Traditional Taekwondo Techniques

Are there Hacks to Gain Power in Taekwondo?

noreply@blogger.com (Colin Wee) — Sat, 27 Sep 2025 03:35:00 +0000

Colin Wee practising solo drills at Matilda Bay Foreshore. Perth, Western Australia.

The black belt in front of me was younger, fitter, taller, and stronger.

Irrespective, it was my martial arts demonstration. So when I hit him, he backpedalled about three metres before landing on his bum.

It wasn't my intention to hurt him, so I chose the soft parts of my forearm for the final connection. If it was my intention to hurt him, I would have asked him to stand strongly, delivered the power onto a smaller area of impact, injected the power all at once, and truncated the kinetic energy inside his body. There's a really good article at Soo Shin Kwan that deals with these hard style mechanics (see States of 'Muhyeong' and 'Yuhyeong' in ITF Taekwon-Do).

I have a habit of taking care of (most) of my training partners, and I'm a decent enough bloke. Plus I know how to put on a show, so it transpired I decided to 'float' him, sending him hurtling backward. Jesse Enkamp talks about 'floating' in The 4 Principles of Quan-fa: Float, Sink, Swallow, Spit.

The black belts in attendance hardly saw me pull my arm backwards, and witnessed one of their friends thrown back, as if by magic. It might as well have been a reprise of that One Inch Punch demonstration Bruce Lee did. The part of the story I like the most? I told them afterward - what I did was the ITF Sine Wave.

It was, and it wasn't.

I wasn't totally lying. Though I don't practice the ITF Sine Wave, the compression and expansion I see that is so obvious through pattern practice makes for a natural movement, and creates the opportunity to practice some decent fundamentals. When I make to release energy, I use the same compression and expansion principles, and in my mind is justification enough for The Sine Wave.

The waveform I use however is significantly shorter. The striking arm doesn't pull back, but as the kinetic energy started from the ground up, it still 'travelled' enough distance before making contact. Of course everyone was so busy looking at the arm being held one inch from the opponent, they forgot to see the pulse that started from the legs up.

The 'fun and games' also is in pushing of the energy through his body in a slightly upward direction. However the opponent prepared himself, he would not have read the trajectory of my movement. In physical terms, he was lifted and pushed. Visually, he backpedalled like a cartoon character because he felt like he was falling in mid-air. It was so sneaky.

On my end, I was not going for what Soo Shim Kwan describes as the "contraction at the final moment of the technique." The motion for me is a vertical cycle. This circular wave gains me the most throw of physical force without pre-emption, and allows me to cycle the energy back into the body. The smoothness that returns back to the same position I started has the added benefit of making it look like I didn't move at all. LOL.

For those of you who want the most 'bang for the buck' lethal application for this? I guess it would be holding an extremity of his still whilst sending his body backward like that. This would be a disastrous outcome for him, and for your insurance coverage.

Too many make a fuss on what is hard style and what is soft style, yet there is overlap. For a person like me to plug and play soft style concepts into a hard style system hints there is much all of us can do to assess our fundamentals and their expression during conflict.

Unveiling the Secrets: Exploring Form and Application in Bassai Dai Kata

noreply@blogger.com (Colin Wee) — Sun, 14 May 2023 14:27:00 +0000

In the realm of martial arts, the interplay between form and application has always intrigued practitioners. It is a subject that we delve into deeply in my book, "Breaking Through: The Secrets of Bassai Dai Kata." Today, we are going to expand on the ideas presented in the book and explore the concept of "Where is the Form in the Application?" This article serves as a bridge between the insights shared in the book and the evolving understanding of how form and application interact in our training.

In my previous post, "Nerding Out on Kata Bunkai," I emphasized that the application is not about merely teaching the form. While the attached video provides a quick overview of a specific phrase from the kata and demonstrates two combative variations, it is important to note that our approach goes beyond mimicking the form with precision. Unlike YouTube instructors who meticulously replicate kata down to the smallest detail, our focus lies elsewhere.

Our training philosophy involves interpreting the dynamic nature of real-world situations, acknowledging human fallibility, and extracting valuable lessons and concepts from the form. We then apply these insights to deliver effective responses to opponents. The video serves as a snapshot of our training process, capturing a glimpse of what we have discovered and developed in the limited time it encompasses.

It is worth mentioning a story from a training session I attended a few years ago, which sheds light on the relationship between form and application. During that session, a self-proclaimed expert in kyusho made a comment about my form not having softened enough, implying a lack of evolution in my martial art. However, the form itself remains constant. Whether I perform it as a 1st dan or a 7th dan, the essence of the form remains unchanged. What evolves over time are the experiences, insights, analytical methodologies, and teaching pedagogy that enrich our understanding and enhance our training. These elements are intrinsically linked to the original form and are shared among the trainees in the JDK environment.

For over two decades, many of us have dedicated ourselves to exploring the gaps left by traditional hard style training. We have focused on developing sensitivity, understanding angles, honing movement, and cultivating heightened awareness. It is through this continuous exploration and growth that the direct connection between application and form becomes less apparent. However, this should be seen as a positive outcome—a testament to our progress and the depth of our understanding.

The form and its application are intertwined, yet they are not limited to a rigid one-to-one relationship. Instead, they exist in a harmonious dance, allowing for individual growth and the evolution of martial arts. I invite you to join us on this journey of discovery as we continue to seek the hidden secrets within the Bassai Dai kata and explore the delicate balance between form and application.

If you are interested in Bassai Dai, perhaps you'd be interested in my book Breaking Through: The Secrets of Bassai Dai Kata.

To avoid embarrassment, please do not inquire about certification through JDK. Additionally, please do not offer certification as a token of appreciation to any JDK member.

Breaking Through Featured on Totally Taekwondo Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (Colin Wee) — Tue, 02 May 2023 08:02:00 +0000

Cover Page for Totally Taekwondo

Breaking Through: The Secrets of Bassai Dai Kata is the new martial arts book written by Colin Wee, a Taekwondo instructor, which has recently been published. In an article featured in Totally Taekwondo Issue 171 May 2023 (see Totally Taekwondo), Wee details his long journey to writing the book, which began before the COVID-19 pandemic but was largely completed during lockdown. Despite the challenges he faced, Wee's dedication and perseverance have paid off with the publication of his book.

Wee's previous attempt at writing a martial arts book, entitled "Fighting Heaven and Earth," was not the book he had intended to write. Although it was a disappointment, it served as a roadmap for Wee and his black belts, leading to the development of the distinct training methodology they use today, known as the JDK Method. This collaboration between Wee and his students is a fundamental part of the JDK training environment.

In the spring of 2019, Wee's school spent a year and a half focused on the practice of one kata: Bassai Dai. Although they are a Taekwondo school, they incorporate legacy classical Karate forms into their syllabus, and they often do a deep dive on specific forms. Bassai Dai seemed like the perfect subject, as a wide range of Okinawan, Japanese, and Korean stylists practice the pattern. Additionally, the irony of a Taekwondo instructor publishing a Karate book as a chapter in the already compelling story of Bassai Dai seemed amusing.

Wee's book, Breaking Through: The Secrets of Bassai Dai Kata, is not your typical martial arts picture book. He initially contemplated illustrating the applications with the help of a manga artist, but the idea quickly fizzled as the cost per hour for an artist was more than he could afford. The book instead contains a wealth of information on the Bassai Dai kata, including historical context, technical breakdowns, and applications.

Book signing for Colin Wee's new martial arts book
Breaking Through: The Secrets of Bassai Dai Kata

The journey to writing the book was not an easy one. Writing the manuscript took about a year, and then came the task of submitting it to the publisher, re-writing, and editing the document. The team also commissioned cover artwork and arranged several photo shoots to gather images for the applications presented. Not to mention the back-and-forth emails with Wee's focus group to gather their feedback on the developing material.

Wee had no knowledge of the publishing process and needed someone else to help him cross the finish line. This is where Master Mike Swope, the publisher of Totally Taekwondo, comes in. Wee and Swope met through The Study of Taekwondo group on Facebook a few years ago, and they have been online buddies ever since. Wee's gratitude for Swope's help and support is evident in his article. The cover artwork from Wee's book was even used as the front cover for Totally Taekwondo's latest issue, which is cause for celebration.

