Stoppy

The key to TKD is flexibility and strength (body and mind) you will be learning kicks that will eventually be above your own head. So make sure to train your motability as well as stamina. The kind of strenght needed in martial arts only comes from repetitive practice of certain moves, and I agree dont learn from books as doing the wrong technique will do more damage and take longer to correct than if learnt from scratch. Other than that enjoy the sport/art and follow the tennants of TKD JS

In my classes, I stress the importance of every one finishing together and in time. The moves themselves need to flow, but in a regimental style, rembering that the art of Taekwondo was developed from military backgrounds. With this in mind so longs as all the moves are in time with the lead student, when all finish together, no one minds that much if the lines are somewhat staggered. Of course if the students do finish together and in the same spot then I can ask no more. JS

There is always freestyle TKD too .. Its more akin to kiickboxing and has complete emphisis on Fitness and Fighting. (Semi Point Stop, or full contact.) BTW Bretty do you train with GrandMaster Liversidge? ITF ? Stoppy

We have very similar problems in the UK. The olympic commitee only recognises one governing body. But this body does not hold the most numerical members. A similar problem occured when a fourth dan, recently made comments on the validity of my masters cirtification and authenticity. I have been training with him from day one and due to fighting requirements and missing gradings im still only a 3rd dan after 18 years of training, but I have seen with my eyes the Master take exams with highly respected Korean Masters and so on and so fourth. To cut it all short we practice the codes instilled into us from day one. Ettiquette, Modesty, Perserverence, Self Control & Indomitable Spirit. When following these, its difficult to reposte' such claims, but peices of paper dont seem to be worth the hundreds of pounds (euros?) they cost. In the end a belt is there to hold up your trousers. Respect the person not the belt colour. We all have to earn respect Black belts earn respect from white belts and vice versa .. Stoppy