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.