Wee's dedication to martial arts and his willingness to share his knowledge and experience is admirable. His book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the Bassai Dai kata, and it is a testament to the hard work and perseverance required to achieve a goal. We should all take inspiration from Wee's journey and use it to motivate ourselves in our own pursuits.

In conclusion, Colin Wee's Breaking Through: The Secrets of Bassai Dai Kata is a fantastic achievement, and his journey to writing the book is an inspiration. Wee's willingness to share his knowledge and experience is a valuable contribution to the world of martial arts. We should all take the time to appreciate the hard work and dedication required to achieve our goals, and we should be grateful for those who help us along the way. Thanks to Master Mike Swope from Moosul Publishing, and Master Stuart Anslow from Totally Taekwondo.

To order Breaking Through go to Amazon or other online store.

For reviews see Amazon reviews.

Book Announcement: 'Breaking Through: The Secrets of Bassai Dai Kata'

noreply@blogger.com (Colin Wee) — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 07:52:00 +0000

I am so excited to finally announce the launch of my new book, Breaking Through! ISBN-13: ‎ 978-0-9962640-5-1 by Moosul Publishing LLC. It's been a long and challenging journey, but I am thrilled to share it with you all.

Breaking Through Cover

This book is more than just a guide to martial arts training, it's a holistic approach that encourages consistent progress and increasing returns. It goes beyond the traditional prescriptive analysis of martial form and offers a fresh perspective on training and self-improvement.

To celebrate the launch, I will be having an event in Dallas where you can meet me and get a signed copy of the book. If you can't make it to Dallas, don't worry! You can order the book on our website at https://moosulpublishing.com/breaking-through-the-secrets-of-bassai-dai-kata-by-colin-wee/ and get a discount of 15% until March 23, 2023. After that, the book will be sold at full retail price.

And for those of you who want to learn more about the book, check out the videos on our YouTube channel where we talk about the mental aspect of training, how to deal with fear, and even go up against UFC fighters like Brock Lesner, Logan Paul, and a basketball player Lebron James. LOL.

I have to admit, writing this book was a huge challenge. It took a lot of dedication, long nights, and even longer days. But I am so proud of what we have accomplished and I can't wait to share it with all of you.

Thank you so much for your support and I hope to see you at the book launch or hear from you through your pre-order!

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For seminar requests: Travel itinerary for our black belts in 2023/4 include but not limited to:
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To avoid embarrassment, please do not inquire about certification through JDK.
Please do not offer certification as a token of appreciation to any JDK member.

Training So Hard Angels Would Cry

noreply@blogger.com (Colin Wee) — Thu, 28 Apr 2022 14:29:00 +0000

JDK circa 2003

Overheard at a training hall recently: "I remember how tough training was when we were young. We used to do pushups on broken glass!!!"

The part about broken glass is my clickbait addition. But the hyperbole of how tough training 'used to be' typically continues until the weak and infirmed are totally chafed from such a group.

Tough physical training is of course beneficial for any combat fighter. It toughens your body for encounters. Allows you to withstand the rigours of training. And maximises your potential. However, anyone knows to achieve that high level of physical ability such training has to be introduced gradually, and needs to be sustained through recovery periods and off seasons.

I say tough physical training is beneficial, but tough training doesn't make you a better martial artist. Of course I don't deny it complements any solid martial art training and endeavour. But if you weren't in a good martial arts program, no amount of tough training is going to make you understand martial arts any better. For e.g., if you were doing Taebo and running on broken glass ... this wouldn't make for much progress, if any at all.

In fact, why hold sentimentally to the 'hard knocks' way of training? Have you not really received enough understanding or grasped concepts of what a martial art attempts to accomplish? Frankly, I'm here to reduce risk and injury to my person and to protect my loved ones. To take 'encounters' in the dojo to be applied as an analogy for other interactions in my life. To become more skilled using less effort! That is the goal, isn't it?

A friend of mine, Sifu Gawain Siu was talking a few years ago about the exclusivity in martial arts. Within a few months of joining, members drop off. Every year, people lose their commitment for training. Promotion after promotion keeps whittling numbers down. Then comes the huge event horizon where one approaches your black belt grading and you discover only a few of your original group are left standing with you.

Anyone in left this position would be hyper aware there's an accompanying thought process legitimising your decreasing circle. That the perseverance, and the remaining few who eventually arrive there reflects the best of what your group has to offer.

Or does it really reflect survivorship bias?

The best of martial arts is not magic. There's no mystical force. No tricks. You take good physical concepts and combative tactics, and use them to maximise the student practitioners under you. Your student practitioner approaches their maximum ability with the training provided. Over time, that maximum ability expands incrementally with good nurturing training.

It's time for martial artists to think of the demands of life in the 21st century. You know people in your community would gain from your martial arts training. And you need to rethink who deserves your time. In short, that response should be ...

... everyone.

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For seminar requests: Travel itinerary for our black belts in 2023/4 include but not limited to:
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To avoid embarrassment, please do not inquire about certification through JDK.
Please do not offer certification as a token of appreciation to any JDK member.

Was Bruce Lee right about Fixed Set Patterns?

noreply@blogger.com (Colin Wee) — Wed, 13 Apr 2022 01:17:00 +0000

“All fixed set patterns are incapable of adaptability or pliability. The truth is outside of all fixed patterns.”

– Bruce Lee

It's ironic. The Founder of JKD, that's Jeet Kune Do, and attributed as the Father of MMA, Bruce Lee was brought up schooled in Wing Chun. A talented athlete with a keen intellect, he assessed the tactical strengths of his traditional martial skills (based on those fixed patterns), and then reached for and assimilated new skills to round off his fighting base.

But you don't totally 'empty' your cup of your existing skills. You 'empty' that cup of your preconceptions, your bias, and incomplete assumptions. With new insight, you add to your skills and build your foundation.

Minus the grandstanding you see in Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story, the quote above which has been attributed to Bruce Lee is correct. Fixed Set Patterns will not help you better deal with a dynamic situation. If you take out the posturing from actor Jason Scott Lee, the quote isn't to pick on those systems that use 'fixed set patterns.' You know why? It's because almost all systems I've come across use fixed set patterns.

Call them Kata, Hyung, Tuls, Punyo, etc. Even boxing at various levels uses drills that are repeated over and over again. Know what those are called? Those are called Fixed Set Patterns.

In my tradition, I use Fixed Pattern Sets called Hyungs. Early in my career, I started spreadsheeting individual techniques within those patterns to associate them with every skill I could identify. Neck deep and about a year in, I started to realise that I was just spinning my wheels. Some enthusiasts were impressed but I knew I wasn't on the right path, and appending more words to techniques wasn't creating any value.

Eventually, there was a threshold that needed to be crossed. That threshold was a Fixed Set Pattern that a 19th century Karateka claimed was all he needed for street combat. It was a kata that I had been obsessed with for a long time. It's simple mirrored techniques seemed superficially simplistic, until I looked at it as a problem solving mechanism. I found I could use just the one technique for a same side attack. Then I saw it applied to an opposite side attack. And extending that train of thought, it would also work if I had guessed either wrongly! That I could recover using that technique!

The Kata did not produce this tactic. It inspired the insight within me to see this for myself.

Since then, the more I understood of the technician's situation, of his opponent, and the dynamic situation in an engagmenet, the more value I could draw from our fixed set pattern.

I know sometimes I seem dismissive of patterns. That I seem more than happy to choose my own flipbook story ending. Nothing can be further from the truth. The pattern is our unchanging benchmark. But it is a benchmark created by an architect who was limited to chunking a few skills into a sequence of about 40 moves.

The pattern does not show in entirety that architect's skill.

Partly, to understand the kata, you need to look at it from its 'insides'. To make sense of what the architect wanted you to see of its sequences. To search out the patterns within the pattern. Identify logic which helps you as a tactician face off a dynamic situation, and make key decisions that help you counter the opponent's counters.

Beyond the technical level, you'd need to apply knowledge that is beyond the kata. The assumption is that the architect of the pattern would have a high level of ability to deconstruct his three dimensional world, understand multiple opponents, use his structure and centre of gravity in such a way as to not be limited by any one technique, and like the architect have the ability to deploy weaponry without constraint. Basically linking to that famous quote "Using no way as way, having no limitation as limitation."

