Eye of the Tiger!

So.. I’ve been doing a little researching of my own on not so out of the way ways to  increase endurance. It’s a problem that I have been struggling with, and I’m sure there are many other beginners like me who are looking for ways to fix this little problem.

Of course there’s the obvious way (sparring), but everyone’s not able to spar outside of class. So, I came across a method that is used by boxers, MMAs, and many other fighters: jumping rope. Really.  And when used in circuit training (jumping rope, push ups, sit ups, squats/launches), you are sure to get an intense workout without all of the machines and such. This may not be new to many of the more experienced fighters, but to many of us “newbs”, it’s news.

I’ve come across two great websites that are full of information on jumping rope and recommended exercises:

• 9 Routines for Jumping Rope with Power and Endurance:
  http://www.projectswole.com/conditioning/9-routines-for-jumping-rope-with-power-and-endurance/
• Jump Rope Exercise Routine: Provide Cardiovascular and Endurance Conditioning to All Muscle Groups:
  http://fitness.suite101.com/article.cfm/jump_rope_exercise_routines

Of course these aren’t quick fixes, like any workout routine you must stick with it. Also, this, in no way, replaces the experience and work out gained through actual sparring.

Forms…Goodness…

So.. along with my awesome new yellow belt comes a new form and an array of new kicks to learn and master. Il Jang is nothing like the basic forms that the white belts are taught. There’s so much opposing arm and foot action it’s like being physically tongue tied. I’m trying to watch videos to study from but it is almost as if you blink, you’d miss something…I’m still trying to figure the long stance-low bock- mid punch to right facing outside block transition…

Uhggg….

Yellow!!!

I’m now yellow belt! Yay me! It wasn’t as hard as thought it would be. Forms were a breeze, the kicks were somewhat easy (must work on left leg). During free (no contact)  sparring, I was matched with a young kid that was about a foot or so shorter than I. It was very hard to do anything for fear that I may hurt her. We had no pads so if I were to slip up and kick her, it would hurt. So, she just about kicked my butt there. I can’t wait for the next test where it is full on sparring! No bars!

Board breaking deserves a paragraph all it’s own. We were lined up by age, white belts went first. I watched everyone break their less than half inch boards then it came my turn. My board was about as thick as four or five of the thinnest boards and, get this, they were expecting me to break it. With my hand. 1, 2, HA!! My fist went through the board and, surprising enough, I kihaped!! Me!! This one!! Or else it would have hurt like hell and my fist wouldn’t have gone anywhere. My wrist is swollen now but I’m proud.

I’m yellow belt now!! I feel so very alive! Can’t wait to experience what there is to experience as a yellow belt. I haven’t gotten the results back yet, but the judges said that everyone did well and passed. The in depth reports and such will not be available until my next class Tuesday morning.

Woohoo!! I’m pumped!!

[Human Weapon] Bill and Jason v.s. Taek Yong Kwak

Although both Bill and Jason stood less than a chance, it was still a very decent match…well, until Jason hurts himself and Bill gets ko’d.

Test…

I have a resting day between today and testing day. So far, I’ve been attending every class held this week and my groin is not happy with me at this point. And I think I may have what feels like a permanent cramp in the lower left region of my abdominal area…whoopee…

On the test:

• Inside-outside crescent kick
• Outside-inside crescent kick
• Front kick
• Side kick
• Axe kick
• Horse stance middle punch
• Roundhouse kick
• Walking Blocks (Low, Inside, Outside, High)
• 1 step sparring
• Taeguek Basic
• Free Sparring (No contact….damn it)
• Board Breaking with hammerfist (1x12x8) Ow…

Going for the gold!! Well, yellow in my case…

Sparring!!

Amazing! The feeling of kicking someone without any consequences (unless it is a punch to the face or kick below the belt). I attended a sparring class today and had a blast while my lungs and legs were also blown up. It was extremely fast paced; after complete one lung busting exercise, we were led into many more like it or worse, then straight into sparring.

My endurance can use a bit of tuning though, after the first round I was almost done; my speed was gone and my kicks were weak.  I am actually considering doing a bunch of half strength kicks around my living room for the time one round would last, resting, then going again. Maybe it’ll work….maybe not…

Oh, and I almost kicked my instructor in the face. Accidentally of course. Sorry, sir…

Kihap?

It is official. I am unable to kihap. I open my mouth to let our a huge fear inducing kihap and nothing…Due to my inability to kihap, I have won myself 20 pushups many times, numerous lectures, and even a kick in the butt. I am testing this Saturday to move on to yellow belt, but I’m told that if I don’t kihap, I probably will not go very far. It’s probably a self-conscious thing but knowing that doesn’t make it any better.

I’m in desperate need of help.

Heyo!

Hey all!

This blog is going to be used to track my experiences and progress in this wonderful sport/art. My goal is to one day compete regionally, nationally and maybe even in the Olympics. Who knows? Huge goals for a white belt (hopefully yellow by Saturday). Expect frequent posts.

Later!

One of my favorite matches: