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
Question Master Nowak,
I have questions regarding the differences between point sparring and Olympic sparring. I'm going to be entering my first tournament (America's Cup MA Open) in August and am trying to decide whether to do point sparring, Olympic sparring or...just because I'm crazy like this....BOTH!!! We do Olympic style (WTF) at our school and I attend class between 4-6 times per week, plus I practice at home for at least 2 hrs every day. I'm serious about TKD, even though I'm just about to test for my first green stripe on Aug 11th. I've been a student for the past 2 yrs, but have not been testing due to a medical problem that is now gone. Maybe I'm the longest running yellow belt ever, but I'm happy with the progress I've made. The black belts have allowed me to attend their free sparring class every Saturday for the past year, so I feel I am ready for competition. Any info you could give on the differences in sparring would be greatly appreciated. Is one better for a lower belt than the other? I'm not sure how they break down the age groups, but I'm 26 y/o. I will also be competing in Korean Forms (doing Taeguk Sam-Jang), so if you have tips, feel free to pass them along! Take care, sir, and I look forward to hearing from you!
Answer Angelique,
There are major differences in Olympic and Point Style sparring. First, the gear is different. Second, Point allows competitors to punch the face where Olympic doesn't. Another major difference is the level of contact. Olympic is full contact and Point is modified. If you haven't been training for Point and the tournament is close, I'd recommend sticking to what you know.
As for your belt level, we only train for Olympic competitions. Our yellow belts fight in the same tournaments we do. Obviously, at their level when it comes to age, belt and weight, but we do not modify anything or send them to Point tournaments, because they are at a beginner level.