Look at Jion Bunkai: Why So Many Upper Blocks. This application works because the initial upper block sets up an equal and opposite reaction from the opponent. Then it uses a perpendicular or lateral movement to strip the raised guard off to the side. The realisation that the opponent's guard can be stripped that way happened while working Taekwondo's Dosan years ago. (See the post Trapping Hands and Knocking on the Front Door posted in mid 2020.) So when we looked at Jion, a Traditional Okinawan kata, the upper block used to remove a lead hand guard tapped into knowledge we acquired whilst working a Taekwondo form, using insight from koryu Aikijujutsu!

Then compare closely how that upper block is applied initially on the opposite side v same side. The same side tactic has the same setup but uses a small imperceptible elbow roll to break the opponent's structure before stripping it. The opponent's arm then goes towards the counter-intuitive outside of opponent's body.

This would be categorised as a mizong or secret technique, and is not in the form. It would never make it into a form. And if it was ever in the form would never have been transmitted consistently because it would be too difficult to institutionalise. In that way, Bruce Lee was right, such value exists outside that Fixed Set Pattern. However, without having that Fixed Set Pattern inspiring us to look for it in the first place, we would not have had this applicaiton and insight today.

The truth is that a Fixed Set Pattern is what it is. Don't think they're there to save the day. They don't teach you tactics. They don't fight your fight. You need to be trained by someone who is walking the path. All forms have to be applied. Their application needs to consider the technician, the opponent, and the dynamic situation. And then this understanding needs to be drilled into the practitioner through your training methodology.

Don't just fall for his rhetoric. Look at how he developed. Those Fixed Set Patterns were his launchpad; not ball and chain.

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For seminar requests: Travel itinerary for our black belts in 2023/4 include but not limited to:
USA, Singapore, Japan, and Australia.
For book orders see Moosul Publishing

To avoid embarrassment, please do not inquire about certification through JDK.
Please do not offer certification as a token of appreciation to any JDK member.

Interview with Author of Mat Time

noreply@blogger.com (Colin Wee) — Sun, 10 Apr 2022 11:55:00 +0000

Ginny Tyler, author of Mat Time, trains under GM Keith Yates. When I recently found out about her new book from AKATO's FB group, I reached out and offered to help her promote this publication.

A New Christian Devotional Guide

While JDK and the Traditional Taekwondo Techniques blog focuses on applications and training methodology, this is not out-of-character for JDK. We believe martial arts training brings a wide range of benefit to practitioners. There are just so many ways to benefit from the entire martial arts community, and this is only one of the examples helping you survive and flourish in the 21st century.

For those who are interested in securing a copy of Mat Time, follow this link to it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1733615113?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860

1. What’s your book about?

3rd Dan Break May '18

Mat Time is a Christian devotional guide designed to help martial arts instructors plant seeds of truth in their classrooms. With key Bible verses and a martial-related topic for each reading, this book enables instructors to take the lessons they are already teaching their students and interweave Biblical truth for their students to be engaged and challenged in a way they may not have been otherwise. I truly feel that as instructors, we are called to teach our students how to fight spiritual, as well as physical battles, and Mat Time is a wonderful tool for enabling us to do just that.

2. Where did your inspiration come from to write it?

For years, I have been piecemealing devotional materials for my own students, utilizing personal experience and convictions with age-appropriate lessons and ministry tools I have found. If I was lucky, I would find something that would be easily translated to lessons I teach in my martial arts classes, but more often than not, I had to rewrite or tweak each lesson to make it work with our physical training in mind. Fortunately, I was very comfortable doing this, until I got a very clear message from the Holy Spirit in February of this year:

Gospel Martial Arts Union Conference Nov '18

“But what about the martial arts instructors who do not know how to put materials together the way you do? What about the instructors who want to bring Jesus into their classes but don’t know how to go about doing that?”

It simply had not occurred to me that other instructors may be struggling to do this, and it was as if lightning flashed in my head. The world needed something that anyone could utilize – something handy and complete that needed only to be read to an eager audience. Having written the children’s “Kingdom Kicks” series already, it was a very easy transition for me to shift my vantage point to putting something together for instructors that included key Bible verses and a martial-related devotion that pointed the reader back to God.

Honestly, once I realized that God wanted me to put this book together, I was shocked I hadn’t thought of it myself sooner. I have had students over the years move away and tell me after the fact that they could not find another karate school that “was doing what we are doing,” and I just had not considered that perhaps this is because instructors didn’t feel equipped to.

I am so thankful for the prodding insight of the Holy Spirit, because otherwise, Mat Time would not have come to fruition.

3. How does your book benefit martial arts practitioners?

This book takes all of the guesswork and sweat out of having readily available opportunities to spend a few minutes of class time to work out those spiritual muscles. In addition to having the lesson and key Bible verses all ready to go, the book also includes journal pages so that instructors can add their own experiences and convictions to each lesson to make it more personal to their classes. Taking a one-devotion per week approach, this book provides a year’s worth of quality, relatable material for instructors to integrate into their classes. This opens the door to discussion and helps students to have a broader perspective when it comes to those “unseen battles” that will inevitably come up throughout their lives. It is my prayer that this book will help instructors to see how easy it is to integrate Biblical training into their curriculum and inspire them to continue doing so long after they have finished the book.

4. How does your book find its place in an increasingly secular world?

That’s a really good question, and I hope I don’t come across as lofty in my answer. I do feel strongly that I was called to write the book and do all that I can to share it with the world. But I also know that ultimately, God’s Will will be done, regardless. If this book was written to save a single soul, or plant a single seed, and it does that, then I would consider that a “win.”

The author with her Little Warriors April '22

I am also very well aware that God tends to take our 'little' and turn it into much. The book may find a small niche in the world, but I have tremendous faith that the good it was written for will ripple throughout the world and reach every corner that it is meant to. I liken this to the boy who shared his 5 small loaves of bread and 2 fish with Jesus to feed the multitudes. If his 'little' could be turned into much, then I know that my small act of obedience will not necessarily find its place – it will make a place for itself. As it says in 1 Corinthians 3:7, only God makes things grow. So I do feel very strongly that Mat Time will create a space big enough to do what God intends it to do.

5. Would you share a quote from your book and any background story or thoughts that might be interesting?

As mentioned above, I feel very strongly that being aware and prepared for our spiritual battles is just as important as training for our physical ones. Here is a snippet from the Day 18 devotion:

“In our key verse today, we learned that our fight is not with the obvious, but rather, the unseen and inconspicuous. The problem is that our martial arts skills cannot touch this enemy – so how are we to fight properly?

Let’s take a new view on “empty hand” training, for our weapon, the sword of the spirit, cannot be held physically.”

Ginny Tyler with her students at
DMD Tae Kwon Do Sept '21

Having fought many spiritual battles myself, I feel that there is urgency in preparing the youth of today for the warfare they will encounter as they become more aware of our broken world. Training your body is very important, but how are we readying them for loss, anger, sickness, temptations, and all of the things that we instinctively want to shield children from?

I can say with all honesty that I did not grow up with that firm foundation, and it took me a very long time to realize that growing up in an unhealthy home and not having a Biblical awareness impaired me for years. It took many spiritual battles before I recognized the true enemy, and this fueled my desire to help others understand how to engage the enemy in a firm, confident way. Now, more than ever, we need to raise up warriors in every sense of the word. It is my prayer that Mat Time helps to accomplish that.

6. What’s the most difficult thing about writing?

Waiting. Waiting for technology to process all those words and feelings you’ve wholeheartedly poured into your book while you impatiently wait for the world to receive your work.

I know many people who say that writing is the hardest part – coming up with content and the right words to say. And I do feel incredibly grateful that each time I have written a book, the inspiration came from God in a very clear way. My job is to listen and be obedient – I really feel that I am just typing out what God tells me to say, and in essence, He is doing all the writing for me. All praise to Him.

In hindsight, the whole process just makes me realize that I need to rely on His timing more and learn to be more patient. It helps me to see that I still have a long way to go in being refined.

