Tang Soo Do Focus

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More excerpts from my unfinished book "A few thoughts on Tang Soo Do".  Targeting , footwork, training vs. practice are among the 15 sub topics covered in this episode.

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In 2011 I began writing a book of short ruminations on Tang Soo Do.  Writing and editing a book is a huge undertaking, one that I never finished. However the writing of "A few things about Tang Soo Do " was perhaps the genesis of this podcast.  As I looked back over my writings I decided to share some of the topics I wrote about some 14 years ago.  I hope you enjoy them.

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Martial arts is a difficult pursuit for many reasons. I took an informal poll of fellow students and collected their responses in this episode. From losing abilities due to age and injury to simply remembering Korean terminology, the following episode will give us all some validation that this thing we do is difficult but worth the struggle.

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A short thank you for the past year, a look at last year's resolutions and making new goals for the upcoming year.

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As a follow up to the the last episode, Nine words for self-defense introduces a simple concept for effectively dealing with an attack.  Move closer, move outside, move forward and move the head sum up an easy to remember idea that puts you in the best position to defend yourself against an attack. 

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It is easy to argue that one of the main reasons why people train in martial arts is for self defense.  There are many ways that the benefits of  Tang Soo Do training can help you to defend yourself.  This episode covers some general concepts that apply when defending yourself and some simple key terms to remember when you have a situation.  Most dojangs work on Il Soo Sik (One steps) and Ho Sin Sool (Grab defenses).  These skills along with sparring, forms and drill work combine to give TSD practitioners an advantage in any self defense situation.

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Mental health issues has been described as a crisis among our society. Many of the most common problems that ail our population can be reduced or managed by training in Tang Soo Do.  Depression, anxiety, self harm and ADHD sufferers can benefit from the consistent practice of martial arts. This episode looks into the positive impact martial arts training can have on everyone's mental health.

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This episode is a continuation on the topic of board breaking with an emphasis on techniques and tips to improve you success rate when attempting breaks.  Four main areas of practice are highlighted:Commitment, Distance Appreciation, Targeting and finally Proper Technique.  With these four things in mind you will be able to better prepare for upcoming breaks in both testing and competition situations.

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Board Breaking is common activity in Tang Soo Do as part of testing or in competition.  Bruce Lee famously said "Boards don't hit back".  However, there are many ways breaking can demonstrate good Tang Soo Do practice.  In order to successfully complete a board break one must use proper technique with spirit and intention. Targeting, focus, and indomitable spirit are all on display as well. 
This topic is so rich in information that I split it into a Part 1 and Part 2.  Please enjoy this episode coving the generalities of board breaking while the next in the series will give advice on improving technique for success.  

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The fundamentals of movement are the same regardless if you are skier, ballerina or a martial artist.  By watching other athletes we can learn things about movement and technique that can reinforce our pursuit of excellence in martial arts.  This episode examines how looking closely at other physical activites can give us insight and context to expand our own abilities.  Plus it's kind of fun!