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Been a while since I posted...

There has been one topic that has always interested me...

Internet martial art videos. I, for one, love seeing people share their knowledge and demonstrate their abilities. Forms are one of (if not my favorite) things in Taekwondo. As fars as their usefulness, I'll comment on that in my next blog.


The Good

A Video of Your Child: If for nothing else, it's a cute moment. Also, with our technology today, it's become easier to record and cherish their early training.

Recording Yourself Doing Forms: There are so many positives behind this. First of all, there is the obvious benefit on using video to improve your stances and techniques. I've recorded myself doing forms and realized a while ago that despite being a 1st Dan, I still needed some patience and attention towards executing my side kicks. Secondly, forms can be a real challenge in one's training. If someone else is going out of their way to show their ability in such an easily criticized field, there's clearly evidence of a love for the art.

Recording Your Tests: Not every test is going to be our best, but we can always learn from them. In seeing someone else's test, I like to take notes on what I can do to meet their standards (if needed). An example: A lot of the time, the tests at my school go straight to the standards (forms, self defense, weapons, assigned kicking combos). Usually we spend so much time on these that we don't get around to covering other things. One possibility is random kicking combos called out by an instructor. When I saw KickChick's floor technique video, there was more inspiration to spout out some random kicks and hand techniques during the early Saturday morning class that I teach.

Tournaments, Demos and Class Videos: No matter how I feel about their skill, it always make me strive to better myself. Seeing people challenge themselves shouldn't necessarily make you want to outdo them, but it should always bring out a desire to outdo yourself.


The Bad

The Ego: Some videos can be a tad transparent in fishing for compliments. Those who have read any of my blogs before know I like to stress a culture of character over a culture of personality. I know posting any video of yourself can be seen as feeding your own ego, but I think there are a few things that distinguish those who wish to share from those who wish to show off.

The Insulting Comments: "OMG, i'm only a (insert low rank) and i can do better than that lol" or "wow, our (insert low ranks) would mop the floor with your blackbelts"....Yes, these people can be considered "trolls" or perhaps some insecure child (or childish person) who needs to make themselves feel better. It's a bit sad to think some of these people are enlisted in organized martial arts. I shudder to think how they look upon their own classmates who have a hard time picking up things.

'I Know Better' Comments: "That was ok, but here's what you did wrong...". I could only imagine how many jaws would drop in "disgust" if I posted my Koryo. One of the biggest differences is that our chunbi for Koryo differs from what the Kukkiwon teaches. I posted a poll a couple of months back and I was happy to see the majority of people voted that the "correct" way to do things was "what my instructor said". My loyalty in training is first and foremost to my instructor, not masters who have never trained me or a voice on text, video, or the internet.


The Solutions

Video Posting Options: Many of you may know that you can disable the comments section. It's probably the easiest way to avoid childish comments (other than not posting at all). If you do wish for comments, there are still ways to avoid hateful comments. Overloading your video with 'tags' (tkd, taekwondo, black belt, poomsae, etc.), makes it more visable to everyone...including the jerks.

Video Behavior: So what are the little things to change so you're a character and not a characature? Don't do things like the "tough guy sniff". Don't know what I'm talking about? Look up 'Afro Ninja', and see the arrogant gesture before he gets what he deserves. Other actions such as overly theatrical kihaps and head movements, tend to mark someone who is placing a little too much importance on how they appear to others.

Commenting On Others: YOU DON'T KNOW EVERYTHING...and I'm not just talking about technique. I remember seeing a test of a young girl online. Every now and then she looked around the room. She only did this a few times (I didn't pay too much attention to it at first), and her techniques seemed fine.

However, someone who claimed they were a tkd instructor shamefully commented that if he was her teacher, he would have failed her for not paying closer attention.

Little did he know two things-- One, the person who posted the video was the child's mother, who was more than ready to defend her. Two, it turns out the child is autistic. Of course, the mother didn't post this info beforehand, since she probably gave people the benefit of the doubt. The online instructor quickly apologized and was forgiven. However, two lessons stood out...

1. One of the easiest ways to lose face is to try and take it.

2. Every martial artist has a story that differs greatly from our own.

Tags: Youtube Internet Forms Poomsae Test Training Video

Olympics

I love watching the games every four years. It's amazing to me every time a world record gets broken. I always end up asking: Just how much better can you possible become?!

