Thursday, 23 September 2010
Wednesday, 22 September 2010
Taekwondo Competition - Cook Wins European Quadruple
British Taekwondo phenom Aaron Cook has just accomplished a European Competition First - A Quadruple European Gold haul.
Cook pulled off a stunning fourth European Championships title, making him the first competitor ever to win continental Gold in every possible age group.
After spectacularly knocking out the World's best Taekwondo player Steven Lopez in Mexico, Cook has since been racking up the titles.
Having taken victory at the Senior European Championships this year in May, getting revenge on Mauro Sarmiento (who denied Cook a medal in the Beijing Olympics) in the quarter final
Cook pulled off a stunning fourth European Championships title, making him the first competitor ever to win continental Gold in every possible age group.
After spectacularly knocking out the World's best Taekwondo player Steven Lopez in Mexico, Cook has since been racking up the titles.
Having taken victory at the Senior European Championships this year in May, getting revenge on Mauro Sarmiento (who denied Cook a medal in the Beijing Olympics) in the quarter final
Get more Taekwondo Competition here...
Monday, 20 September 2010
Taekwondo Sparring Mental Games
So, you’re at a competition, you’re feeling a bit nervous. The Taekwondo players in your weight division are all experienced, some moreso than you. So how to do you give yourself the advantage?
How do you get around those nerves and thoughts that don’t help you and turn them into something that works for you?
Read on and I’ll you some tools to help you perform better and get yourself closer to that Gold Medal...
The first thing you need to do is to have confidence in your training. Nerves happen because we are unsure about our training and that we are ready for the Taekwon
How do you get around those nerves and thoughts that don’t help you and turn them into something that works for you?
Read on and I’ll you some tools to help you perform better and get yourself closer to that Gold Medal...
The first thing you need to do is to have confidence in your training. Nerves happen because we are unsure about our training and that we are ready for the Taekwon
Get more Taekwondo Psychology here...
Taekwondo Strength Training Basics - The Benchpress
One of the best exercises a Taekwondo athlete can use in the gym as a part of their Strength & Conditioning program (and again even pretty much all year round!) is the flat benchpress.
In our last Strength & Conditioning articles [ Taekwondo Strength Training Basics – The Back Squat and Taekwondo Strength Training Basics – How To Perform The Back Squat ] we covered the Squat, it's benefits and then how to do it. In this article I'm going to cover the Benchpress and in the following article, I will cover how to execute it best.
There are many variations of the benchpress movement an
In our last Strength & Conditioning articles [ Taekwondo Strength Training Basics – The Back Squat and Taekwondo Strength Training Basics – How To Perform The Back Squat ] we covered the Squat, it's benefits and then how to do it. In this article I'm going to cover the Benchpress and in the following article, I will cover how to execute it best.
There are many variations of the benchpress movement an
Get more Taekwondo Training here...
Taekwondo Strength Training Basics - The Benchpress
One of the best exercises a Taekwondo athlete can use in the gym as a part of their Strength & Conditioning program (and again even pretty much all year round!) is the flat benchpress.
In our last Strength & Conditioning articles [ Taekwondo Strength Training Basics – The Back Squat and Taekwondo Strength Training Basics – How To Perform The Back Squat ] we covered the Squat, it's benefits and then how to do it. In this article I'm going to cover the Benchpress and in the following article, I will cover how to execute it best.
There are many variations of the benchpress movement an
In our last Strength & Conditioning articles [ Taekwondo Strength Training Basics – The Back Squat and Taekwondo Strength Training Basics – How To Perform The Back Squat ] we covered the Squat, it's benefits and then how to do it. In this article I'm going to cover the Benchpress and in the following article, I will cover how to execute it best.
There are many variations of the benchpress movement an
Get more Taekwondo Training here...
Taekwondo Strength Training Basics - The Benchpress
One of the best exercises a Taekwondo athlete can use in the gym as a part of their Strength & Conditioning program (and again even pretty much all year round!) is the flat benchpress.
In our last Strength & Conditioning articles [ Taekwondo Strength Training Basics – The Back Squat and Taekwondo Strength Training Basics – How To Perform The Back Squat ] we covered the Squat, it's benefits and then how to do it. In this article I'm going to cover the Benchpress and in the following article, I will cover how to execute it best.
There are many variations of the benchpress movement an
In our last Strength & Conditioning articles [ Taekwondo Strength Training Basics – The Back Squat and Taekwondo Strength Training Basics – How To Perform The Back Squat ] we covered the Squat, it's benefits and then how to do it. In this article I'm going to cover the Benchpress and in the following article, I will cover how to execute it best.
There are many variations of the benchpress movement an
Get more Taekwondo Training here...
Taekwondo Strength Training Basics - The Benchpress
One of the best exercises a Taekwondo athlete can use in the gym as a part of their Strength & Conditioning program (and again even pretty much all year round!) is the flat benchpress.
In our last Strength & Conditioning articles [ Taekwondo Strength Training Basics – The Back Squat and Taekwondo Strength Training Basics – How To Perform The Back Squat ] we covered the Squat, it's benefits and then how to do it. In this article I'm going to cover the Benchpress and in the following article, I will cover how to execute it best.
