Focus
The first Life Skill to be taught to beginners is focus. This is so important to learn, and an important habit to develop. The ability to concentrate on the task at hand is a key ability for success in all areas of life. At Master Hwang’s World Class Tae Kwon Do, focus is taught with three fundamental elements: Eye Focus, Body Focus, and Mind Focus.
Eye Focus
Students are encouraged to make eye contact with their instructors. This way, the instructors know that the students are paying attention and listening to them. While training, it’s important to focus on the target to ensure your kicks and strikes land where they are supposed to.
Body Focus
a focused posture is one where a student stands or sits with their chest spread and body motionless. This posture conveys attentiveness, respect, and pride.
Mind Focus
When you are able to concentrate on what you are doing, you have mind focus. It’s important to block out distractions, and apply yourself.
How these concepts are taught in our classes varies on age and belt level. Little Tigers get to sing “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes.” This silly song helps to remind them to look at their instructors (eye focus), stand up straight (body focus), and brings their attention back to what is happening in class (mind focus). Older students don’t have a fun rhyme, but they are reminded to focus as needed. Part of the Testing Application to move from White Belt to Yellow Belt requires students to explain what focus is, and the different types of focus. Our instructors make sure that all of our students understand the importance of focus.