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: 4/30/2008 Subject: Difference between Elite Open Sparring vs. World Class Sparring
Question QUESTION: I have looked all over the internet but cannot find any information regarding the difference between Elite Open Sparring vs World Class Sparring.
Could you please explain the differences?
ANSWER: Eriko,
Great question.
Elite Open is an open division at Nationals that anyone (black belt) can fight in. A participant doesn't need to qualify at a National Qualifier or State Championship.
If a participant wins first at at Nationals in the Elite Open division, they can then fight in the World Class division.
The World Class division is the only division where the top four from Nationals go on the Team Trials. If you want to compete in the World Class division without first fighting in the Elite Open division you will need to place first at a State Championship or first thru fourth at a National Qualifier.
You can go to www.usa-taekwondo.us for more information on the National Qualifiers and State Championships.
Good Luck!
Maybe I'll see you at Nationals!
Finish Strong!
Nathan
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: When looking in the USAT info, it seems that Elite Open Sparring for Junior is all belts. Is that correct? In other words, juniors of ALL BELT COLORS can go to the Elite Open and could potentially qualify for World Class if they win 1st place at Elite Open.
Answer Eriko,
It's my understanding there's only one division at Nationals for color belt competitors.
You can go to a National Qualifier or State Championship, but you will still compete in the same division at Nationals. We've had color belt team members go to National Qualifiers for experience, but they registered in the same division at Nationals as everyone else.
Thanks for the great review! I appreciate it.
Finish Strong!
Nathan
Eriko:
After returning from Nationals, we saw the junior color belts had two separate divisions. The Elite Open and a World Class. The gold medalist from elite open had the opportunity to fight in the World Class division the next day.
At the time of your question, we only saw the information for seniors and assumed the juniors would fight under the same rules.
