Tang Soo Do Focus

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus In 2011 I began writing a book of short ruminations on Tang Soo Do.  Writing and editing a book is a huge undertaking, one that I never finished. However the writing of "A few things about Tang Soo Do " was perhaps the genesis of this podcast.  As I looked back over my writings I decided to share some of the topics I wrote about some 1...

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus Martial arts is a difficult pursuit for many reasons. I took an informal poll of fellow students and collected their responses in this episode. From losing abilities due to age and injury to simply remembering Korean terminology, the following episode will give us all some validation that this thing we do is difficult but worth the struggle.

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus A short thank you for the past year, a look at last year's resolutions and making new goals for the upcoming year.

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus As a follow up to the the last episode, Nine words for self-defense introduces a simple concept for effectively dealing with an attack.  Move closer, move outside, move forward and move the head sum up an easy to remember idea that puts you in the best position to defend yourself against an attack. 

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus It is easy to argue that one of the main reasons why people train in martial arts is for self defense.  There are many ways that the benefits of  Tang Soo Do training can help you to defend yourself.  This episode covers some general concepts that apply when defending yourself and some simple key terms to remember when you have a situation.  Mos...

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus Mental health issues has been described as a crisis among our society. Many of the most common problems that ail our population can be reduced or managed by training in Tang Soo Do.  Depression, anxiety, self harm and ADHD sufferers can benefit from the consistent practice of martial arts. This episode looks into the positive impact martial arts...

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus This episode is a continuation on the topic of board breaking with an emphasis on techniques and tips to improve you success rate when attempting breaks.  Four main areas of practice are highlighted:Commitment, Distance Appreciation, Targeting and finally Proper Technique.  With these four things in mind you will be able to better prepare for up...

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus Board Breaking is common activity in Tang Soo Do as part of testing or in competition.  Bruce Lee famously said "Boards don't hit back".  However, there are many ways breaking can demonstrate good Tang Soo Do practice.  In order to successfully complete a board break one must use proper technique with spirit and intention. Targeti...

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus The fundamentals of movement are the same regardless if you are skier, ballerina or a martial artist.  By watching other athletes we can learn things about movement and technique that can reinforce our pursuit of excellence in martial arts.  This episode examines how looking closely at other physical activites can give us insight and context to...

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus Viola Tagliatella and Betty Jo Stosse are both second Dan black belts who train regularly.  Both began training later in life and continue to train in their 50s and 60s.  This is my first interview with two guests at the same time who share many common experiences.  Their resilience and enthusiasm for training is contagious and makes for an enjo...

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus Increasing your speed is no secret.  It is simple but not easy. Doing some tedious but useful things can reap increases in your speed.  In this episode I cover four ways to improve your speed without sacrificing technique.

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus We all know Tang Soo Do is a life long endeavor, but Adam Kaczmarek has demonstrated it by testing for 4th Dan at age 74!  this interview covers his story and attitude toward training in his 7th decade,

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus One of the hallmarks of Tang Soo Do as a martial arts is the use of kicks in our forms and sparring.  This episode describes 5 sure ways to improve your kicking. 

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus This episode is dedicated to looking back on my years of training and the important take aways from that experience. I wax nostalgic on the loss of that feeling of beginning training as well as the new emotions that come with years of experience.

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus One of the many benefits of martial arts training is developing confidence, but what does that mean?  What exactly is confidence  and how does one develop it.  In this episode we take a deep dive into what it means to be confident, how Tang Soo Do can help increase it, and ways it will benefit your mental and physical health.

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus Many of the things we are taught in Tang Soo Do seem strange and even wrong on first glance.  Ideas such as moving in toward and attack or going slow to create speed sound like the opposite of what one should do.  There are many ways that Tang Soo Do can seem counter-intuitive and those aspects are examined in this episode.

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus Master Mike Bogdanski has been practicing Tang Soo Do for over 50 years. A regular on the competition circuit in the 70s and 80s he was widely renowned for his performances.  A school owner for many decades he has promoted scores of Black Belts in his long career.  Now happily retired and in his 70s, Master Bogdanski reflects on his Tang Soo Do...

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus Episode 20 "Learning Tools" describes many ways to help improve your practice using commonplace items. Instructors may find ideas for helping students to correct their  techniques on their own. Learning tools or teaching hacks, whatever they are called, can help any of us improve our Tang Soo Do.

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus This episode highlights 10 ways to help you prepare better for upcoming competitions.   There are training tips and ideas to help manage scheduling, gear issues, and different locations of tournaments.  How you prepare is almost as important as how much you prepare.  This advice from the perspective of someone who has completed and judged for de...

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus Tang Soo Do focus is pleased to share an interview with Master Efrain Valentin, founder of Valentin Karate in Meriden , CT.  Master Valentin is a 7th degree Black Belt. He has trained in Tang Soo Do since 1977 and opened his first school in 1989. At the age of 23, he was the youngest person to obtain Master 4th degree Black Belt in the World Tan...

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus This episode explores the experience of  being judged in a testing or competition.  Suggestions are given on how to make a better impression and put your best foot forward in these pressure situations.  Additionally the experience of judging others is looked at so we can be fair and objective, benefitting all of us.

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus Episode 16 is a continuation of Episode 9 -"5 ways to improve your Tang Soo Do".  We look at five more simple ways to improve your practice and training.  Taking any of these steps is sure to help your progress and working them in or alternating them will help keep your training fresh.

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus This episode examines the concept of Toughness and what I means as students of Tang Soo Do.  The characteristics of pysical, mental , and spiritual toughness are explored and several exercises are suggested to help increase your toughness as you train.

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus From counting in Korean to the number of moves in a form, this episode focuses on the role of numbers in our training.  Some strategies for using numbers and counting to improve your performance and training are highlighted as well.  

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus This episode delves into the Injuries and recovery from injuries that are a part of Tang Soo Do practice.  Advice on how to prevent, minimize, and manage Injuries- so we can return to training .