Coach – Your message reminded me of something I witnessed about 40 years ago when I was about six years old. My father was in a Taekwon-do class taught by an old Korean black belt named Mr. Yu (back in the 70’s martial arts were serious business). While I sat quietly and respectfully watching Mr. Yu bark orders at the class, a long-haired teenager rapped on the back door of the dojo and ran. Mr. Yu chased him down through the parking lot (he was 50 years old and barefoot) and dragged him through the front door by the scruff of the neck. At the front door was a sign – REMOVE SHOES. Mr. Yu pointed to the sign and the teen took off his sandals. Mr. Yu then picked up the shoe and cracked the kid in the back of the head with it. He then pointed to a spot along the wall and said, “sit down and watch.” After the class he signed the boy up for free lessons. We have something much more valuable to offer than punching and kicking skills, yet we don’t want to be harsh. I’m with you guys…there’s a time and place for harshness.
