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 sir,
thanks for replying,im working on my conditioning right now.shaping up weel.kudos to u.i have got my tournament only on next may 2008.so i decided to concentrate on fitness first as u said.how long should i carry on with this conditioning?then when should i turn to tournament practice?my coach suggets here to practice conditioning(morning) and footwork(evening) simulataneosuly.is it advisable to do so?if so how to practice the footworks and feinting faking methods?hope im not bugging u?expecting ur worhty advices ,bye.
Answer Praveen,
First, congratulations on making the commitment to compete. I think that's great!
If you have a coach, I would listen to him over anyone else. You've chosen him for a reason.
Second, it is wise to train T.K.D. and condition at the same time. If you are competing in a sparring match, fighting, footwork and strategy should be trained the most. During T.K.D. training there should be a greater emphasis on conditioning through kicking drills.
Use sprinting and interval training to help with your conditioning.
I don't advise waiting on the fighting aspects. The sooner you start, the better prepared you'll be!
