AboutNathan J. Nowak Expertise We can answer any questions pertaining to Olympic Tae Kwon Do sparring. Questions about fitness and nutrition as relating to TKD training and preparation for tournaments and competition. Specific techniques and tactics while training, weight training and agility, mental toughness and visualization exercises and "day of" preparation.
Experience I have been in martial arts for over 23 years. I'm a master instructor (4th Dan) in TKD. I also have a black belt in karate. I've competed in Olympic TKD since '91.
As and athlete:(highlights) Winning a silver medal at Jr. Olympic nationals ('92), AATU National champion ('94), over 10 GA State Championship and GA Games medals. Won a bronze medal at the U.S. Open (2000). With drew from the Olympic Qualifier in 2004 from a torn ACL.
As a coach: (highlights) I've coached a women's TKD team since '99. With over 30 members spanning the eight year history of the team, we have 7 National Championship Gold medals, 2 Silver and 1 Bronze. The team medals at every state and regional tournament they attend. Several members have been undefeated for several years. Our training covers strength and endurance workouts, tactics and strategy, nutrition and supplementation, mental toughness and visualization, and maintaining weight while leading up to competition.
I've been a certified personal trainer since "98 and have worked in the fitness and nutrition arena since '94. The team has their own training center that they share with the gym that I own. Trinity Fitness in Atlanta, GA
Organizations USAT
AAU
USSSA
NSCA
Publications Atlanta Sports and Fitness Magazine, CBS46 News Atlanta, FOX's Good Day Atlanta, Atlanta Journal and Constitution and in newspapers across the United States.
Education/Credentials Personal Training Certificate (School of Fitness and Nutrition)
4th Dan Black Belt (Kukkiwon)
USAT Certified Level 2 Coach
AAU Certified Coach
Former USSSA Certified Coach
Member of NSCA
Awards and Honors Coach of 2001 AS&FM Athlete's of the Year "P.T.S. TKD Team"
First runner up 2001 AS&FM Fittest Male of the Year
Expert: Nathan J. Nowak Date: 1/27/2008 Subject: PULLED MUSCLES...how to heal it!
Question I had a sore muscle in my right leg since the first 4 weeks that i started tkd but it gradually faded away but not completely. Anyway, just yesterday i did a complete split and i heard the left hip joint crack, and it was the first time i completely split on the floor. I knew that i pulled a muscle or tore a ligament as i split way too fast. And a day later (today) the area around my buttocks is in pain (not too severe) and much reduced mobility giving me a slight limp and a burning sensation. I really want to recover completely and safely as I love practicing taekwondo. Should I continue going for classes in the next few weeks? And should I also stretch to help my body build flexible muscles in the injured area? What is your advice? Please help me! Thanks.
Answer Ramsey,
I apologize for the delay in responding. We are having difficulty receiving emails from allexperts.com
If you are still having pain and burning in the area injured, I would go see a doctor immediately.
I would also discontinue attempting to do a split. There is no one sided evidence that says accomplishing split makes you a better fighter or have greater flexibility while kicking. In you case it appears to have made it worse.
Please check back and let me know how you are progressing.
