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Distance: One of the Key Aspects of Sparring

December 10, 2011 No comments
Distance in Sparring

Distance in Sparring

In sparring, the winner knows to take advantage of their best skills, their opponent’s weaknesses, and distance.  Everyone generally talks about improving skills to become better at sparring; and on most occasions, they also talk about how to take advantage of an opponent’s weaknesses.  But it is rare that anyone discusses distance and how important it is in sparring, or for that matter, real life self defense (we’ll save that for another topic of discussion).

This article will discuss distance and why it is a very important aspect of sparring.  Through the proper use of distance, one can achieve the following:

  • Gain enough reaction time
  • Prevent an opponent from scoring
  • Help you score

Gain Enough Reaction Time

This may be as plain as the nose on your face, but you can gain reaction time simply by increasing the distance between you and your sparring opponent.  Now, you can go all out and stay back 15 feet from your opponent, but that would be too extreme, as it would make it impossible for either person to score.  The only thing you can cause by doing this is make the referee warn you to “fight”.

The right distance is such that the opponent cannot reach you without taking at least some motion to close the distance then executing their attack.  The motion to close the distance is your cue that he’s on the move.  This should give you enough time to adjust your distance for a counter attack.  Give this a try during any of your sparring sessions and see h0w it works out.  You’ll see that you’ll have that extra warning time to make adjustments to your position before your opponent delivers their attack.

Prevent an Opponent from Scoring

Through distance, you can prevent your opponent from scoring.  It is obvious that going further back from your opponent can guarantee that your opponent cannot score when you aren’t ready to counter.  It is also true when you close the gap to the point of jamming your opponent.  By closing the gap, you keep your opponent from making contact with their foot on your scoring area.  The closer your are to within the length of your opponent’s leg, the less likely they can score.  After all, olympic sparring is a sport, and all sports have rules on how one scores; you might as well take advantage of rules to prevent your opponents from scoring against you.

Help You Score

The right distance can help you score.  For attacks, if you maintain just the proper distance, you can apply proper footwork to close the gap and score with your kicks.  The distance should still be far enough so that you can see them coming when they attack, but short enough to close the distance using fast footwork and executing the appropriate attacking technique.  For counter attacks, you must maintain just the right distance so that you can move away without getting hit, yet reach your opponent when you deliver your scoring kick. This means that your opponent’s kick should just barely reach you!  This distance is just perfect for your counter.

Summary

Distance is a major factor in sparring.  It can help you gain reaction time, prevent your opponent from scoring, and most importantly, help you score.  Who would have thought such a simple factor could have such a major effect in sparring?

Please comment below with your thoughts regarding this article.

Competition , , ,

Chest Protector: Making It Last

November 28, 2011 2 comments
The Chest Protector

The Chest Protector

Recently I have noticed that the chest protectors my students use do not last very long, or they don’t seem as durable.  Specifically, the lower most loops tend to wear out and break.  Note that these tend to break even for students that haven’t really been around that long–say about a year.

What are they doing that causes the chest protector to become useless sooner, rather than later?  And what can one do about it?

Here’s what I’ve observed over many years.

When the kids help each other out in preparation to spar, they form a chain to help each other out in putting their chest protectors on.  When they tighten the straps they push the student in front of them, then pull on the strap.  This act causes wear and tear in the bottom loops because as the student is pushed forward cutting friction is generated by the strap as it slides against the loops.  The greatest pressure ends up at the bottom where the bottom loops are placed under the highest strain due the pulling.

Over a short period of time, the bottom two loops will begin  to show tears; and in time, one or both loops break.

I’ve had my chest protector for decades, and it is still as functional today as the first day I got them.  The reason is that I tie my own chest protector.  When I tie them, I pull the loops toward each other in a gentle but snug way.  I then tie a knot keeping the chest protector in place.  Over the years, the bottom two loops have not been put through any major friction at the level the kids put their through.

To help make the chest protectors last, they need to pull the straps in so that the loops are pulled towards each other, and not push the student away from them.  This change in approach will help reduce the wear and tear on the bottom two loops of the chest protector–making them last long enough for the students to outgrow them.

Care and Maintenance , ,

Taekwondo Gear Reviews: Re-breakable Boards

November 22, 2011 No comments

Board breaking requires skill.  In order to attain that skill, it requires practice.  To properly practice, you will need many boards to break.

There lies the challenge.  Where can you find or buy wooden boards to break?  Home Depot?  Lowes?  You probably could, but it could cost you.  Fortunately , there is such a thing called “re-breakable boards.”  And guess what?  You can buy them online!

In this article, I will discuss two type of re-breakable boards and their differences.  The first type is what I would call the “hook in” type (see blue board below).  The second is what I would call the “dovetail” type (see orange board further down below).