7. As a writer, which actor would you choose to play yourself and why.

I hate to give such an unimaginative, straight-to the point answer, but I wouldn’t choose anyone else to play me. I’m very much of the mindset that when it comes to me, “what you see is what you get.” I would hate for anyone to glamorize or represent me in a way that was exaggerated, honored, or glorified in any way. I am only who God made me to be, and I am still a work in progress. I am incredibly complicated, but I cherish the simple things in life. At the end of the day, this would make for a very dull movie.

(But…if someone HAD to do it, I’d put a call in to Jennifer Lawrence.)

8. And lastly, speak to the person who desperately needs to read this book.

Ginny Tyler

A call to action for all martial arts instructors: You are given a unique opportunity each week to do something so much greater than you could imagine. The martial arts offer us all endless avenues to come to the same place in Christ, and in being “the ones who have gone before,” it is our responsibility to be the guideposts for those who are farther back.

We have the ability to share something so much greater than physical training to those God has entrusted us with, and it is our responsibility to make the most of each moment, for we never know how much time we have with those in our direct circle of influence.

Whether you choose to read from this book, if you are inspired to put your own materials together, or even if you print out Bible verses to hand out to your students each week, you are sharpening the next generation of martial artists and helping them to be the best they can be – in body, spirit, and mind. My encouragement to you is that you do everything possible to plant those seeds. You never know how big of a harvest you will reap if you don’t put in the work, and we may never know on this side of Heaven how many lives could have been changed for the better in doing so.

Perhaps you are drawn to this book in an answer to a still, small voice urging you to take your first step in utilizing your martial arts classes as a ministry opportunity. Maybe you were curious and wanted additional materials to supplement what you are already doing. Whatever the reason, it is my prayer that this book is utilized in the way that God is calling you to use it with your experiences and specific talents, for His glory. It is my hope that having these materials will give you the confidence to invest in your students in a whole, new way and that it will set a pattern that will continue longer than you could imagine.

Matthew 5:14-16

Feel free to send questions to the author using the comment facility below.

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Tenets of Taekwondo

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For seminar requests: Travel itinerary for our black belts in 2023/4 include but not limited to:
USA, Singapore, Japan, and Australia.
For book orders see Moosul Publishing

To avoid embarrassment, please do not inquire about certification through JDK.
Please do not offer certification as a token of appreciation to any JDK member.

Jion Bunkai: Why So Many Upper Blocks?

noreply@blogger.com (Colin Wee) — Sat, 09 Apr 2022 04:46:00 +0000

Why are there so many upper blocks in Jitte, Jion, and Jiin?

That was the question that was posed to me by Josh. And just one question like that, caused me to dwell on the topic day-in-day-out. Probably further messing around with my presence of mind as I deal with the continuing effects of COVID brain fog.

Kata Bunkai is an interesting area of study. So many instructors on YouTube offer skills based off a static assumptions, and corresponding stances. In my perspective, application begins with the root word 'apply.' You take your tactics, and based off what you are facing from your opponent, you need to match those tactics to the opponent's initiative, and sort your situation out.

You can read more about the video above from my YouTube caption, but essentially The upper block sets up a counter from the opponent, and then the rechambering of it strips the guard and opens up the opponent to the back hand strike or destabilisation.

Do you have a worthy Jion Bunkai for this sequence you want to add? Please share!

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Research on Temple Kata

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Cutting Edge Self Defense

noreply@blogger.com (Colin Wee) — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 14:26:00 +0000

I'm not an expert on the subject, but I know it's a knife, not a one step attack.

Hold on. What did you say? Did I hear you say ...

... you are a martial arts black belt master-lever instructor but you're not an expert on this subject? What does that mean?

Well, I'm not all things to all people. I'm a good guy, but I spend my time unpacking my traditional system for unarmed combat. Of course the experience you get from the encounters we often work are an analogy for other engagements. However, ... hand on my heart ... I've not seen enough action in Special Weapons and Tactics that I could say I've got any real experience.

Every so often we do dabble. So it does get interesting when we dust off the training knives.

Now, just because I'm a traditional martial artist, doesn't mean I've got my head stuck in the 1970s. That's that comment about knowing this isn't a one step attack. As a progressive traditionalist - yes, a legit combination - I am on top of the plethora of divergent ideas on knife defence training. I'm also familiar with what RBSD and FMA groups propound.

I don't know what you've seen online. What you're impressed with. Or how much experience you've got training people. But my assignment as an instructor is often to teach doable skill that can be replicated consistently to the lowest common denominator in a short amount of time. Yes, I don't always teach young, well coordinated black belts. And, whatever little I know needs to match the situation and threat assessment.

Aside from the general preamble on dealing with a bladed opponent, Knife 101 at JDK is two things.

The first is Police Services International 'Check & Stun' Knife Defence Course. Designed by Law Enforcement Trainer Sifu Tim White, 'Check & Stun' is used within the scope of Police Defensive Tactics courses offered by Sifu White. It is an "initial contact system" which means techniques are kept simple to provide a 1-2-3 step approach, and further striking or immobilization techniques can then be integrated as needed or as able to by the user.

The second is our gap closing tactic to control the weapon arm in order to slow down the engagement, and to trap and immobilize the attacker to reduce further threat. This part of the training is highly integrated with the application framework that JDK uses in our training methodology.

We run. And when we can't ... we destroy the weapon arm, or we take control of it.

This is reasonable, tactical, and pragmatic. And it is a solid response against a dynamic opponent with a live blade.

I'm not opening my guard up to anything but Questions.

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Where is the Form in the Application?

noreply@blogger.com (Colin Wee) — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 12:52:00 +0000

This is not asking the question 'Where is the Application in the Form?'

The last post Nerding Out on Kata Bunkai, I stated "the application is not me teaching the form." In the attached video, you'll see a quick overview of the phrase from the kata which we're referring to, plus two combative variations from this pattern.

Personally, I feel little pressure to make an application look like the form. There are instructors on YouTube who are great at presenting kata or hyung down to the millimeter, and might even have a studio set up which makes their media look beautiful and amazing. That's not what we do.

My application reads a dynamic situation, considers human foibles, draws lessons and concepts from the form, and delivers comeuppance to the opponent. By the time I'm ready to stand in front of that camera, we have gone thorugh many other steps in our training, played around with fundamentals, other iterations, and varying tactical solutions.

Again, the video is not me teaching the form. It doesn't communicate all the other thinking and training we've gone through. It just shows what it shows in the few minutes it's running.

I'd like to share a related story from a training session I was at a few years ago. A self-proclaimed expert on kyusho or pressure points said to me that my form hadn't yet softened, intimating that I've not yet evolved my martial art.

The form is the form. I would say 7th dan me ought to perform it pretty much the same way 1st dan me performed it. Why would I think to change a form that has been central to my own development?

The experiences, insight, analysis methodology, and teaching pedagogy are appended to the original form in my mind space. This is then shared amongst all the other trainees who are part of the JDK environment.

Some of us who have spent the last two decades looking at areas where basic hard style training has not done such a great job filling-in-the-blanks. After two decades, the development of sensitivity, angles, movement, and awareness is the reason you struggle to see exactly how the application matches the form. And this is a good thing.

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Nerding Out on Kata Bunkai

noreply@blogger.com (Colin Wee) — Sat, 02 Apr 2022 04:43:00 +0000

How many karate applications have I seen where the instructor holds his pose to demonstrate that the application being demonstrated is indeed part of the kata? Why are there so many instructors who feel pressured to make something look EXACTLY like that kata? Does this strike you as strange?

Ever been to a bowling alley? Ever seen veteran bowlers do a bizzare little wiggle after they let go of the ball to try and 'remote control' it into a strike? LOL. Holding the pose to show kata bunkai is a bit like that, don't you think?

Kata and patterns are a legacy gift, no argument. However, there was a time when I thought they were a complete waste of time. I learned sparring by sparring. I learned throwing by throwing. I hit harder by ... well at the time I thought it was about resistance training, and hitting the bag like a boxer.

Spending time on kata and patterns? Why would you do that?

Eventually, Karate bunkai and Taekwondo applications became a huge paradigm shift in my own combative skill acquisition, and worldview. From my current vantage point, our fundamentals were not wrong. We did not start out practising incorrrectly. We just hadn't filled-in-the-blanks sufficiently; that's why it was far easier for me looking at kickboxing, boxing, and other sport-based analogies to progress my early skills.

