There’s Always a Way: A Lesson from John Morgan.
Over the years, I’ve met many students from all walks of life. Some come in with excitement. Some come in with fear. And some come in with what we call a “heavy head.”
A heavy head means carrying the weight of life—stress, responsibility, work, family—everything at once.
John Morgan was one of those students.
The Weight of Responsibility
John is an Irish Catholic man, a hardworking professional in a production studio. Over time, he built a beautiful but demanding life—he became the father of six children.
Think about that for a moment.
A full-time job. Six children. A household full of responsibility.
Most people would say:
“I don’t have time.”
And yet, John came to train.
Not once in a while—but consistently.
From Heavy Head to Clear Mind.
I remember one day, John walked in carrying that heavy head.
I told him something simple, but very important:
“John, the best way to get rid of a heavy head… is to teach.”
When you teach, something changes.
You step outside of your own problems.
You focus on helping someone else.
You take what you’ve learned and give it back.
And in that process, your mind becomes clear.
Why Teaching Is the True Test
At our school, when students reach a certain level—third level and above—they are required to teach.
They must:
Assist in class
Put their name on the calendar
Give their time to others
This is not just about “giving back.”
It is about deepening understanding.
Let me explain.
If a teacher tells a student:
“Read a novel,”
Then later asks:
“Explain it to me,”
That is when you truly find out if they understood it.
The same is true in martial arts.
Many students say:
“I know this form.”
But when they try to teach it… they struggle.
They hesitate.
They get lost.
And I tell them:
“Then you don’t know it 100% yet.”
To Teach Is to Truly Learn
Teaching is a different level.
You must:
Understand the technique deeply
Adapt to different students
Solve different problems
Communicate clearly
Every student is different.
Every challenge is different.
And through that process, your knowledge becomes complete.
This applies to all martial arts:
Taekwondo
Karate
Hapkido
Judo
Jiu-jitsu
MMA
Kung Fu, Wing Chun, and beyond.
If an advanced student cannot teach,
they only know half the art.
The Art of Creative Teaching
Teaching requires something more: creative thinking.
You must ask:
“How can I reach this student?”
Sometimes, it’s not about force—it’s about understanding.
For example:
When throwing a punch or kick, many people try to use strength.
But real technique is different.
When your form is correct:
The movement feels effortless
The body and mind are unified
The power comes naturally.
Like:
A baseball bat hitting perfectly—ping, and the ball flies.
A golfer striking cleanly.
A tennis player finding the sweet spot.
It looks effortless.
But behind that is deep understanding.
John’s Journey
John embraced this process.
Despite:
A demanding career
A large family
Constant responsibility
He continued to train.
He continued to teach.
He continued to grow.
And he earned his black belt.
But his journey didn’t stop there.
Today, all six of his children train in martial arts.
And even more interesting—they create short films together, combining:
Storytelling
Creativity
Martial arts
John sometimes sends me these videos.
I watch them with great enjoyment.
What started as training became:
a shared passion, a family bond, and a creative outlet.
The Real Lesson
People often say:
“I’m too busy.”
“I’m too tired.”
“I don’t have time.”
But the truth is:
These are not limitations. They are decisions.
If you have desire, you will find energy.
If you have passion, you will find time.
If you truly want something—
There is always a way.
John Morgan proved that.
Final Thought
No matter your situation:
Work
Family
Stress
Responsibility
You can still grow.
You can still train.
You can still become stronger—mentally and physically.
You just need one thing:
The decision to begin.
Best regards,
Master Hahn