Monday, February 22, 2010

What is a poomsae?


Learners of taekwondo begin with white belt (rank in taekwondo) and started to learn white belt's poomsae. Poomsae in taekwondo is a form of steps, combination of basic actions and movements exercises with an imaginary opponent. Through practicing form (poomsae) one can become accurate in both offensive and defensive techniques and other special techniques that cannot be acquired through free sparring like breathing control and how to apply techniques. No matter what level a teakwondo learner will achieve in future , he/she expected to remember all the poomsae. This is the white belt's form. Try it yourself!

Saturday, February 20, 2010

fun minute


This is the entertaining video related to taekwondo I found the other day on youtube.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

How I started


Back in days, there was no way I would choose karate or taekwondo club (where all boys were going to) instead of participating in the girls' dancing group or attending piano school.. So, I didn't know anything about taekwondo or any martial art. But since I came to US, taekwondo became one of the activities that I really enjoy in my life. You might ask: how did I started? Well, my freshman year I was busy with studying, mostly translating all textbooks and lectures, as english is not my native language. In a second year, I decided to take a class through K-State that would count as a credit for my degree but at the same time I will enjoy it. I choose Taekwondo. The class was easy and entertaining. There I learned my first form (a detailed pattern of defense-and-attack motions and techniques), participated in sparring against huge guys (but not aggressive at all), and got a little more knowledge about martial discipline itself. At the end of the course, I took a promotion test and became part of the Academy of Taekwando at Manhattan which I still attend. This is how I started.


How I define taekwondo? Taekwondo for me is a knowledge of self-defence and at the same time a philosophy, a motivation, and a training. It is an activity that I want to continue through my life no matter where I go. Later, I will share some facts and experiences about taekwondo. I hope you will enjoy it!