New Resource, Big Kick

My school just launched its site - and frankly, since my company helped to get it out there, I think it's a pretty good resource, and will keep getting better day by day!

Check it out - here!

Interesting Training Regimen

I'm not sure of the name of the publisher (other than Greg), but he's got an interesting training regimen posted here. Breaks down his 8-week cycle of preparing for a bout.

Looks as if he competed at a high level, so it's worth giving a run through - looks like a good, tough old workout!

Roundhouse Until You Die!

I learned an interesting drill the other day, which involved me collapsing on the mat afterwards in sheer exhaustion. Obviously, it's a good drill!

The drill is a cycle of roundhouse kicks to a heavy bag. Details:
1. At a heavy bag, begin by quickly repeating a roundhouse kick 10 times with one leg, not standing in place, but "bouncing" as you would while sparring,
2. Switch legs and repeat immediately,
3. Switch legs and execute a low roundhouse and a high roundhouse with the first leg - with two kicks counting as one. Repeat 10 times,
4. Switch legs and repeat immediately,
5. Switch legs and execute a roundhouse, alternating legs this time. Complete 30 roundhouse kicks this way.
6. Stop. Take a one minute break - return to step one. After three sets, stop.

This drill may seem easy, but it will improve your stamina and your roundhouse kick! In a bout, roundhouse kicks will make up 80% of your techniques probably, so this practice will really prepare you for sparring.

Make sure to stretch before and after this drill (and be sure you are warmed up).

Enjoy!

Another Video

I am not sure who makes these videos, but this one has a nicer, Korean language song in the place of Eminem. Clearly, I am hitting a bit of a learning plateau, and crave entertainment!


Tae Kwon Do - Spirit - Click here for more home videos

What Is Tae Kwon Do? (Note: Song Has Explicit Lyrics)

Human Weapon - Fun Show, Fuel for Learning

I have a good friend, Dave, who always makes a point of telling people about products he likes. In the music world, he'd be a Super Fan (like Scott Lee, a guy I went to college with - he has been a huge supporter for independent bands).

But I digress.

There's a History Channel show called Human Weapon which I think is just great. In the first season, they've done a great survey of martial arts.



I think it really does a nice job showing some key techniques and advantages of different martial arts, which is a good way to learn. A preview included above.

Check it out - you can buy the episodes on iTunes like I have.

Sparring Tools - The "Cut" Kick

It's known to some as the fast side kick, to others as the cut kick. The cut kick is a great technique for sparring for a couple reasons:

1) It is quick, like a fast roundhouse, so it's great as a "set up" move
2) It is direct, aimed at the opponents midsection or face
3) For tall or long-legged competitors, it is a great way to implement a defensive strategy, because it allows you to stave off your competitor and keep them at bay.
4) Because of your hip position, it sets up a lot of techniques for your other leg, like a roundhouse, back kick, etc. Kind of like a one-two punch.

Take a look at the technique shown in the video. (NOTE: You may consider it lazy that I did not do my own video...but I prefer to think I am leveraging the assets of the community (Thank you, Austin Martial Arts Academy).)



Note, initially, the person in this video is not doing the side kick from the back leg. That's what makes it a fast side kick. The teacher goes through some good tips on performance of the technique - make sure to pay attention to the form. The "spinning" side kick they show is actually the traditional back leg side kick. Somewhat slow for sparring, but has its place.