The Night Before Kickmas!

’Twas the night before Kickmas, and all through dojang,

Not a student was kicking, or in a stance that was long. 

The belts were all hung by the mats with great care, 

Knowing Grandmaster soon would be there. 

 

The white belts were nestled all snug in their doboks,

Ready to practice their side-kicks and blocks.

Sar Bum Nim called “Char-ryat, chun-be,”

Then we all went to fighting stance, with a dwei-ku-bi.

 

When in the practice room, there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from my stance to see what was a matter.

Away to the room I flew like a flash,

To find students sparring, making a loud crash.

 

The moonlight reflected on the chest gears they wore,

And judging by their faces I knew they were sore.

When what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But a masterful fighter, so lively and clear.

 

Strong and wise, a skilled Guan-Jang-Nim,

I knew in a moment it must be Grandmaster Kim.

More rapid than eagles, his commands they came,

And he hollered and shouted, and called them by name.

 

“Now Ap Char-Gi, Yup Char-Gi and Barrow!

Ar-re Mark-Gi, double knife hand and a block that is low!

Focus! Concentration! Eyes front above all!

Now kick high, kick fast and be sure to stand tall!”

 

Like the splinters of broken boards do fly,

The students spread out – a new poomsae to try.

With their feet and fists, multiple strikes they threw,

Practicing discipline, balance and techniques anew.

 

And then, with enthusiasm I heard like a bell,

The students all ki-yap with a mighty yell.

As they drew back their hands and were turning around,

Across the mat, Master Kim came with a bound. 

 

He was dressed in his dobok, from his head to his foot.

His belt was tied neatly and masterfully put. 

A bundle of new belts he had flung on his back,

Knowing that everyone was working towards black.

 

His eyes how they twinkled! His puns, oh so merry!

His movements were smooth, his stances didn’t vary.

He was spry and agile, a right jolly ol’ master,

And I laughed when he spoke, like a wise Taekwondo pastor.

 

The students were amazed, in complete awe they stood,

As he shared knowledge and techniques that were oh-so-good.

With a wink of his eye and a friendly kyung-nae,

He let the students know it was time to learn and not play.

 

He joked and corrected, as he walked through the school,

Teaching poomsae, kyoroogi and even hosinsul.

And laying a finger aside of his nose,

He reminded students to keep their heel higher than toes.

 

He yelled out “Gu-Mahn” and the students straightened their lines.

We all said “Soo-Go,” as we were out of time.

But we heard Master Kim exclaim, as he turned off the light,

“Merry Kickmas to all and to all a goodnight!”