From: the_dojang-owner@hpwsrt.cup.hp.com To: the_dojang-digest@hpwsrt.cup.hp.com Subject: The_Dojang-Digest V6 #175 Reply-To: the_dojang@hpwsrt.cup.hp.com Errors-To: the_dojang-owner@hpwsrt.cup.hp.com Precedence: The_Dojang-Digest Sun, 28 March 1999 Vol 06 : Num 175 In this issue: the_dojang: Re: The_Dojang: rightie vs leftie the_dojang: Referee question the_dojang: Re: silent injuries/ a point on sparring the_dojang: Re: Caffeine and Olympic Hopeful Female Athletes the_dojang: Re: The_Dojang-Digest V6 #174 the_dojang: Re: The_Dojang-Digest V6 #171 the_dojang: Re: The_Dojang-Digest V6 #172 the_dojang: Injuries and towels the_dojang: injury the_dojang: . ......................................................................... The_Dojang, serving the Internet since June 1994. ~800 members strong! Copyright 1994-99: Ray Terry, California Taekwondo, Martial Arts Resource Replying to this message will NOT unsubscribe you. To unsubscribe, send "unsubscribe the_dojang-digest" (no quotes) in the body of an e-mail (top line, left justified) addressed to majordomo@hpwsrt.cup.hp.com To send e-mail to this list use the_dojang@hpwsrt.cup.hp.com See the Korean Martial Arts (KMA) FAQ and online search the last two years worth of digest issues at http://www.MartialArtsResource.com Pil Seung! Ray Terry, PO Box 110841, Campbell, CA 95011 KMA@MartialArtsResource.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Date: Sun, 28 Mar 1999 14:08:10 EST Subject: the_dojang: Re: The_Dojang: rightie vs leftie When I started TKD my right leg kicks were stronger than my left. Over time I have noticed that my left kicks are more naturally accurate and powerful now than the right. I believe that the supporting hip is making the difference, as I injured my left hip several years ago.(before tkd) I also developed an inflamed tendon on the ball of my right foot, so I switched alot of breaking to my left. Perhaps it's a combination of more practise and the uncomplaining right hip that is making this so! I am hoping that my left hip ligaments continue to get better so I can improve the right kicks too. Any tips on stretching, etc. would be helpful. TaeKwon - Susan ------------------------------ From: "CALLAHAN" Date: Sun, 28 Mar 1999 16:17:05 -0500 Subject: the_dojang: Referee question This weekend there was a local tournament using the USTU rules. In one ring there was a female yellow belt, in the 6 - 7 year old category, and she was the only female, of that rank, until the older age category of the 12 year olds. There were three males in the same age and rank category as the female competitor. The parents of the female competitor wanted her to spar and get some experience, so it was agreed between the tournament officials, center referee and the girls parents that the girl would automatically receive 1st place, and spar the winner of the three boys in her age and rank category. This bout would be an exhibition bout for 1 round and last 1 minute. The boy dominated the exhibition match, but wasn't "whaling away" at her, so to speak, and at the end of 1 minute the girl was crying. The referee asked the girl if she was OK and she said the boy had kicked her between the legs, but the referee didn't see it. When the girl left the ring, the parents started complaining the she should never have been in the ring with that boy anyway. Once again, the boy certainly dominated but didn't brutalize the girl, and the parents had already agreed to let her fight. It would be nice to run things so everyone leaves a tournament content with the results, but I know that will probably never happen. You will never be able to make everyone happy. Now for my question. How can you avoid this kind of situation and parental reaction in the future? Thanks, Chris Callahan "Violence when there is an alternative, is immoral; Violence when there is no alternative, is survival" ------------------------------ From: Date: Sun, 28 Mar 1999 16:24:51 EST Subject: the_dojang: Re: silent injuries/ a point on sparring snip... The temper tantrum thread was quite a reality check for me. It took me back over the years to the many diverse martial arts practitioners that I have worked with over the years and that have taken me into their confidence and shared some very incredible stories as to why they are training in m.a. Speaking for myself I know that when I'm working out or sparring this is not utmost in my mind but I do need to remind myself once in awhile that many adults come to the dojang with silent injuries. If someone walks in with a sling on their arm or a bandage on their head we immediately proceed with