There sure are a lot of outside-to-inside blocks in Taeguk forms. When I joined my new dojang at the end of 2018 I began learning Taeguk forms. I’d learned the Palgwe style in my other dojang, and since I can’t remember which forms I learned as a child (other than the universal kibon), I’ll claim … Continue reading Learning Taeguk Forms
If you’ve read my blog for a while, you know how I feel about forms. I’ve written over two dozen blog posts about the mental and physical benefits (and inevitable life lessons) of practicing poomsae. To my surprise, my physical therapist casually mentioned that I should start doing slow-motion forms to work on balance and … Continue reading Using Martial Arts Basics To Recover From an Injury
Although my dojang has officially opened, they’re still offering thirty minute virtual classes throughout the week. Saturday morning I did a virtual black belt class in my home. After some warm-ups and a few forms (although I had much less space, Keumgang felt better in bare feet than in those damn taekwondo shoes), my instructor … Continue reading What Can You Do In Just Ten Minutes?
The Poomsae Series is back! I wasn’t sure I’d be able to write individual posts for the Taeguk forms I’ve been learning (I was trained in Palgwe at my old dojang), but they’ve grown on me in the past few weeks. I’ve started to appreciate the individual experiences of learning and practicing the forms rather … Continue reading Taeguk 6 – Can We Pause For a Change Revisited (The Poomsae Series Part 15)
So, I practice taekwondo. You might have noticed that elsewhere on my blog. I also have a book coming out about it, and it’s funny what I worry about and what I don’t worry about.
I can always count on taekwondo poomsae (forms) to have a calming, focusing effect on my mind and body. Forms were very much needed yesterday when I was feeling out of sorts. Yesterday I learned the hard way that reintroducing black coffee back into my body after avoiding it for about a year thanks to … Continue reading When To Speak and When To Listen: What I Learned From Practicing Taekwondo Forms
It’s begun. I am learning Taeguk forms. A little bit of history about poomsae (forms): The preference for Taeguk rose alongside the focus of taekwondo turning to sport taekwondo, or Olympic style sparring. Stances are higher and shorter, and the movements are much simpler than the Palgwe forms. I also think some practitioners just didn’t … Continue reading I’m Learning Taeguk Forms
“You can’t let perfect be the enemy of good.” I was attending a three-day change management training with about 15 other people from various industries. We had been working on in-class projects and presentations, and one man from a well-known tech company casually said to a classmate as he plugged away at his project, “You … Continue reading Don’t Let Perfect Be the Enemy of Good
“Your form looks REALLY good,” said B, a sweet, friendly and very tenacious blue belt/red stripe during a break in her taekwondo class. She added an emphatic nod and I smiled and bowed in her direction. I had shown up early to the dojang to warm up and practice forms while I waited for the … Continue reading When You Love What You Do, You Do It Well (Whether You Think So Or Not)
I’ve gone under the radar for a while both on my blog and in the taekwondo world. After I left my former dojang I needed some time to recharge, take care of personal things, and deal with a very demanding season with my job. Now I’m ready to emerge from my self-imposed cocoon (well, after … Continue reading I’m at a New Dojang! (And I Already Have the Bruises and Cuts to Prove It)
