#taekwon-do

Ah, but here's the thing: Value hides in unlikely places. A smooth rock with mostly flat sides that fits into the palm of my hand, you say? This is a perfect tool for a Taekwon-Do training exercise called "Dallyon" (pronounced like dahl-yawn).

*takes the rock in my right hand, smacks it against my left forefist 10 times ... then my backfist, sidefist, knifehand, reverse knifehand, palmsword, fore knuckle, middle knuckle, fingertips, inner forearm, outer forearm, front elbow, and finally rear elbow 10 times for each*

This rock is actually one of immense value. It can be used to train the body and especially the mind not to fear a little pain, to withstand it and power through it. But also exactly where and how to strike something so that the pain is diminished altogether. This rock is the perfect tool for forging my self-defense tools.

*takes the rock in my left hand and repeats the exercise across my right hand and arm*

That's what Dallyon signifies, in fact. "Maintenance" or "Forging" of your tools (the body and mind, in this case). It's an integral part of training to break boards and tiles (on the flashier and sportier side of the art), but more largely is an integral part of training for actual self-defense combat. And general self-discipline, too.

Taekwon-do by @wooanggg on twitter

DA-7995-2824-9971