Kingston University Taekwondo

Joining Kingston Taekwondo

2011-09-20T11:23:00.003+01:00

Joining Taekwondo at Kingston is easy! During Freshers Fayre or anytime after, you can purchase the Kingston Sports card for £30 then pay and additional £5 for each sport you wish to join. After that you're Taekwondo license cost £23 allowing you to train anywhere in Britain and still be insured. These are you're training costs for the year then each session is free. If you're not sure about committing then you can train for your first session for free to see whether or not you enjoy it.

More detailed information may be found here
http://kutkd.blogspot.com/2007/12/contact-us.html

Facebook page

2011-09-09T13:10:00.004+01:00

Check out the new Facebook page

Kingston Fight Camp

2011-02-04T21:35:00.006Z

Click on the image to download pdf

Date: Saturday Feburary 19th
Time: 11.00 to 17.00
Location: Tiffin boys School
Cost:£10
Instructors: Grand Master Lindsay Lawrence
Master Raymond Michaels, Master John Webster

The Kingston Fight Camp is an opportunity created for different clubs around the UK to come together and train in Taekwondo, learning new techniques and styles from different instructors and students.

The day lasts six hours including breaks and registration. The training will be focused on kyorugi(sparring), providing new drills and strategies from three different instructors.

The day will end with a sparring session using electronic scoring equipment, allowing people to gain some experience in the ring, corner judging and refereeing.

Training is open to all over the age of 13, however WTF insurance is required and if possible, should be brought on the day.

Equipment:
Please bring at least one kick paddle per person. If you can bring more, including power shields, iranians etc that would be most beneficial. However please ensure they are marked incase they go missing. Please bring food o keep you going through the day and plenty of water. There are plenty of shops including a Tesco near by. Let us know if you need anything

To make us aware of how many numbers we should be expecting and what size restaurant to book, please RSVP as soon as possible.

You can RSVP, register your interest in the event, or contact me for more information

taekwondo@kingston.ac.uk (Michael Nathan-Peple)
On 07960322056 (Michael Nathan-Pepple)

The facebook event page is (search Kingston Fight camp)
http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=137070716355670

And our facebook group is(search Kingston University Taekwondo)
http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=5797643226

Training Time and costs

2010-09-19T21:48:00.004+01:00

Kingston University Taekwondo
Training Location & Times
Tiffin Boys School

Queen Elizabeth Road

London KT2 6RL

Monday 1830 - 2030

Thursday 1800 - 2000

E-mail
taekwondo@kingston.ac.uk

Beginners welcome all year round.
Please arrive on time for class.

Annual Costs
Training is free during term times, where the University will pay the instructors fees. The only payments which is needee to train in the club are:

£30 To join Kingston University Sport
£5 To Join Taekwondo

£23 Insurance
£15+ Equipment an uniform

Facebook group: "Kingston University Taekwondo"

Youtube Channel: "KUTKD"

Easter Training

2010-03-30T16:40:00.001+01:00

Due to the last minute cancellation of class, the grading at Kingston has been postponed to the beginning of the next term

MONDAY APRIL 12TH

There will be a grading today at Master Lawrence's club in Chelsea at 5.45

Address and travel detail may be found here
http://www.lltkd.co.uk/club_K&C.htm

For those who cannot make the grading. There will be a session at the fitness centre from 18.15 to help with your basics and patterns.

There will be a session next week on Wednesday at either 18.00 or 18.30 I will confirm this later this week.
Saturday morning sessions are still booked unless otherwise stated.

Conditioning

2010-02-19T01:31:00.004Z

DISCLAIMER

STRETCHING ORDER
· Back
· Abdominals
· Glutes
· Groin
· Calves
· Thighs
· Hamstrings

GENERAL
SKIPPING
The old time tested skipping rope. A good skipping rope can be purchased for less than ￡5 (or if the credit crunch has really hit you, use a heavy bit of old rope from a nearby scrapyard). Works on your calf muscles so you're light on your feet
>>>30minutes – changing speed, alternating feet, or moving forward & back. Keep it varied.

RUNNING
Steady paced running mixed with short 10 seconds sprints. Get a decent, inexpensive pair of running shoes and some suitable clothes to enjoy your run. Start of with a running every other day at a comfortable pace to get into the habit. Do this for 2 weeks to build a good base before upping the intensity. Develops overall leg strength as well as stamina.
>>>20-30minutes or 2-3miles – jogging mixed with sprints.

BURPEES
To develop explosive stamina and power. From the standing position, crouch and squat thrust (hands on the floor, shoot your legs out behind you and retract); from the crouch position push off into a jump.
>>>4 Sets of 15 (30 second break between sets)

STAMINA
SPRINT SHUTTLES
Develops explosive endurance – being able to do short bursts repeatedly, maintaining quality. Have a Work to Rest ratio of 1:1 (e.g. sprint for 10 seconds, rest for 10seconds). Mark out a 30-50 meter course; sprint the distance and jog back to start. Sprint again immidiately at start line.
>>>15-20 sprint shuttles.

INTERVAL RUN
>>>See 'Running' above

DOUBLES
Consecutive turning kicks, jumping to alternate legs. Proper technique – Emphasise full hip twist, keep the knee chambered (bent) until the last moment and flick out the kick, fire the kick at about hip level. Excellent overall exercise for strength, technique and stamina.
Click here
>>>30 seconds kicking, 30 seconds rest – 3 sets

SKIPPING
>>>See above

ARMS
PUSH UPS
For upper body strength. Develops arms, chest and back muscles. Technique: Start on the ground with arms fully extended, hands shoulder width apart, neck back and legs forming a straight line, legs straight, toes on the ground; lower your upper body using your toes as a pivot point, maintaining the straight line; raise your body from the ground to original position.
>>>See this great site to improve upper body strength

CLAP PUSH UPS
To develop explosive speed and power. Similar form to push ups – this time explode your body from the ground far enough to clap and rest your hands before lowering yourself to the ground and repeating.
Click here

TRICEP DIPS
The power in your punches (and blocks) come from your biceps, pectoral, lats and delt muscles working together.

Click here

ABS
Try this program for developing core (abdominal) strength

BICYCLE
Lie flat on the floor with your lower back pressed to the ground. Put your hands beside your head. Bring your knees up to about a 45-degree angle and slowly go through a bicycle pedal motion. Touch your left elbow to your right knee, then your right elbow to your left knee. Breathe evenly throughout the exercise.
Click here
>>>3 sets of 20-30 reps

CRUNCHES
Click here
>>>3 sets of 20-30 reps

SEATED TWISTS
Click here
>>>3 Sets 20-30 reps

HIP FLEXORS
CRESCENT KICKS
Starting in your fighting stance. Perform an inside-to-outside crescent kick, landing the foot back in fighting stance; then with the same leg perform an outside-to-inside crescent kick, again finishing in fighting stance (aiming for chest level and above). This is one rep. Ensure the path of your kick is wide to get the most out of your muscles. Be in control of the lift and fall of your leg – do not just drop your leg.
>>>15 reps each leg – 2 sets

FLUTTER KICKS
Start by lying flat on your back, extend your legs and keep straight. Lift your heels about 6 inches off the floor. Make small, rapid up and down scissor-like motions with your legs. The smaller the movement, the more your muscles will work.
>>>30kicks – 3 set

RAPID FIRE
Ensure you're properly warmed up for this speed drill. Will quickly improve the speed of your kicks. In your fighting stance, at your fastest speed fire a midsection roundhouse kick – NEVER fully extend the kick, keep your leg a little bent; land the leg as fast as possible, and retract to the start position, again as fast as possible. Settle yourself and repeat the technique.
>>>20kicks each leg – 2 sets

THIGHS
SQUAT-JUMP-KICK
Engaging the large quadricep muscles will greatly increase your kicking power and speed. The squat is performed by bending at the knees to the point where your thighs are parallel to the ground; push up and perform a small jump, on landing, immediately fire a fast front kick with one leg (Do not fully extend). Repeat, alternating legs as you go.
>>>15reps – 3 sets

STEP UPS
Find a set of stairs or any STABLE object (chair etc) that can support your full weight, up to about a foot (30cm/12cm) high. Step up onto the object, one foot at a time and step back down, one foot at a time. Repeat. This exercise will work on explosive speed for your kicks.
>>> 20reps – 3 sets

LEG EXTENSIONS
Using a chair for support if necessary, extend your leg out to the side of your body so that its horizontal (parallel to the ground); lower the leg to a 45 degree angle; raise back to the original point. This is one rep. This will greatly enhance the control you have over your legs – in turn your accuracy, speed and technique will improve.
>>>20 reps each leg – 3 sets

CALFS
TUCK JUMPS
From a standing position, jump up as high as possible pumping your knees towards your chest and then away. On landing, immediately jump up again repeating the motion. The key is to minimise contact with the ground between jumps to emphasise explosive movement. Will help with footwork and evading kicks, as well as reaction speed.
>>>10 reps – 5 sets

DROP JUMP
Find a set of stairs or any STABLE object (chair etc) that can support your full weight, up to about a foot (30cm/12cm) high. From the top of the surface step off, landing with both feet and immediately jump upwards. This is one rep. Again, the key is to minimise contact with the ground between jumps to emphasise explosive movement. Will help with footwork and evading kicks, as well as reaction speed.
>>>10 reps – 3 sets

CALF RAISES
Stand with feet shoulder width apart, raise up on to your toes and hold for a second; lower yourself again stopping just above the ground (do not rest your heels on the floor). This is one rep. Builds calf muscles fast. You will become light on your feet and improve your footwork, kicking and spinning speed.
>>>30 reps – 3 sets

Saw Us At Freshers Fair???

2009-09-25T20:24:00.008+01:00

Saw us at freshers???
Hopefully you did and you're reading this because you're interested in joining us! Click on the poster below for a quick pdf download of our Freshers Newsletter.

Are you not sure what Taekwondo is? are you a bit unsure if its for you? Would you like to know how you'll actually train? What do we get upto outside training?
Feel free to browse our website to learn more about Taekwondo, sports, diet, martial arts and more!

Click here for your Welcome Newsletter:
Freshers Welcome

Freshers & New Students Welcome

2009-09-25T18:54:00.004+01:00

Click here for your Welcome Newsletter:
Freshers Welcome

BTSF National Championships 2009 - Durham

2009-03-09T17:40:00.001Z

560 miles, 26 fights, 24 hours, 10 medals later the lucky 13 Kingston fighters returned home – battle hardened after the controversial 23rd BSTF National Championships. Competing under some of the most challenging conditions, the team knuckled down and shone through. Last year, this contest had seen us bring back 2 gold, 3 silver and 2 bronze. This year promised to be even better!

Following an arduous overnight 6 hour coach trip the team arrived in Durham early morning in the small University town. Most of the team had had little sleep on the way up, to courtesy of a crowded, stuffy and rocky ride. Unfortunately, this affected our fighters early on in the competition. Reactions were slowed, sprits were dulled, and judgement was clouded – not ideal in an explosive marital art, where speed is everything.

Our fighters had been working hard for the 7 weeks building up to the 28th Feb following the Christmas break. Earlier in the season, we powered through for strong wins at the Cambridge open and Basingstoke Tournament. A strong core of veteran seniors inspired by the wins joined the team adding an edge of experienced confidence.

Early matches tested our sentiment, with two of our fighters conceding first round losses. The remainder of our early fights pulled close scores also. Scoring which was partly due to difficult opposition; but mostly due to the poor standard of officiating which overshadowed the whole contest. Clear kicks were ignored, penalty points wrongly issued, preference shown to particular clubs and even points scored to the wrong fighters! Only due to the senior rank of our head coach were at least some of our protests heard.

Our fighters were spurred on by support from team-mates – a true unit even with a third fighter, Mani, being eliminated from the contest, withdrawing after suffering side effects of dropping a kilo to meet weight moments before the final weigh in. After a few power naps and a regroup, few words were spoken and we soon let our fighting do the talking. Even the ‘questionable’ officials were hard pushed to cheat our fighters. Koushk ‘Ryan’, Tyrone, Tony, Michael, Tareq and Mahmut all opened the second round of bouts with 7 point leads – a win by superiority; all senior belts ending their matches in under 60 seconds. Particular credit goes to Tyrone landing a KO on a higher grade and Michael who defeated his opponent in 20 seconds flat.

The roars from the sidelines grew louder as even other Universities showed their appreciation for the flare of the Kingston Tigers. Our junior grades again proving their mettle on the mat making their way to the finals stages of their categories – eventually seeing them through to podium finishes. Unfortunately, poor officials ensured two of our most talented fighters had to settle for silver; Kerry & Mahmut were deprived of almost certain gold – no surprise their opponents were Durham fighters. The team again narrowed their focus and pulled together to settle the scores in the finals, where 3 of our finalists took undoubted victory.

The medal tally: Gold – Tyrone, Tony and Michael; Silver – Koushk ‘Ryan’, Kerry and Mahmut; Bronze – Manimaran, Evans, Tareq and Nicholas. This competition our team achieved a 77% medal rate; 30% gold – a 9% improvement on last year. 6 of our 13 fighters made it through to a final, 4 of our fighters did not loose a single match. 10 of our fighters won at least one of their matches guaranteeing a medal position.

Overall a very mixed competition! The unfortunate lack of standards in the judging ranks will not be forgotten – talks are ongoing to ensure there is a significant improvement so that Kingston, as well as all other teams, can compete in fairness.
Nonetheless, this year has seen a large move forward for KUTKD. The fighting team has grown since last year and even saw one more medal from the single entrant to the pattern contest. In spite of the distance, lack of sleep and food we truly pulled together and embodied the true spirit of a martial arts club.
All our fighters performed truly brilliantly when it mattered and done our instructors and coaches proud. Our reputation on the mat as individuals and as a club remained intact if not fortified…A true force in the British Student Taekwondo Federation.

A special thank you to Grandmaster Lindsay Lawrence (7th Dan), Master Raymond Michael (4th Dan), and Miss Lindsey bell (3rd Dan) for their coaching and support through the day.

Back up your training with the right kind of fuel

2009-02-26T23:59:00.000Z

Behind every layer of fat there are toned muscles trying to get out, and if you’re not eating the tight king of food to underpin your fitness programme, then a lot of your effort will go unnoticed- particularly around your belly. You need to realise that training is not restricted to the gym and the bike, but continues when you get home and open your fridge. The first thing you need to do is look at your fat intake, especially if your local curry house sends you a Christmas card every year.
It’s recommended that out daily intake of fat should be restricted to 90g. If you’re trying to lose weight you should be looking to halving this.
Within the 90g guideline we should have no more than 31g of saturated fats. These are the ones that are solid room temperature, e.g. butter, or the fat round a pork chop.
Saturated fats will not only add to the size of your waistline but will also raise your cholesterol level. There’s fat in just about everything you eat. But you can’t live your life without it. So just try to look for daily opportunities to cut it out of your diet and incorporate some of the following strategies when buying cooking or eating food.

· Whenever you can, grill, bake, poach, boil or steam as an alternative to frying. If you have no choice when make sure you use a non-stick pan to cut down on the added fat. If you’re frying an egg, for example, you only have to add a drop of oil to a heated non-stick pan, and then roll it around. Even better to ditch your bottle of cooking oil and buy a low-fat spray. The most careful pouring of oil will add around 15g of the fat to the meal, a spray will add only 1g per shot.

· Go easy when you’re applying butter or margarine to toast. You can either spread it thinly or use none at all under beans or jam; you’ll hardly notice the difference.

· Always look for the leanest cuts of meat, but be aware that every lean cut will require some trimming to get rid of all the fat. The best way to do this is to place the cut in the freezer for half an hour first. You’ll find that all the fat will turn white, making it easier for you to identify and cut off.

· Use love-fat mayonnaise wherever possible.

· Use skimmed milk for cooking, especially sauces that call for large amounts of milk, cream and butter. Dishes made from skimmed of semi-skimmed milk aren’t that much different from those made from whole milk. Substitute a cup of skimmed milk for a cup of cream and you’re cutting 60 calories out of the recipe straight away/ Alternatively, you can use low-fat yogurt or fromage frais.

· Make salad dressings from natural yogurt, herbs, spices, tomato juice, vinegar or lemon juice.

· Buy skinless chicken or turkey. About half the fat you’ll find in poultry is either in or directly under the skin.

· Dry fry mincemeat, and pour off the fat as it melts.

· Use half-fat hard cheese, cottage cheese or, if you have to, very small portions of stronger flavoured full-fat cheese.

· Eat more beans and less meat and you’ll get all the protein you need a lot less far.

· When you buy canned tune buy it packed in brine of water instead of oil, which adds a significant amount of fat to the meat.

· Substitute those mid-afternoon high-fat snacks like crisps or chocolates for a carbohydrate rich, low-fat fruit bun or scone.

· Turn yourself into a compulsive label reader when you’re in the supermarket; it’s the only way to be completely sure that you’re cutting back on fat. To qualify as low-fat the meal must contain less than 5g of fat per 100g, so if you see something marked ‘light’, ’lite’, ’reduced fat’, or ‘lower-fat’ don’t sling it in your basket automatically. Products labelled like this only have to have 25 per cent less fat than normal.

· Get into the habit of placing a couple of dishes of vegetables on the table for every meal and always be within reach of a bowl of fruit. This gives you even less of an excuse to fill up on fatty foods – and for every bite of vegetables or fresh fruits there’s less room for steak-and-kidney pie or cheesecake.

Of course you’re not always going to be in a position to dictate what you eat and how it’s cooked, but I still have a few tricks that mean I can have a night out without piling on loads of weight.

At the cinema: Don’t have salted popcorn, there’s about 45g of fat in a 100g serving. Sweet popcorn isn’t much better with 20g of fat per 100g. Have wine gums or fruit pastilles instead, which contain only a trace of fat.

At the restaurant: Have your vegetable without butter, and coffee with milk and not cream. There two insignificant changes will knock 20g of fat off your meal’s total.

At the curry house: Swap your beef kheema and naan for chicken tikka and rice. You’ll save at least 70g of fat.

At the pizza place: Skip the garlic bread and save yourself the equivalent of at least a tablespoon of butter, then blot the top of your pizza with a paper serviette before you eat it to save around 4.5g of fat per slice.

At the Chinese take-away: Leave the last half-inch of your meal in the container. By eating only the top of the food you get all the meat and vegetable but leave the fat in the foil.

At the kebab shop: Go for a chicken shish kebab which is basically grilled, skewered chicken in a plain pitta filled with salad and contains, on average, only 10g of fat. This really is the healthy option compared to the traditional doner kebab which packs at least 50g of fat.

At the burger bar: Go for a flame-grilled burger and ask them to hold the mayonnaise and you’re looking at only around 12g of fat.

If you’re trying to bulk up, the key is to base your meals around good quality protein – egg white, chicken, meat, fish – to maintain and repair the muscles after every workout, and include fruit and vegetables at every opportunity to supply the essential micro-nutrients. All you need to do then is add some carbohydrates, like bread, rice, pasta and potatoes, which fuel the muscles.

The only problem can be that your diet can degenerate into a series of bland meals if you don’t know how to spice things up a little, and it’s vital that things still taste good it you’re going to stick to a diet throughout your programme. For most guys there are just three seasonings: butter, salt and pepper, but you’ll be amazed at what you can do if you spend some time at the spice rack. Go for spice blends and keep things simple by having on for red meat, one for chicken, one for fish and one for vegetables.