As an aside, we have had a lull in our training through COVID and we haven't uploaded many videos. This latest video pertains to Kata Jion, one of the three Temple Kata. In our lineage, we have acquired Sip Soo (or Jitte) as a legacy from our Chung Do Kwan roots. JDK sees this as a starting point to explore the rest of the Temple series, and we are looking forward to bringing you more from our time in R&D.

More information on this kata and its application in the YouTube caption.

Just to reiterate, this application is not me teaching the form Jion. Of course, I'm interested in what the form represents. I dedicate a huge amount of time to dissecting it. But this video is not the time for me to nerd out about it.

See the video on YouTube: Jion Bunkai: Kata Opening CQC Takedown

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Look Ma, I'm on the Warrior's Path

noreply@blogger.com (Colin Wee) — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 06:52:00 +0000

I am a middle-aged man, attempting to circumvent injuries, hang on to my fitness and quickly diminishing youth, and trying to live my best life. Through the week I pantomine combative movements. And every now and then I spend time with others who also dabble in mock combat.

I claim to be on the warrior's path, a wholly self-proclaimed distinction.

When I started this journey, I was an unsure, unconfident, and a naive boy. (Yes, that's my younger self, before I started training aged 11yo in the picture above). I saw martial arts on the big screen, and was mesmerised. It was the outlet from the drudgery of life as-I-knew-it. When I started, it was all about seeing what was demonstrated, and to mimic those martial arts moves as best as I can.

The early challenge was mostly conditioning and coordination, and required me to will myself to hold my own in class.

Eventually, the struggle between two combatants became more pronounced. Simply put, we are both attempting to out-guess, out-move, and out-gun the other.

Two things happened. Firstly, in-class training became an opportunity to look for tactical advantage, whilst non class time was spent analysing past exchanges for deficiencies or future opportunities. Secondly, the time in-class became an analogy for other non martial arts encounters in life.

The physical challenge of training didn't become any easier. But the capacity to endure, to push through, and to keep the composure had by then levelled up. And whatever fear or uncertainty that accompanied youthful enthusiasm had been desensitized by combat, replaced by the ability to 'get into the zone,' and perform close to, if not at my best when the going gets tough.

Having tasted the benefits from intense martial arts training and applying it in other aspects of life, the choice to stick to the road less travelled, rather than maybe binge drinking on a Friday night, sleeping in on a Saturday, or enjoying other more social pursuits, became less onerous.

As I put myself through my paces, another metamorphosis occured. I started seeing myself as a lens for the legacy system we have been gifted. The more experience acquired, the more I distilled from this system I've inherited. At its heart, it centers on the needs of the tactition, and then of course the threat from an unscripted dynamic opponent.

The struggle with the opponent doesn't diminish, however, the grammar of my responses now more-than-ever mirrors the phrasing from our pattern set. Does this mean I don't make any mistakes? No. Does this mean I have nothing else to learn? Not at all. Does this mean that I can't be beat? No way.

The truth is whilst I believe the martial arts has so much to offer to an individual, The Way of the Warrior is not for everyone. It's subjective of course, but I have been spiritually energised from one-on-one combat. The training makes you dig to draw strength, seek catharsis, wish for spiritual development, and sometimes pursue esoteric yet questionable knowledge.

There's no real end goal in the Warrior's Path. I mean you can say vaguely you want to become 'better.' But the Warrior's way is not just having a list of technical skills to acquire. It's simply getting over yourself, focusing on the process, opening up the mind to understanding what works and doesn't work for now, not ever giving up, and using your growing insight to make wiser decisions.

There are fewer and fewer inviduals at my level who are still pounding the pavement like this. I count myself lucky to be able to cross train with several through the year. However, even if they are not available, I can carry on the encounters through mental visualisation training. I revisit past training, unpack old fights, and run through permutations within our combative system.

Having survived all my mock and imagined battles, I am now have a rich tapestry of experience in unpacking my inner struggles and external entaglements. There are shockingly few ... or no civilian institutions which offer the same training I have received. It's a shame because good martial art training has so much to offer those who are struggling with life in the 21st Century.

Look Ma, I'm still at it.

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How to Decode a Taekwondo Pattern

noreply@blogger.com (Colin Wee) — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 02:03:00 +0000

There's been a positive trend over the last two decades to seek a better understanding of Taekwondo and Karate patterns.

We are lucky to have a few martial arts personalities who are creating an online renaissance for the matial arts world. Their ability to identify applications from their patterns is providing clarity for the rest of us. On the other hand, there are others for whom enthusiasm has clearly exceeded their experience.

The challenge is that the lens which you use to study the pattern is only as good as practitioner, rules for decoding the pattern are fixed and simplistic, and many many practitioners often try to justify the pattern, preserving a stylistic approach of their lineage.

Kata Bunkai - How Do You Read a Kata? lists out rules for decoding a pattern. This is a more extensive list that I usually see in other places. And I would say this is a decent place to start if you are trying to analyse your Taekwondo or Karate pattern. However, depending on this as a key to decipher your legacy system will more than likely lead you into the trap of justifying the pattern as opposed to creating utility from it.

The main goal of any pattern is not to confuse you whilst you analyse it. It is not to teach you fundamental skills. It is not an accounting of all the techniques in a pattern. It is not a tool to grade you. And it is certainly not specific ways to fight an opponent.

The essence of any understanding of any form is to first address the needs of the tactition. The second is to prepare for the counters and threat posed by the opponent.

Approaching training of the form or hyung or kata with this in mind is how an instructor prepares you. It is not to learn or replicate a pattern but to acquire the skills required for a dynamic situation: movement, angles, distancing, space or the void, and timing. Just depending on the pattern itself will not deliver you.

Keep studying!

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Will Smith Flips the Script and Assaults Chris Rock

noreply@blogger.com (Colin Wee) — Tue, 29 Mar 2022 02:14:00 +0000

Will Smith assaults Chris Rock.

The initial attack plus the subsequent verbal abuse is totally unacceptable behaviour. The incident was shocking as it was unanticipated violence in a well-heeled environment. An inappropriate reaction to a joke in poor taste, and witnessed live in front of professional peers.

Let's unpack it as self defence lesson.

Through the incident, Chris Rock maintained his composure decently well. His outwardly composure to the assault was more so preserved because he was center stage. No doubt he was already 'in the zone' but he would have been struggling internally to process if his GI Jane joke was that bad, and the gravity of Will Smith's outburst on stage and in the audience.

Chris Rock did see Will Smith approach him. Recognised something was about to happen. Spectated it as it unfolded onto his person. Didn't or couldn't do anything about it. And then looked for some confirmation from staff to figure out what exactly happened, and if he should continue. Most of us would have gone though a situation like this. We do nothing because we can do nothing. We can do nothing because we are not used to the unexpected; not trained to have options ready. Nor have the decision making processes to make a move for physical self defence.

Physical self defence is not always the only option, of course. And I'll let you process this.

But to be able to act appropriately, you ironically need to 'flip the script' like Will Smith. You need to clarify your own needs beyond all your cultural and moral training. And you need to make the decision well before your opponent comes sauntering on stage to pop you one.

Good mental visualisation training in the training hall can allow your training to surface at such a time. Getting over conditioning that stops you from using it, that's up to you.

Stay well.

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Do the stances give hints to the application?

noreply@blogger.com (Colin Wee) — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 12:38:00 +0000

This is part of an ongoing conversation I'm having with an external black belt.

The question was looking at the link stances have in helping with application analysis.

There are a few 'guidelines' which are used to help in form analysis. I think following those ideas is one way to approach forms applications, but they'd be a limiting approach, in my opinion.

So when asked about stances, and how they link with understanding applications, my initial response was, no... stances don't hint to application. Stances are forms. Forms need to be applied. And these group of forms teach movement, distancing, and direction. Tactically stances get you in and out, and around your opponent.

If you were doing a particular something, if your footwork doesn't correspond to a fundamental stance, you could be considered trransitioning between stances, or you've not zoomed enough with your feet. The more you understand distance, gap closing, circling, and balance ... the more you will then be able to acquire what looks like a fundamental stance, whilst flowing to other stances.

