KickChick

.. forgot about that one! I put this together so that you all (even those who arent involved in TKD) can be aware of the differences in TKD. The World Taekwondo Federation is the governing body recognized by the International Olympic Committee, and as a result WTF schools usually emphasize Olympic-style full contact sparring. The WTF is represented in the U.S. by the U.S. Taekwondo Union (USTU). The International Taekwondo Federation is an older organization founded by Hong Hi Choi and based out of Canada. It tends to emphasize a combination of self-defense and sparring, and uses forms slightly older than those used by the WTF. The American Taekwondo Association is a smaller organization similarin some ways to the ITF. It is somewhat more insular than the ITF and WTF, and is somewhat unique in that it has copyrighted the forms of its organization so that they cannot be used in competition by non-members. There are numerous other federations and organizations, many claiming to be national (AAU TKD has perhaps the best claim here) or international (although few are), but these three have the most members. All of these federations, however, use similar techniques (kicks, strikes, blocks, movement, etc.), as indeed does Tang Soo Do (another Korean art, founded by the Moo Duk Kwan, that remained independent during the unification/foundation of Tae Kwon Do).

Well if you haven't been involved with the "others" than how do you know they're "crap". Try not to diss what you do not know. ITF and WTF are the two main branches of TKD. I won't go into the history of the split. That is something that you should brush up on. But here happens to be other associations branching out besides ATA (American Taekwondo) which teaches Songahm TKD and the STF (another branch of ATA covering Latin America) ....GTA too (Global Taekwondo). As a result of evaluating all the forms systems of TKD and realizing the absence of tradition, Master Haeng Ung Lee developed a forms system that encompassed the kicks, traditions and philosophy of traditional Taekwondo. This system was known as "Songahm" ... quite differerent from WTF but somewhat similar I believe to ITF. Yes, I'm sure rules are diferent. Also take note that this is "American" Taekwondo ... many of us here come from all over the world and are not familiar with this branch that was founded in Omaha. _________________ KarateForums Sensei 1st dan BlackBelt TKD(ITF) CardioKickboxing/Fitness Inst. [ This Message was edited by: KickChick on 2002-03-22 07:27 ]

well, basically it describes the type of school where more often than not, it is a franchise where you can attain a black belt in a max of 2 years ... show me the money you get a belt. "McDojo’s Over 99 Million Promotions Served!" ...you want fries with that???oh btw ... awesome ... congrats to you!!! [ This Message was edited by: KickChick on 2002-03-21 20:04 ]

Keep in mind we are discussing "point" sparring .... so basically you need to strike your opponent where he or she is open and rack up those points. In tournament sparring the distance from each competitor is well out of range for any technique to successfully land on either partner. The whole idea of attacking is to close the distance between you and your opponent so that you can become close enough to land a technique. Its not so much who attacks first but to keep attacking and to be aggressive in doing so. When the score is tied at the end of the match, the referee decides the winner on the basis of aggressiveness and most techniques thrown. If you attacked and threw more techniques than your partner did during the match, then you won ... even though the score was technically tied. So, attacking has its advantages. But remember when you do attack you leave yourself open and off balance for your partner’s counter-attack ... if you kick your partner they will kick back from a closer and more effective range. So be sure to counter the counter-attack. Sparring is similar to an argument..the exchange builds up from the former exchanges, each one better than the last, and the best one wins!! _________________ KarateForums Sensei 1st dan BlackBelt TKD(ITF) CardioKickboxing/Fitness Inst. [ This Message was edited by: KickChick on 2002-03-21 07:36 ]

My bb test ran close to 3 hours .... I remember it like it was yesterday! Sir turns the heat up to 75 (mind you it was summer)... You begin doing every technique ever learned over and over again. Every form forward and backward, spar every black belt for 3 minutes and then the board breaks .... you kick and punch until the quota of boards are broken ... luckily I landed all of mine on the first try .... but it is not unusual to see students stiking their bloodied hands and forearms and heels until the boards snap. It is a grueling feat .... and quite an achievement! We do not have a written test but I am not against that .... I feel many black belts do not know enough about the history, philosophy and terminology of their style.... but if youre gung ho on your style then it should be your responsibility to learn all that you can! _________________ KarateForums Sensei 1st dan BlackBelt TKD(ITF) CardioKickboxing/Fitness Inst. [ This Message was edited by: KickChick on 2002-03-20 15:48 ]