There’s also a lot of help around for the low-fat cook these days in terms of recipe books and magazines which will provide you with hundreds of tasty meals that are low in fat and geared to specific goals. Alternatively, supermarkets have their own low fat-fat range of produce and ready-to-eat meals - although don’t take it for granted that it’s low in fat until you’ve read the label. I take advantage of both – and like baking a skinless chicken breast in foil with grated pepper and some lemon, eating it with wholemeal pasta or rice (because that kind of carbohydrate burns more slowly inside you).

When it comes to alcohol nobody is really a saint. You need to try and steer clear as much as you can. Drinking three ounces of alcohol reduces the body’s ability to burn fat one-third. And if you’ve been out on the beer all night you’re not going to be able to train effectively; you’re leaving yourself more prone to dehydration too. And of course alcohol, especially beer, is extremely high in calories, which get converted into simple sugars – that means fat. A pint of beer contains 200 calories, at least, and that’s just as much as a Snicker’s bar. So you need to count beer as part of your calorie intake, but don’t cheat on food so that you can drink more beer. Alcohol has few, if any nutrients and inhibits the absorption of nutrients from the food tou do eat, so drinking on an empty stomach will just bring on your cravings and you’ll end up snacking on crisps, nuts and kebabs.

If you’ve got a particular weight-loss goal then you should try and give up for a while – drive to the dinner party and you won’t have any choice but to stay off the booze. But if you are under constant training it is okay to have a few sips once in a while.

Rebuilding muscle

2009-02-26T23:47:00.007Z

Rebuilding Muscle Protein

Although not a preferred fuel source, protein is used to produce energy during prolonged exercise when muscle glycogen runs low. This process is known as catabolism. Furthermore, the high blood concentration of cortisol that is associated with catabolism also obstructs the rebuilding of muscle protein by diverting its amino acid building blocks to the liver. Because protein is an important structural element of muscles, catabolism leaves the muscles in a weakened state afterward. In order to properly recover from and adapt to this particular training stress, athletes must act quickly to rebuild muscle protein after exercise.

Earlier we discussed a physiological window of opportunity for glycogen replenishment in the two-hour period immediately following exercise. A very similar window exists for protein rebuilding, and for the same reason. Insulin is responsible for delivering both glucose and protein to muscle cells. After exercise, the muscle cells are highly receptive to insulin. In a study performed at Vanderbilt University, subjects were fed a protein-carbohydrate supplement either immediately after working out or three hours later. Members of the “early” group were found to have synthesized new muscle proteins at a much faster rate than members of the “late” group.

In a similar study, this one done at the University of Texas, subjects who consumed an amino acid-carbohydrate supplement immediately before exercise synthesized even more new muscle protein than subjects who consumed the same drink immediately after the workout. (Amino acids are the building blocks of protein.) The apparent reason for this result was that drinking the amino acid-carbohydrate drink before the workout resulted in higher blood insulin levels during the workout. Insulin is known to counteract the catabolic effect of cortisol. With greater amounts of insulin circulating to neutralize cortisol, the subjects who drank before working out were able to get more amino acids delivered to their muscle cells to rebuild proteins.

What this means is that nutritional recovery measures need to begin before workouts, or at least during them, and continue afterward. By consuming a sports drink containing carbohydrate and protein/amino acids before, during, and after workouts, athletes can ensure that their muscle proteins are rebuilt with maximum efficiency. Using a recovery drink that consists of large amounts of protein or amino acids and little or no carbohydrate is not as effective, however, because these drinks digest more slowly and result in far less insulin release than recovery drinks that contain carbohydrate and protein in the ideal 4:1 ratio.

Source:
Powering Muscle

Reducing stress

2009-02-26T23:47:00.006Z

Reducing Muscle and Immune System Stress

In the long-term, sports training strengthens muscles and the immune system. However, individual workouts damage muscles and can temporarily suppress immune system function. Fortunately, proper sports nutrition can minimize these effects and accelerate recovery from them.

Every athlete has experienced muscles soreness after training and, especially, competing. There are no fewer than three known causes of post-exercise muscle soreness. The primary cause is mechanical stress, which is an accumulation of microscopic tears to muscle fiber membranes and protein filaments that happen as a consequence of repetitive, intense muscle contractions. The body’s efforts to repair such damage entail increased blood flow to the area, and with increased blood flow comes inflammation, and with inflammation comes soreness.

A second cause of post-exercise muscle soreness is oxidative stress, also known as free radical damage. Oxygen is a highly reactive type of molecule. During intense exercise, an athlete’s rate of oxygen consumption increases dramatically. Many of the individual oxygen molecules consumed during exercise lose an electron and become freed radicals inside the body. These molecules are extremely unstable and must regain stability by pilfering an electron from a muscle cell membrane, thereby damage the muscle cell.

The hormone cortisol has also been linked to muscle cell damage. Cortisol is a hormone released by the adrenal glands in response to all forms of stress. Its main function is to release amino acids from muscle proteins and transport them to the liver for use as an energy source. The release of cortisol tends to occur in the latter portion of long workouts, when the preferred glycogen energy source has been depleted.

In addition to damaging muscle cells, cortisol suppresses immune system function by decreasing production of lymphocytes and antibodies. Several studies have shown a temporary (2-72 hours) decrease in immune system function in athletes following hard exercise, and cortisol is thought to be the primary culprit.

How can sports nutrition fight these negative effects of exercise? The best way to limit the release of cortisol is by consuming carbohydrate during and immediately following exercise. By doing so, athletes maintain higher levels of blood glucose, which slows the use of muscle glycogen and delays the need for the use of protein as an energy source. Again, consuming carbohydrate with protein in a 4:1 ratio can yield even more pronounced benefits by accelerating the delivery of glucose to the muscles. In one study, a 4:1 sports drink (Endurox R4) reduced post-exercise muscle damage 36% more than a conventional sports drink containing no protein.

Athletes can reduce oxidative stress by consuming a diet high in antioxidant vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A, C, and E, beta-carotene, and selenium. Several studies have shown that vitamin C supplementation reduces post-exercise muscle soreness in athletes and that vitamin E supplementation has a similar effect on indicators of post-exercise muscle damage. One way athletes can get extra antioxidants in their diet is by using a sports drink that contains them in high amounts.

Source:
Powering Muscle

Glycogen

2009-02-26T23:47:00.005Z

Replenishing Glycogen

The primary fuel sources for moderate- to high-intensity exercise are glycogen stored in the muscles and liver and glucose carried to working muscles through the blood. Both glycogen and glucose are products of carbohydrate breakdown, and for this reason they are often referred to collectively as “carbohydrate fuel”.

Blood glucose is available in much more limited amounts than muscle and liver glycogen, but it can be replenished much more rapidly. It takes many hours to replenish glycogen through carbohydrate consumption, while it takes only about 20 minutes for the sugars consumed in a sports drink to pass through the stomach and become broken down into glucose in the bloodstream.

Consuming carbohydrate during exercise is essential for prolonging endurance. While an athlete cannot consume enough carbohydrate to completely halt the use of glycogen for energy, he or she can consume enough to slow its depletion significantly. Research has shown that most athletes can ingest carbohydrate at a maximum rate of 1.2 grams per minute without suffering gastrointestinal distress. But athletes can burn glycogen at more than three times this rate while exercising at near anaerobic threshold intensity. Hence, the longer an athlete exercises, the more glycogen-depleted he or she will be afterwards despite efforts to consume as much carbohydrate as possible during the workout or competition.

After exercise, the sooner the athlete begins to replenish muscle glycogen by consuming carbohydrate, the better. This is because, following exercise, the muscle cells are much more receptive to insulin, the hormone responsible for transporting glucose through the bloodstream to the liver and muscles, where it can be stored as glycogen. The body can synthesize glycogen two to three times as fast during the first two hours after exercise than it can at other times.

How much carbohydrate is needed? As a general guideline, athletes should try to consume about one gram of carbohydrate per pound of bodyweight during the first two hours of exercise. Most or all of this carbohydrate should be high-glycemic, because high-glycemic carbohydrates stimulated greater insulin release and are therefore delivered to the muscles and liver more quickly than their low-glycemic counterparts. Examples of high-glycemic carbohydrate food sources are bagels, baked potatoes, bread, Cornflakes, and raisins.

To stimulate even greater insulin release, athletes should consume about one gram of protein for every four grams of carbohydrate they consume in the two hours following exercise. For example, a 160-lb. athlete would want to consume approximately 160 grams of carbohydrate and 40 grams of protein in the first two hours after exercise. Eating more than this amount of protein will have the opposite effect, impeding glycogen replenishment by slowing gastric emptying, as will eating more than a very small amount of fat or fiber.

Most athletes are not particularly hunger right after a workout or competition. For this reason, the most practical way to kick-start glycogen replenishment following exercise is by drinking a sports drink containing carbohydrate and protein in a 4:1 ratio. In recent tests, a sports drink featuring this 4:1 ratio (Endurox R4) increased insulin levels in athletes 70% more after a workout than a conventional sports drink that contained no protein. It also increased endurance by 55% in the next workout.

Source:
Powering Muscle

Restoring Fluid

2009-02-26T23:47:00.001Z

Restoring Fluid and Electrolytes

During exercise, water and certain minerals called electrolytes are expelled from the body through perspiration. The function of perspiration is to prevent body temperature from rising during exercise, which is important, but it comes at a cost, because water and electrolytes serve important functions within the body that they can no longer serve when they are lost. The more water the body loses, the less effective the “cooling system” of perspiration becomes. Meanwhile, the electrolyte minerals sodium, magnesium, and potassium are needed for a variety of processes ranging from nutrient transport to nerve transmission.

Consuming a sports drink containing water and electrolytes during exercise is an effective way to counteract the effects of sweating. However, it is simply impossible to restore fluid and electrolytes as quickly as they are lost during moderate- to high-intensity exercise. Athletes must therefore make up the balance by continuing to drink after completing exercise.

By weighing themselves (preferably on a scale with pounds and ounces) immediately before and after workouts, athletes can determine the amount of fluid depletion they have experienced. They should drink at least this amount of fluid in the first 30 to 45 minutes after completing a workout. Water will only do half the job. Sports drinks are a better choice because they are formulated to replace water and electrolytes in approximately the same ratio in which they are lost in sweat.

After water and electrolytes have been fully restored, athletes can switch to water for their everyday hydration needs. They can obtain minerals through food sources.

Source:
Powering Muscle

Recovery

2009-02-26T23:36:00.002Z

There are four components of muscle recovery: restoring fluid and electrolytes, replenishing glycogen, reducing muscle and immune stress, and rebuilding muscle protein. Nutrition is vital for each of them.

Only within the last decade has the issue of muscle recovery received focused attention in the athletic community. Previously, athletes, coaches, and sports scientists were more interested in refining training methods. But by the 1990’s, training methods had been refined to their limit in virtually every sport discipline. Consequently, people became increasingly interested in finding out what athletes could do between workouts that might enhance their performance.

The subject of post-exercise nutrition drew special scrutiny. The result was a revolution in the science and practice of muscle recovery. It was discovered that not only the selection of nutrients but also the timing of nutritional intake could have a major impact on muscle recovery, for better or worse. It was even found that nutrition during exercise could enhance muscle recovery afterwards.

Unfortunately, however, many athletes have not taken advantage of this new information. Some have not been educated about the profound effect that smart post-exercise nutrition can have on performance. Others have a general idea that they should pay attention to muscle recovery, but they have not been shown the proper methods.

There are four components of muscle recovery: restoring fluid and electrolytes, replenishing glycogen, reducing muscle and immune stress, and rebuilding muscle protein. Let's look at the role nutrition plays with respect to each component and specific guidelines for post-exercise nutrition intake.

Restoring Fluid
Glycogen
Reducing stress
Rebuilding muscle

Source:
Powering Muscle

Nutrition

2009-02-26T23:23:00.006Z

Nutrition

The Right Fuel
Recovery

Research by:
Ryan KSB

OBTKD Novice Tournament

2009-01-13T00:06:00.005Z

Not even 10 minutes have the Kingston Taekwondo Team arrived into Overton’s Primary School to fight, yet had Crystal-jade Vaughan called up to fight a green belt. The first ten seconds ‘Cj’ scored three points with some rapid turning kicks. A referee reminded Cj to stop using headshots since two shots have been executed successfully but where not counted.
Many point deductions were introduced resulting in lowering points of the opponents. The fight was over in the first round by point gap, the score being: 9-2 winner being the green belt.

Evans Marshall faced a blue belt which also was a student of LLTKD. This fight was there for demonstration purposes.
White-belt Evans and blue-belt started off aggressively and ebbed in the second round after not managing energy successfully. Nevertheless the last 20 seconds being an absolute highlight, both exchanged blows and score simultaneously leaving the audience in awe guessing who would win. At last the 8-months trained Taekwondo student scored a last point resulting in a 9-8 making the gold medal his. Not to forget, Evans ended up with 2 medals, one gold and one silver by fighting a member of the TKD POWERHOUSE.

Brian Berends had an entertaining but fairly easy opponent.
He kept the enemy in good distance and landed some headshots several times keeping the audience entertained throughout the whole match.
As one would expect; he ended the match with a headshot causing the pointgap winning the gold medal.

Huw Swanborough was rewarded with a silver after facing a yellow-belt. Despite Huw’s injuries he had the spirit to prevail and to last until the end of the fight. The fight was down to earth and clean shots where exchanged with courtesy rather than brute force.

Manimaran Murugesapillai having to face an opponent from the powerhouse tkd. ‘Mani’ demonstrated smooth footwork. The fight ended in the first round as a 4-3 favouring Mani with the upper hand.
In the last second round the score was on a 5-5 keeping the audience guessing however in the last 20seconds Mani avoided attacking and avoided his opponents attacks escaping into getting himself the gold medal.

Femi Atewo fought a green tag and still preformed well.
The first round being every energetic resulted in a draw 2-2.
Still energetic but more aggressive shots were exchanged in the second round beating them selves into a 5-4. Femi placed second as silver medal was still happy.

Koushk Ryan Salehi-Bakhtiari

Competition Sparring Sessions

2008-11-04T16:14:00.000Z

Competition Sparring Sessions
Penrhyn Road Fitness Center Studio
>Sparring drills
>Light sparring
Monday: 2000 - 2145
Wednesday: 1115 - 1200, 1245 - 1400, 1515 - 1600
Friday: 1700 - 2000

COMPETITION ANNOUNCED: BSTF Cambridge Championships 2008

2008-10-22T17:08:00.002+01:00

Competition Announced!
BSTF Cambridge Championships 2008
Saturday 15th November 2008 0900-1700
Competitors & Supporters welcome!

Costs
>Entry fee: FREE! (Paid for by the Uni)
>Transport fee: TBC (you'll only pay half of total cost)

Requirements:
>KUSU Sports Card: £30
>Taekwondo Membership: £5
>Dobok (uniform): £15-£20

We'll be defending our team title from 2007 against other University clubs. We have a habit of doing well in competition, lets keep it like that :)
Kingston. Prepare for battle..

KUTKD Membership Explained

2008-10-08T12:43:00.005+01:00

KUTKD Membership Explained

To become a full member of Kingston University Taekwondo, you need to purchase a KU sports membership card. This costs £35 in total (£30 for the card + £5 per club you join). This can be done at the Students Union office on Penrhyn road campus (purple door to the right of the Space Bar) - Ask for Susie Finnis, Sports Co-ordinator.
After you've sorted that, come into a Monday class or visit the link below, and we'll give you forms for your insurance. UK-wide cover for taekwondo insurance costs £23 for the year. Remember, all your training sessions are free. If you have any questions/feedback, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Download BTCB Insurance form

Last Year at KUTKD

2008-09-27T16:22:00.002+01:00

Cambridge Open 2007
Kingston University Taekwondo took the Cambridge Open Title in 2007. With mostly novice fighters, we earned amazing total of 10 medals – 4 gold, 4 silver, 2 bronze.

BSTF National Championships 2008
The 22nd annual student championships saw The Kingston Tigers take another impressive tally of 7 medals from our team of 9fighters – 2 gold, 3 silver, 2 bronze.

Chungdokwan National Championships 2008
KUTKD entered 9 competitors in both the pattern & sparring elements of the contest. We proudly returned with 8 more medals to add to our collection – 4 gold, 2 silver, 2 bronze.

Universum Taekwondo Hungary Camp 2008
For the 2nd year running we flew out to Hungary and trained alongside Taekwondo students from both Hungary & other UK universities.

Universum Taekwondo Hungary Camp 2008

2008-09-17T00:23:00.008+01:00

Budapest. We arrive to a strangely familiar British climate; the penetrating Hungarian warmth was yet to arrive in the Capital. A year before, we’d passed through the same airport terminal with an apprehension that this time, had been substituted with an excitement that affected the newer members of the LLTKD team. Several of us were veterans from the ’07 camp, and our praise for that camp had attracted fresh blood (in more ways than one). Our stomping ground this year was Tiszafured on Lake Tisza, the 2nd biggest freshwater lake in Hungary. The beach, tranquil lake and distant forest provided a picturesque backdrop to contrast our non-stop, high-octane week as professional Taekwondo athletes.

Joining us at the camp were students from Universities across the UK - Birmingham University, Bristol University, Cambridge University, Kent University, Oxford Brookes University, Portsmouth University (Power House Taekwondo), and Southampton University. Universum Taekwondo, our host club, had once again provided a very warm welcome to their country. Friendly, courteous and fun as ever the language barrier once again faded in and out of the Dojang – brought together under Taekwondo. The formidable team of instructors that lead us through the week carried with them a wealth of experience: Grandmaster Lindsay Lawrence (7th Dan), Grandmaster Suh Ki Young (7th Dan), Master Pat Donnelly (5th Dan) Master Tamas Lanyi (4th Dan) and Master Vince Collins (4th Dan) - a lineup that’d make the most hardened Taekwondo fighter double-check his shin guards!

The training was exciting, varied and challenging. Three times a day we trained; and except a few painful moments – we all truly enjoyed it. Morning sessions definitely woke us up with a spark! A kilometre run to warm and 30 minutes of exercises, drills and stretching to get us limbered up. Grandmaster Suh shared with us the more spiritual side of the martial art through Qi Gong Meditation. An enlightening experience, I personally found its use endless – I was able to push harder during the sparring sessions, and drew on a deeper focus. Mid morning we were in uniform out in our 600m2 training hall – no room to hide! With the class separated into (grade) groups, we returned to our fundamentals: poomsae, stances, blocks, kick & punch combinations, step sparring, and self defence. Later that evening we’d return, competition gear in hand; ready. For another two hours we were subject to the weird and wonderful competition sparring drills of the 2 senior Masters – there wasn’t a dry t-shirt between the hundred of us after 30 minutes. Crammed into the allotted time was pad work, free sparring, speed combinations, sudden death sparring and push ups, lots of push ups. Come our final day, we’d actually attracted a local TV crew! Morale was boosted and we gave our final push for the last hurdle. Overall, the immersion into all aspects of Taekwondo training saw our skills grow strongly.

Hungary 2008 saw the return of the daily team competitions. From holding up watermelons, to quizzes to the ever-epic boat race. LLTKD triumphed and came overall in 1st place! For a few days, either side of the camp, we stayed in Budapest! A beautiful city with stunning architecture and rich in culture, we toured the sites and had a truly great time. The Szechenyi Baths were a much welcomed respite from the arduous journey from London to Budapest – heated baths, salted baths and saunas! Needless to say, we promptly found our way to a similar place to loosen up muscles after the camp! The ‘final supper’ before the camp was at Sir Lancelots – a fantastic Medieval themed restaurant, giant meat platters and all! Returning after the camp, we stayed at the Central Hostel – which for £15 a night was pretty good quality. Located right in the heart of Budapest, we spent our last few hours in the town centre taking in the sun and catching up on the Olympics!

