This was an incredible “What Taekwondo Means to Me” essay  from Norbert Gloser Sr…. on Family!

At KarateBuilt Martial Arts, we talk a lot about life skills, discipline, and breaking through limits—but sometimes, a parent comes along and lives that story so powerfully, it becomes the curriculum. I thought I would re-post this for Father’s Month!

This is one of those stories.

Norbert Gloser didn’t start martial arts because he wanted a new workout. He started because his son was training—and this speaks to their growth together:

What Karate Has Meant to Me – Norbert Gloser on family…

What does Tae Kwon Do mean for me?

가족 – FAMILY!

Since my son started Tae Kwon Do at ATA Cave Creek in fall of 2015 it has always been and still is a family activity. We attended three to four classes each week as a family and went to local and national tournaments together as well.

I started Tae Kwon Do in June 2016 as part of a Father’s Day promotion. In the beginning it was just another fun activity with my son. I really had no idea how far and how long I would continue.

But I realized “how can I expect my son to practice the ATA life skills if I do not demonstrate them myself?”.

I want to briefly touch on some of the key life skills that became a motivation and inspiration to me in my Black Belt journey:

• • Discipline (Doing what you are supposed to do when you are supposed to do it)
    As a German I always considered discipline being part of my DNA. But I realized it requires much more discipline when I have suit up and commit to giving my best on the floor after a 50-hour work week than when I just bring my son. I need to give it my all if I want to be a good role model for my son. Thus I was challenged to dig deeper and put focus on my discipline. Discipline is for me the basis of perseverance and that’s what I needed to pull through all the physical and mental challenges on my way to Black Belt.
  • Vision (Your vision determines where you go in life)
    No matter how much discipline I have without vision I’ll never reach my goal. So, I started to define my goals for doing Tae Kwon Do: Getting my Black Belt, physical fitness and self-dense (to protect my family). But was that enough to justify the sacrifices? After all there are easier ways than becoming a Black Belt to achieve the other two goals. Then I realized, that I don’t make these sacrifices for my own benefit but for my family. My most important goal is to help my son reach his goals (which I hope we will talk about in his essay) – Tae Kwon Do related and in life outside of the dojang. So, my vision is to support his vision, and this is worth all the sacrifice.
  • Self Esteem (Feeling good about myself)
    While having no problem with self esteem in my professional and day to day life it is something completely different when it comes to Tae Kwon Do. Standing in front of a panel of judges performing my form or having to break a board is one of the most stressful situations for me. And due to my age physical activity is not my strong suit. Here my son is my greatest inspiration and role model. I strive to perform my routines with his unshakable confidence and ease. It seems like there is no form or kick that has proven itself too difficult for him as he does them effortlessly.

These life skills are not only valuable lessons but bring us closer as a family and help us to rely on each other in areas we struggle.

This doesn’t mean the other life skills are less valuable. But the above ones are the bigger challenges with more room for improvement.

After over three years of training and repetitive application of the life skills I finally believe that I can achieve something that seemed impossible not so long ago. It also inspired me to extend my professional skills (coding and project management/Agile) and personal skills (running a 5k terrain race) into new areas I have no experience in yet and that are way out of my comfort zone.

But I can achieve many things if I just set my mind on them and have the support of my family.

And I can achieve ALL things through CHRIST who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). He is the true source behind all my achievements, because HE has blessed me with a sound mind, an amazing family and the Holy Spirit.

Now on November 16^th, 2019 my son and I will graduate together to our next rank, continue our Black Belt story together and add a new chapter in our life story:

가족 – Family!

Really this was just the start for the family! We appreciate you training with us!

Chief Master Greg Moody, Ph.D.

Dr. Moody is also a licensed psychotherapist and maintains a practice at Integrated Mental Health Associates (IntegratedMHA.com) where he specializes in couples therapy and men’s issues.