With the season of tournaments upon us, our school has been working on our point sparring. Before you can be aggressive you have to learn control. Control means doing a good fast technique and landing it with a "light touch". This is a very difficult, but necessary skill to learn. Anyone can kick and hit hard, you can aim 2 inches, 4 inches, or a foot through your target and it will still be a good hit. Doing a good fast technique with only a light touch displays control, discipline, and skill. What is it to be aggressive? It doesn't mean to injure your opponent ... it means really going after that point, fast and hard. It means don't do one kick and stop, it means keep going, do more than 1 kick, don't stop until you get a point. Drive your opponent back, and get them out of sync. Also look at your opponent in the eyes. This can be intimidating. (and try not to laught!... this is a tip for me! ) Combine this with good loud ki-aps and being aggressive, you can get him/her flustered and be at a huge advantage. Also by looking into their eyes you aren't looking at where you are going to kick before you kick. Also, you need a plan. Will you attack first, or wait to counter attack? Are you going to use any set-ups, fakes? If so, which ones? _________________ KarateForums Sensei 1st dan BlackBelt TKD(ITF) CardioKickboxing/Fitness Inst. [ This Message was edited by: KickChick on 2002-03-20 15:32 ]

You'll find various opinions on creatine in this forum under the thread "Supplement Regimens"..... http://www.karateforums.com/forums/viewtopic.php?topic=469&forum=19 Welcome to KarateForums Jackets... please feel free to drop by the Introductions Forum and tell us more about you! _________________ KarateForums Sensei 1st dan BlackBelt TKD(ITF) CardioKickboxing/Fitness Inst. [ This Message was edited by: KickChick on 2002-03-20 09:51 ]

I already began a thread on this in this forum ... "Serious Injuries Anyone?" , so let's continue with this topic there!!

There are so many associations and unions involved in BOTH ITF and WTF ... lets not concentrate on just one division. Our school happens to be certified by USTA which happens to be a non-profit professional orgranization which aids in the development and progression of TKD both as an art and a sport. These orgainzations (some I am sure do profit) provide professional guidance in setting up and managing national standards of practice and competition, providing training, testing, and accreditation for both individual members and school members. The USTA just happens to be an active member of the World Taekwondo Federation ...although we are an ITF school ... but many students in years past were interested in the possiblity of pursuing the Olympics so thew school had to be certified as such. The politics involved makes your head spin ... I tend not to dwell on all this but unfortunately you will run into it when you go to tournament such as I have this week. I was to go to tournament this weekend but unfortunately the school learned that we had to be members of the USTU because this tournament was sanctioned by them. I bowed out .... I was not willing to hand out an additional 40 dollars (mind you each particiapant from our school would have to pay this) plus the 40.00 fee for one event and 10.00 for each addtional. No trophies were being awarded so where was all that $ being spent on???? If you truly have concerns I suggest you contact the ITF http://www.itf-information.com/ ... but YOU will know that you will always be a black belt. _________________ KarateForums Sensei 1st dan BlackBelt TKD(ITF) CardioKickboxing/Fitness Inst. [ This Message was edited by: KickChick on 2002-03-20 08:26 ]

... with spacers. In case those of you aren't aware of why spacers are used in certain breaks this is why. The spacers spread the boards apart, resulting in two important consequences which help in performing your break: 1. There is a phenomena where, if separated, the first board will drop down with impact into the second board, actually dispersing force from the first board downward for use against the next board. And so on... 2. The use of spacers lessens the density of the boards, lowering the amount of impact force required per cubic inch of volume, to effect the break. So using spacers makes for an easier break. If you can break two boards held by a someone, you should be able to break 5 boards stacked, separated by 3/8-1/2" spacers .... and yes one patio block too, _________________ KarateForums Sensei 1st dan BlackBelt TKD(ITF) CardioKickboxing/Fitness Inst. [ This Message was edited by: KickChick on 2002-03-20 07:47 ]

Your training and experiences are not limited to the dojo. The self-improvement attitude and approaches are exemplified in the home as well in other areas of your of daily life. The etiquette exercises in the dojo, that reflect respect, care, dedication, sincerity, contemplation, effort, calm, perseverance, positive and creative initiatives, provide the student with an unusual awareness that should be used in other areas of their life. To confine the learning and practice experience to just only a single place and time diminishes the results and enjoyment you get from your martial art. Everyone needs to "open" their dojo's walls to their living environment and let the personal improvement in the physical, mental and spiritual areas generated during their training there in the dojo extend over to their workplace and at home. This will allow you to get the best results and quality of experience possible in other circles of life.

