Considering that I was a yellow belt at the time of testing, the rules were much more strict than when I was testing to become a yellow. During one step sparring, I did not kihap. Didn’t even try. The proctor kept resetting us until we gave an excusable kihap which was after doing 10 pushups in front of the other students and spectators. I scored horribly there. C.

Then came breaking. Hammerfist went through on my first time. No problems (other than swollen wrist). I still believe that if I did not kihap, my fist would have basically bounced off of the board. I do not take kihap-ing for granted when it comes to putting my fist through wood or anything for that matter. Second break was axe kick. The only flaw that I could immediately point out was that I point my toe instead of aiming with my heel. It took two tries. A.

Kicking (basics and the like) was fun. I’ve really improved my left leg; it’s almost as effective as my right. A.
Poomse (forms) went alright. I realize (now) that I did not perform it to textbook quality as I should (and could) have and so: B.

Sparring… sparring… sparring…
I was matched with a purple belt because the yellow belts who were testing with me were small kids. I was honestly nervous. Though she was a bit shorter than I, she had much more experience. I felt that I didn’t try my best because of my nerves. I didn’t feel so well about this part of the test. However, the judges were impressed with my sparring. I even had an instructor congratulate me. B.

Judges’ Comments:

• Kihap louder.
• Good sparring. You varied your kicks and used them well.

I’m a little nervous about the hammerfist break though I executed it well during my first test, but I could never do it during practice. Some of the reasons I believe that I was able to do it during test only is because I kihap’d (really!) and I was afraid of the embarrassment of not breaking it on the first time. I’ll just have to adapt a “I’ll break this board even if I break my hand” sort of mentality. My wrist has already swollen blue and purple from improper breaking technique during training, but I’ll just have to cope and continue.

Wish me luck.
Much love and best wishes.

I should probably give myself a bit more credit. I’m only a yellow belt after all and I did get complemented for remembering kicks and forms that most would forget after only a month, so I’m told. It’s a work in progress I suppose. Today was only my first day back after months of no taekwondo, I shouldn’t expect perfection.

Much love and best wishes.

Anyway, my reason for posting is to say that I’ve decided to rejoin. After giving it some though and considering the advice of others, I’ve decided that, at this time, it is best for me to do whatever helps me enjoy life. Of course I’m not saying that this is better than college; it’s just the best choice for me right now. If the time comes and the feeling’s there, then I’ll reenroll into school, but until then I have taekwondo.

Much love and best wishes.

I quit taekwondo believing that I was days away from beginning school. Well, things didn’t turn out the way I’d like them to and I ended up withdrawing one day before my official first day of class. Since then, I’ve been in a stump, unable to decide what to do from here. Of course I want to continue my training in taekwondo and go as far as physically and mentally possible, but, as we all know, that also costs money.

I’m not worried about the fees, I can manage them, it’s just that each time I consider rejoining, I’m asked about school and how would I manage to save for it if I’m only spending what I have. To be quite honest, attending school is a big, hot-pink question mark for me at this time, and because the question is hot-pink, it is something that I’d like to avoid for now. Even still, I can’t help but worry and wonder…
Much love and Best wishes to you all.

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.

Uhggg….

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!!