Mr. Varun Rao - Overcoming challenges

3rd Dan Thesis
By Varun Rao

Prompt: “What if you found out that you cannot physically do Taekwon-Do anymore? How do you think you can continue to contribute to the art?”

It is a scientifically proven fact that as cells as we get older, we lose physical ability. This is due to the shortening of telomeres, strands of DNA at the ends of our chromosomes responsible for growth stimulation. Our muscles do not regrow as fast after physical activity and we feel tired quicker. However, we must not let that fact deter us from continuing to exercise, both mentally and physically. For as we get older, we gain knowledge, and thus can contribute to an art as multifaceted as Taekwondo as both students and teachers.

When I first read the prompt “physically cannot do Taekwondo anymore,” I immediately thought of aging, a slow years-long process related to the shortening of telomeres as described above. However, I now realize that a sudden change can also prevent Taekwondo activity, and that can happen to anyone. A freak car accident can take out a leg, and a violent house fire can burn a hand. Unable to do certain techniques they could once do, a person would have to modify the art. For example, the loss of an arm could spur the development of a new, exaggerated form of hip rotation to make up for the lack of a reaction hand. Unfortunately, some techniques would have to be wholly excised from the “toolbox,” as Mr. Wold calls it. A wedging block simply cannot perform its function without two arms.

I will always keep a few essential techniques in my toolbox, and as a teacher encourage my students to know these techniques that quite literally “punch above their weight.” The pressing kick, for example, can be performed powerfully by nearly every student and yet still can break an adult’s knee. The same can be said of a front snap kick to the groin, or any strike to the eyes or throat. If I do realize I am not able to do Taekwondo fully, I will be more aware of the limited techniques I can do and will hope to pass the knowledge of these movements onto the students I teach.

I feel that regardless of ability, all practitioners of Taekwondo should always try to work out more. Simply teaching is good, but not enough to maintain skill. In the past year, I have been teaching taekwondo classes as well as coming to class. If at one point I realized I could not physically do taekwondo anymore, I would not just stop showing up to class. Teaching doesn’t require as much physical capability as attending class, so continuing teaching would not be as much of a challenge.

But Taekwondo students never shy away from challenges. Or else why would we continuously test unprotected parts of our body against pieces of wood and concrete exponentially stronger than the bones in our hand? I can drive a car weighing thousands of pounds across a breaking board, but will suffer severe and sometimes permanent damage if someone drives over my hand. But that never fazes us. It is of the spirit of Taekwondo to work hard to overcome this incredibly great natural disadvantage. In that same vein, it is rare for a physical disadvantage to be that much greater than the one which everyone faces naturally.

Finally, in the case that I am physically are not able to execute the physical techniques that will get me out of a situation, I will resort to Taekwondo’s mental training. Remembering the tenets “I shall be a champion of freedom and justice” and “I shall build a more peaceful world,” I’ll use the power of right thoughts and right words. Master Jue once told his class, “the best Taekwondo master never needs to throw a punch.” In the event this motto seems too idealistic, I remember its more streetwise counterpart, “Fake it till you make it.” Walking up straight, looking alert, not being distracted, and knowing where you are will deter most aggressors, even if you really are not able to defend yourself.

As I now go to college and beyond, I might forget how many degrees the standing leg in a back kick turns, or who the legendary founder of Korea was, but I will not forget the basic techniques in my toolbox and will always use the skills of perseverance and discipline in my life.