Stretching and Leg Strength

 I've been working to increase my Stretching and Leg Strength since I have returned to TKD, but feel as if I am working at it at a different level.   My focus has been increasing the level of my side kick.  Getting it up higher and holding the food out for a second before rechambering it.  I've been doing more splits (front and side) for the last month, and been holding my side kick out for a second each time for about 10X per leg.   Progress is slow - but there is progress.  :)   This training between belts is going to be tough - since I am planning on spending a week in the Southwest running in several states, and also plan on doing a week cruise with Jennifer in December.  So my plan is to get ahead of the class - by getting my strips early and perhaps do my exam one-on-one with one of the masters.   I've only received my green belt a month ago - and I am so hungry for my next belt, and continuing the journey.  

Note: The other day I invited Jennifer to join TKD for a month to see if she likes it.  I reminded her that her parents took some type of marshal art when they were about our age.   She seemed interested - but given that migraine happen in the evening, I'm not sure it will work.  We'll see.  

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Competition and Choking Under Pressure

Image
 I was reminded by my TKD master of the pressure of competition, and that as you compete more and more you are able to deal better with the pressure.   While this is true, there are hacks that may help you from choking under pressure.   Don't just practice under optimal environments.   Practice, under pressure, and various pressures before competition.  1.     Why wait - if you can create a pressured situation in which is expose yourself to stress before the competition, then do it.   This may include - asking for your teachers or students to review your form and asking for criticisms.   You may want to do a form next to someone else that is doing a different form.  Don't limit your audience, practice your form in public before friends, family, or even strangers.   Asking someone to blow an Air Horn while you are doing the form.     2.  Practice the forum with closed eyes (utili...
Read more

First Belt Test (White)

Image
 Last week on December 14th I had my first belt test.   The belt test was for a white belt - which is the first step through the belts.   We had 15 minutes of warming up, with 15 minutes of form and one step sparing, and then 15 minutes of braking boards.  The judges were Grand Master Kang (9th degree), and a 7th degree black belt lady that travelled from New York (GM  Erica Linthorst).  After the test, they provided the new belt, certificate and trophy to each person that passed the test.   Their focus was energy and power and mentioned it several times.   Here a few pictures: Afterwards they celebrated with pizza - but since I was to be at prayer meeting, I took off immediately after the belt test.  Hopefully my test belt test will be in February. 
Read more

Bodan Belt Test

Image
  This evening, I successfully tested for my Bo-Dan belt (half black, half red). Bo-Dan are the ranks preceding black belt. If all goes well (DV), I’ll start the series of black belt tests in 2025. In the picture with me is Master Nam, for which I owe great respect and appreciation.
Read more