Playing Catch-Up

I saw a recent video a few days ago  of the taekwondo facility I used to train in and realized that the kids and adults that were at my level (yellow) are now green. Along with being shocked, I was/am jealous. I have no good reason to be. It is not like they had an unfair advantage; I’m the one who quit. But even still, it’s a little daunting to think of rejoining class with the same people who I used to struggle along with but now consider them my superiors.

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.

Hello Again.

It’s been a very long while since my last post. The last time I was around, I was pumped, ready for whatever the world of taekwondo could throw at me. But now, I’m unable to say that much.

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.

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.

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…

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: