Banstead TaeKwon-Do

More CPD last week with Senior Master R Dennis VIII and yes same TShirt and it had been washed. Obvs.

For those unsure: ITF TaeKwon-Do has a structured learning system and a large part of it is fundamental movements; offensive and defensive, in a fixed and logical sequence against an imaginary opponent, then can be practiced with (not against) a training partner in various types of sparring, either pre-arranged or traditional or free.

The imaginary opponent bit is really important, more on that coming soon. Actually, it's not "important", it's VITAL.

Brothers and Sisters!
Two excellent examples of people who started in Tiny TKD, through Junior TKD and Teens TKD and now full Adults. Countless medals and achievements between them.

It's only ever been me against myself. For 32 years, so far, of TaeKwon-Do, it's been Me Vs Me, and I think that's a harder approach than actual physical opponents.

"For others to approve me is easy, for me to approve myself is hard"

To enjoy longevity in any pursuit, IMO, it needs to be more than ONLY external achievements like medals and trophies otherwise what's left when younger opponents come along. Develop enjoyment from the process.

Just a normal training night at Banstead TaeKwon-Do. Footwork drills, changing direction drills AND the all important daily "tooth brushing" of leg work.

Just yet another Monday after lunchtime classes.
Make the time. TaeKwon-Do Patterns, so much to learn, and improve.

"But why?"
"What's the point?"
That's for another day, but suffice to say "I enjoy it, and it's exercise, and that's healthy"

"who teaches you?"
"When do you train?"
"You don't go to classes, you don't train do you?"
"You don't EVEN go to classes"

My view:

Low Colourbelt: you're being spoon fed. Your parent buys the food, prepares the food, puts in on the table, on the spoon and into your mouth.

Higher Colourbelt, i.e Red: you can put the food in your mouth, but your parent still buys it and prepares it.

1st Degree: you have a good idea of the food you need, you might even go to the shop but your parent still prepares the food.

The higher up the system you go you become more capable of looking after yourself. At "expert level" you shop, you buy, you prepare, you cook, you eat, you clean up. You also might even become creative and when others say "there's no food in the house" you could muster up a nutritious feast.