Apex Taekwondo Center

Side Kick!

Last tournament we needed indomitable spirit. We had one athlete twist two ankles, another break a finger, among other issues. It was a tough Saturday for our team.

It's okay to be frustrated. It's okay to take a hard look at our process. I think it's important to examine what worked and what did not. I want to perform an inventory of the things that did not work and make the changes we need to have better results next time. Just because I am frustrated, does it mean we don't continue to move forward.

I do need to say, I am always proud of each student! Everyone came out there and did the best they could that day. I can't ask nothing more from them than that. Ultimately, it is always my goal to support the needs of my students. That is more important than any result.

Results:

Olympic Sparring
Bailey: Silver
Kyanna: Gold
Ethan: Silver
Eli: Silver
Huck
Calvin

WT Poomsae
Laura: Silver
Claire: Bronze
Avery: Bronze
Kyanna: Bronze

TSD Forms
Laura: Bronze

Open Poomsae
Laura: Bronze

Weapons
Kyanna: Bronze
Laura: Gold
Eli

Our team is not distracted, no. They aren't just staring into space instead of practicing. Nope

We had a good day at the Ahn Classic Taekwondo tournament. While our team was small today, everybody did a good job. I was happy with our Poomsae team members. They both had really good moments in their forms, even if we did not achieve the results we wanted. All of our sparring team members fought two to three fights, having opportunities to work on strategies and achieve gold.

Master's Poomsae
Master Stephen - Gold

Poomsae
Master Stephen - Gold
Kyanna - Bronze
Avery

Olympic Sparring
Huck - Gold
Kyanna - Gold
Bailey - Gold

I didn't learn too many new things at last Saturday's Poomsae event. I learned a few new drills and and how to clean up one transition, done twice, in all of our forms. That said, I learned a lot at this event.

Going to this 7 hour seminar was an invaluable experience. I had an opportunity to connect and reconnect with coaches, instructors, and athletes. I was able to strengthen relationships. We don't train, or compete by ourselves, and the relationships we build motivate us to push ourselves.

The concepts that were taught were not necessarily new, but I still came away with things. I have a list of things that I want to intentionally focus on, the turning side kick in Pyongwan, a turn in Chil-Jang and Pal-Jang, a transition in Keumgang, and back pain.

As the day progressed, my back was throbbing. By the time I performed at the end of the day, I could barely kick or balance on one foot without excruciating back pain. I got through the performances. They were not my best, but sometimes it's about pushing through. It wasn't going to lead too long-term injury, so I still tried. Now I need to work on relieving that pain.

An event like this is motivating. It pushes you and drives you to push yourself.

Ms. Laura, Tohko, and I went to a great 7-hour Poomsae training seminar yesterday. Master Southwick and Grandmaster Cottee. It was a great day of training in connecting with friends. Events like these help keep a sharp, bring new content back to the school, and keep us connected to the wider community.

Last Thursday we had an excellent belt promotion! It was great seeing each student perform and demonstrate their skills. I am excited to see them continue to grow.