ESSAY BY BLACK BELT CANDIDATE:   Paula M.

“Commitment”

Going into the preparation period for black belt testing (BBT), I thought that my biggest challenge would be physical exhaustion.  While there has indeed been fatigue, I am surprised at how reasonably well I have held up, physically.  What has been more difficult is feeling overwhelmed at what was expected of black belt candidates, and how I had to try and master those elements in such a short period of time.  Meanwhile, additional demands for my time in the other areas of my life (my job, my son, other responsibilities) added more stress.  Another thing that made it hard was that, during the BBT preparation, students were expected to push themselves – past what they think their limits are – without questioning the tactics, without complaint.  ... Read More »

Martial

• instant reaction
• untrained
• violent response to threat

Martial Art Technique

• from martial experience
• developed
• trained and learned
• co ... Read More »
  Mu Han Martial Arts - Tae Kwon do

Martial arts and competitive sports hold many similarities, but that only holds true on the surface. However when looked at in depth it is clear that there is a distinct difference between the two. Martial arts is more that just an athletic game which is competitive in nature. These two activities differ by the types of competition as wells as the levels of competition. Furthermore martial arts training can be used to enhance certain physical abilities important to various sports. Most all martial arts not only train physical aspects, but there is also mental conditioning as well. The martial arts offer a more holistic approach to training and competition, than sports by exercising body and mind.