Note that all re-breakable boards come in different colors.  The colors typically represent the skill level necessary to break such a board.  As such, the darker the color, the harder it is to break.

Hook-in Type Re-breakable Boards

Let’s start with the hook-in (blue ones below) re-breakable boards.

Blue Re-breakable Board (front)

Blue Re-breakable Board (top)

Blue Re-breakable Board (top)

I’m not really sure how they measure the strength of these boards, but this type of board  has many different board thickness.  As the level required to break it increases so does the color and the thickness.  Thus, a yellow (around 1/4 of an inch in thickness, at least) board is relatively easy to break compared to a black one which is around 5/8 of an inch think, at least.

The good thing about these boards is that they tend to properly represent the difficulty in breaking the boards since their thickness varies–the thinner the easier to break.  However, over time they get real easy to break that even a little toddler can break a real thick black board.  This is because as the board gets used, the parts that hook into each other develop cracks which make it easy to break the board.

These boards may be good for 50 to 150 breaks.  After that, you can break them with minimal effort.

Dovetail-type Re-breakable Boards

From my own experience, these boards are tough to break and the board thickness doesn’t really vary as the breaking difficulty increases.  So if you took one of these boards–say an orange one–you may have to be a an adult at the green or blue belt level to break it.  So from my experience, the level of difficulty in breaking these type of board do not properly match up with their color.

orange re-breakable boardOrange Re-breakable Board (front)
re-breakable board (back side)

Orange Re-breakable Board (back)

The good thing about these boards is that they tend to last.  They last significantly much longer than the “hook-in” type.  My estimate is anywhere from 250 to 500 breaks.  It may even be longer.  The orange board illustrated above have seen many breaks.  It has outlasted 2 or 3 equivalent “hook-in” re-breakable boards.

Summary

Depending on what your goal is, you may acquire the “hook-in”  or the “dovetail” type re-breakable boards.

If you want realistic board breaking feel, get the former.  But if you want something that lasts, get the latter.

In either case, practicing board breaking can help improve your breaking skill especially since you need to hit the center of the board to break it, and it can potentially save you money compared to buying real boards to break.

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Can Taekwondo Gear Affect One’s Performance?

October 31, 2011 No comments
Taekwondo Gear Can Make a Difference

Taekwondo Gear Can Make a Difference

If you or someone close to you competes in Olympic-style sparring, you know that they have to wear some form of gear–specifically Taekwondo sparring gear.  The same is true for someone competing in forms; they have to wear a WTF sanctioned or endorsed uniform.

Sparring Gear

Can the right Taekwondo sparring gear make a difference in one’s sparring performance?

First of all, in order to compete in an Olympic style Taekwondo sparring competition that is officially endorsed by the USAT (USA Taekwondo), you’ll need to get sparring gear that meet the following requirements:

  • World Taekwondo Federation Certified equipment
  • blue, red, or white head gear
  • blue or red chest protector
  • note:  in newer tournaments, the event provides equipment that has electronic sensors for automatic electronic scoring; in this case, you don’t have to bring gear, but I wouldn’t go t one without  set, just in case.

On top of these minimum requirements, you’ll want to make sure the following are also true:

  • Each piece of equipment is of proper size
  • Each piece of gear has the correct protection coverage
  • The gear fit and feel well (i.e. not distracting)

One of the most significant piece of equipment is the groin protector. If this piece of equipment doesn’t fit right, the competitor will be constantly distracted by the crotch discomfort. Remember, trying to keep up with the opposing guy is tough enough, and definitely adding a constant distraction will not help the situation any, but would certainly put the opponent at an advantage.

Bottom line: make sure you have the right certified equipment, and that they have the proper protection coverage, color, and most importantly, fit.

Taekwondo Uniform for Forms Competition

Having the right gear for forms (or poomsae) competition is just as important.  In this case we are looking at the uniform being worn in competition.

It might sound irrelevant, but the right uniform can either enhance or detract from one’s performance.

Here are points to remember when competing in forms (these are some of the things judges look for):

  • Snappiness of technique
  • Performer’s balance
  • Correctness and accuracy of the form
  • Form presentation

Snappiness of Technique

The right uniform can enhance the snappiness of your kick, punch, block, or strike.  In general, a uniform that is heavy will help produce more snap–that’s assuming there is snap in the technique to begin with.  Look at and try various uniform.  Your find that the ones that are heavier and have already been broken in will provide the maximum snap.

Performer’s Balance

I’ve seen poomsae or forms competitors having to adjust their pants because it is too long or it is hanging too low.  When your feet ends up stepping on your pants, that can cause you to lose balance.  Make sure your uniform fits you well, especially the length of your pants.  The last thing you want to worry about is slipping on your own pants; this can definitely make the judges deduct points from the lose of balance this causes.