As far as TKD: The games this year had me question how I feel about the art as a sport. I saw a lot of calls I thought were way off. Many no points, and a lot of kicks to the back that ended up being scored. I was dissapointed to see Peru not medal.

I'll go ahead and say I'm not the biggest fan of the Lopez family (I know they are a topic of division). I was surprised to see Steven lose in the quaterfinals. South Korea sweeping was of course not a big surprise.


Health & Fitness

The past few weeks, I haven't gotten as much sleep as I would have liked. However, it hasn't hampered my training too much.

I've been constnatly breaking my 2 mile time. Being conservative, my time is now 13:45. Of course, I know people who can easily destroy that number. However, I'm quite happy with the progress. To be honest, two years ago, I would have had a hard time thinking I could ever get below 14:30.

While I've been doing my improvised functional strength training, I've also been working on ocassional weekend workouts. I plan on mixing up HIIT with some strength training exercises in between.

Martial Arts

I passed my test for purple stripe. Thanks to everyone for the well wishes. The test was one of my best ever. Looking back, I think it was a tad easy. I think my instructor trusted me a lot and didn't worry about me. I still pushed myself pretty hard. I had a 1/2 second brain freeze after the second side kick on Won Hyo. Besides that, the test was perfect. My breaks included a 1 inch cinder break, which was easy, but my finger got cut up when a fairly large chunk landed on it. I also did a speed side knife break and a double board hopping side kick. I took time to concentrate on my form for the side kick, which paid off big time.

My schedule has been busy, so I haven't done much BJJ training lately. I've written down what I've learned, so I'm able to practice a little, but know it's not the same. Things should get back to normal in a couple of weeks, since I'll be out of town next week.

I've only had one MMA class so far. I'm not sure how much time I'll be able to train with those guys. My goal is to train 2-3 times a week for taekwondo, at least once a week for BJJ, and at least once every other week for MMA.


Favorite Quote of The Week

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts" - Winston Churchill


Favorite Song of The Week

"Closing Time" - Semisonic

Tags: Training Health Fitness Olympics Test Black Belt

In a couple of hours, I'll be testing for my next stripe (purple) on my long road to 2nd Dan.

Six months ago I took my last test for green stripe. I passed, but it wasn't my bext performace. At the time, I was feeling a bit ill, so I wasn't at the top of my game.

However,  today I'm feeling 100% and ready to kill it.

Wish me luck!

Tags: Test Training

I've got about two weeks until my next stripe test. Last time I tested, I passed despite feeling a bit ill. This time I'm feeling at the top of my game and would like to blow this test out of the water. 

My instructor had to take off early and let me teach one of the adult classes. I left the last 15 minutes as an open mat. Beforehand we did a lot of jumping rope, as well as push ups and crunches...

What we did:

100 Jump Rope; 10 Push-Ups
100 Jump Rope; 9 Push-Ups
100 Jump Rope; 8 Push-Ups....
...and so forth until we reached a single Push-Up

50 Crunches
50 Oblique Figure Four (each Side)
50 Crunches (w/ raised knees)
Lying Chair Leg Extensions

10 Burpees

Tags: Health Fitness Training

Health & Fitness -- Strength Training

Until I have time to figure out a new routine, I'll most likely stick with some of my favorite exercises for strength/hypertrophy.

Four sets and 8-10 reps for each exercise. On all four days: Power Snatch (explosive) for 5 reps, Seated Russin Twists (Rotational), and 4 Point Plank (Bridge and Core) -- 30 sec reps.


Monday
Knee Dominant (bilateral): Barbell Back Squat
Hor. Push (unilateral): Incline Alt DB Chest Press
Vert. Push (bilateral): Barbell Shoulder Press

Tuesday
Hip Dominant (unilateral): Single Leg Supine Hip Extension
Hor. Pull (bilateral): Barbell Row
Vert. Pull (unilateral): Side to Side Pull-Ups

Thursday
Knee Dominant (unilateral): Step Ups
Hor. Push (bilateral): Bench Press
Vert. Push (unilateral): Alt DB Shoulder Press

Friday
Hip Dominant (bilateral): Supine Hip Extension
Hor. Pull (unilateral): 2 Point DB Row
Vert. Pull (bilateral): Pull-Ups


Martial Arts

I haven't had much time to sit down and figure out a good schedule to incorporate MMA in my training. I think I'd still like to include it, but probably only once a week. My BJJ classes are doing no gi once a week this summer. It helps, since my gi gets really sweaty after just one class--not to mention doing BJJ with a more functional purpose.

