This book written by Yong Kil titled “Competitive Taekwondo” is useful for a very specific student in Taekwondo. If you are focused on becoming an Olympic caliber athlete or just want to improve your sparring skills then this book will help you get there.  The type of student that focuses on the sport style of TKD and more specifically sparring.  This book does not cover forms so if you are looking for that type of information then you will need to look elsewhere.
Continue Reading

Taekwondo is one of the highest regarded sport martial arts in the world. It requires students to have a high degree of concentration, dedication and agility. Many of the technique practiced revolve around self-defense and fighting, they also reflect confidence and self-respect.  In Beginning Taekwondo, it is necessary to appreciate and give respect to the art first in order to receive respect. So, don’t go in the first day wanting to break boards and play it up tough or you will likely not last very long.  Most students who start out with a goal of learning how to fight quickly quit when they realize the repetitiveness of class.  We don’t just get into the ring and start beating each other up, but do the same drills and techniques daily to master them.  One way in which you can show your respect and appreciation is with keeping your and pressed for each class.

Continue Reading

When you get to the point in your Taekwondo learning where you can actually start sparring you will need to get a few sparring Taekwondo gear items before you begin.   The first tip I give people who ask what sparring equipment and martial arts supplies they should buy is to invest in a good quality Taekwondo uniforms.  You probably have a uniform that was provided by your Taekwondo school when you started so take your time and money and invest in a good Dobak.

Continue Reading

Are there Zen moments in MMA?

The other day a friend and I were talking about the path that students take to becoming a master at a specific movement or technique.  What was intriguing is that we have both seen and experienced the same thing and didn’t even know it.  What we noticed is that when the famous ‘light turns on’ phenomena take place in a student and they ‘get it’ in a technique they instantly envelope that movement or technique.  What do I mean?

Continue Reading

When people learn that I am involved in the martial arts a common question when I say that I have a black belt in Taekwondo is, ‘What is the difference between Karate and Taekwondo?”.  So, I thought you as a ready my also be interested in having an answer to the same question.  There are some distinct differences between the two most common martial arts: karate and tae kwon do. If you are a newcomer to these disciplines, read on to learn the significant differences.  One important note: This is my opinion so take it as such!

Continue Reading

Over at The MMA Zone they have written a good article highlighting the most powerful kicks in Taekwondo.  Since TKD is known as the art with the most kicks are these the most powerful kicks in all disciplines?  First, I agree that these are the 5 most powerful kicks in Taekwondo, what do you think? Second, are there any Muay Thai kicks or any other martial arts out there that can beat these five?

Continue Reading

Self defense is important it can literally save your life!  So, don’t you think it would be well worth the few hours per week that it takes to learn how to defend yourself in a bad situation?  How about your child?  If you live in an area where the crime rate is high or even rising it is imperative that you take the time to learn martial arts or some sort of self-defense.  A martial arts class and school can have many strong meanings and some fantastic lessons learned for a child.

Continue Reading

With the amazing explosion of mixed martial arts people have became fascinated with the sport.  The people that get into want to know how long it will take them to lift that UFC championship belt over their head.  Or, when they will knock out their first opponent like we talk about in, “How do I get a powerful Knock Out Punch?“  Well, hold on their and let’s start at the basics.  Are you in shape when it comes to strength, cardio, and endurance?  If the answer is no then maybe we should start at just getting fit in the MMA way! Continue Reading