Like I've posted before....people think I'm nice cos' I do tend to laugh or smile alot when I spar. When I am paired up with a lower belt I of course take it down a few notches but do show then where they are letting their guard down but not full force contact. When I spar brown and black belts I never hold back ... in fact, at that level we go into spar with verbal agreement whether to head kick or punch (many people aren't into full contact to head and that's understandable) Control is the key ... if you are wearing gear and you show control, no real serious damage can be done ... (maybe some bruised egos though!! ) _________________ KarateForums Sensei 1st dan BlackBelt TKD(ITF) CardioKickboxing/Fitness Inst. [ This Message was edited by: KickChick on 2002-03-19 20:23 ]

right on ad!!! three60roundhouse ... I disagree with your comment still. I don't believe that TKD carries a horrible reputation. Yes, it is a long range style primarily. Those who are uneducated in the style of TKD and in martial arts styles in general are ignorant period ... lets not keep bringing up that term McDojo .... I truly feel it is overused! There is a time and a place for every kick (when you are in the situation you know when to use it and when not to. Chances are you may never need to or want to in a street fight situation but as I posted earlier, scores points in competions (specially when you cannot punch to head) ... ah, but when the moment is right and you plant one.... man does it ever feel good ...(well maybe not to the other guy!)

You should decide what you are looking to get out of the Martial Arts, and do not be afraid to ask the instructor about those points. There are Sport Arts (Judo, Tae Kwon Do, Tournament Karate), Striking Arts (Karate, Chinese Boxing, Tae Kwon Do), Grappling Arts (Aikido, Jujutsu, Ch'in Na) and Weapon Arts (Kyudo, Kendo, Escrima). Arts have different philosophies and goals. You should decide which one interests you, and then look into the schools that teach that style, in your area. Contrary to popular opinion..... Size does not matter! ... _________________ KarateForums Sensei 1st dan BlackBelt TKD(ITF) CardioKickboxing/Fitness Inst. [ This Message was edited by: KickChick on 2002-03-19 17:58 ]

...on the contrary. I believe most people nowadays are getting into martial arts for all the right reasons. Years ago for the kids it was Power Rangers and Ninja Turtles... now its to deal with bullying, exercise, self esteem and to develop respect for others and ones self. (at least this is what I hear from the parents) Some kids just aren't into organized sports and martial arts offers a different activity for them. For adults nowadays it is primarily physical fitness and more so I believe learning self defense.

Only downfall to breaking "bricks" is that you don't have kindling for the fireplace afterwards!! But once you are used to breaking wooden boards the next progression is to other materials such as bricks. At our school we usually use patio blocks 8x16x2". They are made of cement with a small amount of reinforcement aggregate. These blocks most often come in gray and red. They can be flat on both sides or the bottom can have small gripping ridges. Patio blocks are good for their consistency in difficulty, although a wet or frozen block is harder to break. One patio block equals about five strong boards. Patio blocks are about 80 cents a piece ...much cheaper than wood, but then again you don't get kindling with blocks after they're broken!. You should try for two or three blocks with spacers as your goal for a beginner. Careful of the newer patio blocks. There are blocks that look similar to standard patio blocks but are several times stronger. There is more filler consisting of large granite chips. If you drop one on the floor and it doesn't break than the odds are you have one of these newer reinforced patio blocks. Nope.... haven't done that yet! Right now working on my speed breaks. (tossing board up into air and either kick or punch to break) ... anybody have tips on that??? _________________ KarateForums Sensei 1st dan BlackBelt TKD(ITF) CardioKickboxing/Fitness Inst. [ This Message was edited by: KickChick on 2002-03-20 07:50 ]

Horrible reputation?? Every art has its long and short aspects it is just which is used more that classify them. Long range is just that, do you wait for your attacker to be within your reach or do you jump and/or roll and/or kick to attack from a larger distance. Long range also means that you would use extended attacks (punches with your arms stretched or kicks high and extended fully) as opposed to a close range grappling and breaking maneuver. Judo is an excellent example of a short range style, its attacks are extermely effective, only if the attacker can get in close enough to grab on and use them. Tae Kwon Do is a great example of a long range style, the attacker can do quite a bit of damage from quite a distance away from the target... like head kicks! Since the distance is further away, a you have more time to react, and can learn how to see attacks and read them. TKD teaches maximizing power. (Overcome power with power.) ... I don't think this is so horrible!.... but we should crosstrain in a short range style as well! _________________ KarateForums Sensei 1st dan BlackBelt TKD(ITF) CardioKickboxing/Fitness Inst. [ This Message was edited by: KickChick on 2002-03-19 11:26 ]

Can anyone direct me to a web site which sells a board holder system or does anyone have plans or directions on such a system which uses a spring assembly that can hold up to 8-10 boards without the aid of a person. I have someone willing to look into making such a device for me. I did have a web site where I was looking into purchasing such a system ... but site is no longer up (https://www.powerboardholder.com) HELP!