Summer camp has gone well so far. I've been kept pretty busy with the different age groups. Normally I find the girls have better behavior, but this time around the boys have been on target more often.


Favorite Quote of The Week

“Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the ability to cope with it"


Favorite Song of The Week

"Can't You Hear Me Knocking" - Rolling Stones

Tags: Bjj Health Fitness Training Camp Strength

General

Well, today is the Independence Day of The United States. It's a rainy day here, but I still consider it a great day. Yesterday, I had an awesome workout on my own, after working the whole day. I hosted an open mat for the adult TKD students, which they seemed to appreciate. I'm thinking it might be something to consider regularly. Since I was being so good with my workouts, I refrained from any alcohol later that night when I saw my friends. The night didn't end real well, due to some random drunks being obnoxious (but that's another story).

Anyway, due to what I believe were some good choices in the end, I woke up fresh today. I feel very blessed in life, and things are pretty good overall.



Health & Fitness

I haven't made any new routine yet. I've basically been focusing on basic strength and hypertrophy, using my favorite but basic workouts.

Yesterday I praticed the motions for the arm bar, flower sweep, and trangle choke (bjj). I then spent 14 minutes doing ain interval jump rope workout: 1 minute ~160 jumps/min, followed by 1 minute of bouncing/staying light on my feet without the rope.



Movies

Got the chance to see Larry Clark's "Kids". The film is quite disturbing, though I thought Harmony Korrine's "Gummo" was much more haunting. "Kids" (however radical the characters are) does a great job at presenting the ever changing world of today's youth.

If one views the film interactively (by comparing these kids to our own childhood), the film ends up poising an important question. Where is the line between adapting to changing values/priorities and our fight to hold on to our traditions and prinicpals?



Favorite Quote of The Week

"All evolution in thought and conduct must first appear as heresy and misconduct." - George Bernard Shaw



Favorite Song of The Week

"Beautiful Day" - U2

Tags: United States America July 4th Health Fitness Youth Jump Rope Training Bjj

Health and Fitness -- Strength Training (4 sets for each exercise)

My last week of power training. The next couple of weeks will most likely be improvised, until I can think of a new way I'd like to train. I did Seated Russian Twists (Rotational -- 8 reps) and Power Snatches (Explosive) on all four days. All exercises: 4 Sets, 4 Reps.

Monday
Knee Dominant (bilateral): Barbell Overhead Squat
Hor. Push (unilateral): Alt DB Chest Press
Vert. Push (bilateral): Barbell Push Press

Tuesday
Hip Dominant (unilateral): Single Leg Supine Hip Extension
Hor. Pull (bilateral): Barbell Row
Vert. Pull (unilateral): Side to Side Pull-Ups w/ weight

Thursday
Knee Dominant (unilateral): Step Ups w/ Barbell
Hor. Push (bilateral): Bench Press
Vert. Push (unilateral): Alt DB Shoulder Press

Friday
Hip Dominant (bilateral): Romanian Deadlift
Hor. Pull (unilateral): Alt DB Row
Vert. Pull (bilateral): Mixed Grip Pull-Ups w/ weight


CARDIO: I finally reached one of my goals with running. I was able to finish 2 miles in 14:15 (rounding up, to be conservative). 14:15 may not seem like much, but I like to think it's pretty decent for a 180-185 lb, 26 year old guy, with flat feet and legs that aren't that long.

Martial Arts

I'm in the process of trying to figure out a new schedule when it comes to martial arts. My school is going to start introducing a mixed martial arts class. The membership will be included with the current Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program. Basically, it'll end up the same price for either or both programs (Two nights of MMA, Two for BJJ). My schedule has been busy enough, so if I end up continuing my cross training, I'll probably go to no more than 3 nights (2 BJJ, 1 MMA), while continuing to help teach and practice Taekwondo.

This summer I'm also doing a Summer Camp program, as well as an exercise class for a day care. So this should end up being a busy season.

Favorite Quote of The Week

“Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spirtitual life." - Gautama Siddharta


Favorite Song of The Week

"Vindicated" - Dashboard Confessional

Tags: Health Fitness Exercise Cardio Running Mma Bjj Training Teaching

Health and Fitness -- Strength Training (4 sets for each exercise)

The last two weeks have been focused on power. Here is one example week:

All four days I did Power Cleans (Explosive -- 4 reps), Russian Twists (Rotational -- 8 reps), and Side Bridge w/ Reach (Core Stabilization -- 10 reps). All other exercises -- 4 reps.

