How to excel at Taekwondo?

***DerAuslander*** · Posted On: 5/06/2008 10:54am

MODS, please move this out of Trollshido to the KMA forum.

**E-Van** · Posted On: 5/06/2008 10:57am

Originally Posted by Asriel

Read 'Stretching Scientifically' by Tom Kurtz to develop dynamic flexibility

I second that. Great book.

**KO'd N DOA** · Posted On: 5/06/2008 12:48pm

Fitness is the key. If you always 'run out of gas' then you will not remember much, and you will have no fun when sparring.

Review the class, make notes, and always remember to bow at the right time to the right people, flags, photos. Etc. Thats key to excelling too.

**G-Off** · Posted On: 5/06/2008 7:15pm

Spar people who don't do TKD. Specifically spar: boxers, kickboxers or Muay Thai fighers, wrestlers and BJJ artists. These styles will help you improve and see holes in your game.

Styles that will be fun to spar against but may not help you improve in any way include: Wing Chung, Tang Soo Do, Ninjitsu, etc.

TKD is great for the rules they spar under, you just need to try and adapt to a more expansive ruleset.

**Bahuyuddha** · Posted On: 5/07/2008 12:39am

Originally Posted by G-Off

Spar people who don't do TKD. Specifically spar: boxers, kickboxers or Muay Thai fighers, wrestlers and BJJ artists. These styles will help you improve and see holes in your game.

Styles that will be fun to spar against but may not help you improve in any way include: Wing Chung, Tang Soo Do, Ninjitsu, etc.

TKD is great for the rules they spar under, you just need to try and adapt to a more expansive ruleset.

While I agree with this advice for someone who wants to learn how to fight, the OP didn't mention fighting in his stated goals. He just wants to have some sort of athletic activity to share with his kids, and to get good at it. To quote:

Originally Posted by ukdal1

Hey guys, I just started Taekwondo and I was wondering from all the people that train: what are some tips from you guys that I can use to excel at TKD? I am really wanting to get into it to get in shape and to get involved more with my kids because they are involved in it too. I also want to learn just to learn! So any tips would help!!!! Thanks!

-Dave

**Fodland** · Posted On: 5/07/2008 3:54am

Maybe it would help if you told us what you mean by "excel at TKD"..... Do you want to be a good martial artist in general, want to be able to defend yourself or concentrate mainly on TKD point sparring matches?

**ukdal1** · Posted On: 5/07/2008 5:46am

Originally Posted by Fodland

Maybe it would help if you told us what you mean by "excel at TKD"..... Do you want to be a good martial artist in general, want to be able to defend yourself or concentrate mainly on TKD point sparring matches?

What I want to do is try to be very good at TKD, to get to the point where I can spar with others confidently, defend myself, and (maybe eventually) cross over into another type of MA. Thanks for the question! I'm really a brand new beginner so ALL of you guys' advice is appreciated!

**MaartenSFS** · Posted On: 5/07/2008 10:09am

Originally Posted by G-Off

Spar people who don't do TKD. Specifically spar: boxers, kickboxers or Muay Thai fighers, wrestlers and BJJ artists. These styles will help you improve and see holes in your game.

Styles that will be fun to spar against but may not help you improve in any way include: Wing Chung, Tang Soo Do, Ninjitsu, etc.

TKD is great for the rules they spar under, you just need to try and adapt to a more expansive ruleset.

I love what you listed as your style. I was in the same boat.