Firstly, A true and honest thank you to Andrew Dorrain (2nd Dan). Don't think we'll ever grasp the lengths you've gone to, to pull this off - again! Our thanks also to Silvia and Quillan for putting up with us to – we hope they're both well. Köszönöm! (Thank you – I think) to the Hungarian team that we trained with throughout the week. We were once again given a warm welcome and it was a pleasure to share in your culture and traditions. Our gratitude also extends to Lindsey Bell – for her organisation in putting this together for the LLTKD team; seamlessly getting us to and around the country, not to mention superb translational skills! A final thank you goes to the Masters on the camp – again the organisation and training was of the highest quality and have done Taekwondo great merit by planting seeds that will no doubt grow and flourish.

Until next year!

Chungdokwan GB Nationals 2008

2008-09-17T00:16:00.004+01:00

The annual Chungdokwan National Championship was this year held in Bracknell, Reading. This was a particularly special contest for us: As part of the LLTKD group we were representing our chief instructor Grandmaster Lindsay Lawrence – President of Chungdokwan GB. Before the end of the day we would have no doubt, done him proud.

The Kingston Tigers were still riding high after a spectacular medal haul the week before at the BSTF Nationals in Nottingham. 7 of our players had come back with medals and faith in our abilities was high. The CDK Nationals, however, draws many of the same fighters from the University Taekwondo scene; we would have to be on the lookout for familiar faces and scores to settle.

The day progressed at an unusual pace. Although fights were well allocated and organised, the specific times we were on the mat were not known. On advice from our seasoned instructor Raymond, we eased unnecessary nerves by catching some sleep while we could.

Many of our fighters were still nursing injuries from the battles a week earlier – hard resolve and perseverance numbed the pain and our players performed well from the start. We ended up with an even more impressive loot of medals: 4 Golds, 2 Silvers and 2 Bronzes – 8 in total!

Once again, a huge thank you to our instructors for their guidance and support on the day! Well done to all competitors!

Results:
1. Ryan (3rd Kup – Red tag); silver
2. ‘B’ Bernania (6th Kup – Green belt); gold
3. Anthony (7th Kup – Green tag); gold
4. Op (7th Kup – Green tag); gold
5. Manimaran (9th Kup – Yellow tag); gold
6. Fiona (10th Kup – White belt); silver
7. Hesham (10th Kup – White belt); bronze
8. Charlotte (10th Kup – White belt); bronze

BSTF Nationals 2008

2008-09-17T00:15:00.002+01:00

The 22nd British Student Taekwondo Federation Nationals were held at the University of Nottingham this year. With about 300 student competitors performing Poomsae in 4 belt divisions, and sparring in 8 weight categories, this promised to be an exciting contest.
The Kingston team arrived in Nottingham Friday afternoon, a day ahead of the competition. Our evening was well spent. The hotel was very helpful in providing some space for us to do some pre-competition stretching and refresh some last minute drills – very useful in settling the nerves and priming the mood for the road ahead. After we’d showered & rested briefly, we hit the town!
Nottingham was a nice ‘cosy’ town with all the familiar high-street shops, bustling with the friendly locals. Sharing a few jokes and taking in the red-brick landmarks, the air of tension faded quickly and we began to enjoy ourselves – as true Kinston Tigers always do! The rest of the evening was spent back at the hotel – we had originally planned on Nando’s, but remembered we were students (with student bank balances) and graced Subway with our presence. Luckily, we had a laptop with a few good DVDs! And with the 10 of us crammed into one room, we dimmed the lights and put in a film – nothing more appropriate to watch before the battles ahead, than ‘300’! The mood truly came together during the night. Through the movie we had the usual laughs and jokes – at one point even debating if Jesus was, in fact, a black man. A truly rounded night’s events. We were pumped and ready to put up our best for the competition.

Competition day! The weigh-in went relatively smoothly and we were out in the huge gym hall checking out the competition. Joined an hour later by three familiar faces – Grandmaster Lawrence, Raymond and Lindsey – our confidence swelled and we began our preparation warm ups.
The competition was soon officially opened and the Poomsae competitions began. Although, none of us were competing in this particular event, we still watched with great interest. Some real quality was displayed and it was great to see so many students getting involved in Taekwondo.
Before we knew it our fighters were on the mat and after a few very unfortunate losses, our team began to deliver. However, first round matches are always a wake-up call, and there were a few close matches! As the day drew on, fighter after fighter went onto the mat and did their part – fighting sprit and determination in our camp grew stronger. Kingston was for another year a force to be reckoned with.
Simon suffered the result of poor officiating, when his Oxford Brookes opponent decided to turn the match dirty – still walking away with a well-earned bronze.
Amz fought bravely against a higher belt to come away with silver. Ernesto, new to competition, cruised through to victory in his first round and put on an excellent display of technique to secure silver in the final. Giorgio had been up in the Finals for his category and was cleared for victory; however, he slipped from the mat onto the hard wooden gym floor and sustained an injury. He was not able to continue the match and earned Silver. He has now made a full recovery from his injury.
Anthony progressed well through his first 2 fights to make it into the final – 3 points down and 10 seconds to go in the last round a swift headshot took the match to sudden death, where a gold was taken. Our senior and most experienced fighter on the team, Ryan, easily made it past his first taller opponent – only to face an even bigger one in the final! A master of the counter-attack, Ryan stacked up the points to take the gold in the heavyweight division.
By the end of the evening we had bagged an impressive 7 medals for 10 fighters – 2 gold, 3 silver and 2 bronze! Another testament to the guidance of our fantastic instructors and Dan grades. Well done to all competitors!

Results:
1. Ryan (3rd Kup – Red tag); Gold
2. Tony (7th Kup – Green tag); Gold
3. Giorgio (8th Kup – Yellow belt); Silver
4. Ernesto (10th Kup – white belt); Silver
5. Amz (10th Kup – white belt); Silver
6. Simon ‘Grand’ (10th Kup – white belt); Bronze
7. Charlotte (10th Kup – white belt); Bronze

Habits of Highly Effective Fighters - Part II

2008-09-17T00:11:00.003+01:00

11) Pain.
This is a motivator in so many ways. When you are trying to become good, one of the bonuses is knowing that you will feel a lot less pain if you learn to hit the other guy first and learn to block. When you realize that most blows won't hurt you and if they do, you will heal (probably), you stop being afraid and don't think about it. The majority of fighters think about getting hurt too much and it stops them from focusing. It also lets them be intimidated. Good fighters don't want to get hurt, but they don't waste time thinking about it.

12) Heart.
Most good fighters simply don't give up. They are competitors and don't like to lose or quit. They would rather shoot themselves than not try to win. There are plenty of fighters with potential that give up if they are tired, depressed, had an argument with their girlfriend, think it is to hot/cold/wet/dry or whatever. They come up with every excuse under the sun to not practice or fight. Worse, they will be in a fight, decide they can't win and basically give up, they stop trying their hardest or looking to stay alive long enough to have a shot. Good fighters find a way to win.

13) Why.
Good fighters want to know why something happened so they can either replicate something good, avoid replicating something bad or improve upon it. When a mediocre fighter does something and is successful, his general reaction is Cool I Won. When a good fighter does something successful, his reaction is How Did I Do That And How Can I Improve.

14) Stagnation and the pursuit of excellence.
Good fighters tend to be looking to improve, innovate and avoid stagnation. They may not make large changes in what they do, but they seek to correct deficiencies and improve upon strengths. They are not satisfied with the status quo. Mediocre fighters will do what they consider 'good enough' and stop at that. Good fighters set a higher bar for themselves. That is why you will see a good fighter often unhappy with himself after a given bout, even one that he won; he did not meet his own expectations. Good fighters tend to push themselves to meet and exceed their own standards; they are not satisfied with being 'good enough'. They want to be better.

15) Why do they fight?
Most good fighters have reasons for fighting that drive them to excel. For some it is simply the joy of competition and wanting to be the best or at least the best they can be. Others wish to be the closest thing to an actual medieval knight they can, even if it means fighting in armor that will reduce their win/loss ration under SCA rules. Some want to be the toughest son of a bitch out there with a sword. Some want to get laid, a lot. Some view every fight as a way to gain renown, to honor their inspiration, to get a taste of what a real knight would feel in a tournament.

Regardless of a given fighters motivation, the bottom line is that most good fighters are strongly motivated. To be a good fighter, you need to find what motivates you and use that to keep you focused on your goals.

16) Overcoming obstacles.
Most good fighters are the types that will find a way to avoid having anything stop them from achieving their goals. This is part of the reason that unlike in many sports, SCA knights are often not the best physical athletes. There are often fighters that are very smart, athletic and have natural attributes that lend themselves to SCA fighting but they don't succeed; because they let something get in their way. Obstacles include injury, health problems, financial/real life issues, unsupportive significant others, needing to get to practice even if you are tired, etc. Good fighters find ways around their limitations. Sir Kief is a great example. He only has one leg for crying out loud, but he is a kick ass fighter and he makes me feel like a wimp every time I let a little boo-boo get in my way.

17) Consistency.
Good fighters can do the same good thing over and over an over. And they can identify and isolate things they don't do well and either remove them or at least learn to control them. Inconsistent fighters are screwed, as they cannot easily work to improve to get from level A to level B.

18) Who you choose to fight.
Almost without exception, good fighters are the ones that spent their early days fighting the best fighters they could find and consistently tried to fight, practice with and learn from those who they perceived as being good fighters. You don't learn as much from fighting those at or below your level and you end up reinforcing bad habits or picking up new ones. This does not mean you should not practice with or train others; it does mean that you have to be careful in your choices and what you do. Good fighters also polish their skills and maintain an edge by fighting other good fighters, who are good enough to defeat you if you make a mistake.

19) Automatic/Preprogrammed actions.
Good fighters have what some people refer to as muscle memory or the ability to fight without thinking. It isn't that you don't think. What happens is that you get good enough at doing certain things, than when you need to perform a certain action, several things happen. One is that you can make the decision to do something so rapidly that it is almost reflexive. Such as deciding to throw a flat snap; it happens so fast you did not really take time to decide to do it, you just did it. More importantly, you body is so used to throwing it, that your mind does not waste time coordinating footwork, arm and body movement or targeting; it just does it. Sort of a fire and forget system. So a good fighter will initiate and perform a particular attack and defense set of movements without wasting a lot of brainpower; once he sets it in motion his mind is free to decide what to do next/to analyze his opponent/to change the action mid-step if necessary. It is like chess. You are moving your pawn and your hand does it for you while the brain is one or even several moves ahead of that, but able to constantly react to the opponent's counter.

Ask a good fighter what he was thinking about when he threw a flat snap and he will likely say something about his next blow or what he thought the opponent was doing to evade it, etc. Ask a less skilled fighter and he will describe what he did to set it up, how he stepped, how he moved his hand, pulled his trigger finger, etc. The second fighter was using a tremendous amount of his brainpower in the moment going through every detail of the action he was performing. The first fighter just did it without having to think much about it.

This frees you up for tactical thoughts and planning and even strategic level planning. The good fighter will know a lot more about what happened in a given fight, because he didn’t have to concentrate on his own actions so much that he could not see/feel/hear/sense what was happening around him. It isn't that you are not concentrating; it is that you are able to concentrate on the bigger picture. A good fighter decides when to block a blow, but does not have to waste time thinking about how to do it or overseeing the details; his body just makes the block for him once he initiates the action.

Perhaps more importantly, a good fighter’s brain is now free to analyze what he did right and what he did wrong. Often a good fighter can tell you exactly what he did wrong; it is almost like watching yourself in a movie. Lesser fighters often have no clue what they did right or wrong. It isn't that good fighters have better memories; it is that they 'saw' what happened where a lesser fighter really did not have a full appreciation of what they were doing while they were doing it. Being able to see your own flaws is a huge plus in being able to correct them.

20) Whining, complaining, and blaming others for your problems or losses.
Good fighters are human and sometimes do these things under stress or when they are really pumped up. But for the most part that is not the case. The good fighters simply fight or try harder in the face of adversity, analyze what went wrong and find ways to fix it or improve. It is kind of amazing how lower level fighters will find a million reasons why they lost a fight, besides the truth, which is usually that they made a mistake or the other fighter simply fought better, smarter or harder. There is a line from my daughter's dojo wall, something to the effect of "Winners never quit and quitters never win.” The good fighters are typically good because they are very self-critical and able to understand why they lost and how to avoid having it happen again. If you blame others for your losses, you will never be able to see what you do that needs improvement. Not that there won't be some numb SOB who decides to ignore sturdy blows you land, but they will be the exception to the rule. And if you are good enough and they can't hit you but you keep hitting them, eventually you will win.

21) Hubris & Pride, Intelligence and Wisdom.
Most good fighters received a lot of advice and instruction while they were learning and were not too proud to listen to it. They were smart enough to be able to do decide what advice was good advice and had the wisdom to try to implement other's suggestions where appropriate. Many fighters get to a certain level and stop improving because they stop listening to others. They think they know what they need to know and will continue to improve as long as they keep practicing. This does work for some fighters, but they are the exception to the rule. Most good fighters spent a lot of time fighting other good fighters and listening to what they had to say. Just because you can beat someone, does NOT mean they don't have anything to say that might not be helpful; some very, very good teachers don't fight well anymore due to age, illness or lack of practice. This does not mean they don't know more about fighting than you ever will. Ignoring advice from experienced fighters just because they are no longer able to beat you, is foolish, they often know what to do and can help you quite a bit, they just physically cannot do what their brains know to do.

Habits of Highly Effective Fighters - Part I

2008-05-09T21:53:00.005+01:00

1) Vision and perception control.

The ability to see what is going on around y ou in gene ral to allow for strategic planning, while being able to pick out and focus on critical details needed for specific tactical actions of immediate concern. When fighters reach a certain level of ability, it is often because they are more aware of what is happening around them and more importantly, they are able to process it and make decisions quickly in an almost instinctive fashion. Fighters who reach this point will often describe it as everything seeming to slow down, they are able to see what their opponents are doing before they finish doing it, allowing them more time to react or to act. Their opponents will describe them as having gotten faster on attack or able to defend themselves more rapidly or worse; knowing what they were going to do but not be able to stop it in time. Typically they are not moving any faster, they are simply initiating defence or offence sooner so it gives the illusion of speed or simply throwing such a good shot from such a good position without telegraphing it so that it is very hard to stop. Being able to understand what is really going on and assess your opponent’s condition, fatigue level, skill level, weaknesses and strengths is part of this.

2) Patience.

The ability to not necessarily wait, but to not force an action. To put oneself in position to take advantage of an opponent's mistakes instead of trying to throw a blow before there is a reason to throw it.

3) Serenity and confidence.

Good fighters may fight with emotion and passion. But they have an underlying self confidence and faith in one's ability that gives them an edge over those that don't have it. They don't question themselves and what they can and cannot do. They know what they can do and fight in a way that minimizes their weaknesses and fully implements their strengths.

4) Adaptability.

Good fighters will find ways to deal with challenges and changing circumstances. They don't necessarily change their fighting style in response to a given situation, but they change the way they approach a given fighter as needed, almost like solving a problem. When something does not work, they determine why and make what are often subtle but very critical adjustments which result in victory.

5) Domination of the opponent mentally and physically.

Time after time you will see a fighter impose his will upon the other fighter. This ranges from intimidation to simply dictating the pace or style of the combat taking place by forcing the other fighter out of his game and into theirs. Many times a more athletic or even more skilled fighter is defeated in this manner. How many times have you seen a fat old Duke take out a young gun who is very skilled, faster and in better physical condition? Many, many times.

6) Fighting to live.
Good fighters who are overmatched will find a way to survive long enough to gain some sort of advantage. Whether it is as blatant as a rope a dope oriented defense to tire the opponent out or something as subtle as counterpunching in correct timing to take advantage of an opponent's one blow that isn't perfect.

7) Impeccable defense.
Nuff said.

8)Knowing one's limitations.
The biggest problem with fighters that have the skills to be good or great, but never quite make that leap, is that they know what they can do, but they either can't recognize or refuse to recognize what they can't. So they don't maximize their potential.

9) Equipment.
Good fighters often have crappy looking or poorly maintained equipment. But they almost never wear armour that they don't feel comfortable fighting in. If a piece of equipment does not work, they change it or find a way to fight around the limitation.

10) Pleasure & fun.

Very rare is the good fighter who does not really enjoy what he does. It is often what allows them to focus on the boring, tedious steps necessary to overcome mediocrity. If you really like what you are doing, it is easier to make the commitment to training, practice and study necessary to excel.

Article - Saf 14/02/08

2008-02-14T14:39:00.006Z

'Saf' is a British National referee and WTF Taekwondo competitor and instructor at various clubs across the country. A personal account of dealing with dreaded knee injuries is covered in this article.

ACL recovery - returning to TKD
I tore my ACL nearly 5 years ago. I had reconstructive surgery nearly 4 years ago. Since then I have competed, and successfully passed my 2nd Dan grading. I have even managed to do the 540 reverse turning kick which I could not actually do before the accident!

My advice is:
1. Get back to kicking SLOWLY. Do not feel pressured by anyone, including yourself to manage difficult kicks because you are trying to "hold your grade". Take time to work on correct technique in VERY SLOW motion because you will also be training your body to do techniques properly using correct biomechanic motions other than the motion(s) that caused the injury in the first place.
One of the functions of the ACL (as well as preventing anterior motion) is proprioception - whereby your knee sends signals to your brain which gives you the sense of position including balance and physical limits. As the operation will have affected the nerves around the knee (to various degrees depending on whether you had subsituted the ACL with hamstring or patellar tendon) your proprioceptive sensitivity will become distorted and you will effectively have to "relearn" leg techniques from the point of view of what "feels" right. At the beginning, nothing will feel right, but this improves over time, as long as you train correctly, hence start off SLOWLY.

2. When you do get back to kicking in a dojang, do not kick against fresh air. It is very important in the early stages to kick against resistance (such as a heavy bag, hogu, or firmly held kick paddle). It is important that you do not hyperextend your knee as this will strain the ACL. Likewise it is important that the person holding the target for you holds it in the correct position to enable your kicks to follow a safe and correct biomechanic trajectory.

3. The best muscle building rehab exercise I found is cycling because it is safe, repetitive, non impact and what physios call "closed chain". Before taking up cycling I could not get the power (or stability) back into my kicks despite having regained correct posture through slow motion kicking. Cycling has made a massive difference, although it took me more than a year to rebuild the muscle bulk which had atrophied due to the surgery. Take up cycling as early as you can after the operation, as there is much evidence to suggest that accelerated rehab is better than conservative rehab.

4. Join a gym when you feel ready - you will need to work on your leg strength probably for the rest of your life - remember to work on all the leg muscle groups for good strength/stability. Also work core stability so that you are not compensating in your leg position for poor core strength.

5. Be AWARE of your body's limitations. Even now, I do not expect to train at the same level of potential I had pre-surgery. Do not try to force your knee to bend (for example I cannot touch my heel to my bum anymore!). Listen to your body. If it hurts, rest. Dont do things which hurt your knee. Remember, if the ACL goes again, its game over, forever.

6. Consult a Chinese doctor, or a high level Master who is sensitive to "ki" energy as they will be able to tell you how your knee is doing from a Ki point of view, and what you should be aware of. Very often their advice will be different from that of a Western physio so its good to hear both sides.

Good luck!

