Pivot

By Eric Evans, 3rd dan

Agile development has been used in the workforce for the past 22 years. It replaces the traditional waterfall approach for developing software, new features or long running processes. The goal of this type of development is to quickly produce an application or project in iterative steps. This allows customers to review, and provide feedback to the development team. Through this review identification of small development goals, developers are able to produce an outcome that more closely matches what the customer needs. It can also allow the developers to pivot and focus on features that are an immediate need. This methodology is similar to the development of Moo Sul Kwan black belts as we progress in our life long journey.

Much like pivoting in agile development, a student first learns to pivot in basics. This move is essential for proper body position while performing a round house, sidekick and more advanced spinning kicks. Focusing on pivoting in poomse allows the student to elegantly move from one technique to the next. Proper balance and full power can not be achieved without it. 

Pivoting is not only used in basic movements. The CTI motto of ‘Go with the flow’ is the heartbeat that keeps our Demos and trips moving in a positive direction. It allows us to experience new opportunities and experiences that would not have been available if the status quo was our norm. When we step out of our comfort zone and pivot, we can achieve a greater level of success. This is one reason why it is so important to switch up your personal training. 

The basics in our weekly class are our foundation. They are a tried and true tradition of our Colorado Taekwondo Institute classes. By sticking to our basic routine in every class, students have a solid foundation that they can build on in their life long learning journey. The self directed learning that is built on this foundation is where a student must learn to pivot. Doing the same routine at home is important, but a student must have a different focus each week. This may mean they are focusing on a new poomse, or pivoting back to focus on a middle level poomse they need to sharpen up. For example, this method of building and pivoting on the basics led to the wonderful success of the Missouri Taekwondo Institute. As soon as Mr. Slinkard pivoted with the basic routine for each class, the school exploded from 30 students to over 100 in two years. Great Job and congratulations!

Learn to pivot when a change is needed. This may be a change at work or school. It is one of the reasons why I believe Moo Sul Kwan students are so successful outside of class. We are able to learn from multiple Black belt instructors at our CTI Expos, Camps and seminars. Each instructor teaches the same basic routine, and each instructor provides a unique opportunity for the students to learn and grow. This teaches our students how to quickly adapt and learn in a dynamic environment that will directly translate to their success in school or the workforce. When you find yourself in a lull at work, school or training, pivot for success!