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Question 092: Ways to improve

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  • Practice patterns using perfect technique with power and precision. Never just go through the motions of a pattern; always perform it just as you would in competition or testing. When training for a race, runners do not run in slow motion. Always train in the manner you will have to perform. Make grand movements. Just as a actor does on stage, perform so that the person in the last row of the balcony can see your movements, not the person in the first row.
  • Concentrate on the basics. Always use perfect stances, perfect kicks, etc. Use full chamber and re-chamber. When sparring in class, if you concentrate on perfect technique, you may lose a lot for a while, but then as your fellow students only improve a little, you will begin improving a lot and will soon be the best fighter in the class. Sloppy fighters rely on youth and quickness to cover for their mistakes, but these can take you only so far. Crisp fighters will always be good fighters, even as they age.
  • Cross train to prevent boredom. Cross training can help, if you pick sports that compliment your Taekwondo movements. For example, playing basketball will help your eye/hand/foot coordination and your overall body movement, while rock climbing will do little to help your Taekwondo.
  • Use slow-kick training. Hold to a support and practice performing kicks in slow motion; concentrating on a full range of motion, pausing and holding at each step of the total motion. This will build muscle memory so that, when you spar, you will kick using the same motions without having to think about it. Adding leg weights may help build power.