caution around them or express our sympathy. But our society doesn't permit that with silent injuries. So many people that train are overcoming some incredible issues and fears. And their journey is filled with stumbling blocks and detours. Some are on depressant medications like Prozac, some are taking St. Johns Wort, some are adult ADD. Some are working through past histories of assaults and abuse or violent car accidents. These things are not physically obvious to us but could be exacerbated by something like sparring and present in some interesting ways. >>>> Jamaica right on target Jamaica, as usual ;) Another thought on sparring and head kicks. I NEVER want to be kicked in the head. IF EVER, for ANY reason, ANYone tries to tell me that I must or that its "part of the art" - I am outta here! I did not join TKD to compete. I didn't join to learn how to kick butt. I joined b/c it seemed fun, I like forms and its great (for me) for stamina and to sweat off a few pounds. Some may say that this makes me less of a martial artist - ok, fine. I don't need the title. My brain and its power over not just my body but also the quality of my life is infinitely more important than any black belt could be. Also, I'm thinking long term. How many of you know people in their 50's and onward who are skilled martial artists and maybe have some neurological problems? I'm not talking about forgetfulness but real issues that send them to a specialist for lots of testing. FWIW, I like to spar the tourney-bound types. It teaches me something, BUT I expect them (regardless of age) to use control. I've had my share of bruises from blocking a kick or punch. I think I've paid my dues. I learn best when someone gets me good with a technique and stops to tell me WHY they got me and how to protect myself. ------------------------------ From: Date: Sun, 28 Mar 1999 17:51:09 EST Subject: the_dojang: Re: Caffeine and Olympic Hopeful Female Athletes Wayne wrote: << It is a nice article, however caffeine at any level is already a banned substance in the Olympics. Can't see the reason to test its effects if the use of it is a no-no. >> Granted I'm not a rocket scientist, but my math says you could have about 8 cups of coffee before your caffeine concentration was too high. In my book, that's a lot of caffeine. Sally CBAUGHN@aol.com From the USOC Guide to Prohibited Substances and Methods: Caffeine The amount of caffeine in the urine may result in a doping violation. The concentration in the urine may not exceed 12 micrograms per milliliter (12mcg/ml). There are many sources of caffeine. The examples listed in Table 3 indicate how certain products might affect the caffeine levels of an average American male. NOTE: These are only approximate levels! True levels are affected by age, sex, body size, weight and metabolic rate. CAFFEINE AMOUNT/ EQUIVALENT IN URINE PRODUCTS DOSE WITHIN 2-3 HOURS Decaffeinated 2-3 mg .03 - .04 MCG/ML Coffee 1 Cup of Coffee 100.0 MG 1.50 MCG/ML 1 Coca Cola/ 45.6 MG .68 MCG/ML Diet Coke 1 Tab 46.8 MG .70 MCG/ML 1 Dr. Pepper 39.5 MG .59 MCG/ML 1 Diet Pepsi/ 36.0 MG .54 MCG/ML Pepsi Light 1 No Doz 100.0 MG 1.50 MCG/ML 1 Vivarin 200.0 MG 3.00 MCG/ML 1 APC, Anacin, or 32.0 MG .48 MCG/ML Empirin 1 Excedrin 65.0 MG .97 MCG/ML 1 Midol 32.4 MG .48 MCG/ML ------------------------------ From: AJ Newlands Date: Mon, 29 Mar 1999 08:56:46 +1000 (EST) Subject: the_dojang: Re: The_Dojang-Digest V6 #174 > "Being a "rightie" my right kicks > are stronger. A few of us in my dojang have noticed however, that > our left legs seem to be more flexible, i.e. kicks are higher or > more "relaxed". Anyone else notice this? My theory is that the > right leg provides more stable support when we kick with the left, > hence the greater flexibility." > > Yep, I've noticed. I too am a rightie. Shame, shame. I know I should work > harder on the left side, but whenever I spar I tend to throw 80% of kicks > with right leg... The only _really_ comfortable kick with left leg is back > kick. > > But this is for sparring. Other than that, left leg is just as happy to > kick, and like you say often kicks higher and more relaxed. That theory you > mention above sounds good, however for me that isn't all of it, as I am more > flexible on my left side anyway. > > Another question for the list - if you are a rightie or a leftie, as opposed > to those lucky enough to be happy either side - which foot do you like to > have in front? Your good side? Or the side you don't use much? As for me, > I kick with my right leg, and it stays in front just about all the time. > Maybe this comes from years of