Well last night was fun learning my new form. I picked it up kind of fast and was able to work on some the new techniques needed for the form. The temp. black belt that taught me the form trains at another school as well (same Jung's TKD different branch) and there is some difference of some of the Palgwe form that I might have to change it later but for now it works. It looks really pretty when it's done. I aslo was told that my stances are crisper and my techniques have improved greatly which only helps put a smile on my face. My instructor has been helping clean up a lot of my techniques, if the class is small usually I she will help make sure that my hands are proper and my work on my foot work, which may not seem like much but can really make the difference.
I faulterd for two days on what I eat but I'm getting back on track. It's hard to stay on something when traveling and high stress, it wasn't as bad as I did a long time ago but still disappointed in myself. I just need to work on self-control a little more.
One of the things I've been working on is breath control, I've been doing excersies that I did when I was in band for 16 years(no "One time at band camp" jokes though there would be some interesting stories). My main focus was trombone but I did know almost all the brass instruments very well. I've been praticing for about 40 mintues a day going through my tech books and getting back into playing (kind of like riding a bike, you never forget). I live in an apartment so to not drive everyone nuts, I have a mute that plugs into the bell of my horn and makes it sound no louder the the fridge running but has headphones so that can hear the sound of the notes. But I also do breathing drills that is can cause people to pass out if not done right. You start out slow with breathing in for 4 counts (same slow pace) and out for 4 counts. I keep doing this until I'm at 16 then I work on breathing in for 4 and out for 8. The best band director I had was about to do 4 in and out for 32 counts, my best was is for 4 and out for 20. It developes the diaphram, which is widely undeveloped in a lot of athletes. I always have trouble with not breathing during sparring but getting back into music has helped focus on it.
On September 27, I will being head to Cedar Rapids, Iowa for the Jung's Invite and I'm pretty excited to go there, catching up with some old friends and meeting new ones. Last time I went I was an orange belt which was a great time to go because I absorbed so much from it on competing, I hope that some of the other students would consider going. Put who knows.
