14 Attitudes of DTSD
Purpose of training is for the enhancement of mental and physical betterment
Dragon Tang Soo Do training should be in the pursuit of reaching your goals. Otherwise, training could lead to a meaningless effort, resulting in wasted time and costs, with very little contribution to the enhancement of mind and body.
Serious approach
An attitude such as, “I might need a few self defence lessons, who knows, it might be of some use”, may lead to failure in Dragon Tang Soo Do. One must understand the whole concept and ideas of Dragon Tang Soo Do, and most importantly, visulize those ideas.
All out effort
Dragon Tang Soo Do is a very sophisticated art that works with the body, mind and spirit. Anyone trying to use these three elements together must do their best in terms of energy, committment and focus. In doing so with all out effort, one will become a step closer to their goal.
Maintain regular and constant practice
The human bodies metabolism works in cycles and periodically, varying in function from person to person. Students should train regularly and steadily to acheive a balance in metabolic rate, and avoid excess to either high or low extremes of practice.
Practice basic techniques all the time
Dragon Tang Soo Do students should practice basic techniques constantly to maintain a high level of quality.
Regularly spaced practice sessions
It is not recommended to participate in excessive exercise and then have sporadic spaces of time between lessons. Regular, systematic and timely training sessions will result in the best progression.
Always listen and follow the direction of instructors or seniors
Dragon Tang Soo Do is a traditional martial art, which has been refined by highly experienced and dedicated practioners to reflect the best methods of training. A novice does not have the fundamental skills and knowledge to know what is advantageous for their progression. A belief in the experience of the instructors/seniors works best.
Do not be overly ambitious
Dragon Tang Soo Do takes a lifetime to perfect. Its progressive training contains certain limitations to all of us. This is why we need to be patient in our development and take one step at a time.
Frequently inspect your own achievements
Regular review of prior techniques learned, balanced with frequent reflection of past achievements builds self-esteem and confidence.
Always follow a routine training schedule
It is recommended that students follow a routine training schedule. This has been proven to be safe and effective.
Repeatedly practice all techniques already learned
Dragon Tang Soo Do techniques are practiced so that our bodies react instinctively. Repetition of these techniques are necessary to build immediate reactions and efficiency of movement.
When learning new techniques, learn thoroughly the theory and philosophy as well
Each Dragon Tang Soo Do technique is uniquely designed and contains the, “How”, “Why”, “When” and “Where”. Students are required to know the meaning(s) behind the techniques.
When you begin to feel idle, try to overcome this
Every Dragon Tang Soo Do student experiences a time of idleness, or sense of non-accomplishment. This is the most critical time that separates the quitters from the achievers. First, the student must become aware of this attitude. Then, through discipline, determination and with a possitive attitude, the student can overcome this idleness.
Cleanliness is required after training. Keep yourself and your surroundings clean
Warriors never leave traces. Any remains from the student must be cleaned impeccably. Dragon Tang Soo Do students always strives for perfecting oneself and the environment through physical, mental and emotional cleanliness.Regularly spaced practice sessions.
