MANNA'S MARTIAL ARTS - CYCLE OF SEASONS

The Cycle of the Seasons

The seed lay nestled in the earth's warm embrace as snow coated the exposed ground above. The lands had succumbed to the grip of winter but to protected seed radiated potential, power, energy, and ...life. Yet through the layers of time, the energy born of the sun slowly and gradually warms the earth more and more, stealing away all traces of winter as the absence of this cold season unveils the next season, Spring.

The new season carries the promise of growth as the sun beckons the seed to break free of its almost lethargic hibernation. Struggling with visible efficacy, the seed opens up as a small green limb strains to pierce the earth's hold and bask in the glory of the sun, deeply drinking in its rejuvenating energy.

Spring makes way for Summer as the cycle of seasons presses on and the little plant continues to grow. But now more components become evident in the process of growth as the plant is soon found to rely not only of the sun's energy, but the sky and water as well. As the sky and water prove to be key factors in the growth process as well, the plant continues to prosper and grow in size. Yet as the plant grows upward and outward, its roots grow also as the roots help to deeply anchor in and support the plant. And then finally, the plant shines forth life's vibrant energy as the plant erupts into full beauty by blooming and ripening.

In this season now of early Fall, the plant is on the edge of total maturity.Ultimately, the plant becomes fully mature and initiates its preparation for the final step in the first cycle of life. This seed, this life cycle, however are merely symbols. Symbols representing students and the path they follow in Tang Soo Do Karate as I, myself have come to realize that I posses the honor of having been a "seed" and following the cycle's path also. I have now reached the point that as a sincere student of Tang Soo Do, I must prepare for the next cycle of life which is found in the form of a black belt.

Written By: Mr. Chris Alfonso

A printed handbook is available from TEMAS, Inc. (which can be down loaded)