Sunday, September 23, 2012

The Heart Of A Master





Yesterday I was fortunate enough to witness a once in a lifetime event.  It wasn't so much the demonstration of martial arts skill, although I was impressed with that.  And it wasn't even the overall feel of the performance itself, which was electric.  What made yesterday so special to me is the world got a chance to glimpse into the heart of a Master.

Most of you know I have been training in TaeKwonDo for twelve years now.  It is a discipline which sings to my spirit and allows me to show others what they might achieve through perseverance.  But I didn't walk into my school on that first day knowing what I was doing.  It took a bit of courage for a middle aged, overweight, scared-of-the world, single mom to step out on the mats as a white belt.  The most intimidating thing for me was the fact the instructor leading the class was a skinny 17 year old.   Mr. Hargis might have looked like just a kid, but he had the confidence and skill of a seasoned professional.  

Truth be told, Mr. Hargis scared me to death.  Not because he was mean or aggressive or cocky.  It was the fact he seemed so sure of himself and his ability to take charge of his surroundings.  He might have looked like just another kid to some people, but after that first class I KNEW I would follow that man wherever he might lead me in my martial arts journey.

The true heart of a Master is by the life they lead, by the code of ethics they hold close to their heart and their willingness to share their gift with the world around them.  Mr. Hargis is a humble man.  One who  does not put much weight on the importance of belt rank achieved at testings, but rather measures his students by the strength of their character.  He doesn't even allow his own students to call him by his rightful title of "master".    He is simply Mr. Hargis to everyone.  He leads by example and I consider myself fortunate to be counted as a friend in his inner circle.

I don't think Mr. Hargis realizes how many lives he has touched over the years, not just my own.  He may not realize how he took one middle aged, overweight, scared-of-the-world, single mom and quite literally gave her life back to her through his compassion, understanding, and mentoring nature.  He believed in my ability, even as a white belt, long before I could believe in it myself.  And he was there to hold my boards when I went for my Fourth Degree Black Belt testing last October.  There has not been one moment during these past twelve years when I haven't been challenged to be the best I can be...both in martial arts skill and as a person.

To give one's life in the service of others is one of the most selfless acts a person can do and in Mr. Hargis' case, it gives all those who come in contact with him a glimpse into the heart of a Master...




14 comments:

  1. Whoa! that was moving. mmm.... and some are masters without even knowing!

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    1. Hi Diane...reality tells me I will never achieve his level of martial arts skill, but one day I hope to grow up to be just like him! ;~)

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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  2. That whole post was goose-bump-inducing. You said it perfectly. We should all encounter a Mr. Hargis in our lives.

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    1. Hi Genevieve...I first met him at one of the lowest points of my life...when I no longer trusted humanity...and he gave me back my life by allowing me to hope and believe in the goodness of people again. There is nothing I can do to repay what he has done for me other than give him my loyalty...

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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  3. Mr. Hargis has done a lot for some of us who aren't into Martial Arts. I'm just a nodding acquaintance of his but I'm not voting him off the island.

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    1. Hi Janet...he would do for you whatever he could simply because you are my sister...and sometimes that is enough...

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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  4. What a great tribute to a great mentor. And reading your response to Genevieve brought tears to my eyes. I am so grateful that you encountered this Master. Thank you for sharing this with us.

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    1. Hi Beth...there is a much deeper story than the one I told here and the fact that I even got the chance to meet Mr. Hargis to begin with almost never happened. It was a matter of Fate and being in the right place at the right time that brought us together...and neither one of us realized at the time how connected to each other's lives we would become. He certainly is a very special individual and I completely agree that more people should encounter more people like him!

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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  5. What a wonderful tribute to Mr. Hargis.

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    1. Hi Susanne...thank you for your kind words. I thank God quite often for allowing Mr. Hargis to be a part of my life...

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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  6. Sounds like you have a great instructor. Humility in a person is one characteristic I truly admire.

    Just checking out different blogs. New follower here.

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    1. Hi Siobhan and welcome to my blog! What a lovely name you have although I fear I am butchering it when I attempt to say it out loud...;~). I am honored that you have chosen to follow my blog...whenever you have time, please check out some of my other posts...I hope you enjoy them!

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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  7. Great job! TaeKwonDo gives a person confidence. My daughter is a first dan and she leads classes sometimes.

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    1. Hi Ruth and welcome to my blog! I agree...that's why I love watching the confidence grow in my students as they go through the program!

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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