Months ago a chiropractor was sent to our office to give us all adjustments if needed. When I mentioned that I practiced martial arts he seemed to pay more attention to my alignment and did notice I was misaligned in one area and that one leg was slightly longer than the other. He grabbed my neck and twisted. I heard a mild "crack" and then this weird feeling rushed down my spine and all of a sudden I felt refreshed. But now months later I notice now and again that I feel misaligned, like my body feels crooked. I can crack my own back at times, (I'm sure thats not good but...) Someone told me that once a chiropractor adjusts your spine it needs to be done regularly and that actually it is beneficial to do so. Does any one here go for treatments?

hmmm ....does make you wonder :pony: jokes!!

Hey OldRookie ... so glad you have joined us here on the forum! Congrats on your return to TKD! I have 3 children :cowboy: that have taken TKD also! _________________ 1st dan Black Belt Tae Kwon Do (ITF)/ CardioKickbox/Fitness Instructor [ This Message was edited by: KickChick on 2002-03-17 14:25 ]

College Basketball (here in the States) ... it's called "March Madness" ... how are we doing on our sheets???

Bank Robbers Excerpted from an article which appeared in the Dublin Times about a bank robbery on March 2, 1999: Once inside the bank shortly after midnight, their efforts at disabling the internal security system got underway immediately. The robbers, who expected to find one or two large safes filled with cash and valuables, were surprised to see hundreds of smaller safes scattered throughout the bank. The robbers cracked the first safe's combination, and inside they foundonly a bowl of vanilla pudding. As recorded on the bank's audiotape system, one robber said, "At least we'll have a bit to eat." The robbers opened up a second safe, and it also contained nothing but vanilla pudding. The process continued until all the safes were opened. They found not one pound sterling, a diamond, or an ounce of gold. Instead, all the safes contained covered bowls of pudding. Disappointed, the robbers made a quiet exit, each leaving with nothing more than a queasy, uncomfortably full stomach. The newspaper headline read: IRELAND'S LARGEST SPERM BANK ROBBED EARLY THIS MORNING

1. WILL THE REAL DUMMY PLEASE STAND UP? ATT&T fired President John Walter after 9 months, saying he lacked intellectual leadership. He received a $26 million severance package. Perhaps it's not Walter who's lacking intelligence. 2. WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM OUR FRIENDS. Police in Oakland, California spent 2 hours attempting to subdue a gunman who had barricaded himself inside his home. After firing 10 tear gas canisters, officers discovered that the man was standing beside them in the police line, shouting, "Please come out and give yourself up." 3. WHAT WAS PLAN B??? An Illinois man, pretending to have a gun, kidnapped a motorist and forced him to drive to 2 different automated teller machines, whereinthe kidnapper proceeded to withdraw money from his own bank accounts. 4. THE GETAWAY! A man walked into a Topeka, Kansas Kwik Stop and asked for all the money in the cash drawer. Apparently, the take was too small, so he tied upthe store clerk and worked the counter himself for 3 hours until the police showed up and grabbed him. 5. DID I SAY THAT??? Police in Los Angeles had good luck with a robbery suspect who just couldn't control himself during a lineup. When detectives asked each man in the lineup to repeat the words, "Give me all you money or I'll shoot." The man shouted, "That's not what I said!" 6. ARE WE COMMUNICATING? A man spoke frantically into the phone, "My wife is pregnant and her contractions are only 2 minutes apart!" "Is this her first child?" the doctor asked. "No!", the man shouted, "This is her husband!". 7. NOT THE SHARPEST TOOL IN THE SHED. In Modesto, California, Steven Richard King was arrested for trying to hold up a Bank of America branch without a weapon. King used a thumb and a finger to simulate a gun, but unfortunately, he failed to keep his hand in his pocket. (uhhh, helllllooooooo!) 8. THE GRAND FINALE . . . Last summer, down on Lake Isabella, located in the high desert, an hour east of Bakersfield, California, some folks, new to boating, were having a problem. No matter how hard they tried, they couldn't get their brand new 22 foot boating going. It was very sluggish in almost everymaneuver, no matter how much power was applied. After about an hour of trying to make it go, they putted to a nearby marina, thinking someone there could tell them what was wrong. A thorough topside check revealed everything in perfect working condition. The engine ran fine, the out drive went up and down, the prop was the correct size and pitch. So, one of the marina guys jumped into the water to check underneath. He came up choking on water, he was laughing so hard. Under the boat, still securely in place, was the trailer!

"Cup Checks".... there are always a few students who think they don't need to wear one (whether its trust or thinking their too cool) Well one day when Sah bum nihm scoup-kicked everyone in the class, the students decided "cool" ranked somewhere below breathing normally.