So if you were looking at applying techniques from the form, the stances from that form will let you know if you were working within the right parameters. Just don't get caught up with the one key to try and decipher your legacy system... because the real issue is twofold: 1. the needs of the technician, and 2. the threat from the opponent. The deciphering of the form based on fixed ideas cannnot give you a flexible mindset to deals with changes and the dynamic nature of an encounter.

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Dosan Applying the Trap

noreply@blogger.com (Colin Wee) — Sat, 20 Jun 2020 05:50:00 +0000

Dosan Applying the Trap

This application is taken from Dosan's downward open palm trap and spearhand.

The video shows the variations required when the opponent's strike comes from inside the guard or from outside of your guard. This happens if there is a relative circling movement between you or the opponent, or if you have turned relative to where the strike is coming from.

The mechanics of the trap is discussed, along with the sensitivity required of the lead arm - which helps the defender decide how to set it in motion, and make it work in a dynamic situation.

Sensitivity like this allows you to improve your reaction time against your opponent. The training to feel the strike coming on one side of the arm or the other, and then the follow up trap, allows you to respond more naturally without having to decide which technique you have to use. The forward move of the arm, plus the increasing pressure onto opponent's arm occurs immediately, appropriately, and tactically.

Tips for success:

Reach out and connect with the oncoming strike as early as possible
Deflect the oncoming strike by pushing obliquely on the opponent's arm
Then start pushing down with the open palm and towards the body
The trap works by pinning the arm towards the body's structure
The trap needs to be applied whilst you strike out towards the opponent
If you are not confident with the spearhand, you can do a horizontal heel palm like what is being demonstrated.

If you like this video, or if you're sharing it with your students, or if you'd like to add to our growing resource, or if you can think of stuff that others might enjoy, why not come look for us on FaceBook at 'Instructors United Against Covid-19.'

Keep well my friends.

Colin Wee

Joong Do Kwan Traditional Taekwondo

Perth, Western Australia

https://youtu.be/Ew-qYs4LRS8

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Chonji Middle Block Lunge Punch Solo Practice

noreply@blogger.com (Colin Wee) — Thu, 28 May 2020 13:18:00 +0000

JDK is developing application videos and solo practice instructional video resources for our students and our network of instructors. Since COVID-19 started, we have made quite a few solo practice resources linked with application videos we have already published on our YouTube channel. Most of the solo practice videos have been unlisted, you will not find them on YouTube, they are not for general distribution, and have only been shared with closed FB groups like our 'JDK Library' and 'Instructors Against COVID-19.'

The reason why we're keeping these videos 'unlisted' is that as we plan to resurface with COVID restrictions easing, we would like to see both face-to-face and online training made available to our members. With members supporting and subscribing to our YouTube channel and website, that will allow us to develop and share more of our practice.

This particular video is going to be publicly available - so feel free to email this to your network or to your social circle. Use this link: https://youtu.be/py0rJRtB2kw

This video focuses on the second blocking technique from Chonji, but applied to the same jab cross attack that we looked at in the lower block solo practice video available at https://youtu.be/6xXZAIi2Z4o

For those of you interested, we also have a block flow drill that combines various traditional blocking techniques against a jab-cross-jab attack, and which receives the initial jab cross using only the fold and the block from yop markgi - which is featured in this video. You can catch the block flow drill at https://youtu.be/aPpB8gdnEqY

The reason why we are looking at using a second applicaiton to deal with the same type of attack is because of the nature of where the attack is coming from. Sometimes as the opponent circles around you, different openings are presented, which then necessitates different ways of receiving the offensive.

Tips for Solo Practice

When you deflect using the 'elbow roll' or the folding of the block, make sure your back hand is held between the strike and your face, and move your head towards the side of the lead shoulder. Otherwise you can choose to pull your head backward as you raise the elbow.
When you do extend your hand to make 'connection' with the secondary tool, don't need to swing the block hard to the outside. The sideways movement will occur when you pull the block tight to the side of your body. It's not done simply by using shoulder muscles to swing the arm laterally to the outside.
As you step forward, turn in mid step so you're moving outwards from the staff (or whatever you're using for your 'arm') turning back in to fire the punch towards the opponent in front of you.
Head movement is important - if possible you should be moving your head towards the 'outside' of the opponent's shoulder. This means your head moves in two directions - one for the jab and the other for the cross. If not, you could move the head backwards by pulling it from the strike.

Lastly, if you like this video, or if you want to share more of these with your students, why not subscribe to our YouTube channel? Or come look for us on FaceBook at 'Joong Do Kwan Western Australia.' We'd love to hear from you, and we really love to receive compliments! :-)

Keep well my friends.

Colin Wee

Joong Do Kwan Traditional Taekwondo

Perth, Western Australia

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Chonji Lower Block Lunge Punch Solo Practice

noreply@blogger.com (Colin Wee) — Wed, 27 May 2020 12:24:00 +0000

This particular video is going to be publically available - so feel free to email this to your network or to your social circle. Use this link: https://youtu.be/6xXZAIi2Z4o

This video focuses on the first two techniques from Chonji, and an application which is highlighted in the video 'Heaven, Earth, Wind, and Fire' https://youtu.be/edvlXLh6Vjg (5:20 - 7:30)

The first two techniques from Chonji are the lower block, and the front lunge punch. We pit these two techniques against a jab cross. The student trying to practice this at home will benefit from having a partner or family member 1) holding their hands out in that formation (just leaving them there), 2) actually throwing a slow jab and cross, or 3) by setting up tools that mirror the setup I've created with a staff, weight bench, and a spare white belt.

There are pros and cons to each of the three setups, and if you want to share this learning environment in a video session with us, please let us know. Having the application video, the solo practice video, and then a camera pointed at how you train remotely is the best way to structure solo practice.

Things to note:

You do not need to hit the staff of the belt hard. Even at minimal power, a connection with these tools helps you develop a sensitivity and a three-dimensional awarness.
Eventually when you do get yourself in front of a live opponent, you can increase power and resistance gradually.
The punch is 'cycled' vertically, and not just left in place like the pattern. Using your core muscles and your 'posterior chain' to drive the strike is what you want to do.
The timing of the punch is based on when you need to land it ... not just for maximum power. Try the three ways offered. Lastly,
You don't even need equipment to train this. Without the equipment? All you've got to do is visualise your opponent. The solo practice video simply gives you additional information on HOW to train, we're not prescribing an exact setup you need to replicate!

Please be careful with this makeshift gear. Running into any hard object. Dropping anything on your foot. Punching or kicking the corner of a door. None of these are pleasant. Worse is if you leave it in place, and someone else does exactly what they shouldn't - so put your equipment away when you're done with it.

Keep well my friends.

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Choongmu The Opening Solo Practice

noreply@blogger.com (Colin Wee) — Sat, 23 May 2020 03:08:00 +0000

Choongmu The Opening uses the first two sequences of Choongmu against a jab cross from the opponent. The jab is deflected, the 'double knife hand block' makes connection with the secondary tool, and then the inside knife hand attacks the elbow joint and applies an arm bar or disruption to the opponent.

This lesson is intended as a senior student and up video, featuring non-gradable material.

This solo practice video explains how this tactic works, how you make the entry, how you recover if you connect to the arm 'wrongly,' and then how you can practice this at home.

There are three concepts that underlie all these videos:

That the arm swinging or jabbing out at you has a flight path that is 'tethered' to where the shoulder 'ball and socket' joint is. That there is a maximum orbit. And that you can conceive of this flight path as it comes out at you, and you can 'ride' the outside of the fist or arm as it comes to you.
That if you make connection to the arm, how the connection is made to your extended arm PLUS your sensitivity will guide you to taking the next course of action. That if you made the wrong 'connection' you must modify the technique in order to then close the gap safely, and deal with the secondary tool.
You need to be proactive in order to close the gap. Closing the gap allows you to slow down the exchange, take control of the opponent's structure, jam his limbs, and then disrupt his centre of gravity.

The solo practice that I offer can be done without much equipment - can be done with either a staff or stick jammed into place. Or can be done with the edge of an open door.