fencing? Who knows... I only go left leg > forward if I'm gonna try sommink, or if I can anticipate what they're gonna > do, and wanna hit them with a good ol' padduh chagi - with my right leg of > course ;) > > Mike Well i am a natural rightie also, and i too have done a lot of fencing (competing for australia on a few occasions) and i also tend to go right leg forward. Oddly enough my straight up kicks (front kick, axe kick) go much higher from my right leg, while the side and roundhouse kicks go higher when delivered with the left leg. I suspect that this asymetrical developement relates to the way the body is stretched when performing the lunge in fencing, although i know of no actual studies regarding the effects of fencing on the bodies developement. I do know that my left knee is somewhat dicky, perhaps also as a result of fencing, though. Andrew Melbourne, Oz. ------------------------------ From: Chuck Sears Date: Sun, 28 Mar 1999 17:05:52 -0600 Subject: the_dojang: Re: The_Dojang-Digest V6 #171 > > > From: steve mower > Date: Thu, 25 Mar 1999 22:25:45 -0500 > Subject: the_dojang: Re: "snot-nosed-punk-hotshots" > > >. > > hehehe..being an "older student, I find myself in this situation on many > occasions. I don't agree with calling them "snot-nosed-punk" but, "young > hotshots" may be fitting. I'm actually envious of their flexibility, and > exceptionally gifted skill. Sometimes I find that the best strategy for > sparring these young hotshots, is to keep my rather solid 5'10", two > hundred pound frame right up tight to them. No fancy offense, back fist, > round kicks, and back kicks, staying close enough to knock them off > balance if necessary. Sometimes I feel this may be a "cheap shot" > sparring technique against younger skilled fighters, but with the speed > and flexibility I'm left with at my age, I feel this is what I've got to > do. What do you think, is this fair? Oh, absolutely. We always laugh about how age and treachery will defeat youth and stamina, but the reality of it is that we know more than they do and it is our responsibility to teach it to them. The young ones become enamored of the high kicks simply because they can do them and it's kinda up to us to teach them that high kicks are great in forms but not so great in sparring / self-defense situations unless they are properly set up. And what you are doing is exactly what I do - close the gap and take their legs away from them. When they learn how to counter that, they become much, much better sparrers.------------------------------ > > From: Scott Apple > Date: Fri, 26 Mar 1999 09:11:34 -0600 > Subject: the_dojang: Developing Speed > > ...snip... > I am working at being that good, so, my question is this: Does anyone have > any effective methods for really developing speed in kicks (or all moves, > for that matter)? I'm sure that building strength is also part of the > deal, but I'm interested in any exercises that will be sure fire for > increasing speed in my movements. > I welcome any comments you have. > Thanks. > Constant, repetitive, and most importantly, CORRECT practice of your techniques is the key. Get your basics down pat - correct chamber, execution, rechamber, recovery, weight distribution, pivot, solid sole, etc. Correct technique is the key. Speed will come naturally as you improve your technique, but if you concentrate on speed, your technique will never develop correctly. Remember the old saying: practice does not make perfect, practice makes habit. Perfect practice makes perfect. ------------------------------ From: Chuck Sears Date: Sun, 28 Mar 1999 17:14:31 -0600 Subject: the_dojang: Re: The_Dojang-Digest V6 #172 > ------------------------------ > > From: Stan Lim > Date: Fri, 26 Mar 1999 12:44:12 -0800 > Subject: the_dojang: Working on bad leg [was Temper Tantrum] > > > > Funny you should mention that. Being a "rightie" my right kicks > are stronger. A few of us in my dojang have noticed however, that > our left legs seem to be more flexible, i.e. kicks are higher or > more "relaxed". Anyone else notice this? My theory is that the > right leg provides more stable support when we kick with the left, > hence the greater flexibility. I had this discussion a couple of times with different people and someone pointed out something that I hadn't considered. It might be because we are using the "weenie" leg, which we feel uncomfortable with, and we work harder with that leg to get the technique correct and make it feel right. As a result, we actually wind up with better technique using our off side. Your theory about stability is quite