These masters demonstrate a few Tae Kwon Do techniques - fun to watch.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Strategy and Martial Arts - If Sparring Is Part of Your Practice
I have to admit, I'm fascinated by the parallels between Tae Kwon Do (or any hand to hand combat style) and general principles of military strategy.
It shouldn't be surprising, but many of the concepts of military strategy are really useful to the hand to hand combat practitioner (wiki). If you read through this wiki, you'll probably see some concepts which resonate if you've sparred before - surprise, security, simplicity, for example.
Something which may get lost is the difference between a controlled setting, like a match, versus an uncontrolled setting, such as an attack on the street. Of course, there are many things a sporting opponent may not do, such as punch to the face, throw or take you down, employ weapons, etc.
In military strategy, this would be your theater or context, combined with your objective - are you training for self-defense or for fitness and fun? For sparring? In each case, a different set of rules apply.
It shouldn't be surprising, but many of the concepts of military strategy are really useful to the hand to hand combat practitioner (wiki). If you read through this wiki, you'll probably see some concepts which resonate if you've sparred before - surprise, security, simplicity, for example.
Something which may get lost is the difference between a controlled setting, like a match, versus an uncontrolled setting, such as an attack on the street. Of course, there are many things a sporting opponent may not do, such as punch to the face, throw or take you down, employ weapons, etc.
In military strategy, this would be your theater or context, combined with your objective - are you training for self-defense or for fitness and fun? For sparring? In each case, a different set of rules apply.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Monday, February 11, 2008
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!
Check it out - here!
Thursday, February 7, 2008
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!
Looks as if he competed at a high level, so it's worth giving a run through - looks like a good, tough old workout!
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
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!
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!
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