Please send any questions you have. I'm very happy to take feedback.

Keep well my friends.

Colin Wee

Joong Do Kwan

Perth, Western Australia

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Please do not offer certification as a token of appreciation to any JDK member.

Taekwondo Rear Leg Turning Kick Solo Practice

noreply@blogger.com (Colin Wee) — Sun, 17 May 2020 04:32:00 +0000

This is a beginner level syllabus requirement introducing an easy-to-do kick eventually allowing the beginner level student to engage in some light sparring.

The Rear Leg Turning Kick is taught in two steps: the first is to spin the hips in order to turn the body directly forward. The second is to turn the entire body on the ball of the front foot, and then to swing the leg so that it is aligned with the body.

Please ensure you are delivering the kick in a horizontal flight path. You can do this buy asking someone to hold their hand for you to aim at, or you can stand in front of the mirror. Then retract or snap your foot back to your backside, before dropping the leg, and then re-adopt your ‘fighting stance.’

To do this and any other kick, you need to be aware of your balance point whilst your leg is extended. Once you get used to making sure your body is aligned and balance, you need to remember this balance point so when you're sending that leg out, you are also positioning your body without losing balance. This is where having a mirror might help - and if you are interested to try... play with different levels of your body. Dropping your body lower or raising it higher to improve your balance for your level of flexibility.

Once again for safety when you practice at home – you have got to stand in an area where you’ve got at least 2 metres of clearance all around you. I had a student kick the edge of his door once. And that wasn’t very long ago.

Links

Rear Leg Turning Kick Solo Practice

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Please do not offer certification as a token of appreciation to any JDK member.

Top 10 Fitness Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Colin Wee) — Thu, 07 May 2020 13:33:00 +0000

Master Colin Wee struggled with childhood obesity and bullying. But with a change of mindset toward food, he then started a lifelong fitness journey, and has maintained his health and fitness throughout his life. Check out his 25 pushups over 25 day challenge - some of the daily pushups he was able to do at 50 years old are nothing less than extreme. However, he believes that if he can do these exercises - most without prior preparation - anyone can do them.

The following are his Top 10 Fitness Tips:

Exercise isn't Difficult. Start off really slow, and don't get dismayed before you really take off. But ... keep at it. Just like brushing teeth. Make it so it's no longer a chore. It's 'maintenance,' it's 'self care.' Schedule it in, and stick with it. Organise your life so you can enjoy it for what it's worth.
Intermittent Fasting. This is going to take some effort. The program I'm on is called 16:8. You eat within an 8 hour window, and you fast for the rest of the time. Go do research. The purported benefits are that your body becomes 'fat adapted' and draws its energy from your fat stores. You get to control your insulin resistance (which is good). And you help cell autophagy - which is a renewal process. Mostly you stop eating after an early dinner, and you don't eat again until 11am the next day. You only can drink water and black coffee until you break your fast.
HIIT. 'High Intensity Interval Training' - those days where you spend a long time at the gym or jogging slowly are over. Nowadays it's about driving your heart rate up as high can you are safely able to take it. So instead of jogging slowly around the field, you sprint one length, walk/jog the next, sprint again, and walk/jog the next. Instead of the slow steady pounding of the pavement, you could squeeze that previous 30+ minute session into 10-15 minutes and experience huge gains.
Resistance Training. You need to hit the weights. You need to hit the heavy weights. You need to understand progressive overload. And you need to do this consistently. Don't know where to start? Use a personal trainer. Enrol in some sessions.
Drop Sugar. Breakfast cereals. Sweetened Yoghurt. Sugar in your coffee. Sports drinks. Soda. Fruit. Fruit juices. Candy. Dessert. Reduced them all out of your life. Go out for that special meal once a week or once every two weeks, have dessert then. But until that time - drop the rest out of your life.
Drink More Water. 2 litres a day, wasn't it? Get to it.
Stretch: Include simple joint mobility work at the start of your day and a few at the end of your day. Every day. Doesn't have to take more than 5 minutes.
Rest, Recover, and Sleep. There is no such thing as over training, only under recovery! Make sure you know when to rest. When you need to recovery. Make sure you get sufficient sleep through the week. And if you need professional help to heal your body or mind - seek it out.
Bit by Bit. You don't get strong or fit by over training. Consistency is key. Do something every day. Small increments help your body to adjust. It keeps you in the game, and stops you relying on fitness trends to fit into your jeans.
Eat for Health. Enjoy a wide variety of nutritious foods from the five groups every day. Ensure you eat an adequate amount of protein, and vegetables. And avoid diets that rely on solely eating from any one food group. See Australian Dietary Guidelines.

If you are interested in Master Colin Wee's fitness regiment, check out Lifelong Fitness.

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For seminar requests: Travel itinerary for our black belts in 2023/4 include but not limited to:
USA, Singapore, Japan, and Australia.
For book orders see Moosul Publishing

To avoid embarrassment, please do not inquire about certification through JDK.
Please do not offer certification as a token of appreciation to any JDK member.

Front Kick Biodynamics, Lean Back, and Hip Thrust

noreply@blogger.com (Colin Wee) — Thu, 07 May 2020 12:31:00 +0000

The question is whether you lean backward or push your hips forward for a Taekwondo Front Kick.

Typically learning the front kick in a hard style class, we start with the front kick with the chambered knee, snap the kick out and back, and return the leg back to acquire the original stance again. This doesn't very clearly show the compression of the body for short range kicks, or the expansion of the body for long range kicks.

So the line drill doesn't give a very clear indication of how much lean back or hip thrust you need for a kick.

Tactical examples that are shown: 1) dragging an opponent forward to deliver a front kick in the short range. 2) If you deflect and control the opponent, but are firing the kick to the support leg, then there is a slight hip thrust, without much of a lean because you're holding the opponent still. 3) If you're keeping the opponent at bay, then you need to push out the hip, rather than leaning back - you only lean back to balance your COG whilst you're firing the kick, and lastly 4) if you want to fire the kick subversively high up centreline or if you want it to be picture perfect.

Remember kicks are sneaky, and there are massive benefits to be able to deliver the kick without telegraping the move too early.

This video is recommended to supplement solo practice at a beginner and intermediate level.

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For seminar requests: Travel itinerary for our black belts in 2023/4 include but not limited to:
USA, Singapore, Japan, and Australia.
For book orders see Moosul Publishing

To avoid embarrassment, please do not inquire about certification through JDK.
Please do not offer certification as a token of appreciation to any JDK member.

Reverse Snap Punch Solo Practice

noreply@blogger.com (Colin Wee) — Wed, 06 May 2020 02:31:00 +0000

Reverse Snap Punch Solo Practice

JDK Beginner Syllabus

I'm part of a group called Instructors United Against COVID-19. We're making instructional video material accessible for students through emails or FB groups - but unlisted on YouTube and not for general distribution. So please don't post the link on a Personal FB Profile but feel free to email this to your own students for their own practice, and of course feel free to post it onto closed groups for use by your own member base. Use this link https://youtu.be/FF-MYZhV2ig

This video Reverse Snap Punch Solo Practice focuses on a technique we train in our beginner syllabus. We teach it alongside Dosan, associated with the wedge block double punch sequence. It is a karate technique, to be sure. But as a non-gimmicky technique, it is one of the most powerful techniques I know. It is normally trained on a makiwara or kwongo. But it is wise to start without it, especially for younger practitioners. The tool I am suggesting allows anyone to learn the kinetic chaining that comes from a hip twist or hip vibration.

The hip vibration was represented similarly to 'the Twist' dance, save that you then throw your centre of gravity forward and downward into the ball of your front foot. The kinetic chaining that comes from this is coordinated by breath out - which tightens the core, and transmits this body movement through the legs, through your core, into your body and then delivered through your arm.

Please make sure you train this on a makiwara or striking post under supervision - there is a tendency to punch the surface with too much power, and not with enough control and precision. Doing this opens up the risk of damaging your knuckles (at the least), breaking your fingers, or breaking your wrist. For more information on this type of training, see The Striking Post.

Lastly, Instructors ... if you like this video, or if you're sharing it with your students, or if you'd like to add to our growing resource, or if you can think of stuff that others might enjoy, why not come look for us on FaceBook at 'Instructors United Against Covid-19.'