reasonable, too. > ------------------------------ > > From: > Date: Fri, 26 Mar 1999 17:10:59 EST > Subject: the_dojang: Goin Ahead > > Do any of the instructors here feel it would be disrespectful for a student to > learn form ahead of his belt through a video tape or book ? I would love to have a student that motivated! I would not consider it disrespectful at all. I would, however, discourage it because it's much easier to learn something correctly from an instructor than to learn it wrong from a book, then have to un-learn it and re-learn it correctly. > ------------------------------ > > From: "Laura Kamienski" > Date: Fri, 26 Mar 1999 23:04:23 -0500 > Subject: the_dojang: make up exam > > Hi All, > > An update about my black belt test. I had to miss the March 20th scheduled > public portion of my black belt exam because of a death in the family. My > instructor was kind enough to allow me to perform a public make up test this > evening at my dojang. I passed and was promoted to First Dan Chin Mu Kwan > Tae Kwon Do. In six months I perform again for my 'decided' status, at which > time I will receive my federation certificate and belt. Tonight I > experienced what was the most intense moment of my life...having my > instructor tie my black belt around my waist. I cried. It's a wonderful feeling, isn't it? Congratulations on your perserverance and accomplishment. ------------------------------ From: burdickd Date: Sun, 28 Mar 1999 21:38:30 -0500 (EST) Subject: the_dojang: Injuries and towels Jamaica's latest post interested me greatly. I've never been a big fan of competition, because I don't really see the point. Yes, it is good to test your skills regularly, but paying $35 for the privilege is not something I'm willing to do every month. As an instructor, I try to get students to go to one or two competitions before they are black belt, just so they aren't afraid of them, but I also emphasize that you don't get scholarships for martial arts. If you are going to play through pain and risk permanent injury, you should make sure there is a reason for it. Winning the Olympics is a goal where this might make sense, both as a personal achievement and as a possible boost to one's professional career. As for throwing in the towel, I always stress that we are in the martial arts to become strong and healthy, and that means taking care of oneself when we are sick or hurt. If someone has a bum shoulder, I don't make 'em do roll outs on that side. If someone has bone spurs in their feet, I don't make 'em do jump kicks. I ask that they challenge themselves, but that they also listen to the advice of their physicians and take care of themselves, because I want them to be around for a nice long time so we can continue to play and train together. Instead of using competition to congratulate those of us who are healthy and able to win (albeit with hard work), I think it is important to stress personal challenges and make everyone a winner. Take care, Dakin Burdick burdickd@indiana.edu ------------------------------ From: Date: Sun, 28 Mar 1999 18:58:39 -0800 (PST) Subject: the_dojang: injury FWIW, I used to play a lot of basketball and football. I'd get an injury, usually a bad ankle sprain, the Doctor would tell me to not put any weight on it for at least two weeks (i.e. stay on crutches), but did I listen? Hell no! I'd be back out playing the very next day. I thought I was being tough, a manly man. Now I realize that I was just being stupid. 30 years later now, both my ankles and knees are a mess. Doctors tell me I'll probably need replacements in a few more years. Most likely all because when I was a teenager I just had to be a tough guy. How stupid... Ray Terry raymail@hpwsrt.cup.hp.com ------------------------------ From: Date: Sun, 28 Mar 1999 19:15:32 -0800 (PST) Subject: the_dojang: . ------------------------------ End of The_Dojang-Digest V6 #175 ******************************** Support the USTU by joining today! US Taekwondo Union, 1 Olympic Plaza, Ste 405, Colorado Spgs, CO 80909 719-578-4632 FAX 719-578-4642 ustutkd1@aol.com http://www.ustu.com --------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe from this digest, the_dojang-digest, send the command: unsubscribe the_dojang-digest -or- unsubscribe the_dojang-digest your.old@address in the BODY of email (top line, left justified) addressed to majordomo@hpwsrt.cup.hp.com. Old digest issues are available via ftp://ftp.martialartsresource.com, in pub/the_dojang/digests. All digest files have the suffix '.txt' Copyright 1994-99: Ray Terry, Martial Arts Resource, California Taekwondo Standard disclaimers apply.