Grey Wolf TKD

So what is grey wolf? Simply put Grey Wolf is a mentality based around some very simple concepts. Take for example the actual Grey Wolf, it travels in a pack and remains loyal to that pack. He can only move up in rank from within that pack, but is always welcome to go off on its own or even form it’s on pack. The grey wolf is a hunter and a gatherer with a strong since of devotion to his affiliated wolves.

The grey wolf is seen in the wrong light, as a villain or a cruel creature, when in fact they are extremely loyal to the pack and always true to themselves. Coming from TKD this only makes sense that we have a similar pattern. The schools we grow up in we one day depart from, some go for sports, some go for a short time and some go for good. That is why it is important, when you find something worthwhile, to remain loyal to it. The Grey Wolf mentality teaches loyalty, even when it is not perceived that way.

I left my school in about 2001 and did not have any other option, because I was not by it, but to find somewhere else. I choose not to go to a competitor of my instructors, though that would have been the easiest way, but instead I started teaching what I knew at local parks. Then I decided to expand into other areas, learned some boxing, kung-fu, and BJJ. I tried to find a new TKD school but it was not coming easy. I would still spar with people and would kick a bag at home but I had no guidance, which is when I turned to the masters. The founders of TKD, a history we have all heard (if you have not then you must read “A Killing Art”), was where I was able to find true TKD.

Throughout my journey I have discovered what I believe is the best approach to our art and have summed the theories up with the animal that astonishes me the most. The Grey Wolf.

Always in the shadows

The wolf is the master of disguise, and with bright yellow eyes, at night in the woods you have to be. They can see great in the dark which means they have practiced, and they stalk their pray from the shadows of rock sides and trees.
That since of resourcefulness proves the intelligence level of these creatures and we must be the same. Know when to speak up and when to not be heard, know when to be seen and when to disappear. Learn to search and track, and think of your goals as being the pray. There is a time to fight and a time to flee but crouching low in a dark corner can some time show you your next move. Patience is a weapon in these instances.

The commitment

The wolf has tremendous levels of speed and agility. Though it cannot climb a tree it will chase you up one faster than you thought possible. Regardless of its speed, without committing to catching the pray the wolf would never eat another meal. Set and forget.

This is how you must approach anything especially in a self defense situation. If a wolf bounces and takes off after a deer, it must keep focus, even if another deer is closer or easer to apprehend he can’t stop or turn back. If the wolf stops to chase another animal then its goals are compromised and will not have had time to plan the attack on the newly found pray. This opens the wolf up to the possibility of losing its pray and not eating for the night. Once you “set” your goal you “forget” about everything else. Commitment to moves, in a fight, is the only way to successfully pull them off. If you don’t learn this concept you will be lost in the woods. It is this very commitment that breeds aggression, the unwavering goal in mind, and will provide you success more often than not.

Know your wilderness

Wolves run around forests and country sides not cities (typically) but that does not mean we have the same environment. Although some of us live rurally most of us live in cities or suburbs. Like a wolf we must understand our surroundings, and be able to maneuver around in it like a wild animal. When the night comes in the forest every creature must stay alert, likewise in the day time most hunting takes place. This is reflexive of city life. In the day time the hunting is day to day business and at night crime and injustice never sleeps. We must learn to maneuver with in these elements not only in an aggressive way but also in a civilized and diplomatic way.

Play ruff

Wolves play ruff, they bite they tackle and they herd each other. They are tuff because of how ruff they play, and in order to keep their teeth sharp they chew things like sicks. Like wise you must train in real life scenarios or close to full contact events. We too must keep our skills sharp.

Know your abilities

No one can defeat everyone just as a wolf knows when not to fight. Although a pack can come in handy there is always some one or a group that will defeat them. That is why you must know when it is smarter to not fight, which is most of the time. When it comes to a bear or a mountain lion a wolf must choose wisely who it will fight, and most the time running off is a safer MO.

The wolf is deceptive, they are not always out in the open, and this is a good defense that can protect your abilities for when they are truly needed. Use this concept to fly under most radars. It pays off to not flaunt your talents. If you look like a threat then they will perceive you as one. Your skills are even more effective when they come as a surprise.

These are the tenets of Grey Wolf TKD. They are pretty basic but cannot be compromised. This mentality is what keeps a martial artist ready for any confrontation that might arise.