Proper way of Double Knife-Hand Back Stance
Empty your thoughts Set your eyes to the horizon Relax facial muscles Loosen your shoulders Drop your elbows Bend your front wrist at a 90 Degree angle Make your rear palm parallel with the ground Relax your chest Feel a gentle pressure on your lower abdomen Straighten your spine and slightly pull your tailbone...
Achieving Yellow Belt
Achieving yellow belt is a milestone that that is more than symbolic of having completed a three-month training period. This initiation period into the art of Taekwondo is a turning point in a student’s athletic and personal life.
Students learn basic kicks, punches, blocks and stances that will lay the foundation for fancier kicks and other more advanced techniques that will follow. However, students learn that these basic techniques can be vastly enhanced with the expression of an inner energy that in many cases was “trapped” inside of them. This inner energy, expressed through their “Ki-hup” sound, supports their physical energy as they start to improve their physical conditioning. This new expression of energy is transformative, with new students undergoing a surge in self-confidence and a thirst for taking on new challenges. For many, progress in goals including weight loss, greater speed and increased flexibility are already palpable by the time they earn their yellow belt.
Hand Techniques
Pig Foot
No. 1
Energy flows in two directions. One towards the thumb, another towards the four fingertips.
Duck Foot
No. 2
Spreading palms as wide as you can, energy flows towards all five fingertips. Central holder is Jang-Shim located in center of palm, connected towards all five fingertips.
Proper Posture to Increase Energy Level
1) Straight vertical line from Baek-Hwe to Hoe-eum* 2) Relax both shoulders and drop elbow joint slightly lower than shoulders 3) Bend wrist 90degrees 4) Do not expand rib cage -> expand lower abdomen instead Energy Sense – feel warm temperature on center of palm and electricity flow from...
A personal reflection on the benefits of Tae Kwon Do
By: Joan A. Ferraro
I began taking Tae Kwon Do classes at “Yoo’s Martial Arts” almost four & half years ago.
The school is located on Main St. in Tarrytown, just a little less than a mile from my residence in Sleepy Hollow, NY. I note the distance as, oftentimes, many folks utilize the travel involved with exercise as a deterrent (i.e., “excuse”) to regular attendance.
Master Yoo’s Push-ups
General Posture
• Palms are shoulder-width apart
If palms are too wide, this will eventually result in excessive vibration on your arms and lower Dahn-jun, causing you to lose energy
• Head line is straight, with eyes looking straight down
If you tuck your head up and look toward the front, it will bring heat energy too fast to your face because such angle blocks the cooling energy channel (Dok-Maek)
• Keep your bottom gently tight, tail bone in, keeping pressure on your lower Dahn-jun
• Thighs, calves and heels together
• Do not raise or lower your bottom
Raised bottom results in energy leaking through the Hoe-eum, and sinking bottom may cause lower back pain.
The Way of Showing Respect Through SVA Training
To begin this training there are four steps to follow. These steps will bring you to the point of being able to deliver SVA (Smile Voice and Action) to your fellow students and others. 1. Build self-respect by through Jung-Ki-Shin training 2. Grow your self-confidence through Jung-Ki-Shin...
Master Yoo’s Meditative squats-Taekwondo NJ
Meditative squats can provide numerous health benefits, including:
•Stimulation
•Strengthening of weak leg muscles
•Renewed flexibility for stiff joints (ankles, knees, hips)
This exercise will bring you to an optimal condition called Saang Hur Ha Sil:
strong, firm, stable foundation (below navel)
flexible, relaxed, tension-free state (above navel)
Training to Improve Your Front Snap Kick
With front snap kick your focus should be on your dahnjeon. This increases your internal energy, which increases the power of your kicking. You can build up your muscles by doing the one leg holding posture after the kick as well as on its own....
Taekwondo Philosophy – Overview
The philosophy of Taekwondo does not only dealing with punching, training in kicking and self-defense but far more than training in physical and mental matching. The main feature of the art is the improvement of a certain spirit which carries over into all parts of life. One could secure a stable and peaceful life by basing upon a harmony between oneself and the nature. The word Do in Korean means the art, path or way of life. This is the way in the world. This philosophy of Taekwondo has its roots held by religious leaders and the heartfelt laymen throughout the history. The philosophical qualities can be drawn back to the impact of Buddhism and their purpose of the Mastery of Life.
Some Tips for a Taekwondo Sparring Class
Have you recently begin taekwondo competing? Or maybe you’ve been competing for some time and you could utilize some help to support your execution.