Martial Arts Training Tips, How-to Videos and Articles
Reader Question:
I was wondering if you could provide any advice and exercises to help with balance. I find myself having difficulty with my kicking and not only the more advanced kicks, spin kicks, etc, but also the fundamental kicks as well. I am 38 years old and have been training in TKD for 4 years now. This balance problem along with my limited flexibility is making my advancement difficult.
Thank you for any assistance you may be able to provide.
Matt Odishoo, CT
Read MoreReader Question:
Hello Master Sang H Kim,
My name is Sohail from Scotland. I have most of your DVDs. You have done great work. First i want to say to all the students here the Complete Taekwondo Kicking is essential for every one doing Martial Arts.
I want to ask how can we feel ki in body? If someone uses ki force in breaking, will he hit the target with the same force as the person without ki concept? Is it true people say ki and techniques together have different results as compared to only techniques alone. Thanks in advance.
Sohail, Scotland
Read MoreHello, my name is Ragnar and I'm from Iceland. Just about a month ago or so I begun training Karate. I've bought the Ultimate Flexibility: For Martial Arts video already and have found it really helpful as I've never really been very flexible. I am now training for about 40 minutes per day at home (at least) using the Easy/Moderate Workout and often the flexibility for kicking part. I also tend to add a few stretches with a partner (when possible) which I learned in my Dojo and well, after such a short period I already feel much better. I was wondering if you might have any tips on how to train my balance and such? I have found that when kicking I could have a lot better control over for how to land and such and be able to improvise my control over the leg while it's in the air. I am really dedicated to studying this and have/will continue to spend a lot of time doing so. I was also wondering if you would have any suggestions of which videos to buy in order to be able to practise more at home?
Read MoreReader Question:
Dear Master Kim,
I am a 44 year-old cho dan student in Tae Kwon Do. I work out consistently in the dojang and at home (weights, NordicTrac, running), and have achieved a reasonably high level of ability and fitness for my age. A nagging problem that has exacerbated recently is upper-body rigidity. Sah Bum Nim reminds me constantly that my punches during forms (pyung ahn, cholgi, and black-belt level WTF) are being "pushed" and that they tend to rise as if I'm skiing. Also my elbow is traveling away from my body as I punch. He believes the source of my problem is that my shoulders are not sufficiently relaxed. Do you know of drills, exercises or techniques I can employ to solve this problem? If I "focus" on relaxing, I tend to tense up more!
Thank you for your help.
Bob, NY
Read MoreExcerpted from Combat Strategy by "Hanho" *(Sang H. Kim)
Combinations can be classified by the force that they apply. Force classifications are defined by the direction in which they apply force to the opponent. Consequently, they are often more difficult to identify than directional classifications. Force is an internal characteristic that is not readily evident to an observer. It can be obvious, as in unified force or deceptive as in opposing force.
Unified force combinations are groups of skills that apply continuous force in a single direction. Every strike serves to magnify the effect of the previous one. Strikes can be the same such as a flurry of punches to the body or they can be diverse like a variety of linear and circular kicks aimed at the legs of the opponent.
Read MoreReader Question:
Master Kim's book on Martial Arts over 40 has been a great help in my sparring. I have a question for the Author: I am 53 years old and am currently a Red Belt in Taekwondo. Can I still achieve flexibility in my hips, without causing hip problems later in life? My front kick is well over my head, but my side kicks are only waist high.
Hugh from MO
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