Monday
Knee Dominant (bilateral): Barbell Front Squat
Hor. Push (unilateral): DB Chest Press
Vert. Push (bilateral): Barbell Push Press

Tuesday
Hip Dominant (unilateral): Single Leg Supine Hip Extension
Hor. Pull (bilateral): Modified T-Bar Row
Vert. Pull (unilateral): Side to Side Pull-Ups w/ weight

Thursday
Knee Dominant (unilateral): Single Leg Squats
Hor. Push (bilateral): Bench Press
Vert. Push (unilateral): Alt DB Shoulder Press

Friday
Hip Dominant (bilateral): Romanian Deadlift
Hor. Pull (unilateral): 2 Point DB Row
Vert. Pull (bilateral): Pull-Ups w/ weight

Martial Arts

Brailian Jiu Jitsu has gone well so far. Although I'm still a bit of a slow learner in that field, I'm starting to understand the basics a lot more. A lot of my early struggles with Taekwondo were similar -- I put so much thought into it that I freezed my brain at times.

I've been doing some after school programs, and will be teaching a martial arts program for summer camp soon (my second year). Teaching non-regular students has many pros and cons. However, in the end: I'm always happy to find myself back in the dojang.

I posted a poll about wearing T-shirts during summer training. The results so far have been:

Yes, and I'm glad they do -- 5 (28%)
Yes, but I don't like it -- 4 (22%)
No, but I wish they would -- 4 (22%)
No, and I'm glad they don't -- 5 (28%)


My instructor announced the optional switch to t-shirts a week ago (note: our school does have some air conditioning, but most know that A/C will only do so much when training). It came a little later than usual (late May is the usual). However, he was a bit annoyed by the amount of parents who complained that it didn't come soon enough. As far as the children's class goes, I know parents will always worry about their kids (and some with right cause), but I wonder at what point kids might be getting "softer".

In the elementary school classes that I work in, I'm finding a higher number of students each year who go to the nurse's office for even the smallest things. Another thing I've noticed is the dissapointment of NOT having INDOOR recess. I remember being a child and groaning with the rest of the class when the principal announced there wouldn't be outdoor recess. I talked to a couple of teachers upstate, and they were finding the same thing.

It's possible there's something I'm missing, or perhaps my childhood wasn't that different at all, and that my memory is slightly skewed.

Favorite Quote of The Week

“Nature has no mercy at all. Nature says 'I'm going to snow. If you have on a bikini and no snowshoes, that's tough. I am going to snow anyway'" - Maya Angelou


Favorite Song of The Week

"Fire In The Hole" - Van Halen

Tags: Health Fitness Bjj Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Training Toughness Summer Heat

Got a chance to see "The Foot Fist Way" in theaters...my quick review:


Danny R. McBride's performance is decent, but I think that even at his best, he couldn't save this film.

Some might believe (by the trailers), that this film would be a cheap shot and/or diservice to Taekwondo. I viewed the trailer with a lot of potential to simply be "all in good fun".

The problem was, it wasn't really fun at all--not the TKD aspect, but the movie in general. I remember laughing at one or two of the jokes, but even those jokes were forgettable. The pacing seemed slower than necessary, and some of the scenes ran much too long (not to mention some of the longer scenes were very predictable).

As far as TKD was concerned -- it wasn't really a bad portrayl. In fact, I would say that despite the setting, it had little to do with TKD. When watched, I think it's somewhat obvious that the movie deals with egotism & idol worship, and the hurt that occurs when the facade is cracked. Using that theme in a martial arts movie (a comedy no less) is extremely refreshing and directors of martial arts films would do well to learn a little from this.

However, with that being said: it's still a poorly executed movie.


Grade: I'm on the fence between a 'D+' and a 'C-'


NOTE: I had a lot of high expectations from the extremely funny marketing. The movie's website and trailer (worth the look:  http://www.thefootfistway.com) are unfortunately much funnier than the theatrical release


Also, I felt as far as the martial arts go: Despite the bumbling characters and organization of the school (e.g. Swearing in the dojang, a child teaching adults), it did portray some positive aspects of what TKD can do for people. And in case anyone was wondering, they did Chang Hon forms.

Tags: Movie Review

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