Saf
jeevanjee@hotmail.com

Articles

2008-01-24T02:52:00.009Z

Exercise and Mood

Neurochemicals that keep you coming back to the training hall!

Biomechanics of Taekwondo
The science behind The Art

61 Ways to Fight Fat!
Good advice to help you shed the pounds!

Last Year at KUTKD
A look back on the high-points of our last academic year

Habits of Highly Effective Fighters - Part II
Are you still a great fighter? Find out..

Habits of Highly Effective Fighters - Part I
Are you a great fighter? Find out..

The Adidas Electronic Body Protector
Mini-site dedicated to the revolutionary technology that is the EBP.

ACL Recovery - Returning to TKD
Informative personal advice on recovery from knee injuries

BBC Reaction Time Exercise
The hand is faster than the eye...and so are sheep

Cat-like Reflex Training Methods
Improve your reaction time and leave your opponent standing

Hill Training
The benefits of hill training - get fitter, faster, stronger

Taekwondo Times
A rare interview with General Choi, Hong Hi

Korean Eras

2007-12-26T20:25:00.001Z

Subak & Taekkyon

2007-12-26T20:24:00.001Z

Competition Training

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Conditioning
As a Taekwondo fighter, your body falls into a very distinct category in the sporting world. There are two types of muscle fibres: Slow twitch – long, stretched, efficient muscles which are the main type present in long distance runners, distance swimmers, triathletes etc; and Fast twitch muscles – short, fat, powerful muscles which are capable of very high energy output for short periods of time. Seen in sprinters and power lifters. Taekwondo fighters must have a good balance of both muscle types in the arms, abs and legs. As an explosive activity, exchanges of punches and kicks last only a few seconds a time. Throughout this lots of energy is expended, but this is only the first of many exchanges throughout the match which can last up to 8 minutes! Therefore as well as having ‘sufficient power’ to score a point you should also be able to last the duration of the match. The result of top-flight players is usually a deceptively strong and powerful yet lean body type. Most players also sacrifice some muscle mass (power) in order to drop a weight class and make the most of their height advantage. Training in any sport focuses on 4 areas: suppleness (flexibility), stamina, strength, speed. Some exercises cross over these areas and some focus on one particular aspect:

Conditioning

Sparring
Taekwondo is often compared to chess. Tactics, techniques, feints, fakes, counters and offensives. All have to be thrown into a complex mix to form an individual strategy which can adapt to each opponent.:

Sparring

Grading Training

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Techniques – Below is a list of Taekwondo techniques which you will eventually come into contact with. They are roughly in ascending order of difficulty. Some techniques in Taekwondo have more than one name; the list is by no means exhaustive. If unclear, please ask in class:

Stances

Ready stance (i.e. "at ease")………. Pyonhi Sogi
Ready stance (before execution of technique)……….Choonbi
Walking Stance………. Ap Sogi
Fighting stance………. Mot sogi
Front stance………. Ahpkubi Sogi
Horse-riding/sitting Stance………. Juchum Sogi
Back Stance………. Dwi Kubi Sogi
Cat Stance………. Beom Sogi
X-Stance………. Koa Sogi
One Leg Stance………. Waebal Sogi
Parallel stance………. Naranhi Sogi

Blocks

Forearm Guarding Block………. Palmok Daebi Makhi
Lower Block………. Arae Makhi
Middle Section Block………. Momtong Makhi
High Rising Block………. Ilgo Makhi
Inner Forearm Block………. An Palmok Makhi
Outer Forearm Block………. Pakat Palmok Makhi
Knifehand Block………. Sonnal Daebi Makhi
Fist of one arm supports the other arm by the elbow………. Geudeureo Makhi
Rising Knifehand Block & Inward Knifehand Strike ………. Jebi Poom Mokchigi
Scissor Block………. Gawi Makhi

Hand techniques

Reverse Punch ………. Bandae Chirugi
Middle Punch ………. Montong Chirugi
High punch ………. Eolgul Chirugi
Double Punch………. Doo Chirugi
Uppercut ………. Chi chirugi
Hook punch………. Gullgi chirugi
Side fist ………. Yop joomuk
Hammerfist ………. Me joomuk
Spear hand ………. Kwan soo
Back Fist………. Dung Joomuk
Backhand………. San deung
Knifehand ………. Sonnal
Reverse Knifehand ………. Sonnal Dung
Double uppercut ………. Sosum chirugi
Downward punch ………. Nareyo chirugi
Forefinger one knuckle fist ………. Inju joomuk
Middle finger one knuckle fist………. Bamchu joomuk
Two knuckle fist ………. Doo Bam joomuk

Foot techniques

Front Kick………. Ap Chagi
Turning Kick………. Tollyo Chagi
Half turning kick………. Bit chagi
Side Kick………. Yop Chagi
Hook kick………. Hooryo-cha-gi
Push kick………. Mireo Chagi
Axe Kick………. Chiko Chagi/Naeryo chagi
Crescent Kick………. Bandal Chagi
Back Kick………. Dwi Chagi
Twisting Kick………. Bituro Chagi
Reverse Turning Kick (Reverse Hook Kick) ………. Bandae Tollyo Chagi
360 Degree turning kick………. Wan-jon-mom tollyo
Jumping Kick………. Twiyo Chagi
Flying kick………. Nalla chagi

Poomsae – The Patterns
The Poomsae are a set of 18 patterns mimicking combat scenarios with multiple attackers. Used as a way to train both the mind and the body, patterns act as a form of meditation as well as allowing the student to see the application of the various stances, strikes, blocks and kicks. When done properly, both the student and an observer should be able to imagine the opponents and techniques should be performed realistically with power and intent and in keeping with the meanings. The student should move with graceful fluidness and the sound of a snapping Dobok should be heard on any relevant block, kick or strike.

Training tips:
Sections – all of the Poomsae can be easily learned by breaking down the movements into blocks of 3-5 techniques, gaining confidence with each part before moving onto the next. By repeating the sequence of motions in a section you will eventually remember them. The human short term memory can at most handle 7 pieces of information, ever tried memorizing a whole phone number first time round? Break down the whole pattern into several blocks, work each block and put them together.
Go slow - this is a must for learning any technique. Many junior students attempt to perform techniques as fast as their body will allow and hope the technique will fall into place. You must learn to walk before you run. Slow the technique/transition down until it is crystal clear to you.
Micro-analyse; where should your feet be pointed? And your shoulders? What is your weight distribution over your feet? Is your punch/kick following the correct path? Where are you striking the opponent and with what part of the body? This, (amongst other things) is micro-analysis. Taking the minutest of details and pushing them towards perfection. Needs a lot of concentration and repetitions to hardwire the correct methods to the mind.
Proper technique; in class micro-analyse our instructors, and physically or mentally follow them through (imitate) when a technique is being demonstrated. Ask questions! If unclear about the smallest thing please ask in a courteous manner.
Position; with all 17 patterns you must finish where you begin. Any deviation from this point indicates inconsistency in technique. All of your stances should be exact, even after landing the foot following a kick. Mark your start with an object or tape and try to detect where you’re going wrong – front stance too long compared with walking stance? Feet moving in a straight line when moving forward? etc
Realism – once you’ve mastered the basic flow of the pattern and got the techniques looking sharp you’ll want to add the element of realism to it. This means imagining the numerous opponents, looking first, blocking sharply countering quickly, look, turn quickly and so on. Some patterns require you to move slowly for some sections, take note of this also.
Meaning – each pattern has a philosophical interpretation. Once you’ve covered the above, read about the meaning and make your own interpretation of it. Then allow it to penetrate each of your techniques.

Disclaimer

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You should consult your doctor before undertaking any physical activity, exercise regimes, medicines, supplements or diets. Taekwondo is an activity that requires proper instruction. Please exercise due caution and pay attention to your own saftey and the safety of those around you. If in doubt, stop. This website acts as an information supplement, do not perform any techniques without receiving guidance from a fully qualified instructor.

KUTKD does not guarantee all information presented on the website is conclusive or accurate. Many different sources (referenced where relevant) were used, and a degree of caution should be used as such. All efforts were made to ensure sources were reliable.

Due to the ‘blog’ nature of this website, any particular views expressed in the KUTKD Blogspot articles can be assumed to come from their respective authors. Views expressed are not shared by KUTKD, LLTKD, or Kingston University. Take any advice at your OWN risk.

Protective Gear

2007-12-26T15:24:00.001Z

Taekwondo is a very advanced martial art with lighter and more effective equipment being innovated year after year. The latest gear can in total weigh less than 4kg in total – spread this across the body and you’ll barely feel it. Shock absorbing pieces of equipment (all but gum shield and groin guard) work on a similar principle to bullet proof jackets. The energy from a kick/punch is absorbed in one location and dissipated over the entire piece. However, they’re not designed to take all the power away. Kick hard enough in the right place and your opponent will definitely feel it!

Dobok – Your Taekwondo uniform is the first item of equipment you’ll need. A basic Dobok will do for the early stages. Later down the line you may wish to invest in a ‘Professional’ one – companies selling them will make claims that they’re lighter, more durable, breathable, higher quality, and even allow you to kick fractions of a second faster! The choice of belief is yours to make. Dobok: £20-£50.

Head Gear – Probably the most important piece of equipment. In some cases head gear can be about 2 inches thick in order to absorb and dissipate sufficient energy. Its main roles are to both stop the wearer being knocked out and prevent skull fractures; a job at which they’re very effective.Head guard: £20-£35

Gum Shield: A common piece of protective gear used in most contact sports – karate, boxing, rugby etc. Usually molded to each players specific teeth for maximum protection. Gum shield: £1-£10

Hogu – The Taekwondo players best friend! Can be used in formal competition or in class for a realistic spar. Kicks such as the dwi chagi (back kick) can put out over half a ton in force!! The ‘Kevlar principle’ is applied here where force would be dissipated across the torso of the wearer – provided it’s the right size and worn correctly. The hogu should protect most of the torso, from the hip bone to the full shoulder, the back and also under the arm. Hogu (including back and shoulder protection): £25 - £35

Forearm Guards – essential for preventing broken bones and bruises along the forearms when blocking is used. Kicks can also go astray and will land on the forearm/elbow instead of the Hogu. Forearm guards £10-£20.

Hand Protectors – a recent prevalence of hand injuries from the increasing speeds and power in Taekwondo has lead to this new innovation. Hand protectors are now compulsory at all major international tournaments. These can come in full finger glove type or fingerless mitts types. Hand protectors: £10 £20

Groin Guard – Not much explanation needed here, eh guys? Groin guards are also essential for women to prevent injury. With kicks flying about at serious speed and force the groin guard prevents injuries from those ‘low blows’. Groin guard: £10-£20

Shin Guards – If you’ve had the pleasure of clashing shins with a sparring opponent at full power in shin guards you’ll appreciate it still hurts! Shin guards prevent nasty fractures by dissipating force along the length of the shin area. Regularly check they’re still in place throughout a match as they have a habit of moving around as your muscles tense and relax. Shin Guards: £10-£20

Foot Protectors – another recent innovation in response to the increase in injuries. Very similar to ‘foot gloves’, in that each toe is covered separately. Padding covers the toes, instep and inside ridge of the foot. Significantly reduces injuries from those dreaded elbow clashes. Not yet compulsory in major comps. Foot protectors: £10-£20

Web Links

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Kukkiwon Taekwondo Headquarters
The official website for the home of Taekwondo. In-depth coverage on philosophy, Poomsae and sparring.

BTCB - Olympic Development
Focused website for the development of Sport Taekwondo in the UK.

TKD Tutor
Excellent resource on all things TKD. Primarly written from a TKD America instructor, 3rd Dan. Comprehensive, well written, well researched and intelligent insights.

Runners World
Great database of information relating to running for weight loss, health, competition. General advice on developing those legs!

Flexibility
Small and comprehensive site for the science and application of improving your flexibility. You'll be doing split kicks in no time!

Sports Advice
Library of information and articles on all sports and advice for athletes. Great training aid for cross training.

Olympic Taekwondo Championship Rules

2007-12-25T00:38:00.000Z

Olympic Rules

Rules for the Olympic Games differ slightly. The main difference being the weight categories. From eight separate divisions down to just four. For more info click here

World Taekwondo Federation Competition Rules

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· Competition

· WTF Competition Rules summary (additional link to WTF site rules)

Competitions usually come under World Taekwondo Federation official rules. At smaller competitions, the rules are enforced to a lesser extent. At larger competitions, no exceptions can be made – so be prepared and informed!

§ Weight categories:

Important to note – on the day, the competition organisers may decide to merge adjacent categories. You may end up fighting an opponent heavier (harder hits but slower) or taller (greater reach but poor close quarter skills)

Male Competitors

-54kg / -58kg / -62kg / -67kg / -72kg / -78kg / -84kg / 84kg +

Female Competitors

-47kg / -51kg / -55kg / -59kg / -63kg / -67kg / -72kg / 72kg +

§ Match procedure:

You practice WTF (World Taekwondo Federation) style Taekwondo. One of the two major styles of Taekwondo. For full official details of the competition procedure, download the in-depth rules from the WTF website

§ Here are the essentials:

Competition area is 10m x 10m (may be smaller for local competitions)

Corner judges sit at each of the four corners of competition area

Coaches sit at centre line on edge of area, on competitors respective side

Three rounds of two minutes

One minute rest between each round

A fourth round of two minutes will be conducted under sudden death conditions (first point score wins)

After no score in the fourth round, referee and judges shall decide winner by technical superiority and initiative shown in the 4^th round

Commands: Cha-ryeot (attention); Kyeong-ye (bow); Joon-bi (ready – fighting stance); Shi-jak (start); Kal-yeo (break/stop); Keu-man (stop)

Referee shall declare winner by raising his/her own hand to the winners side

Permitted techniques: Fist – techniques delivered using front parts of the closed fist. Foot – techniques delivered using parts of foot below the ankle

Permitted areas: Trunk – techniques delivered to the body protector are permitted. Spine excluded. Face – all of the head is a target. FOOT TECHNIQUES ONLY.

Point scoring: Techniques delivered accurately and with sufficient force; One point – body shot (punch/kick), Two points – head shot, One point – knock down (when referee counts)

Point deductions: Kyong-go (warning), Gam-geom (point deduction). Two Kyong-go is one point deduction.

Kyong-go awarded for: crossing boundary line, evading by turning back to opponent, falling down, avoiding match, grabbing/holding/pushing the opponent, attacking below the waist, pretending injury, attacking with the knee, hitting opponents face with the hand, undesirable remarks/misconduct, protesting points/deductions awarded

Gam-jeom awarded for: attack on fallen opponent, throwing down the opponent, grabbing the opponents’ foot mid air, intentionally attacking the opponents face with the hand, interrupting progress of the match, violent or extreme remarks

On receiving minus four points, the referee shall declare the contestant loser by penalties

Win: by KO, by referee stop contest, by final score, by 7-point gap, by 12 point ceiling, by withdrawal, by disqualification, by referee’s punitive declaration (penalties)

Knock down: when any part of the body other than the sole of the foot touches the floor due to a technique delivered by the opponent. A contestant is staggered (dazed) showing no intention/ability to continue match. Referee counts from one to eight (in Korean) making hand signals indicating passage of time. Contestant must demonstrate will to continue by assuming ready position (fighting stance).

One minute allowed in the even of injury. After one minute if the contestant cannot continue, he/she forfeits the match.

Referee does not award points – only controls the match. Corner judges award valid points – 3 out of 4 judges must score the point for it to be counted.

Progression in Taekwondo

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“The belt encircles its wearer. The circle is a universal symbol of wholeness, and symbolizes the totality of the universe. The circularity of the belt reinforces the circular cycle of Taekwondo training; the fact that, after years of training, one realizes that the true essence of Taekwondo existed at the beginning.”

A specific colored belt is awarded to a student based upon his or her meeting the minimum requirements for the belt and for his or her demonstration of skills during a test, that are substantially improved from his or her last belt test. Belts are awarded to students based on improvement of their own individual skills. One blue belt student may display extraordinary skills in comparison to another blue belt student. It may appear that the lesser skilled blue belt does not deserve the grade, when in actuality, he or she trained an extraordinary number of hours and showed great progress to earn the belt in comparison to the more skilled red belt who was able to easily learn the skills in short time. Each student then trains and progresses at his or her own rate in accordance to his or her own ability.

High rank is difficult to achieve in any endeavor. It takes hard work, time, and perseverance. Anyone who is willing to make the commitment of time and effort may learn Taekwondo and advance through the belt system.

For some, advancement may take longer than for others due time conflicts with other phases of life, money problems, physical differences, physical or mental disabilities, or injuries

Black belt degrees are also divided into three distinct groups:

1^st to 3^rd Dan. The novice degrees where students are still considered beginners in comparison to the higher degrees.

4^th & 5^th Dan. At this level, students enter the next group, the expert group – the title of Master is awarded. They are considered Taekwondo experts who know everything there is to know about the technical aspects of Taekwondo.

The third group, the sixth through ninth degree black belts, is considered the master group, the elite who fully understand all the mental and physical elements of Taekwondo and have devoted their entire lives to its practice.

Gradings

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Gradings

During a students time in Taekwondo they will accumulate not only technical skills but also knowledge, maturity and experience in The Way. Gradings are a method of assessing the progress of a student by measuring their abilities against a set of requirements dictated by their instructor.

Gradings in Taekwondo are taken once every 3-5 months. As students progress into senior grades, they often choose to take longer gaps between gradings in order to master the more difficult techniques and gain more experience. Due to the nature of the academic year at Kingston University, we aim to take gradings at least three times per year. During the summer break, more dedicated students have the opportunity to train and grade at GM Lawrence’s other clubs

A grading will usually take place on a particular night set aside for the event. The testing progress is thorough! Although, if you’re well prepared you will have nothing to worry about. Activities in a grading vary with the level of student being tested but can include: basics – assessing the fundamental stances and techniques; combinations – sequences of techniques in a given stance; fitness – push ups, sit ups etc; patterns – memorized sequences of techniques for each grade; one-step sparring – mimics self defence situations; three-step sparring– again mimics self defence but to a more in-depth level; breaking – not massive concrete blocks but wooden boards broken using given techniques; free sparring – an assessment of your ‘freestyle’ abilities against an opponent; verbal test – knowledge of Taekwondo history, philosophy, Korean language etc.

Double gradings – very rare but, for exceptional students, the opportunity to double grade can be requested. Consistent display of talent in class and possibly recommendation by an instructor are needed to qualify.

Belt Meanings

2007-12-24T23:31:00.000Z

Belt Meanings

As you may already know training in Taekwondo starts as a white belt and progresses to black belt. Each of the colour belts carry a particular meaning and are not merely coloured for aesthetic value.

Novice

White Belt (10^th Kup)
The white belt represents a student who is empty of Taekwondo knowledge, pure of mind and spirit, and willing to accept the planting of the seed of Taekwondo knowledge.

