Jung SuWon Testing - testing even when you didn't sign up

So, back to the testing we had at Jung SuWon. Like I might have mentioned before, with Grandmaster Tae Yun Kim you never quite know how testing will go. "Expect the unexpected!" And, one of her most favorite sayings also is, "You are always testing." When you train at Jung SuWon, you test every single day, every class. That is the real test. When you come to the scheduled testing, Grandmaster Kim explains, it's more like a performance of things you have already accomplished. It is sort of putting a stamp on who you are.

So naturally, it wasn't so much about doing everything correctly, or whether or not these students executed their kicks perfectly, although of course you do need to fulfill some of those requirements as well. It was all about heart, about spirit, about internal energy. About going beyond what you think you can do.

First thing, Grandmaster Kim called up the oldest student of Jung SuWon. He wasn't on the testing list, but he ran up front, attention bowed, and, in the true warrior spirit, was ready for everything and anything.

Don is 75 years old, and has earned his black belt several years ago. His body might be 75, but his mind, his spirit, are a lot younger than that. He is a wonderful example of what is truly means to walk your talk. He may be retired from "normal" work, but he works very hard. His wife has been very sick for many years, and the past 5 years has been completely confined to her bed, unable to do even the most basic things for herself. Don does everything for her.

When asked why, at his age, he still trains in the Martial Arts, he will tell you that it keeps his sanity, it helps him be strong, and do what is needed.

Watch this short video as to what happened at Jung SuWon, about a week ago.....