Мои учителя

Recently I heard of the bad news.

My two teachers, Mr. Roh Geun Su and Mr. Kim Won who taught me Baduk, closed down their own private Baduk institutions this year. I was astonished.

But, I could not help accepting the harsh reality. Many children in Korea do not learn Baduk these days. They study English harder and harder since their childhood to go to Foreign Language High Schools. It is very difficult to go to top-notch universities, many parents cannot afford to let their children study Baduk. Therefore, hundreds of Baduk institutions have shut down lately. That was no exception to my teachers as well.

I was heartbroken. Teaching Baduk was their calling. The current circumstance is not good for Baduk world. If children or younger generations do not learn Baduk, nobody will pay attention to Baduk world in the future. At the very beginning, I learn Baduk from Mr. Roh. He taught me Atari and capturing the stones first. It was quite exciting! I was taught until the fifth-grade year, when I had failed the pro exam for the third time. He was amateur 6-dan and graduated from Seoul National University. Because of that, he always emphasized the importance of the schoolwork. He hated the saying that 'Baduk is everything in one's life.' He said that Baduk was just one thing in my life. He told me that I should be in pursuit of diversity in my life. His thought really affected my life. While other professional players studied Baduk all day, I enjoyed music, reading, studying other things and even went to the university as my teacher demanded. Now I am naturally weaker than other pros, but it is true that I lived my teens more pleasantly. I have to thank my first teacher Mr. Roh. He asked me to continue my schoolwork. Only one person could pass the pro exam and I got second place third times. After failing the pro exam again, Mr.Roh sent me to my new teacher, Mr. Kim Won pro 7-dan.

Compared to Roh's Baduk institution, the atmosphere of Mr. Kim's was totally different. All students there dreamed of becoming top pro players. Everyone had to sit down in front of Baduk board and study all day. It was quite difficult for me to get used to it because I had not studied Baduk that much before. Mr. Kim was strict. He taught me the attitude and courtesy of Baduk player.

For instance, I was scolded when I put other things such as books or coffee cups on the Baduk board. Only the Baduk stones were allowed to be put on the Baduk board. Baduk players cannot go to the toilet when it is their turn to place the stone. Without any exception, players should place their stone and go to the toilet. I was forced by Mr. Kim to record all of my official matches. Thanks to him, I have all of my gifus of my official matches for ten years.

The most important thing for Mr. Kim was a greeting to seniors. Thanks to him, I passed the pro exam when I was a sixth grader. On top of that, he taught me many things. My two teachers quitted teaching this year. Although Mr. Kim will continue to teach children at Lee Se Dol's private institution. He will just help Lee Se Dol's pupils, and he cannot have his own pupils anymore. If Baduk world were growing and many people came to learn Baduk, they would not shut down their private schools. It's a very serious problem that children do not learn Baduk. Children are likely to enjoy the Star Craft or many kinds of computer games. Adults say that children do not want to play Baduk because it is difficult for them to learn. There are many fun things on the internet. Baduk institutions are closing and Baduk books are not published. I love Baduk more than anyone else does. What can I do for the Baduk world? There were so many people who really loved me, pro players, strong amateur players, a number of Baduk fans on the internet and I have to return their love.

I gave deep thought, and finally, I came up with an answer.

1. I will study Baduk harder and become a stronger player for my teachers.
2. I will go back to school next year and will study English and literature more. Once I become fluent in English, I will go abroad to teach Baduk. Once Baduk becomes world-famous, young Koreans will become interested in Baduk.

I wish Baduk world grew as big as golf market. I have to try hard to return my teachers' efforts. Even though my two teachers shut down their institutions, I want to continue their passion and love for Baduk as their pupil.