White Belt – Yellow Tag (9^th Kup)

Yellow Belt (8^th Kup)
The yellow belt represents the student who has developed strong Taekwondo roots, but has unknown potential and requires hard work to develop skills that others can appreciate.
Poomsae Taeguk Il Jang

Intermediate

Yellow Belt – Green Tag (7^th Kup)
Poomsae Taeguk Ee Jang

Green Belt (6^th Kup)
The green belt represents the student, whose Taekwondo skills are emerging, growing and branching out and feels proud of his or her skills.
Poomsae Taeguk Sam Jang

Green Belt – Blue Tag (5^th Kup)
Poomsae Taeguk Sa Jang

Senior

Blue Belt (4^th Kup)

The blue belt represents the student who is reaching upward toward the sky, toward higher belts.
Poomsae Taeguk Oh Jang

Blue Belt – Red Tag (3^rd Kup)
Poomsae Taeguk Yook Jang

Red Belt (2^nd Kup)
The red belt represents the student who sees the end in sight and is reaching for the object first seen when entering the study of Taekwondo, the black belt. Red is also the color of blood, the life substance of the living body. Red belts have powerful techniques and limited control of the techniques, so they are dangerous, which sometimes leads to the shedding of red blood.
Poomsae Taeguk Chil Jang

Advanced

Red Belt – Black Tag (1^st Kup)
Poomsae Taeguk Pal Jang

Black Belt – 1^st Dan
Black is the opposite of white, it is the absorption of all colors, and it is the color of the unknown. The first degree black belt is the opposite of the white belt, is a combination of all the colors of the previous belts, and signifies maturity and proficiency. Filled with the knowledge of all previous belts, the student now understands that black belt is not the end of their journey, it is just the beginning of another phase; there is so much more to learn.

Poomsae Koryo

Tying Your Belt

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Tying Your Taekwondo Belt

Hold belt at its center, ends even, with stripes (if you have them) on the left side.

Place center of belt on front center of jacket, about one inch below the naval (a location called the tanden). Wrap belt around your waist, crossing the right side over the left side at center of the back. Stripes will now be on your right side. Pull ends of belt forward and adjust so the ends are even.

Lay the left side of belt over the tanden. Lay the right side of belt across the tanden. Stripes will now be on your left side.

Slide the left side of belt (striped side) under and behind all the belt layers at the tanden. Stripes will still be on your left side.

Loop

Bring left (stripped) end of belt down and over the front of the U

Loop stripped end under and up through the U shape to form a knot.

Pull ends of belt outward to tighten knot. Stripes will be on your right side.

Adjust knot so the ends of belt are even and hang neatly.

Miscellaneous

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Miscellaneous

Belt ………. Dhee

Black Belt Degree ………. Dan

Blue Wave, School of ………. Chung Do Kwan

Center of ki ………. Dahnjun

Certain victory ………. Pil seung

Coloured Belt ………. Gup

Go in peace ………. Ahn Young Say yo

Inner ………. An

Inward ………. Anuro

Left ………. Wen

Life energy ………. ki

Loyalty ………. Choong sung

Outer ………. Bakat

Outward ………. Bakuro

Respect ………. Jon gyung

Reverse ………. Bandal

Right ………. OhReun

School ………. Kwan

Taekwondo Uniform ………. Dobok

Thank you ………. Gamsa Hamnida

Training hall/gym ………. Dojang

You’re welcome ………. CheonMaNe Yo

Body Parts

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Body Parts

Arch of foot………. Balbong oh ri

Arm………. Pal

Back………. Dwi

Back of the Heel………. Dwi chuk

Ball of the Foot………. Ap chuk

Body………. Mom

Chin………. Tuhk

Ear………. Gui

Elbow………. Palkup

Eye………. Noon

Fingertips………. Sonkut

Fist………. Joomuk

Fist (to destroy or smash with) ………. JuMeok

Foot………. Kwon

Foot (to destroy or smash with) ………. Bal

Foot Sword………. Balnal

Front………. Ap

Groin………. Noolro

Hand………. Son

Head………. Meo-li

Inside edge of foot………. An balnal

Instep………. Baldung

Knee………. Murup

Knifehand………. Sonnal

Leg………. Dari

Lower part of body………. Ahre

Middle………. Momtong

Mouth………. Eep

Neck………. Mok

Nose………. Ko

Side………. Yop

Solar plexus………. Myung chi

Throat………. Mokoomeong

Toes………. Balkeut

Waist………. Huri

Wrist………. Sonmok

Kicks

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Kicks

360 Degree turning kick………. Wan-jon-mom tollyo

Axe Kick………. Chiko Chagi/Naeryo chagi

Back Kick………. Dwi Chagi

Crescent Kick………. Bandal Chagi

Flying kick………. Nalla chagi

Front Kick………. Ap Chagi

Half turning kick………. Bit chagi

Hook kick………. Hooryo-cha-gi

Hooking Kick………. Golcho Chagi

Jumping Kick………. Twiyo Chagi

Kick………. Chagi

Push kick………. Mireo Chagi

Reverse Turning Kick (Reverse Hook Kick) ………. Bandae Tollyo Chagi

Side Kick………. Yop Chagi

Turning Kick………. Tollyo Chagi

Twisting Kick………. Bituro Chagi

Hand Techniques

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Hand Techniques

Back Fist………. Dung Joomuk

Backhand………. San deung

Double Punch………. Doo Chirugi

Double uppercut ………. Sosum chirugi

Downward punch ………. Nareyo chirugi

Forefinger one knuckle fist ………. Inju joomuk

Hammerfist ………. Me joomuk

High punch ………. Eolgul Chirugi

Hook punch………. Gullgi chirugi

Knifehand ………. Sonnal

Middle finger one knuckle fist………. Bamchu joomuk

Middle Punch ………. Montong Chirugi

Punch ………. Chirugi

Reverse Knifehand ………. Sonnal Dung

Reverse Punch ………. Bandae Chirugi

Side fist ………. Yop joomuk

Spear hand ………. Kwan soo

Two knuckle fist ………. Doo Bam joomuk

Uppercut ………. Chi chirugi

With knifehand strike at neck ………. Sonnal mok anchigi

Blocks

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Blocks

Block………. Makhi

Fist of one arm supports the other arm by the elbow………. Geudeureo Makhi

Forearm Guarding Block………. Palmok Daebi Makhi

High Rising Block………. Ilgo Makhi

Inner Forearm Block………. An Palmok Makhi

Knifehand Block………. Sonnal Daebi Makhi

Lower Block………. Arae Makhi

Middle Section Block………. Momtong Makhi

Mountain Block………. San Makhi

Outer Forearm Block………. Pakat Palmok Makhi

Rising Knifehand Block & Inward Knifehand Strike ………. Jebi Poom Mokchigi

Scissor Block………. Gawi Makhi

Wedging Block………. Hechyo Makhi

X-block………. Eotgalyo Makhi

Stances

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Stances

Back Stance………. Dwi Kubi Sogi

Cat Stance………. Beom Sogi

Closed feet stance………. Moa Sogi

Crane Stance………. Hakdari Sogi

Fighting stance………. Mot sogi

Fixed stance………. Ko Chung Sogi

Front stance………. Ahpkubi Sogi

Horse-riding/sitting Stance………. Juchum Sogi

L Stance………. Niunja

One Leg Stance………. Waebal Sogi

Parallel stance………. Naranhi Sogi

Ready stance (i.e. "at ease")………. Pyonhi Sogi

Walking Stance………. Ap Sogi

Stance………. Kubi/Sogi

X-Stance………. Koa Sogi

Competition/In-Class Commands

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Competition/In-Class Commands

About Turn………. Twirra Torra

Attention………. Charyut

Begin………. Shijak

Blue………. Chung

Body Armour………. Ho Goo

Bow………. Kyoung re

Break/pause………. Kallyo

Chief Instructor………. Kwan jang nim

Come here………. Ee Dee Wha

Continue………. Kae sok

Dismiss………. Hehsan

Disqualification………. Shil kyuk

Face each other………. Jwa woo hyang woo

Face instructor/master………. Sah bum nim keh

Fix your belt………. Dhee dahnjung

Fix your uniform………. Dobok dahnjung

Forearm guard………. Palmak bohodae

Grandmaster………. Kuk Sa Nim

Head gear………. Muh ree bohodae

Hurry………. Balee Balee

In Your Own Time………. Kuryong Opshe (Kurayopsee)*

Injury………. Boo Sang

Instructor………. Sah bum nim

Judge………. Bu sim

Line Up………. Chul Sa

Match………. Shihap

Meditate………. Mook Yum

Mouth guard………. Eep bohodae

No………. Anio

Out of bounds………. Keum bahk

Penalty point (One point deduction) ………. Gamjom/Gamjom hana

Point………. Jeum

Protective gloves ………. Sahn Boho Jang kap

Quiet………. Ko Yo Han

Ready………. Choonbi

Red………. Hong

Referee………. Joo sim

Rest………. Shee Yoe

Return To Start………. Paro

Round………. Jeon

Shin guard………. Jungkang yi bohodae

Shout………. Kihap

Sit Down………. An Jo

Stand Up………. E La Sutt

Stop/End………. Kuman

Student………. Jeja

Term of respect “honourable” ………. Nim

Tie………. Bi kim

Time keeper………. Kae sim

Time out………. Shi gna

Warning (Half point deduction) ………. Kyong-go/kygon-go hana

Yes………. Nha

Numbers and Counting

2007-12-24T22:56:00.001Z

Numbers

1/1^st ………. Hana/Il

2/2^nd ………. Tul/Ee

3/3^rd ………. Set/Sam

4/4^th ………. Net/Sah

5/5^th ………. Dasut/Oh

6/6^th ………. Yasut/Yuk

7/7^th ………. Ilgop/Chil

8/8^th ………. Yodol/Pal

9/9^th ………. Ahop/Ku

10/10^th ………. Yul/Ship

Exercises

2007-12-24T22:53:00.001Z

Exercises

Breaking………. Kyepka

Free Sparring………. Chyo Kyoruki/Keyorugi

Grading………. Simsa

One Step Sparring………. Han Bon Keyorugi

Patterns………. Poomse

Self Defence………. Hosinsool

Semi Free Sparring………. Ban Chyo Keyorugi

Sparring………. Kyoruki

Stretching………. Pyugi

Three Step Sparring………. San Bon Keyorugi

Tenets of Taekwondo - Korean Commands

2007-12-24T22:53:00.000Z

Tenets of Taekwondo

Courtesy………. Ye ui

Indomitable spirit………. Baekjool

Integrity………. Yom chi

Perseverance……….In nae

Self-control………. JahJeh

Conduct in and out of the Dojang

2007-12-24T22:45:00.000Z

In the Dojang

Bow when:

Entering and leaving the Dojang/training area if only for a moment
First seeing the instructors; and again when leaving
Beginning and ending a class session
Beginning and ending practice with a partner
Exchanging training equipment with a partner
Beginning and ending of Poomsae

Address instructors as Mr/Ms (surname) or Sir/ Ma’am
If called by an instructor – answer “Yes sir/Yes ma’am” only. Not – “yes?”, “what”, or “who’s callin me”
Never argue/backchat your instructor
Line up promptly when asked by the instructor. Remember your place to make things easier at the end of the session.
Turn away from the instructor, classmates or flag when fixing your uniform
Focus when a technique is being demonstrated. If you miss part of the technique you’ll only hurt yourself or someone else
Visitors are rarely invited, if so must have permission from the instructor to stay.
Be punctual for class
If you arrive late and class has begun, stand at the side until the instructor gives you permission to join. Bow, and join the back of the class.
Be courteous and inform an instructor when you can’t make class for an extended period.
Treat all training equipment with respect
Keep your personal equipment clean and sanitary
No food in the Dojang. Only water, if necessary
Ensure the Dojang is clean. This is everyone’s responsibility
Remove all jewelry before entering the Dojang.
Do not laze about the Dojang. Sit cross legged, stand upright away from walls.
Ask permission if you must leave the Dojang. Leave quietly and bow.
Watch and learn – if you’re unable to perform a technique carefully observe instructors/other students and practice. If still struggling then ask for assistance
Keep your Dobok clean
Ensure your uniform is worn properly
Be well groomed at all times: clean and cut fingernails, toenails and deodorant etc
Never make fun of a fellow student
No profanity, insults or otherwise undesirable remarks
No unnecessary noise. Keep chatter for after class. You should seldom have to speak in class.
Never misuse techniques taught
Be mature and do not attack each other/play fight. The Dojang is not a playground.
Set good example for junior belts
Use control during step and free sparring. If you can’t control a technique – Don’t use it.
On dismissal the words “Tae-Kwon” will be said by each student in response to the head instructors lead. A short round of applause will follow for the efforts shown in the session.
Ensure the above is enforced. Kindly remind those who forget.

Outside the Dojang

Be loyal to your country
Be respectful to your parents
Respect your siblings
Be loyal to your friends
Respect your elders
Respect your teachers
Be honest
Stand for what is right
Be polite
Finish what you begin
Be honourable - Your conduct, in and out of class reflects upon your instructor, club and Taekwondo itself.
Remember the tenets and the oath and strive to fulfill them
Never practice Taekwondo on friends, family or pets
Encourage friends/family to take up Taekwondo
Keep in contact with classmates outside of sessions. This helps build a stronger club spirit.
Never brag or try to challenge people with your Taekwondo abilities. You will dishonour yourself, club, and Art.
Practice:

In a safe environment away from others and breakable objects. This will make your learning curve steeper and allow you to progress quicker in class.
Often and well. Make sure you practice with proper technique.
All aspects of Taekwondo: basics, Poomsae, Kyuguri, and step sparring.

Never misuse Taekwondo

Tenets of Taekwondo

2007-12-24T22:44:00.003Z

Courtesy encourages humbleness, cooperation and respect.

Being polite – showing respect to senior grades and Dan grades in particular. Ranks below you must be shown respect also and set an excellent example. Extend this outside of the Dojang by respecting all. Please, thank you, hello and goodbyes can make a great difference, as will tone of voice. Asking if you can help out with anything.
Considerate – treat others how you wish to be treated. Put yourself in another persons’ shoes and act accordingly. Compliment others for good effort, cheer on team mates and suggest ways to improve. Giving up a seat on the bus for an elderly gentleman or moving to another seat so a couple can sit together.
Manners – display proper etiquette in all situations. Bow before and after speaking to Dan grades or when asked to demonstrate. Bow on entering and leaving the Dojang. Remind your mate to do it if they forget to! Respecting other cultures, traditions, practices and personal differences

Integrity means having the bravery to be a moral, responsible and honest person

Morality – enforcing what is right and discouraging what is wrong. If a fellow student becomes disrespectful to a senior grade, do you ignore it and hope someone else takes care of the matter? No, you take appropriate, courteous action.
Responsible – nurturing junior grades to be as good as or better than yourself, being active in your club, looking out for that kid you know who gets bullied. Taking responsibility for training and learning outside of class. If you’re reading this your already on track!
Honor – having an honorable reputation and demeanor. Showing and upholding the honor and to your friends, instructors, club, country, religion and of course Taekwondo.
Maturity – True integrity is not easy and requires you to integrate your wisdom, experience and tact into a situation.
Honesty – Are you really trying your hardest? Did you really do 20 push ups? Did you really practice your pattern at home? This can also be extended outside the Dojang – Being honest with your personal coursework or revision aims. Eliminate procrastination!

Perseverance is never giving up. It requires optimism, will power, commitment, determination, sacrifice, patience

We all reach the point where we believe we cannot go any further. Whether it be physically – tired and out of breath; mentally – lack of the will to revise for that test; or emotional – when we’re pushed to our limits with family or friends behaviour. These are the points at which we must take the initiative to try even harder – if necessary innovate new ways to eliminate old habits.
Optimism that your goal can and will be achieved. Having the right mindset is essential. Here’s a trick to demonstrate the power of belief: have it strongly in your mind that you’ll trip over while running up a short flight of stairs. Sprint up and see what happens...chances are you probably fell (somewhat safely). The opposite is true – have it in your mind you’ll succeed and your subconscious mind will figure out ways to get you there. See the good in bad also.
In order to achieve the bigger goals this we need stone cold determination. Unwavering belief and drive to take us to the top. Will power will also be needed to keep us on the long path when we’ll no doubt face obstacles.
Sacrifice can come in many forms – it may be simple as not buying that chocolate bar when you’re trying to manage your money better. Or to the extreme of respectfully distancing yourself from particular people. It essentially means leaving your comfort zone in order to take that one step closer to success.
Achieving a goal – short term or long – requires us to understand things will take time. Maybe longer than we expected, or sometimes sooner. We also have to appreciate that we may not succeed this time round despite giving our all and must wait for our next opportunity where we’ll be prepared.

Indomitable sprit – Impossible to subdue. Many people find it hard to differentiate this from perseverance. They are closely intertwined and share many of the same traits. Although indomitablilty stresses inner values and qualities: courage, self-confidence, and beliefs required in order to fully exhibit perseverance.

Courage – we can all push ourselves in response to external stimuli. Someone shouting at us to continue. Fear of punishment or repercussions if we don’t get that report in on time. Courage comes into play when we personally believe we are capable of something and actively engage measures to ensure we claim what is rightfully ours. “The other guy may be 4 inches taller, but I know I’m better. Bring it on...”
Moral courage – enforcing what we believe is right. Ever been on the bus with unruly kids playing their music full blast? Seen a homeless person gets attacked? Or stood by while a crime was committed? Unfortunately, our world has degraded into a selfish, almost cowardice place. Moral courage is difficult, and wisdom must be exercised but for every wrong that isn’t confronted, our world slowly slips into a lawless immoral place.
Faith – belief in the face of opposing evidence. We may have our own personal doubts and have to bear those of others but we take a leap of faith hoping to prove our doubts were hollow. Were you ever scared of a monster under your bed? Then one day gathered the courage to lift it up, only to discover it was an old dusty sock!
Many warriors of eras gone by would much rather die in battle than return home wounded. The deep, impassioned belief that if he was the last man on the battle field, he would charge the enemy, outnumbered, with every belief they would succeed – or suffer the ultimate sacrifice in the process, fighting with every last breath.
Do you have the Spirit of a Warrior?

Self-control – being in command of our mind and body at all times. It includes having discipline, wisdom, and accountability.

Discipline – sticking to that diet 2 days before the big competition...getting up half hour earlier to go for a jog. Consistently sticking to our promised routines, and (good) habits, regardless of situational circumstances. This applies to words as much as actions. Is it really worth making that sarcastic comment, which you know full well, will exacerbate the problem?
Wisdom – we must educate ourselves to the consequences of our actions. Knowing how to judge a situation effectively – if you take that headshot against a mugger will he collapse and fracture his skull on the pavement. Will the courts view this as excessive force? If you fail to stick to that revision plan, will you only pass that test when you’re fully capable of excelling? Having the correct foresight and knowledge to carve our decision making processes.
Accountability – In most situations we will only be answerable to ourselves. In others, people may depend on us to make the right actions: your coach expecting you to make weight, junior grades expecting you to not be hypocrite outside the Dojang.

Training & Contact Details

2007-12-22T04:32:00.029Z

Kingston University Taekwondo
Training Location & Times
Tiffin Boys School

Queen Elizabeth Road

London KT2 6RL

Monday 1830 - 2030

Thursday 1800 - 2000

E-mail
taekwondo@kingston.ac.uk

Beginners welcome all year round.
You can just turn up anytime and train or watch

Annual Costs
Training is free during term times, where the University will pay the instructors fees. The only payments which needs to be made is to train in the club are:

£30 To join Kingston University Sports
£23 License/Insurance
£5 To Join Taekwondo
£15+ Equipment an uniform
Free Session Costs

Facebook group: "Kingston University Taekwondo"

Youtube Channel: "KUTKD"

Videos

2007-12-22T03:55:00.007Z

KUTKD YouTube Channel

click here

KUTKD Facebook Videos
click here

European Taekwondo Union
Taekwondo action around Europe
click here

United Kingdom Taekwondo Representatives
Some videos of British Taekwondo fighters - Enjoy :)
click here

WTF Poomsae Championships 2007
Action from the 1st World Taekwondo Federation Poomsae Championships
click here

BSTF Hungary Training Camp 2007
A short video of our trip to Lake Balaton/Zanka/Budapest in July 2007. Courtesy of Michael Voong
click here

OBTKD Tournament 2006
BLUE - Kingston Uni (Michael) Vs. RED - Portsmouth Uni Taekwondo
Final Score 9-3. Courtesy of University of Portsmouth TKD.
click here

Photos

2007-12-22T03:55:00.001Z

KUTKD Photo Albums
click here

Taeguk Chil Jang

2007-12-22T03:05:00.008Z

Taegeuk Chil Jang (For Red belt)

READY STANCE: Facing "A"

1. Pivot to left toward L-1 into a left TIGER STANCE; execute a right middle palm heel block.

2A-2B. Execute a right front kick, bringing kicking foot back to original position into a TIGER STANCE; execute a left outside-in block with the middle forearm.

