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
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)
In the martial arts world we often tout the practice of forms (poomsae, kata, etc) as a means to hone techniques for self-defense and fighting. But have we ever thought about reversing the practice? How can we use our striking, kicking, and sparring practice to power up our poomsae game?
As I’ve mentioned in a few blog posts, I’ve been working on the third Dan taekwondo form Pyongwon. It’s a short form, but it’s powerful and grabs your attention, plus it’s really fun to do. Recently my Master told me I was rushing the snap kick/back kick combination a bit. I was moving so quickly … Continue reading When Being One Step Ahead Slows You Down
“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)
A few months ago my Body Combat teacher yelled at us to work like we were “owning” our lives rather than “borrowing” it. That can be a motivating sentiment. As a homeowner for the last eight years, I’m much more invested not only financially in keeping up and personalizing my home than I was as … Continue reading A New Lease on Life — a Case for “Leasing” vs. “Owning”
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
On April 15 my blog turns FIVE years old! Since April 15 is a Monday, and many people will either be either working or madly rushing to submit their income tax filings I thought I’d treat my readers to some weekend bingeing. Happy early birthday to the blog and happy reading to you… Wow! Five … Continue reading Little Black Belt is FIVE!!!
Due to feeling ill, work deadlines, the inevitable siren song of TV and wine, and most recently heavy downpours, I’ve been out of taekwondo for about two weeks. Perhaps it’s for the best as I’ve needed some time off to sort out my feelings. After my last post I received a wonderful, heartfelt comment on … Continue reading Taekwondo Is Always There