Correctness & Accuracy of the Form

Aside from losing balance, having improperly fitted competition Taekwondo uniform can cost you or your student in terms of form correctness and accuracy.  Imagine having to adjust the pants or the top in the middle of a performance because they are too big or too long.  This can happen to the less experienced poomsae or forms competitor.

Form Presentation

Judges are human.  All humans are subjective to some degree, and even though they try to be objective, little things can sway them to be more subjective when judging you.  Thus, if you are using a uniform that makes you look sharp, it can only add to your advantage in convincing the judges you are the best.  Note that you’ll have to reinforce that look with your very confident actions in coming up and leaving the floor.

Summary

There are two areas in Taekwondo competition where the proper gear or equipment can help enhance your performance:

  • Sparring
  • Forms or poomsae

In Taekwondo sparring, having the right gear can help make sure you can compete (that’s because the more serious competition events require that you have WTF endorsed or certified gear).  With the right size, fit, and protection coverage, the gear is the last thing you have to worry about because it isn’t distracting, but simply doing its job of protecting you.

Poomsae or forms competition is slightly different.  The right uniform can actually help accentuate your performance quality.  If you already have good form, a better uniform should be able to enhance your snap.  In addition, a properly fitted uniform can help prevent balance and accuracy issues with too big or too long uniform.  Lastly, a nice looking uniform can help accentuate your presentation.

Competition , ,

Gear Review: Nike Taekwondo Black Belt Uniform

October 22, 2011 No comments
Nike Black Belt Uniform

Nike Black Belt Uniform

For such a big name brand uniform gear, the Nike Taekwondo black belt uniform was an overall disappointment.  Note that it has a lot going for it as I note below:

  • Nice material, it breathes
  • No ironing required; pretty much wash and wear
  • The cloth has a nice shimmer to it
  • Black trimming doesn’t bleed
  • The material doesn’t shrink at all
  • Makes for excellent summer uniform as it is lightweight and thus cool to wear
There are a couple of things that sort of screws this up for Nike.
First is their size doesn’t match with normal sizes we are all used to.  I can normally wear clothes wit sizes ranging from medium (M), large (L), and extra large (XL); however, for this uniform I had to get extra extra large (XXL).
The second thing that really cause me to give this uniform a “thumbs down” is its poor durability.  I’ve only had this uniform for about one year, and already the sides of the pants, where my hands would land if I were to just stand attention, are showing extreme wear.  Check out the close up picture below, and you’ll see what I mean.
Close up of Nike Black Belt Uniform pants

Close up of Nike Black Belt Uniform pants

The bottom line for this black belt uniform is that I would not recommend getting it.  I’ve had other uniforms for years, like the Grandmaster Black Belt uniform from Addidas.  Those uniforms have lasted over five years and are still retaining their newness because of their strong durability.  This Nike uniform just doesn’t perform as well.
Reviews , ,

Gear Review: Addidas Super Grandmaster Taekwondo Uniform

October 21, 2011 No comments

Addidas Super Grandmaster Taekwondo Uniform

My Taekwondo Gear: Addidas Super Grandmaster Taekwondo Uniform

I’ve used many Taekwondo uniforms in my time.  This particular uniform–the Addidas Super Grandmaster Taekwondo uniform–has been one of my favorites.

Here’s a list of its main features, as I’ve experienced in using it:

  • very durable material; have used it for many years, material still relatively new looking
  • black stripes and trimmings don’t bleed
  • doesn’t shrink
  • unique pattern on the white cloth material
  • material breaths
  • if taken out of the dryer and hung immediately, will not require ironing
  • provides nice snappy sound upon execution of Taekwondo techniques (always a plus ;-) )
  • good fit; my size is just above 4 but under 5, so I went with a size 5

I use this uniform mainly during promotion testing at my school.  All of our instructors wear the same.  It really looks good.

It also serves an excellent day-to-day teaching uniform.  If worn with an undershirt, I am able to use it for the week.  In other words it doesn’t smell from my sweat–always a plus!

I highly recommend the Addidas Super Grandmaster Taekwondo uniform.  I’ve used it for many years, and it has yet to disappoint me.

Have you used this uniform before?  Or have you seen someone using it?  If so, what is your own opinion of it?  Please comment below.

Reviews , ,

Essential Taekwondo Sparring Gear

October 20, 2011 No comments

If you are looking to do Olympic style Taekwondo sparring, you will need to know which essential pieces of equipment you’ll need to have.  The video below shows which ones you will need.

