Stripe for those familiar with the ATA - and a 2nd Degree Black Belt. He had recently returned following his tour in the Navy and said that he wanted to get involved in training at the school and helping out again. Just prior to a testing, after not showing up for any classes since he called to say he was starting back, he tells my friend, our instructor, that while he was in the Navy, he completed the Instructor Training Program but he didn't have his uniform with the full black stripe - full instructor status - any more (I missed the reason why during the conversation due to a 3 y/o) and asked if my friend could get him a black stripe for his dobak prior to the test so he could sit a the testing table with the stripe on. Of course, the instructor had no reason at the time to doubt his word so he hooked him up.
To make a long story short, the student lied about completing certification. this may not seem like such a big deal but anyone who is familiar with the ATA can tell you that they are VERY good at keeping records and paperwork and that this would be found out rather quickly.
Before leaving for service, the young man in question was very honest and intelligent. Even forgiving a bout of ego-gratifying dishonestly, it was a move of sheer stupidity to think that his lie would not be found out the monday after the test! I am saddened for my friend - the instructor - and my little brother - the student.
It seems that one of his black belts, a person that was once very much like a little brother to me, has changed dramatically during the course of his stint in the Navy.
When he left Alabama to join the Navy, he was in the Instructor Training Program - a Red Stripe for those familiar with the ATA - and a 2nd Degree Black Belt. He had recently returned following his tour in the Navy and said that he wanted to get involved in training at the school and helping out again. Just prior to a testing, after not showing up for any classes since he called to say he was starting back, he tells my friend, our instructor, that while he was in the Navy, he completed the Instructor Training Program but he didn't have his uniform with the full black stripe - full instructor status - any more (I missed the reason why during the conversation due to a 3 y/o) and asked if my friend could get him a black stripe for his dobak prior to the test so he could sit a the testing table with the stripe on. Of course, the instructor had no reason at the time to doubt his word so he hooked him up.
To make a long story short, the student lied about completing certification. this may not seem like such a big deal but anyone who is familiar with the ATA can tell you that they are VERY good at keeping records and paperwork and that this would be found out rather quickly.
Before leaving for service, the young man in question was very honest and intelligent. Even forgiving a bout of ego-gratifying dishonestly, it was a move of sheer stupidity to think that his lie would not be found out the monday after the test! I am saddened for my friend - the instructor - and my little brother - the student.
. Those emotional hurts can sting and endure worse than the physical sometimes.
