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Showing posts from June, 2024

Brown Belt Test June 20, 2024

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On June 12, 2024 I was testing for my brown belt test (5th Keub) in the Korean art of Tae Kwon Do. The picture below is with my examiner Grand Master Jae J Kang which is a 9th degree Black Belt. Kukkiwon Certified. Grateful my wife came and witnessed me doing my test.

Competition and Choking Under Pressure

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 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 (utilizing all safe precautions - don't walk off a cliff).   Basically know your form so you can do it

The Kukkiwon CUP 2024

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  Grateful to have competed in the Annual Kukkiwon USA Cup 2024. By the grace of God, I was able to win two 1st place gold medals in board breaking and forms (Color Belt Division). A fun and exhilarating experience!