3. Pivot 180 degrees clockwise toward R-1 into a right TIGER STANCE; execute a left middle palm heel block.

4A-4B. Execute a left front kick, bringing kicking foot back to original position into a TIGER STANCE; execute a right outside-in block with the middle forearm.

5. Move left foot toward -A- into a BACK STANCE; execute a low twin knifehand block.

6. Step forward with the right foot toward -A- into back stance; execute low twin knifehand block.

7. Move left foot toward L-2 into a TIGER STANCE; execute a cover block with left palm--right palm heel strike--Pivot upper body deeply to left and execute right backfist downward.

8. Pivot 180 degrees clockwise toward R-2 into TIGER STANCE; execute a cover block with right palm--left palm heel strike--Pivot upper body deeply to right and execute left backfist downward.

9. Pivot 90 degrees counter-clockwise toward -A-; move both arms UP and AROUND and DOWN then BACK UP in big wide circle, ending at chin level with left hand covering right fist; feet come together (left to right).

DO # 9 IN SLOW MOTION AND CONTROL BREATHING.

10A-10B. Step left foot toward -A- into a FRONT STANCE; execute a scissors block with left in- to-out block and right down block; change hand positions to right in-to out block and left down block.

11A-11B. Step right foot forward into a FRONT STANCE toward -A-; execute a scissors block with right in-to-out block and a left down block; change hand positions to left in-to- out block and right down block.

12. Cross hands in front of chest and pivot on right foot, moving left foot 270 degrees counterclockwise

into a FRONT STANCE toward R-3 with a outer wedge block (palms face out).

13A-13B. Execute a right knee strike while pulling both fists down to knee (break a stick); Jump forward toward R-3 and land on right foot in a right X-STANCE with a twin hammerfist strike to middle level; Step back with left foot into a FRONT STANCE while pulling both fists back to hip then thrust them out into a low X-block (right on top).

14. Pivot on left foot, moving right foot 180 degrees clockwise toward L-3 into a FRONT STANCE and execute a outer wedge block.

15A-15B. Execute a left knee strike while pulling both fists down to knee (break a stick); Jump forward toward L-3 into a left X-STANCE with twin hammerfist strike to middle level; Move right foot back into FRONT STANCE toward L-3 while pulling both fists back to hips then thrust them out into a low X-block (left on top).

16. Move left foot 90 degrees counter-clockwise into a WALKING STANCE TOWARD -B- with a left horizontal backfist strike.

17A-17B. Open left hand and execute a right out-to-in ax kick to left palm; set right foot down into a HORSE STANCE with a right elbow smash. (Body faces R-2; head looks toward -B-).

18. Pivot right foot to -B-, bring left foot up to right in a WALKING STANCE toward -B- with a right horizontal backfist strike.

19A-19B. Execute a left out-to-in ax kick to right open palm; set left foot down into a HORSE STANCE with a left elbow smash. (Body faces L-2; head looks toward -B-).

20. Keep stance the same and execute a left single knifehand block toward -B-.

21. Step right foot around counter-clockwise toward -B- into a HORSE STANCE (body faces R-1), execute a right side punch toward -B- with a loud yell.

MOVE LEFT FOOT BACK TO READY STANCE FACING -A-.

Video Link

Taeguk Yook Jang

2007-12-22T03:05:00.007Z

Taegeuk Yook Jang (For Blue belt - Red tag)

READY STANCE: Facing "A"

1 & 2 & 3. Move left foot into a left FRONT STANCE toward -L1- with a left low block; execute a right front snap kick to -L1- (bringing kicking foot back to starting position but into a BACK STANCE); execute a left outer forearm block to -L1-.

4 & 5 & 6. Move left foot to right foot, then move right foot to -R1- turning clockwise into a right FRONT STANCE with a right low block to -R1-; execute a left front snap kick to -R1- (bringing kicking foot back to starting position but into a BACK STANCE); execute a right outer forearm block to -R1-.

7 & 8 & 9 & 10 & 11 & 12. Move left foot counter-clockwise to -A- into a left FRONT STANCE with a high right knifehand hooking block to -A-; execute a right round kick to -A-, lower right foot to left foot then step left foot to -L2- into a FRONT STANCE; DO THE FOLLOWING IN A CONTINUOUS MOTION execute a left outer forearm block; right reverse punch; right front kick; left reverse punch toward -L2-.

13 & 14 & 15 & 16. Move right foot clockwise toward -R2- into a right FRONT STANCE with a right outer forearm block; left reverse punch; left front kick; right reverse punch. PERFORM # 13 - # 16 IN A CONTINUOUS MOTION

17. Bring left foot back to a PARALLEL STANCE toward -A- with twin low blocks to the sides. PERFORM # 17 IN A SLOW TENSION MOVEMENT

18 & 19 & 20 & 21 & 22. Step toward -A- into a right FRONT STANCE with a left high knifehand hooking block to -A-; execute a left round kick to -A-; lower the kicking foot to the right foot and spin clockwise toward -L3- into a right FRONT STANCE with a right low block; execute a left front kick (bringing kicking foot back to a BACK STANCE); right outer forearm block.

23 & 24 & 25. Move left foot toward -R3- turning counter-clockwise into a left FRONT STANCE with a left low block to -R3-; execute a right front kick (bring kicking foot back into a BACK STANCE); left outer forearm block to -R3-.

26. Pivot on left foot and move right foot to-B- into a left BACK STANCE toward -A- with a twin knifehand guarding block to -A-.

27. Step back with the left foot into a right BACK STANCE toward -A- with a twin knifehand guarding block to -A-.

28 & 29. Step backwards into a left FRONT STANCE toward -A- with a left palm across middle block; right reverse punch to -A-.

30 & 31. Step backwards with the right foot into a right FRONT STANCE towards -A- with a right palm across middle block; left reverse punch to -A-.

STEP LEFT FOOT TO RIGHT FOOT INTO READY STANCE

Video Link

Taeguk Pal Jang

2007-12-22T03:05:00.006Z

Taegeuk Pal Jang (For Red belt - Black tag)

READY STANCE: Facing "A"

1A-1B. Move left foot forward into a BACK STANCE toward -A- with a forearm guarding block; Immediately shift left foot into a FRONT STANCE with a right reverse punch to middle level.

2A-2B. Execute a left jumping front kick landing in a left FRONT STANCE; execute a left out-to-in block; right punch; left punch (perform quickly).

3. Step forward into a right FRONT STANCE with a right punch to middle level.

4. Move left foot counter-clockwise 90 degrees into a right FRONT STANCE facing L-3; execute a high right in-to-out block with a left down block and look toward R-3.

5. DO NOT MOVE THE POSITION OF FEET---JUST PIVOT 180 DEGREES to face R-3 in a left FRONT STANCE; execute a right uppercut while striking right shoulder with left hammerfist.

6. Step left foot across in front of right foot; Step right foot toward L-3, facing R-3 in a FRONT STANCE; execute a high left in-to-out block and a right down block looking toward L-3.

7. DO NOT MOVE THE POSITION OF THE FEET---JUST PIVOT 180 DEGREES to face L-3 in a FRONT STANCE; execute a left uppercut while striking left shoulder with right hammerfist.

8A-8B. Pivot on left foot while moving right foot 90 degrees counter-clockwise into a BACK STANCE toward -A- with a twin knifehand block; Shift left foot into a FRONT STANCE and execute a right reverse punch to middle level.

9A-9B. Execute a right front snap kick; bring right foot back to left foot then step back with left foot into a right TIGER STANCE with a right palm across pressing block.

10. Pivot 90 degrees counter-clockwise into a TIGER STANCE toward L-2 with a twin knifehand block.

11A-11B-11C. Execute a left forekick to middle level; Move kicking foot into a FRONT STANCE with a right reverse punch toward L-2; Pull left foot back into a TIGER STANCE with a left palm across block toward L-2.

12. Pivot 180 degrees clockwise toward R-2 into a right TIGER STANCE with a twin knifehand block.

13A-13B-13C. Execute a right forekick to middle level toward R-2; Move kicking foot into a FRONT STANCE with a left reverse punch toward R-2; Pull right foot back into a TIGER STANCE with a right palm across block toward R-2.

14. Move right foot 90 degrees clockwise toward -B- into a BACK STANCE with a low level twin forearm guarding block.

15A-15B. Execute a left front kick then right jumping front kick toward -B- landing in a right FRONT STANCE; Execute a right out-to-in block then left reverse punch to middle level and yell.

16A-16B-16C-16D. Pivot on right foot, moving left foot 270 degrees counter-clockwise into a BACK STANCE toward L-1 with a left knifehand block; shift left foot into a FRONT STANCE toward L-1 with a right elbow strike, right backfist and left straight punch to middle level.

17A-17B-17C-17D. Pivot on left foot, moving right foot 180 degrees clockwise into a BACK STANCE toward R-1 with a right knifehand block; shift right foot into a FRONT STANCE toward R-1 with a left elbow strike, left backfist and right straight punch.

MOVE LEFT FOOT TO RIGHT FOOT AND RETURN TO READY POSITION FACING -A-.

Video Link

Taeguk Sam Jang

2007-12-22T03:04:00.008Z

Taegeuk Sam Jang (For Green belt)

READY STANCE: Facing "A"

1. Look left and move left foot into a LEFT WALKING STANCE with a LEFT LOW BLOCK toward "L-1".

2. Execute a RIGHT FRONT SNAP KICK to "L-1" landing in a RIGHT FRONT STANCE with a RIGHT then a LEFT CENTER PUNCH.

3. Look right and move right foot clockwise (180 degrees) into a RIGHT WALKING STANCE with a RIGHT LOW BLOCK toward "R-1".

4. Execute a LEFT FRONT SNAP KICK to "R-1" landing in a LEFT FRONT STANCE with a LEFT then RIGHT CENTER PUNCH.

5. Look left and move left foot counter-clockwise (90 degrees) toward "A" into a LEFT WALKING STANCE with a RIGHT INWARD PALM-UP KNIFEHAND STRIKE.

6. Step toward "A" into a RIGHT WALKING STANCE with a LEFT INWARD PALM-UP KNIFEHAND STRIKE.

7a. Look left and move left foot toward "L-2" into a LEFT BACK STANCE with a LEFT SINGLE KNIFEHAND BLOCK.

7b. Move left foot out into a LEFT FRONT STANCE with a RIGHT REVERSE PUNCH toward "L-2". 8a. Look right and move right foot into a BACK STANCE toward "R-2" with a RIGHT SINGLE KNIFEHAND BLOCK.

8b. Move right foot out into a RIGHT FRONT STANCE with a LEFT REVERSE PUNCH toward "R-2".

9. Look left and move left foot toward "A" into a LEFT WALKING STANCE with a RIGHT OUT-TO-IN BLOCK.

10. Step toward "A" into a RIGHT WALKING STANCE with a LEFT OUT-TO-IN BLOCK.

11. Pivot on right foot counter-clockwise (270 degrees) into a LEFT WALKING STANCE toward "R-3" with a LEFT LOW BLOCK.

12. Execute a RIGHT FRONT SNAP KICK toward "R-3" landing in a RIGHT FRONT STANCE with a RIGHT then LEFT CENTER PUNCH.

13. Look right, move right foot clockwise (180 degrees) into a RIGHT WALKING STANCE toward "L-3" with a RIGHT LOW BLOCK.

14. Execute a LEFT FRONT SNAP KICK toward "L-3" landing in a LEFT FRONT STANCE with a LEFT then RIGHT CENTER PUNCH.

15. Look left and move left foot into a LEFT WALKING STANCE toward "B" with a LEFT LOW BLOCK then RIGHT REVERSE PUNCH.

16. Step toward "B" into a RIGHT WALKING STANCE with a RIGHT LOW BLOCK then LEFT REVERSE PUNCH.

17. Execute a LEFT FRONT SNAP KICK into a LEFT WALKING STANCE toward "B" with a LEFT LOW BLOCK then RIGHT REVERSE PUNCH.

18. Execute a RIGHT FRONT SNAP KICK into a RIGHT WALKING STANCE toward "B" with a RIGHT LOW BLOCK then LEFT REVERSE PUNCH. YELL!!

PIVOT ON RIGHT FOOT, MOVING LEFT FOOT COUNTER-CLOCKWISE (180 degrees) INTO A READY STANCE FACING "A".

Video Link

Taeguk Sa Jang

2007-12-22T03:04:00.007Z

Taegeuk Sa Jang (For Green belt - Blue tag)

READY STANCE: Facing "A"

1. Look left , and move left foot toward -L1- into a BACK STANCE with a twin knifehand guarding block to -L1-.

2. Step toward -L1- into a right FRONT STANCE with a right middle level spearhand (thumb-up, and left hand palm down supporting right elbow).

3. Pivot on left foot, move right foot clockwise toward -R1- into a right BACK STANCE with a twin knifehand guarding block.

4. Step toward -R1- into a left FRONT STANCE with a left middle level spearhand (thumb-up, and right hand palm down supporting left elbow).

5. Look left, pivot on right foot, move left counter-clockwise toward -A- into a left FRONT STANCE with simultaneous left high block and right palm-up knifehand strike to neck level toward -A-.

6. Execute a right middle front thrust kick, lowering the foot toward -A- into a right FRONT STANCE and execute a left reverse punch to -A-.

7. Execute a left spin sidethrust kick to -A-, then a right spin sidethrust kick to -B-, lowering the right foot

into a right BACK STANCE with a twin knifehand guarding block toward -A-.

8. Pivot on right foot and turn counter-clockwise to face -R3- into a left BACK STANCE with a left outer forearm block to -R3-.

9. Execute a right front snap kick to -R3-, bringing kicking foot back to the left back stance and execute a

right outside-in forearm middle block to -R3-.

10. Pivot on both feet clockwise into a right BACK STANCE toward -L3- with a right outer forearm block.

11. Execute a left front kick to -L3-, bringing kicking foot back to the right back stance and execute a left outside-in forearm middle block to -L3-.

12. Look left, pivot on right foot, move left foot counter-clockwise toward -B- into a left FRONT STANCE while executing simultaneously a left high block and right palm-up knifehand strike to neck level toward -B-.

13. Execute a right middle front thrust kick to -B-, lowering the foot down into a right FRONT STANCE toward -B- with a right downward backfist strike to nose level.

14. Look left, move left foot to -R2- into a left WALKING STANCE toward -R2- with a left outside-in block and right revcerse punch.

15. Look right, pivot on left foot, move right foot toward -L2- into a right WALKING STANCE toward -L2- with a right outside-in block and left reverse punch to -L2-.

16. Look left and move left foot counter-clockwise toward -B- into a left FRONT STANCE with a left outside-in block, right outside-in block and left middle punch.

17. Step to -B- with right foot into a right FRONT STANCE with a right outside-in block, left outside-in block and right middle punch. YELL.

PIVOT ON RIGHT FOOT BRINGING LEFT FOOT COUNTER-CLOCKWISE TO READY STANCE FACING -A-.

Video Link

Taeguk Oh Jang

2007-12-22T03:04:00.006Z

Taegeuk Oh Jang (For Blue belt)

READY STANCE: Facing "A"

1. Move left foot into left FRONT STANCE toward -L1- with a low block.

2. Pull left foot back to ready stance and execute a downward hammerfist toward -L1-.

3. Move right foot into a right FRONT STANCE toward -R1- with a low block.

4. Pull right foot back to a ready stance and execute a downward hammerfist to -R1-.

5 & 6. Move left foot into a left FRONT STANCE to -A- with a left outside-in block; right outside-in block.

7 & 8 & 9. Execute a right front kick to -A-, lower right foot into a right FRONT STANCE to -A- with a right backfist to -A-; left outside-in block.

10 & 11 & 12. Execute a left front kick to -A-, lower left foot into a left FRONT STANCE to -A- with a

left backfist to -A-; right outside-in block.

13. Step to -A- into a right FRONT STANCE with a right backfist to -A-.

14. Pivot on right foot counter-clockwise moving left foot toward -R3- into a left BACK STANCE with a left single knifehand block to -R3-.

15. Step right foot to -R3- into a right FRONT STANCE bringing right fist to left open palm in a punching motion but striking to -R3- with a right elbow strike.

16. Move right foot clockwise into a right BACK STANCE toward -L3- with a right single knifehand block to -L3-.

17. Step left foot to -L3- into a left FRONT STANCE bringing left fist to open palm in a punching motion

but striking to -L3- with a left elbow strike.

18 & 19. Move left foot to -B- into a left WALKING STANCE with a left low block; right outside-in block.

20 & 21 & 22. Execute a right front kick to -B- lowering right foot to -B- into a right WALKING STANCE with a right low block; left outside-in block.

23. Bring left foot to right foot then move left foot to -R2- into a left FRONT STANCE with a left high block.

24 & 25. Execute a right spin sidethrust kick to -R2- lowering foot into a right FRONT STANCE toward -R2- with a left elbow smash (right palm covers left elbow).

26. Move right foot clockwise toward -L2- into a right FRONT STANCE toward -L2- with a right high block to -L2-.

27 & 28. Execute a left spin sidethrust kick to -L2- lowering foot into a left FRONT STANCE toward -L2- with a right elbow smash (left palm covers right elbow).

29 & 30. Move left foot counter-clockwise to -B- into a left WALKING STANCE with a left low block; right outside-in block to -B-.

31 & 32 & 33. Execute a right front kick to -B- and jump to -B- into a right X-STANCE with a right backfist toward -B-.

PIVOT ON RIGHT FOOT AND MOVE LEFT FOOT COUNTER-CLOCKWISE TO FACE -A- IN READY POSITION

Video Link

Taeguk Ee Jang

2007-12-22T03:03:00.001Z

Taegeuk Ee Jang (For Yellow belt - Green tag)

READY STANCE: Facing "A"

1. Look left and move left foot into a WALKING STANCE toward L-1, execute a LEFT LOW BLOCK.

2. Step right foot toward L-1 into a right FRONT STANCE with a MIDDLE LEVEL RIGHT PUNCH.

3. Look right and move right foot 180 degrees clockwise toward R-1 into a RIGHT WALKING STANCE with a RIGHT LOW BLOCK.

4. Step left foot toward R-1 into a LEFT FRONT STANCE with a MIDDLE LEVEL LEFT PUNCH.

5. Look left and move left foot 90 degrees toward -A- into a LEFT WALKING STANCE with a RIGHT OUTSIDE-IN MIDDLE BLOCK.

6. Step right foot to -A- into a RIGHT WALKING STANCE with a LEFT OUTSIDE-IN MIDDLE BLOCK.

7. Move left foot to L-2 into a LEFT WALKING STANCE with a LEFT LOW BLOCK.

8. Execute a right front snap kick to L-2, lower right foot into a FRONT STANCE with a RIGHT HIGH LEVEL PUNCH.

9. Look right and move right foot 180 degrees clockwise toward R-2 into a RIGHT WALKING STANCE with a RIGHT LOW BLOCK.

10. Execute a left front snap kick to R-2, lower left foot toward R-2 into a LEFT FRONT STANCE with a LEFT HIGH LEVEL PUNCH.

