Students with high grades and top schools are considered to have more possibilities to lead a better life. But equally important, yet more meaningful, is respect to others. Opened in 2008, Gamsarang Taekwondo Performance is running leadership and personality development programs for children and youth. Monthly PowerKorea sat down with director Wookil Moon and learned the programs in Q&A.

 

Q. What is Gamsarang Taekwon Performance?

A. It is taekwondo gym. Taekwondo is not only physical training but also mind training. In fact, I have focused more on the latter part as it affects children and youth positively. In particular, I emphasize showing thanks and love to others.

 

Q. It seems that taekwondo has been important in your life.

A. We all three brothers did taekwondo and my oldest brother was in the national team. I once got injured and was frustrated but taekwondo made me strong and start again. I was an inward child but it made me strong and confident. So I want to share my experience with the children and youth I teach.

 

Q. We learned that you have a number of different majors.

A. I majored sport for all at Kookmin University and moved onto a master’s degree in business management. Then I studied counseling psychology and obtained a doctor of education. At that time, my oldest brother called me to open a taekwondo gym as partners. In fact, it was hard for me to be a taekwondo instructor.

 

Q. Tell us more about it.

A. I doubted myself as a taekwondo instructor at first. I read books extensively and thought hard to find what the problem was. And I found that it was all because of my lack of instructing skills. So I joined a leadership academy course and started in-depth study. 

 

Q. How was the result?

A. Surprisingly, I saw a change from my disciples and it naturally led to their parents recognizing my instructing skills. Over all, I found that trust is most important because confidence and respect come from it. So I thought now I’m on the right track.

 

Q. You wrote a paper on Counseling and Psychological Approach to Taekwondo Training.

A. The current taekwondo instructor training has its limit to reflect all issues that can occur during the instruction. So Gamsarang Taekwondo Performance was like an exit. And I’m happy that my own methods are recognized with positive feedback. I think it is very important to have a leadership for those who take the steering wheel of any organization. 

 

Q. How can you manage instruction and administration at the same time?

A. The balance between instruction and business skills is important. And I think I’m doing well on this. Taekwondo in fact is not only about physical and mind training but also it involves running a business. When this is secured, quality is guaranteed. 

 

Q. Who can join Gamsarang Taekwondo Performance as business partners?

A. They need to have more than 1 year experience as a taekwondo instructor. Partners then will have training on child psychology, developmental psychology and counseling psychology as well as coaching and leadership training. I have 10 branches at the moment.

 

Q. What do you think is a problem of children today?

A. I think children today lack understanding of emotions and this partly ascribes to digital gadgets and social media which block communication with others in reality. 

 

Q. Is the role of parents important in educating children?

A. No doubt. Education is not one sided process but involves parents and teachers also. I think it is our job to help them grow with sound body and mind. 

 

Q. Lastly, what can be the meaning of a taekwondo instructor for you?

A. Instructing children and youth has become an important part of my life. It is meaningful for me to make contributions to helping them grow soundly both physically and mentally. 

지윤석 기자  jsong_ps13@naver.com