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June HST(HYUNSA and SUSA Training)

“Today’s HST Class was the best class I’ve attended In a long time. My knee injuries are a lot better but not 100% however I am very happy that I made it without much discomfort.

Today’s class was physically very challenging due to the offense and defense drills, the sparring and then the agility drills which really tested me anaerobically. The sit-ups and squats were challenging but it was perfect for me because they were strengthening exercises and flexibility exercises that I specifically need to help my knees heal.

Another reason that I say it was the best class is because of our classroom session about devotion, self-training and pleasure. Our lives constantly balance these three energies and after a little extra thought we can see how devotion, self-training and pleasure guide us in our day to day lives. Too much of one of these may have negative results. What I will remember is to not use devotion and self-training in the name of pleasure. I should remember not to say I’m training or I’m devoted when I know that I’m doing it to receive pleasure in the future… this will not be a proper balance. Each is its own action but I think too much pleasure seeking may lead to the most bad results.

Lastly, we were challenged to test our devotion and clean the streets! If we really believe in a clean environment, would we really go outside and clean? Master Yoo challenged us to do it and it felt very different and a little funny but I learned that is a part of true devotion.

I’m happy I completed all the challenges of today’s class.

-Written By SABUMNIM Ed Beusse”

“From today’s class, there were a few lessons to embrace. The first lesson is the structure of the classes themselves. I’ve noticed over time that the pattern is set in such a way to allow the SUSA a maximum chance to be open to learning. The physical drills and the concentration required for them release good hormones which are circulating in their system by the time we sit for the curriculum or philosophy portion.

The second lesson is from the second portion, which is reinforcing that how we choose to spend our time, and the intent behind those choices is how we reflect our energy outward. These choices also determine whether or not we reinforce our goals, by drawing in enough energy to support them, or whether we simply trod along doing what may be the right thing but not making a lasting impact in helping our community.

Leaning too much or too little on any of the three pools (pleasure, self-training and devotion) leads to imbalance internally, which undercuts our ability to fulfill our goals externally. Too much pleasure can lead to excess and laziness, too much self-training, or for the wrong reason, leads back to pleasure and is a distraction. Even too much devotion, if done for the wrong reasons (attention, admiration, accolades, etc.) can lead back to pleasure and lessen the impact of our actions.

For these reasons (as well as others), it is important to remember that balance (which does not mean everything is done equally, just appropriately) is important in our lives, but so is our intentions.

-Written By HYUNSANIM Drew Vanover”