Quick Achiever

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to meet a very nice young girl whose parents brought her into the academy looking for activities. After sitting down and talking with her mother, I found out that her need was for more than just activities; the little girl was a bit on the shy side. She usually only spent time with Mom and Dad, with the exception of her one best friend.

With just a bit of extra care, I asked the mother to tell me more. She revealed to me that her biggest concern was to enhance her socialization skills and to learn how not to panic if trouble should arise.

We like to take things one step at a time here. In her first lesson with me, I introduced the Korean tradition of bowing to another person. It's a sign of respect and is used, in Korean culture instead of a handshake. I then taught her to go ahead and shake hands with me and use a polite greeting like, "Hello, how are you today, sir?"

In that brief lesson, she was ready to practice this with Mom, and she greeted Master Tenedorio in the same way. I arranged for that meeting because Master Tenedorio had his bouts with overcoming being timid as a youth also.

Master Tenedorio himself admits "I used to take F-grades when asked to speak in front of the class, because I was absolutely terrified." Long story short, that same young man, after being introduced to the martial arts at the age of 13 now owns his own multi-site business and stands in front of several classes a day.

Congratulations to our newest enrollment candidate. I'm pulling for your acceptance into the academy!