Martial Arts Training Tips, How-to Videos and Articles
Sang H. Kim answers the following question that he received from a number of YouTube viewers:
"Most of my opponents are definitely taller than I am. So my question is: how to deal with an opponent quite taller than you?"
Over 89 more video replies to fan questions by Sang H. Kim can be found on the Answers to Martial Arts Questions Youtube playlist.
by Sang H. Kim, co-author of Taekwondo Kyorugi: Olympic Style Sparring
One of the most common questions I hear from students is "How can I prepare for competition?" The best way to get ready for competition is to follow a plan designed by your instructor or coach. If you are a top level competitor, everything will be scientifically planned for you and all you have to do is show up and train. However, if you are one of the thousands of recreational competitors around the world, you are responsible for designing some or all of your competition training plan.
The first thing you have to do is assess what level of competition you are preparing for and how much time you have available. Ideally, for a local tournament, a few months are enough to get in competition form. By spending about two months on general practice and one month on specific competition skills and strategies, you can refine your skills to the level necessary to succeed in a small tournament. For a national or international competition, however, planning should begin at least one year ahead of time. Once you have determined the level of competition and amount of time available for your training, you can create an individual plan.
For a national or international level competition, the first type of training you have to undertake is fundamental physical training. This consists of general fitness activities like calisthenics, running and weight training. At the beginning of your competition regimen, your daily training should consist of 70% fundamental physical training and 30% basic martial arts skill practice. Ideally, this plan should be followed for 4 to 8 weeks to develop the proper physical condition for competition.
Read MoreBefore developing a competition strategy, each competitor must consider the following elements essential to taekwondo competition:
1) Technical structure and variations according to the competition rules. Every competitor must be able to win within the established framework of the competition rules. He must create unique offensive combinations designed to score points while avoiding penalties.
2) Economical use of energy over the duration of the match. A fighter must plan his strategy over the course of the full nine minutes of the match. He must clearly decide when it is appropriate to conserve energy and when it is necessary to press the opponent.
3) Judicial application of feinting skills. Feinting should be used wisely and sparingly, so as not to be detected by the opponent.
Once the competitor has a general plan, the following process is necessary for the accurate formulation (psychological) and execution (physical) of an individual strategy:
Read MoreReader Question:
I am a keen martial artist but when i am sparring i feel as if my reactions aren't quick enough to block some of the attacks. i would be grateful if you could recommend some ways for me to improve my reactions.
Thank you,
Dave Price, England
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