11. Look left and move left foot 90 degrees toward -A- into a LEFT WALKING STANCE with a LEFT HIGH BLOCK.

12. Step toward -A- into a RIGHT WALKING STANCE with a RIGHT HIGH BLOCK.

13. Pivot on right foot, move left foot 270 degrees toward R-3 into a LEFT WALKING STANCE with a RIGHT OUTSIDE-IN MIDDLE BLOCK.

14. Pivot 180 degrees counter-clockwise toward L -3 into a RIGHT WALKING STANCE with a LEFT OUTSIDE-IN MIDDLE BLOCK.

15. Look left and move left foot toward -B- into a LEFT WALKING STANCE with a LEFT LOW BLOCK.

16. Execute a right front snap kick, lower foot into RIGHT WALKING STANCE with a RIGHT PUNCH toward -B-.

17. Execute a left front snap kick, lower foot into LEFT WALKING STANCE with a LEFT PUNCH toward -B-.

18. Execute a right front snap kick, lower foot into RIGHT WALKING STANCE with a RIGHT PUNCH toward -B-. YELL!!

MOVE LEFT FOOT BACK COUNTER-CLOCKWISE TO FACE -A- IN READY STANCE

Video Link
(right-click, click 'save target as')

Taeguk Il Jang

2007-12-22T02:36:00.002Z

Taegeuk Il Jang (For Yellow belt)

1.Look left and move left foot into Walking Stance toward L-1, execute a LEFT LOW BLOCK.

2.Step right foot toward L-1 into a Walking Stance with a RIGHT CENTER PUNCH.

3.Look right and move right foot clockwise to face R-1 in a Right Walking Stance, execute a RIGHT LOW BLOCK.

4.Step left foot toward R-1 into a Walking Stance with a LEFT CENTER PUNCH.

5.Look left and move left foot counter-clockwise into a Left Front Stance toward "A" and execute a LEFT LOW BLOCK / RIGHT REVERSE CENTER PUNCH.

6.Look right and move RIGHT FOOT into a Walking Stance toward R-2 with a LEFT OUT-TO-IN BLOCK.

7.Step left foot into a Walking Stance toward R-2 and execute a RIGHT REVERSE CENTER PUNCH.

8.Look left and move LEFT FOOT counter-clockwise into a Walking Stance toward L -2 and execute a RIGHT OUT-TO-IN BLOCK.

9.Step right foot into a Walking Stance toward R-2 and execute a LEFT REVERSE CENTER PUNCH.

10.Look right and move right foot clockwise into a RIGHT FRONT STANCE toward "A" and execute a RIGHT LOW BLOCK / LEFT REVERSE CENTER PUNCH.

11.Look left and move Left foot into a Walking Stance toward L-3 with a LEFT HIGH BLOCK.

12.Execute a RIGHT FRONT SNAP KICK toward L-3, setting kicking foot down toward L -3 into a Right Walking Stance with a RIGHT CENTER PUNCH.

13.Look right and move right foot clockwise toward L -3 into a Right Walking Stance with a RIGHT HIGH BLOCK.

14.Execute a LEFT FRONT SNAP KICK toward R-3, setting kicking foot down toward R-3 into a Left Walking Stance with a LEFT CENTER PUNCH.

15.Look right and move LEFT FOOT into a Left Front Stance toward "B" and execute a LEFT LOW BLOCK.

16.Step toward "B" into a Right Front Stance with a RIGHT CENTER PUNCH and YELL!!

Video Link

Is Taekwondo for me?

2007-12-21T23:47:00.001Z

Only you can answer that!
We offer a free session if you're new to the club. However, Taekwondo takes at least 3 years of consistent hard work to reach the first level of mastery - black belt. We try to advise people to try out TKD for around a month or so to get a feel for all aspects of both The Art and the sport. Within this period you'll probably have noticed the benefits of training - better fitness, improved concentration, self discipline, even weight loss.

Taekwondo offers something for everyone – whether you’re looking to take up a competitive sport seriously, get into shape, learn to defend yourself, meet some great people, need something to keep you occupied, try something new, improve your confidence, travel the country and the world, learn about the spriritual side of the martial arts, or any of the other endless list of reasons to take it up!!

Beginners are always welcome, all year round at Kingston University Taekwondo.This is your first step on a journey. So get involved and give it a try!! Click here

I’ve done other Taekwondo/martial arts before can I still try it out?

2007-12-21T23:44:00.000Z

If you’ve done Taekwondo (WTF/ITF) before, you’re always welcome to our Dojang. Whether its been a while since you put on a dobok or you’re moving from another club – we’d be more than happy to have you continue your journey here.

Let us know, if we don’t ask you first, what your background in Taekwondo is and we’ll see you’re settled soon. Dan grades can still wear their belts and coloured belts have the option to start fresh or finish where they left off if a senior grade. Lower grades should talk to an instructor for a balanced assessment.

If you’re from another martial art you’re more than welcome to come to begin Taekwondo. Turn up in a t-shirt and jogging bottoms (not a bare chest, pink MMA gloves and your shiny gold Boxing shorts). Your knowledge of martial arts will serve you well even if you haven’t done a similar martial art (e.g. karate). Take the opportunity to note the differences in stance, technique delivery, striking areas/force and other such details.

How are classes run? And what do I have to bring?

2007-12-21T23:37:00.011Z

Good news – if you’re new to our club, you have a taster session! After this you can look at becoming a member of KUTKD.
To get the most out of it, turn up in some loose clothing you’d usually use for sports – a t-shirt and jogging bottoms. For girls, there’s a fair bit of jumping and running, please dress to preserve your modesty. You’ll also need a bottle of water. We train in bare feet, please ensure your nails are clipped short.

We train twice weekly at the Kingston Arena, behind Kingston College. If you can't find your way there, give us a call.
You may end up sweaty after your session. There are good shower facilities at the Arena. If you wish, bring a shower kit & change of clothes.

It’s strongly advised you don’t eat for an hour before training.

After you’re committed to Taekwondo in the long run you’ll want a dobok (uniform). The dobok consists of a jacket which allows you to perform hand techniques easily; and trousers which are designed to allow you to kick easily at any height. New doboks come with a belt that is tied around the waist to hold the dobok top in place. You can order these from the club instructors.

When it comes to later competitions – you’ll be provided most of your equipment. Items such as gum shields you’ll have to buy through our instructors. Other equipment you can buy as you progress.

During a session, you’ll participate in a wide range of activities and no two sessions are likely to be the same. Classes start with a general warm up, jogging, agility and reaction exercises etc. Following this, stretching – both for overall flexibility and to reduce injury as a result of activities in class. After this a number of activities will be chosen: basics – covering the fundamental stances, punches and kicks of any Taekwondo fighter. This leads to performing set sequences of the above called ‘Poomsae’ (patterns). Pad drills – your techniques are then practiced on hand held targets. This is more common towards competitions, enhancing your fighting arsenal. Conditioning – specific exercises that help boost your stamina/strength/active flexibility/speed. Kyuguri (Sparring) – semi contact sparring can take place where you have a friendly spar against a classmate. The aim here is to apply everything you’ve learned. If you’re placed against a senior grade their job will not be to hurt you but rather for them to present you with realistic situations which happen in the street/competitions.

After a session, replace fluids lost from your body with lots of water. Try to eat a healthy meal once you're back home - carbohydrates & proteins help the most with body recovery.

Beginners are always welcome, all year round at Kingston University Taekwondo. Its never too late to start!

KUTKD Costs - insurance, membership, and uniforms

Starter Checklist:
Water
T-shirt
Jogging Bottoms
Sports bra (for women, obviously)
Clipped nails
Deodorant
Shower kit (optional)
Change of clothes (optional)

What are the belts in Taekwondo? How long will it take me to get a black belt in Taekwondo?

2007-12-21T23:13:00.000Z

The belt systems throughout Taekwondo can seem to vary amongst clubs but are basically the same – You start at white and work your way up through the colour belts (Kup) to black. After your first black belt there are several degrees of black referred to as Dan grades:

White (10^th Kup)
White belt – Yellow tag (9^th Kup)
Yellow Belt (9^th Kup)
Yellow belt – Green tag (7^th Kup)
Green belt (6^th Kup)
Green belt – Blue tag (5^th Kup)
Blue belt (4^th Kup)
Blue belt – Red tag (3^rd Kup)
Red belt (2^nd Kup)
Red belt – Black tag (1^st Kup)
Black Belt – (1^st Dan to 9^th Dan)

Black belts will take time to earn – how much time is dictated by many factors, such as your ability, your attitude in class and so on. Our head instructor, Grandmaster Lindsay Lawrence earned his black belt in just over a year! He then went on to win 10 National Titles and various international accolades. For most people of normal ability it will take 3-6 years of committed effort to earn a black belt.

For more information on grades and their symbolic meanings and the grading process click here

I know little kids that do Taekwondo. Am I too old to take it up myself?

2007-12-21T23:10:00.000Z

You’re never too old to take up Taekwondo. KUTKD exists for the purpose of giving you a chance to take up something that may not have known/been available to you as a youngster. Being a student you may have a fair amount of free time on you hands. Joining a club is a great (and productive) way of using that time. Even if you’re not in a session, you could at home honing your abilities ready for your next competition or grading.

If you already did Taekwondo or another martial art as a youngster then now is the perfect time to re-engage yourself and get stuck in again. You should soon find you old abilities rushing back and discovering a new found passion for it.

In a few years time, with some hard work, you could quite possibly leave with a degree in one hand and a black belt in the other!

Will Taekwondo help me loose weight/get into shape?

2007-12-21T23:07:00.000Z

Yes! Taekwondo is an excellent way of keeping in shape. Its good fun with two sessions rarely being the same. If you’re committed and turn up regularly, you can only improve.

If you’ve been out of regular activities for a little while or the only running you do is for the bus then it’ll take you a few sessions to adapt. Taking a little break if you’re at your limit is not frowned upon. However, each student is required to push themselves in order to gain the most from the session. What you're physically capable of and what your mind may tell you are two different things. Once you’ve adapted, you’ll find the need to take things to the next level and you’ll have the right support around you to do so.

Both the black belts and senior members of the class have been doing Taekwondo (in most cases, experienced competitors) long enough to know a thing or two about various things such as dieting, weight loss etc.

Taekwondo improves stamina, strength, speed and agility, and flexibility. Also other areas such as balance, co-ordination, reaction times (useful if you drive). In time you’ll see even more improvements in your self-confidence, voice projection, overall motivation, maturity, and even pick up some teaching/leaderships skills on your journey too.

I’m a girl. Is Taekwondo only suitable for guys?

2007-12-21T22:46:00.004Z

No. As a young woman, society has no doubt conditioned you to think that you’re more vulnerable to becoming a victim of crime. Unfortunately, an attacker learns to pick their targets and will more often go for those they think are likely to give them the least resistance following attack.

As a woman, you should be feel confident, able and comfortable in any situation: whether its walking alone to your front door after you’ve said goodbye to your friends after a night out, or going out for a jog/walk when the sun is out or the feeling takes you.

Many women are not naturally aggressive (and even some men!). In Taekwondo, regular sparring in class, helps you to develop the required mindset to defend and assert yourself. Obviously, you’ll also be given the tools required to handle an opponent effectively. Eventually, when your self-belief grows with your abilities, this can lead to regular competition.

You’ll soon see the change in all areas of your life :) But don’t get too confident and go looking for back street brawls now…remember, prevention is better than cure. In the rare case it does come down to defending yourself, you’ll have the element of surprise in your hands…and feet.

Click below to see some top taekwondo women in action:
European TKD Championships 2006 Russia VS Italy -55kg Female Round 1
European TKD Championships 2006 Russia VS Italy -55 kg Female Round2
European TKD Championships 2006 Azerbaijan VS Spain -47 kg Female
European Taekwondo Championships 2006 Swiss VS Belgium +72 kg Female Round 1
European Taekwondo Championships Bonn Germany 2006 Karolina Kedzierska (Swiss) VS Laurence Rase (Belgium) +72 kg Female Round 2
Sarah Stephenson - GBR Taekwondo Representative
Sarah Stephenson - Olympic Qualifiers

I’ve seen some YouTube videos! And heard some stuff about Taekwondo from my mate..

2007-12-21T22:42:00.000Z

It seems difficult and dangerous to do some of those kicks:

Didn’t you once think riding a bike would be difficult or even learning to read these very words?? Just because you’re a bit older now does not mean you can’t go back to learning anything basic. Taekwondo can be difficult only if you believe it to be. You are lucky enough your instructors are some of the most talented in passing on their years of experience. The high, fast, spinning, jumping, climbing kicks are learned in time. You are capable if you learn each of the building blocks in turn. But of course, you won’t truly know this until you try, will you?? Click here

When you were watching those videos, what did you notice? They’re all protected from top to toe! Safety is paramount – whether it is in a class, learning with your mates or in the Olympics with the most talented fighters. In class we rarely make contact or only make “semi-contact”, thus avoiding injury. At competitions, fighters must to wear up to 8 sets of protective gear to prevent injury. This gear is specifically designed to reduce the overall risk of injury – both minor and serious. (See competitions)

Obviously with Taekwondo being a contact activity, injuries happen. Fortunately, injuries are mostly minor bruises and blisters which heal quickly. Uncommon and slightly more serious injuries would include some pulled muscles, possibly sprains which take slightly more time to heal properly.

On a separate note, Youtube/your mate isn’t the best resource for information. Just like you would with TV, treat everything with a pinch of salt. The advanced kicks are to improve a students’ understanding of the fundamentals and to push their ability. Ever seen a talented football/basketball player show off some fancy tricks? They use them to improve their overall ability with the ball.

How effective is it? There are only kicks

Again this misconception has been exacerbated by various videos circulating the internet. Students of each martial art system/style will claim theirs is the most effective – Even Taekwondo! The debate of effectiveness is a lengthy one. EVERY system has its weaknesses and strengths.

TKD focuses more on kicking techniques; disabling the opponent from a greater range. If this range is closed, there is an extensive arsenal of hand techniques at your disposal also. Blocks, punches, chops, locks, pressure points, holds and some throws. The advanced kicks are not always used. Ever seen a talented football/basketball player show off some fancy tricks? How often would they use these in a game? Rarely, the basics are most effective.

More often than not, it comes down to the proficiency of the individual. Some argue that naturally some people will fair better in a defence scenario – above average spatial awareness, reactions, intuition, initiative etc. Whereas some believe all students who practice often will become the most effective – If you were to spend every waking hour of the next year practicing TKD in depth, how good would you be?

In reality it is a mixture of the two, respective to each individual. Ever noticed, some of the smartest kids won’t always get A grades and the “average” students will?? Ever studied until you were in physical pain, and then only scrape a pass??

Consider this:You can run rather than fight, defend rather than maim, maim rather than kill, kill rather than be killed.

What does a sport entail? Rules/regulations, teams, healthy competition etc. In one respect, the purpose of a sport is everything but the actual activity. The preparation/training before hand, analyzing the various possibilities which can arise, settling healthy rivalries, creating new techniques etc. Sport Taekwondo is merely one (public) facet of The Art.

Sport TKD a way of performing our techniques in a safe and controlled environment.

More importantly: It is a way of developing the mindset of an effective TKD practitioner. Reaction speed, choosing the right kick/punch, spatial awareness, self control, perseverance, and indomitable spirit. If attacked in the street, how long will it take you to react and get in to the right frame of mind to defend yourself/family/friends?

What is Taekwondo?? What’s the difference between Taekwondo, karate, jujitsu and other martial arts?

2007-12-21T22:37:00.001Z

To give the standard answer you’ll read/hear from most websites/Taekwondo practitioners: “Taekwondo is an ancient Korean martial art. It compromises of mainly kicks, punches and blocks; but also includes some grappling, locks and throws”

What does this mean in the real world? The word Taekwondo can be broken down: “Tae” – to kick/smash with the foot; “Kwon” – to punch/smash with the fist; “Do” – The Way or The Art. So together Taekwondo can be loosely interpreted as the “The Way of the foot and the fist” or “The Art of punching and kicking”.

Taekwondo (TKD) has its roots in ancient

Korea

stretching back 2,000 years (See history for the full background). Old principles from old Korean arts such as Subak and Taekkyon form some of the basis of TKD. During World War II,

Korea

was occupied by the Japanese for several years. Karate was taught extensively in an attempt to eradicate Korean culture. Most early TKD masters were black belts in various Karate styles; which today had significant influence on the basis of The Way. Taekwondo itself was formed after WW2 in 1955, when the name was (somewhat) agreed by Korean Masters who had developed the Art from 1945 to 1955.

Taekwondo today has developed into two main styles from the two main organizations in

Korea

: World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) style & International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) style. WTF is the Olympic style of Taekwondo and what people usually think of when we refer to ‘sport’ Taekwondo. Practitioners start out in learning the basics as a martial art before progressing to competition level. ITF is also a competition style martial art but has slightly different delivery of techniques to Olympic style sparring. KUTKD is a WTF style club. We welcome practitioners from all forms of Taekwondo.

The main differences between Taekwondo and;

Karate – very similar at a traditional level, very different at competition level. Essentially both kicking and punching arts. TKD focuses on more kicking techniques; disabling the opponent from a greater range. If this range is closed, there is an extensive arsenal of hand techniques at your disposal also.

Jujitsu – Originating in Japan also, it focuses on technique, not force, to overcome the opponent: Throws, locks, joint manipulation, and some grappling. Modern versions include Brazilian Jujitsu which focuses on ground techniques. When compared to TKD, would you do really want to be on the ground with multiple attackers?

Kung Fu – There are MANY different styles of Kung Fu. Some styles focus on rapid hand techniques, others on kicks, grappling and some on pressure point attacks.

Other Martial arts – there are hundreds of different Martial Arts systems and thousands of styles and variations within them. These arts spread across the world from India to the Philippines, to Africa, and even to England! Some have been popularized by different fads/sports – the kung fu movies of the 80s, the ‘karate kid’, Chuck Norris (a 9^th degree TKD black belt), and today K-1, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) etc.

New to Taekwondo?

2007-12-21T22:23:00.001Z

If you're beginning Taekwondo as a new student, things can be daunting - fear of the unknown. In this section we'll aim to answer common questions, so you feel more at ease when coming into the class.

BSTF Cambridge Championships 2007

2007-12-01T00:20:00.003Z

BSTF Cambridge Championships 2007
By Tony Ofori.

24th November 2007

Following on from the friends made at the Hungarian Summer Camp, Kingston University was invited to a small competition hosted by Cambridge University – just under 100 fighters spanning the weight and belt categories under WTF competition rules. The Kingston team consisted of 12 fighters the majority of who had only been studying Taekwondo since September this year!

Building up to the competition, most of us were quietly confident – although, the usual nerves began to take their place on the day. The coach trip there was (relatively) quiet as most of us caught up on much needed sleep. Students are not built for early mornings. However, The Kingston Tigers were built to fight, as we were about to find out.

We arrived in good time, allowing us to be weighed and prepare for the long day ahead. The hosts had picked a decent location for the tournament: warm changing rooms, showers, and two rings allowed everyone to see the action up close. The warm up area could have been larger, and we were also surprised that the competition was without an electronic scoring system. No doubt this changed the feel of a fight when in the ring. As competitor numbers were small, so we soon found out some of our fighters had been drawn against each other which we would find out, would have its advantages.