The essential list of Taekwondo sparring equipment includes:

  • Head gear
  • Shin and instep guard
  • Groin protector
  • Forearm guard
  • Chest protector (hogu)
  • Mouth piece (not shown)
  • Gear bag
The hand protector is optional, but I would recommend using it to maximize protection and minimize hand injuries.  Also, in place of the instep protector, you can use a foot protector; it takes a little longer to put on, but it provides better foot protection coverage.
I would also recommend getting knee and elbow pads.  They are not required, but if you ever get hit on either of those parts, you’ll know what I mean.  They definitely would provide added protection to minimize injuries.
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Tip: 5 Key Things to Remember When in Taekwondo Forms Competition

October 19, 2011 No comments
Performing Taekwondo Forms

Performing Taekwondo Forms (source: www.koryoftc.com)

Taekwondo forms (or Poomsae) competition can easily be won if you keep these key things in mind:

  1. Know your Taekwondo Forms inside and out; there should be no chance that you forget parts of your form.
  2. Maintain a good pace for executing the form; this way, you can showcase your skill and balance.
  3. Keep your balance; at no point in time should you show imbalance during your Taekwondo forms performance.
  4. Keep your movement precise, quick, and snappy.
  5. Make your kihop (shout) stand out from the rest.
If you heed these five key things, you should be on your way to placing in the top three.  These 5 key things I’ve learned over the course of time teaching and judging forms.
What is your opinion about this?

 

Competition , ,

How to wash Taekwondo gear: The Uniform

October 16, 2011 No comments
How to wash Taekwondo Uniform

source: Salvatore Vuono at freedigitalphotos.net

The traditional Taekwondo uniform is white.  That color has remained the same from the start.  The one challenge everyone has with washing the uniform is trying to make sure it doesn’t shrink and making sure it doesn’t get discolored.  This post shall give you pointers to help make sure your uniform doesn’t go to waste as a result of one bad washing.

First of all, your belt is part of your uniform.  Do not wash your belt.  This is the only part of your uniform you should leave alone.  The reason for this is tradition.  When you train, you put your blood, sweat, and tears into it.  Some of this is absorbed by your belt.  Over time, your belt will get dark.  In the olden days, this is how people got their black belt.

Of course if you used your white belt and waited for it to turn black, I would imagine a strong odor would be emanating from it.  Fortunately, in modern times, we periodically replace belts with the appropriate color soon after passing a promotion test.  Bottom line, don’t wash your belt.

Your uniform is another matter.  It is white, and normally you would wash whites in hot water, and introduce from bleach at the same time to help keep it white.  Unfortunately, uniforms made of 100% or even those with 50% cotton, tend to shrink when washed in hot water.  Here are some suggestions on dealing with Taekwondo’s white uniforms:

  • Anything with 50% or higher cotton content should be washed in cold or warm water.  Add bleach if there is no other color that would bleed from the bleach.  This means you probably have to wash them separately from your normal white clothes.
  • Uniforms with a small amount of cotton can be washed in hot water.  They don’t tend to shrink.  Add bleach if necessary to keep it looking white.
If you aren’t sure about the cotton content of your uniforms, just wash them in warm or cold water and add bleach to help turn it white and to help kill germs and bacteria that normal hot washing would clear.
How do you wash your white Taekwondo uniform?  Do you have any tips to share?  If so, please comment below.
Care and Maintenance, FAQ , ,

Where can I buy Taekwondo Gear?

October 16, 2011 No comments
Where to buy Taekwondo Gear

credit: Stuart Miles at freedigitalphotos.net

There are many places online or offline, where you can buy martial arts gear, but it is best to go online and visit some of the more well known and trusted vendors that exists today.

This post will enumerate some of the more established martial arts online stores out there.  These sites have been around for over 10 years in general:

  1. www.martialartsmart.com
  2. www.karatedepot.com
  3. www.karatemart.com
  4. www.blackbeltshop.com
  5. www.martialartssupplies.com
  6. www.revgear.com
  7. www.ebay.com – This is not a martial arts store, but you can find Taekwondo gear there; just do a search.
  8. www.amazon.com – This is not a martial arts store; however, they sell all kinds of stuff including Taekwondo gear.  Just do a search and you’ll find them
  9. www.challengermartialarts.com
  10. www.tigerstrike.com
Since each of these sites sell all kinds of martial arts gear, you’ll have to look for Taekwondo gear by doing a search or looking at their product categories.  It should be pretty straight forward.  Note that some of these martial arts online stores only carry certain type of Taekwondo gear.
Disclaimer:  I can obviously say that these sites have been established for some time now; however, I cannot guarantee if they have the best prices or the highest quality product out there, nor can I say right now how their customer service experience is like.  You will have to decide for yourself by asking others who have done deals with these online stores.
If you have dealt with one of these sites, how was your experience?  Please share them below so others can learn from your experience.

 

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