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
I'm a 14 year old girl and have been doing taekwondo for 4 years now. I train at a club 3 times a week and also do a youth squad for an extra 2 times a week. I have found recently that im talented in sparring but would like to improve even more, so i can do better at competitions. To begin with i personally am one of the counter attacking type of people and like to draw people in to attack. I already know one way, when you drop your guard and poke your head out slightly so they go for the target you've given them. But i would like to know more ways to draw them in, help? So i can vary it during a fight. Also what are some good combinations? I have a good right leg, but it becomes very predictable what attack im about to do, are there any ways to disguise what im about to do without doing a dummy?
Thanks
Natalie
Answer Natalie,
There are many ways to use counter fighting tactics and win matches. However, with today’s rules you will either have to attack or make it look like you are attacking to avoid penalties for delaying the fight.
Many counters and traps can be performed with basic foot work. For example, you and your opponent are in a closed stance. You step in with your back leg creating an open stance. She attacks with a back leg round kick to your chest. You could either trap her with your back kick by spinning or you could use a pada chagi to her backside. Another trap is to through a hard check motion from a closed stance. If she goes off the motion you can score with a back leg round kick to the chest. If she doesn’t immediately attack, continue your atack with a back leg round kick to her back side.
These are a few of many scenarios that work from state up to international level.
Try these and let us know how you are progressing.