Before we knew it the competition had begun with our first fighter, Rashid, in match #2. Unfortunately, this match was lost – lessons learned for next time. Stamina got the better of a couple of players – Martin and Mani, who started studying Taekwondo in late September. They both dominated their first rounds but were unable to score enough points to win overall. Nonetheless, both were awarded bronze medals! Charlotte was awarded a bronze after a rather scary encounter with a loud LSE yellow belt! Hesham, Simon and Amz displayed some impressive spirit and passed through to the finals; again, after only practicing Taekwondo for a few months. Experienced operator Op, did well scoring clean points and passed through to the final. As did Michael; impressing the crowd with sharp doubles and his trademark counters. My
own first fight was #3; I struggled as I felt unfocused. The match was won in a sudden death round with a little help from the Kingston supporters. Tyrone produced a quick victory; a powerful turning kick, spinning side kick combination soon found his opponent on the ground.
Ryan also came through with a win against a taller, tricky and persistent green belt.

In the second round of bouts most people were lucky enough to go straight through to the finals. Hesham once again worked hard, making his opponent work hard for victory – a silver medal, after only 8 weeks training? Not bad at all. Simon fought a brutal battle against a hard-hitting fellow white belt, ending in perseverance seeing him through to triumph – an entertaining, yet painful match to watch! Amz was awarded Silver after facing a well-practiced yellow belt. Op again proved his mettle against an opponent to win by points in his final. My second of three fights was ended by 7-point gap – thanks to a miracle pep talk from Raymond after the first round. As expected/feared Michael and I had to share a friendly spar in the final; another opportunity to demonstrate the quality of the Kingston team! Two of our senior fighters also found themselves in a final – unfortunately, where both weight and grade categories were merged. Tyrone faced Ryan; some sharp blows were exchanged in an all over clean fight. Silver went to Ryan, and a much deserved 1st place went to a focused and determined birthday-boy Tyrone.

The overall haul of 11 medals led to Kingston University Taekwondo Club winning the overall competitions and becoming the BSTF Cambridge Open Champions 2007!!

A few thanks have to be dedicated: firstly to Grandmaster Lawrence. Once again, he has proved excellence breeds excellence – with 11 of our 12 fighters earning medals; Raymond Michael, for multi tasking on the day: coach and corner judge; Lindsey Bell, by far one of the fairest and most vigilant referees; and Rob Murphy for corner judging and coaching our fighters.

Hopefully, this is only the beginning of a rebirth of Kingston University Taekwondo dominance.

Results
1. Koushk "Ryan" (4th Kup – Blue); Silver
2. Tyrone (6th Kup – Green); Gold
3. Op (8th Kup – Yellow); Gold
4. Rashid (8th Kup – Yellow)
5. Michael (8th Kup – Yellow); Silver
6. Anthony (8th Kup – Yellow); Gold
7. Charlotte (10th Kup – White); Bronze
8. Manimaran (10th Kup – White); Bronze
9. Simon (10th Kup – White); Gold
10. Hesham (10th Kup – White); Silver
11. Amardeep "Amz"(10th Kup – White); Silver
12. Martin (10th Kup – White); Bronze

Universum Taekwondo Hungary Camp 2007

2007-12-01T00:15:00.005Z

Lake Baláton Training Camp, Hungary
Report by LBell.

On Saturday 21st July, Mike, Tony, Rob, Sean, Ryan, Lee, Ed, Lindsey and Master Lawrence met at the incredibly busy Heathrow to fly off to Budapest. Arriving at just after midnight to a wall of heat, there was time to freshen up before hitting the town to see what Budapest's night life could offer. We met up with ex Kingston and Southampton Taekwondoist Andrew Dorrian as well as other students from Southampton and Cambridge universities and eventually found ourselves at an outdoor club with different dance floors and some interesting sites. At around 4 am we headed back to our hotel for some sleep.

Sunday was to be the last full day in Budapest, and what better way to spend it that than lazing around the Szechenyi baths enjoying the heat followed by testing the water slides at the outdoor lido on Margit Island. Sunday night dinner was arranged as an all England affair giving us the opportunity to meet with the other English university's students and our last supper before the training commenced.

After a journey of more than 4 hours we arrived hot and sweaty at Zanka train station by Lake Batáton. Shortly after settling in, our first training session commenced. It was explained to us that there would be 3 training seesions, morning (7-8am) noon (11:00-12:30) and night (6-8pm) and that it was compulsory for us to attend. My ideas of having a holiday were fading fast, but the rest of the guys were keen to improve their fitness and learn some new techniques.

When I woke up on the Tuesday morning, I could hardly move, how was I going to manage a whole week of training three times a day. These Hungarians are crazy I constantly told myself. I dreaded the stairs, was worried that when I sat down I wouldn't be able to stand, but eventually, like most things in life, I became accustomed to the torture and when the last day came I was rather sad to leave. It was a great trip. I think that everyone came away having learnt something, and most people seemed keen to return.

This trip is a fantastic opportunity to get away, experience what it must be like for the professionals who do train everyday, and more importantly meet fellow Taekwondo-ists and all for a very reasonable price.

Thanks again to Andrew, Szilvi, Tamas, Zsolt, Sandokan and the English Masters including Lindsay Lawrence, Pat Donnelly, Vince Collins who made the trip equally enjoyable.

Source: LLTKD Website

21st BSTF University Championships

2007-12-01T00:11:00.000Z

21st University Championships - Bristol University of West England

After much anticipation, the date was finally set for the University Championships, and 5 brave members of Kingston University put their name down in the hope of becoming a 2007 University Champion.

The squad made their way down to Bristol on Saturday, 3 of the squad arriving for the Saturday evening weigh-in, but 2 didn't make their weight, so instead of feasting as planned, the dieting had to continue...

The next morning, when most of the hotel was enjoying their eggs and bacon, 2 members of the Kingston team were harvesting croissants to enjoy after the weigh in.

After the usual competition delays, and the weigh-in complete, the poomse finally started. An hour or so later the kyorgi competition began.

Rachel was Kingston's first player up, and quickly and easily scored 7 points clear meaning that the match was over before the first round was concluded. Meanwhile Sunita was on the other ring and also won through superiority, again before the the first round was up.

Next it was the turn of the men. Michael, who has recently competed and medalled in a number of competitions tested our nerves, by leaving it late to out score his oponent in the second round. Following Michael, Val was put in strange position when he faced not one, but two competitors all with the same fighter number! This was quickly resolved and Val's next bout was a 10 second knockout with his fellow competitor receiving 8 stitches to a gash on the head. He had a smile on his face despite the blood, so we hope he isn't put off!

Whilst most of the players were getting over their first round match, Tyrone was waiting, no doubt anxious to get out on the mats, but being in the heavy weight category he was one of the last to compete.

Both Sunita and Rachel went through their second rounds matches again winning convincingly, although Sunita was back in the medical area applying more ice to her foot. The girls third and final rounds were for the prized gold. Considering this was their first University Championship, both players were looking forward to the finals. Although a little apprehensive and carrying slight injuries, they were reminded by Master Lawrence that the hard work had all been done and it was simply a matter of winning the next match. Spurred on by the thought of the gold, both players went on to win.

Michael improved as he progressed through the competition winning his second fight to reach the final and knocking his oponent out in the first round of the finals. Val came up against a tricky player and lead all through the fight until a lapse of concentration which cost him the match by 1 point. The same can be said for Tyrone who was leading in his fight and entertaining the crowd with some kung-fu style hand techniques, but unfortunately was narrowly beaten to the gold.

Thanks to everyone who helped the team out, especially Rob Murphy, Paul Whiteley, and Conrad Howard.

None of the fighters had an easy ride with most of the team having at least 3 bouts. It was also the first TKD competition that Sunita and Rachel had competed in, so their success was particularly well deserved.

Well done to all the players and keep up the good training!

Source: LLTKD Website

Taekwondo Competitions

2007-12-01T00:07:00.000Z

WTF Competition Rules summary
Olympic Championship Rules
Protective Gear
Major Taekwondo Competitions
Other Taekwondo Competitions

Korean Terminlology

2007-12-01T00:04:00.000Z

As we know Taekwondo originated in Korea. To this day, Korean commands are used in all taekwondo classes as a tradition and for practical reasons. Participate in an international class or have an overseas instructor and it'll still run smoothly as we all speak the same language!

Below is an extensive list of common greetings, numbers, body parts, stances, hand and foot techniques:

Tenets of Taekwondo

Exercises

Numbers

Competition/In-Class Commands

Stances

Blocks

Hand techniques

Kicks

Body Parts

Miscellaneous

Training

2007-12-01T00:03:00.008Z

Taekwondo is a martial art, it's not a mere few hours during the week running about a hall wearing a colorful belt. It is a way of life. A true Taekwondo student should allow The Art to penetrate each and every aspect of her/his life. Instructors in class, are guides into The Way. As well as attending class regularly, you should also train and research outside of class. This section merely attempts to supplement what is practiced in class – it is not a substitution. Hopefully you’ll take away a greater understanding of all aspects from Patterns to Nutrition

Grading Training
Competition Training
Fitness Tips
Nutrition

Disclaimer

Grandmaster Lawrence

2007-12-01T00:01:00.001Z

Grandmaster Lindsay Lawrence 7th Dan, and President of Taekwondo Chungdokwan GB is your instructor. Internationally renowned, Grandmaster Lawrence has had a huge input in the development of Taekwondo in Great Britain.

Twice world silver and bronze medalist, twice European champion, and World Games bronze in addition to ten national titles, Grandmaster Lawrence is a very experienced and accomplished martial artist.

Inspired by the Kung-fu movies of the seventies, Grandmaster Lawrence began Taekwondo in a local hall under the instruction of Grandmaster Frederick Lee. Just over a year later Grandmaster Lawrence had achieved his blackbelt and soon after had been entered into the European championships. Knowing little more than the basics, Grandmaster Lawrence learnt fast, observing the other competitors in the days leading up to his first ever competition.From that point there was no looking back with Grandmaster Lee guiding his protégé into more international competitions and even some filming in Hong Kong.

Grandmaster Lawrence is first aid trained and as with all Taekwondo Chungdokwan GB instructors, he has passed an enhanced CRB (criminal records bureau) check - as shown on the British Taekwondo Council's website.

Source:

LLTKD Website

Taekwondo Grades

2007-11-30T23:57:00.001Z

Progression In Taekwondo
Gradings
Belt Meanings
Tying your Belt

Taekwondo Patterns

2007-11-30T22:10:00.004Z

Similar to other martial arts, Taekwondo has a series of patterns or Poomsae. The literal translation of Poomsae is 'quality shapes of strength'. The Poomse are a set of 17 patterns mimicking combat scenarios with multiple attackers. Used as a way to train both the mind and the body, patterns act as a form of meditation as well as allowing the student to see the application of the various stances, hand techniques, blocks and kicks.

When done properly, both the student and an observer should be able to imagine the opponent and techniques should be performed realistically with power and intent and in keeping with the meanings (below). The student should move with graceful fluidness and the sound of a snapping Dobok should be heard on any block, kick or strike. As the student progress, the Poomsae become more challenging and test other skills such as balance, timing and co-ordination.

Taekwondo students begin performing patterns for gradings at white belt-yellow tag upwards. Only a demonstration of basic stances and techniques are required before that. Patterns for the coloured belts are simply numbered in Korean from one to eight. The patterns required to attain each Dan grade have their individual names. Each of the Poomsae have a meaning attached to it represented in words and trigrams - a series of 3 horizontal broken or full lines:

Taeguk Il Jang (For Yellow belt)
The general meaning of this form and associated trigram is Yang, which represents Heaven and Light. Also, this trigram has a relationship to South and Father. The first Taeguk form is the beginning of all Poomsaes, the "birth" of the martial artist into Taekwondo. This Poomsae should be performed with the greatness of Heaven.

Taeguk Ee Jang (For Yellow belt - Green tag)

The associated trigram of this Poomsae represents the Lake. Also, related to the symbol is South East and the relationship of the youngest daughter. The movements of this Taeguk are aimed to be performed believing that man has limitations, but that we can overcome these limitations. The Lake and its water symbolize the flowing and calm nature of the martial artist. This form is to reflect those attributes.

Taeguk Sam Jang (For Green belt)

This trigram represents Fire. Related to this symbol is also East and the relationship of the Second Daughter. Fire contains a lot of energy. The symbol behind the fire is similar to the symbolism of the water in that both can aid and both can destroy. This form is intended to be performed rhythmically, with some outbursts of energy to reflect fire's rhythmic and energetic dualism.

Taeguk Sa Jang (For Green belt - Blue tag)

This trigram represents Thunder. Also, the trigram is strongly connected to northeast and the relationship of the Eldest son. Thunder comes from the sky and is absorbed by the earth, thus, according to the beliefs of the I Ching, thunder is one of the most powerful natural forces. This poomse is associated with power and the connection between the heavens and earth. This poomse is intended to be performed with power resembling the Thunder for which it is named.

Taeguk Oh Jang (For Blue belt)
The trigram associated with this poomse represents Wind. The trigram is also related to southwest and the relationship with an eldest daughter. The I Ching promotes that wind is a gentle force, but can sometimes be furious, destroying everything in its path. As such, it is intended that this poomse is performed like the wind: gently, but knowing the ability of mass destruction with a single movement. The performer and audience should be aware of the duality of the form.

Taeguk Yook Jang (For Blue belt - Red tag)

The trigram associated with this poomse represents Water. Also, there is a relation to West and the relationship with a Second son. The movements of this Poomsae are intended to be performed like water; flowing, powerful and cleansing. Sometimes standing still like water in a lake, sometimes thriving as a river, sometimes powerful like a waterfall. The water is to symbolize calm and cleansing, while also possessing the attribute of being violent and destructive.

Taeguk Chil Jang (For Red belt)

The trigram associated with this poomse represents a Mountain. Also, it represents the northwest and youngest son. The symbolism behind the mountain is the indomitable and majestic nature that all mountains possess. This Poomsae is intended to be performed with the feeling that all movements are this majestic due to their unconquerable nature.

Taeguk Pal Jang (For Red belt - Black tag)
The trigram associated with this Poomsae represents the Earth. Also, there is a representation of North and Mother. The associated trigram of this Poomsae is Yin. Yin, here, represents the end of the beginning, the evil part of all that is good. This being the last of the Poomsae Taegeuk, it represents the end of the circle and the cyclic nature of the Earth.

Koryo (For 1st Dan)
I

Koryo, or Goryeo, is the name of an old Korean Dynasty. The people from the Goryeo defeated the Mongolian aggressors. It is intended that their spirit is reflected in the movements of the Poomsae Koryo. Each movement of this Poomsae represents the strength and energy needed to control the Mongols. Koryo poomsae symbolizes "seonbae" which means a learned man, who is characterized by a strong martial sprit as well as a righteous learned man's sprit. The sprit had been inherited through the ages of Koryo, Palhae and down to Koryo, which is the background of organizing the Koryo poomsae.

Keumgang (For 2nd Dan)
II

Keumgang means "diamond," symbolizing hardness. Keumgang is also the name of the most beautiful mountain in

Korea

, as well as the Keumgang warrior, named by Buddha. Thus, the themes of hardness, beauty, and pondering permeate this Poomsae. "Keumgang Yeoksa"[Keumgang warrior] as named by Buddha, who represents the mightiest warrior, is the background of denominating this poomsae. The movement should be powerful and well balanced so as to befit the black belt's dignity.

Taebaek (For 3rd Dan)
III

The legendary Dangun founded a nation in Taebaek, near

Korea

's biggest mountain Baekdoo. Baekdoo is a known symbol for

Korea

. The definition of the word taebaek is literally "lightness". Every movement in this Poomsae is intended to be not only be exact and fast, but with determination and hardness resembling the mountain Baekdoo, the origin of the nation of

Korea

.The poomsae Pyongwon was based on the idea of peace and struggle resulting from the principles of origin and use. The line of poomsae means the origin and transformation of the plain.

Pyongwon (For Master - 4th Dan)
IV

The definition of Pyongwon is "stretch, vast plain." The name carries with it a connotation of being large and majestic.

Sipjin (For Master - 5th Dan)
V

Sipjin stands for ten symbols of longevity, which are Sun, Moon, Mountain, Water, Stone, Pine tree, Herb of eternal youth, Turtle, Deer, and Crane. They are 2 heavenly bodies, 3 natural resources, 2 plants and 3 animals, all giving human beings faith, hope and love. The poomsae Sipjin symbolizes those things. This Poomsae represents the endless development and growth by the basic idea of the ten symbols of longevity and the decimal system.

Jitae (For Master - 6th Dan)
VI

This Poomsae is derived from the meaning of the earth. All things evolve from and return to the earth, the earth is the beginning and the end of life, as reelected through the Yin and Yang. The word "Jitae" means a man standing on the ground with two feet, looking over the sky. A man on the earth represents the way of struggling for human life, such as kicking, trading and jumping on the ground. Therefore, the poomsae symbolizes various aspects occurring in the course of human being's struggle for existence. The poomsae line signified a man standing on earth to spring up toward the heaven.

Cheonkwon (For Grandmaster - 7th Dan)
VII

The word "Chonkwon" means the Heaven's Great Mighty, which is the origin of all the creature and itself the cosmos. Its infinite competence signifies the creation, change and completion. Human beings have used the name of Heaven for all principal earthly shapes and meanings because they felt afraid of the Heaven's mighty. Over 4,000 years ago, the founder of the Korean people, "Hwanin" meant the heavenly King. He settled down in the "heavenly" town as the capital near the heavenly sea and heavenly mountain, where the Han people as the heavenly race gave birth to the proper through and action from which Taekwondo was originated. The poomsae Chunkwon is based on such sublime history and thoughts.
The characteristics of movements are large actions and arm sections forming gentle curves, thus symbolizing the greatness of Chunkwon thought. The poomsae line "T" symbolizes a man coming down from the heaven, submitting to the will of Heaven, being endowed power by the Heaven and worshiping the Heaven, which means the oneness between the Heaven and a human being.

Hansoo (For Grandmaster - 8th Dan)
VIII

The word "Hansu" means water is the source of substance preserving the life and growing all the creatures. Hansu symbolizes birth of a life and growth, strength & weakness, magnanimity & harmony, and adaptability. Especially, "han" has the various meanings, namely, the name of a country, numerousness, largeness, evenness, length and even the heaven and the root of evening, among others. Above all, the above significances, is the background of organizing this poomsae.
Actions should be practiced softly like water but continuously like a drop of water gathering to make an ocean. The poomsae line symbolizes the Chinese letter that means water.

Ilyo (For Grandmaster - 9th Dan)
XI

The state of spiritual cultivation in Buddhism is called 'Ilyo' which means 'oneness'. In Ilyo, body and mind, spirit and substance, "I" and "you" are unified. The ultimate ideal of the martial art and Poomsae can be found in this state. It is a discipline in which every movement is concentrated on leaving all materialistic thoughts, obsessions and external influences behind. It teaches that a point, a line or a circle ends up all in one. Therefore, the poomsae Ilyeo represents the harmonization of spirit and body, which is the essence of martial art, after a long training of various types of techniques and spiritual cultivation for completion of Taekwondo practice.

Sources:
Wikipedia - Poomsae
WTF Official Website - Poomsae
Kukkiwon - Poomsae

To see the professionals perform some of the black belt syllabus, click here

Philosophy of Taekwondo

2007-11-30T22:08:00.001Z

Philosophy
Tenets of Taekwondo
Conduct In and Out of The Dojang