If you want to explore this subject more, see Force = [ (Mass x Acceleration) - Fallacies]

Keep well my friends.

Colin Wee

Joong Do Kwan Traditional Taekwondo

Perth, Western Australia

#taekwondo #karate #makiwara #beginner #reversesnappunch #solopractice

https://youtu.be/FF-MYZhV2ig

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[ Traditional Taekwondo Perth | Testimonials | YouTube | Subscribe | Sitemap ]
Please support us by liking our Traditional Taekwondo Blog's FB page click here

For seminar requests: Travel itinerary for our black belts in 2023/4 include but not limited to:
USA, Singapore, Japan, and Australia.
For book orders see Moosul Publishing

To avoid embarrassment, please do not inquire about certification through JDK.
Please do not offer certification as a token of appreciation to any JDK member.

Dosan Spearhand Solo Practice

noreply@blogger.com (Colin Wee) — Sat, 02 May 2020 11:40:00 +0000

Note: I'm part of a group called Instructors United Against COVID-19. We're making instructional video material accessible for students through emails or FB groups - but unlisted on YouTube and not for general distribution. So please don't post the link on a Personal FB Profile but feel free to email this to your own students for their own practice, and of course feel free to post it onto closed groups for use by your own member base. Use this link https://youtu.be/CsmfzURcz3s

Dosan Spearhand Solo Practice is for those training at home in self-isolation, or perhaps without a partner when you're traveling. It's easy when you get together with your training group, and borrow the use of a willing volunteer. Without which you need to make do, and continue to hone those skills. This is application training drawn directly from JDK Perth's Orange belt syllabus.

The Dosan Spearhand application is practiced from both sides. We are making contact with the opponent's limb, gap closing, trapping that limb, and applying a spearhand towards the eye or neck target. We can follow up with a throw or takedown, that will have to be trained with different equipment.

This video tries to show a setup where we are training the trap, gap closing, and resulting strike using two sets of equipment. The challenge is still to try and replicate some semblance of a training partner with equipment you can bring or source at a remote location like in a hotel room or at a hotel gym.

Apologies for the video cutting off abruptly ... my camera ran out of battery right at the end.

Intermediates or seniors watching this video might want to check out Dosan The Spearhand Counter Against Counter.

Dosan Spearhand Intermediate Skills Solo Practice

This video refers to Dosan The Spearhand Counter against Counter

The video introduces the trap from Taekwondo's Dosan's Trap and Spearhand as dealing with initial strike from the opponent, but introduces a challenge where there's not enough time to counter strike the opponent as there is an oncoming secondary weapon from the opponent. The spearhand strike is modified as a deflect or parry, deflecting the secondary strike from the opponent.

We typically don't see the strike modified to deal with an oncoming weapon, as most are training this tool to deliver striking power. We use this with a bend of the wrist in a whipping motion. The arm is then able to pull back and restrike, or we can fire over the opponent's limb as an obstacle.

The end bit of the weapon is angled to deliver the payload on the opponent's neck or eye region.

Solutions are offered to help you practice these skills at home.

Start light. Once you start working with a live opponent, you can increase power as appropriate to your training situation.

If you come up with innovative ways to create that training arm - it doesn't have to be too solid or stable. So long as you've got a reference point in three dimensional space. Yes, if you can create something with minimal and lightweight resources, let us know.

Lastly, if you like these video, or if you're sharing it with your students, or if you'd like to add to our growing resource, or if you can think of stuff that others might enjoy, why not come look for us on FaceBook at 'Instructors United Against Covid-19.'

Keep well my friends.

Colin Wee
Joong Do Kwan Traditional Taekwondo
Perth, Western Australia

#dosan #solopractice #application #spearhand

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For seminar requests: Travel itinerary for our black belts in 2023/4 include but not limited to:
USA, Singapore, Japan, and Australia.
For book orders see Moosul Publishing

To avoid embarrassment, please do not inquire about certification through JDK.
Please do not offer certification as a token of appreciation to any JDK member.

Making Connection at Home

noreply@blogger.com (Colin Wee) — Sun, 26 Apr 2020 02:50:00 +0000

This is a video for senior students and above practitioners looking to innovative training aids to improve the validity of traditional techniques whilst engaged in close quarter combat. This video is especially for those hard style (read Taekwondo or Karate) practitioners who are interested in making sense out of your pattern applications.

How to make a connection whilst training at home?

Why do you need a connection? It allows you to gap close and start to 'relate' to the opponent who is attempting to use both arms to occupy you and strike with secondary tool.

The video talks about the use of Chinese Rings to school the practitioner on how to relate your hands to the connection you seek from the opponent, and to maintain a tactical distance between the hands and your body as you attempt to mount an adequate defence.

Sometimes when you drill in the air you don't relate the pattern to the connectedness that happens when you engage with an opponent. It's not always you're at a mid to long range exchange, the opponent is trying to control you and affect your structure. This training aid helps you feel what happens in a shorter engagement to the opponent. There is also a benefit with the specific resistance band I use as we can switch from a circular rotation of the hands, to a surge in with both hands.

The training aid gifts insight to both hands - when there is no connection on one of your arms ... you then need to seek the connection with 'something else' from the opponent. Like what is happening with the opponent's secondary tool? Where should your free hand go?

The second half of this video talks about using the training aid to endow value to the entire 'flight path' of your traditional fundamental techniques. So yes, watch it until the end.

The two other videos I reference are:

After posting the top video, Master Manuel Esteban Adrogue (7th Dan) through the Study of Taekwondo FB Forum responded. While it may not be entirely prescriptive, sometimes speaking in analogies allows us to develop more tactical thinking beyond the very confines of a drill set up in the training hall. I'm adding his post (in blue) as I believe it adds value to what I've shared:

I really liked your video, Colin Wee, congratulations!!! I am glad I posted my video without having seen yours, as my moves and concepts are so close to yours. Some of the ideas I use and go to a similar place you are heading are:

1) FORWARD DRIVE - think of yourself as the stream of water flowing down the mountain, it unavoidably and relentlessly moves down, Your purpose is to control the guy (his body, his balance, his mind)

2) Again, be water and PENETRATE into every available void by passing the rocks and obstacles,

3) Filling the voids - you are acting as yang, the void is um- creates voids of your own (when you strike high with a punch you are probably exposing your ribs) so cover your voids with a palm (or other tool, your um hand.

4) As you progress and enter into your opponent, hands will take turns, so your um hand will become yang, and vice versa,

5) All this is done while keeping in contact with the opponent and sensing his intentions, your "guard" is not the insect's shell but its feeler, you are supposed to simply roll forward and occupy space filling the voids (striking).

6) Try to occupy the central space (or access door) so that your opponent doesn't, this is a binary thing, as baseball, once one player has occupied the base, the other cannot. That is strategically positioning oneself correctly and putting the other in disadvantage, not only at general level, but each time with the positioning and flow of limbs.

7) Same binary reason shows that you must frustrate the opponents motions before the come to full development. Either he gets the chance to complete, or you do. One-step traditional attack and block in which both get to complete their move does not exist,

8) Always use your closest tool to the opponent to attack his closest target.

9) Do not think or make decisions, be like a mirror that reacts reflecting what is placed in front. Zen. Simply feel and get used to automatically filling voids and accessing his control center (his brain). The more experience you gain at this, you will gain awareness of great opportunities that your opponent is offering you (your knee into the side of his leg, sweeps, headbutts, etc). In higher levels one should avoid "grabbing", as it is not relaxed, uses force and makes you become attached physically and mentally. Better to stick without any tension.

#taekwondo #karate #bunkai #RBSD #coaching #selfdefence #hardstyle #blackbelt

https://youtu.be/XIFIXYnXpjE

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[ Traditional Taekwondo Perth | Testimonials | YouTube | Subscribe | Sitemap ]
Please support us by liking our Traditional Taekwondo Blog's FB page click here

For seminar requests: Travel itinerary for our black belts in 2023/4 include but not limited to:
USA, Singapore, Japan, and Australia.
For book orders see Moosul Publishing

To avoid embarrassment, please do not inquire about certification through JDK.
Please do not offer certification as a token of appreciation to any JDK member.