AboutSaleem A. Expertise I can answer questions related to TKD training and excercises to improve physical performance. I can help with questions on TKD Blocks, Kicks and Strikes and how to develop better technique.
I am also able to answer questions related to Tae Kwon Do's traditions and history.
Experience I have achieved the rank of 3rd Dan Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and have studied under Kwangjinim Byung Hoon Park(9th Dan) for 9 Years.
Education/Credentials Achieved Year 12 HSC in 2004.
Currently studying Journalism at the University of Western Sydney (UWS).
Expert: Saleem A. Date: 3/30/2008 Subject: power in patterns
Question My 7 year old is superb in sparring,knows patterns quite well,but will not execute power while doing patterns.Is there a drill you might recomend to get him used to using power when performing patterns?Thanks
Answer hey james, thanks for the question.
in order to answer this question we have to identify certain things first.
The first thing is that forms and patterns are probably the most boring aspect of TKD. We practice them over and over until we know them perfectly. It is rewarding however sparring is so much more enjoyable, in my opinion at least.
The second is that we ask this of young children. Children have shorter attention spans than adults and we need to keep them interested in what we're doing.
The third is that we need to know what a pattern actually is and what each move in the pattern is doing. This is because the patterns and forms are in the most basic essence, a pretend fight. In a pattern if you perform a low-section block, you've just blocked a front snap kick (in your imagination).
Now, if your 7 year old student has power in sparring but not in forms then its a safe bet to assume the kid is bored. If you want power from a young child in forms, this is what you do.
Ask the child to make an imaginary friend. Be funny and say you have one named 'bob'. Then go through the pattern and narrate how you've just punched bob or blocked bob's front snap kick. Then ask the students to go through their forms. If their power is still lacking, taunt them a little by saying things like 'that didn't look like it hurt your friend' or 'i can see your friend, he's laughing!'. Keep in mind however you need to execute this drill with a smile and always in a light hearted tone so that the kid knows its for fun. If they know its fun they'll start showing the power.
After a few weeks if the child begins to decline in their power during forms, remind them of their friend.
Another thing you can also do is get them to Kihap (scream) louder. This g's the kid up and then they subconsciously attack with more power. Again when explaining and trying to go through this drill with a child, have a little fun with it. That is generally the key to getting child interested into anything.
I hope that somewhere in this story of an answer you find what you're looking for :D,
Salem A.
