Returning to Taekwondo After 40 Years

 Just one year ago I resolved to get back into Tae Kwon Do (TKD), and at least three years down the line to get a black belt.  It seemed like a crazy thing to think never mind to do in my 60's, when most of my friends are talk about playing golf, going on cruises, and moving to mature retirement communities.  Also the choice of activity seems a bit nuts at my age, since TKD is all about high jumps and high kick and challenging attacks.  The journey has been hard on my mind and body, but also has been exciting, challenging and a true joy.  One last thing to share.  I get a little upset with my slow progress over the last year, but you can see from the pictures below,  how my kicks has become higher and more powerful over the last year.   That blur in the picture on the right is a board I broke which flew up and hit the ceiling.  :)                              ...

 I was going away on a cruise, so I requested a private blue belt test.   There were the standard three parts in our test.  1) Poomsae or forms 2) 1 Step Sparing and 3) board breaking.   I did a good amount of practice and preparation for the test, but I was not feeling well.  Something has triggered my asthma and sinuses (basically meaning I had difficulty breathing).   Anyway, while I did not perform my best - I did well enough to pass the test.  

 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....

Like Bruce Lee said, i love belts, they great for holding your pants up. :D I took my green belt test last week and on leaving the Dojang, I told my Sahyun that it's not about the belt but the journey and he agreed. While I believe that with all my heart - a part of that journey (within the classes) is moving up in rank because in class rank determines what forms you do - what sparring you do, what level of kicks you work on. So while I agree that it's not about the belt - it depends on how your classes are setup and if the belt level keeps you at a beginners level of training you may want to work within the system.

Just passed my green belt test! Hooray!! My heart was pounding and the adrenaline was so intense my hands were shaking and did not stop until I got in the car and was driving home. Also given to me (since I pre-bought it) was my sparring equipment. Looking forward to do some sparring in class with the higher belts. Grandmaster Kang, Master Kang, and Master Nam and the rest of the class.                               Master Nam                                         Certificate, Belt and Trophy

 As I previously wrote, I was in need of major surgery - which involved removing part of my colon.   I had the surgery on 06/15/2023.  The surgery is keeping me from most exercises and stretching.  I was told up front by the surgeon that I will not be able to take Tae Kwon Do until a full month!    I went to the TKD school immediately after the surgery (it was painful to drive), and informed my instructor of the surgery and recovery that will be needed.  He was very understanding and told me he was going to pause my lessons and help me catch up when I return to be ready for the next belt test in September.  Very grateful for this support!!  Best instructors, hands down! I've been doing my best to recover and my surgeon has been quite impressed with my recovery - she stands by the one month wait before returning to TKD.   So what I have been doing is walking the first few days, and then running.  As of today, I ran 2.1 mile...

This morning I was able to take my orange belt test. I had to request this because I need to get major surgery ASAP. Very grateful to Master Nam for allowing me to test, in a private session at the last minute.