There are many variations of the benchpress movement an
In our last Strength & Conditioning articles [ Taekwondo Strength Training Basics – The Back Squat and Taekwondo Strength Training Basics – How To Perform The Back Squat ] we covered the Squat, it's benefits and then how to do it. In this article I'm going to cover the Benchpress and in the following article, I will cover how to execute it best.
There are many variations of the benchpress movement an
Get more Taekwondo Training here...
Thursday, 16 September 2010
Taekwondo Competition - Do You Worry What Others Think?
In Taekwondo competition, especially at World and Olympic level, there are those that stand out from the rest. There are those athletes that everyone wants to see, everyone believes will will and everyone almost wants to be like. These people aren't very common on our sport, or any sport for that matter. Every sport has this type of person...
Every so often, someone comes along, and it doesn't matter what they do, they inspire us with what they do.
They reminds us of what we can truly achieve in our lives. They show us what is possible, and that we are only using a small percentage o
Every so often, someone comes along, and it doesn't matter what they do, they inspire us with what they do.
They reminds us of what we can truly achieve in our lives. They show us what is possible, and that we are only using a small percentage o
Get more Taekwondo Competition here...
Taekwondo Competition - Do You Worry What Others Think?
In Taekwondo competition, especially at World and Olympic level, there are those that stand out from the rest. There are those athletes that everyone wants to see, everyone believes will will and everyone almost wants to be like. These people aren't very common on our sport, or any sport for that matter. Every sport has this type of person...
Every so often, someone comes along, and it doesn't matter what they do, they inspire us with what they do.
They reminds us of what we can truly achieve in our lives. They show us what is possible, and that we are only using a small percentage o
Every so often, someone comes along, and it doesn't matter what they do, they inspire us with what they do.
They reminds us of what we can truly achieve in our lives. They show us what is possible, and that we are only using a small percentage o
Get more Taekwondo Competition here...
Wednesday, 15 September 2010
Taekwondo Competition - Can Video Gaming Give You The Edge?
Can playing video games make you into a better Taekwondo Player? Can they give you the edge in Taekwondo competitions? Is spending all those hours shooting people left right and center actually going to pay off for you finally?
Well, some studies are showing that it actually just might pay off for you! :)
Studies are showing playing video games can give gamers the advantage in being able to make decisions faster. Games such as Halo, Call of Duty and other Shoot-Em-Ups require you to make decisions very quickly because if you don't you're dead. Not literally, but in the game, you lose
Well, some studies are showing that it actually just might pay off for you! :)
Studies are showing playing video games can give gamers the advantage in being able to make decisions faster. Games such as Halo, Call of Duty and other Shoot-Em-Ups require you to make decisions very quickly because if you don't you're dead. Not literally, but in the game, you lose
Get more Taekwondo Competition here...
Hey, a new post: Taekwondo Competition - Can Video Gaming Give You The Edge? http://tinyurl.com/2wzq3lo
You Are Achieving The Impossible!
Have you ever looked at your life and actually seen the wonderful things you are doing today, that you never thought were possible? I'm guessing no...
It wasn't until I was working with an athlete, overcoming some confidence issues, that I actually realised that not only was he doing the Impossible, but I realised that I was doing the Impossible too.
I'm not going all sentimental or anything like that (and if you know me, you definitely know that I'd never do anything of the sort!). But working with this athlete made me realise that we do it every day!
Now, I don't mean that we've
It wasn't until I was working with an athlete, overcoming some confidence issues, that I actually realised that not only was he doing the Impossible, but I realised that I was doing the Impossible too.
I'm not going all sentimental or anything like that (and if you know me, you definitely know that I'd never do anything of the sort!). But working with this athlete made me realise that we do it every day!
Now, I don't mean that we've
Get more Taekwondo Competition here...
Tuesday, 14 September 2010
How Often Should You Eat For Taekwondo
Ok, you're training regularly. You're making great progress and you feel pumped. You've got your goals in sight and you're looking good to achieve them. But are you eating as regularly as you need to for the best performance?
When I get asked about what to eat, etc, people forget one of the main things they need to be thinking of when they plan their diet and nutrition – how often to eat!
People still hold onto the old traditional mindset of “Three Square Meals A Day”. This is ok way back when people were working the land (after the Agricultural Revolution), or in big factories
When I get asked about what to eat, etc, people forget one of the main things they need to be thinking of when they plan their diet and nutrition – how often to eat!
People still hold onto the old traditional mindset of “Three Square Meals A Day”. This is ok way back when people were working the land (after the Agricultural Revolution), or in big factories
Get more Taekwondo Nutrition here...
Wednesday, 8 September 2010
How To Win Major Championships By Losing In Taekwondo
Recently, while doing some work with a group of athletes I work with, I went over how they need to view tournaments that they go to for their overall Taekwondo success. I told them that it doesn’t matter about the local competitions, or even the International Open’s whether they win or lose. It’s not about winning. They’re about trying out new stuff, getting comfortable with new techniques and their performance.
People get caught up on that they have to win the whole time. This is especially true when competing either at National level, or at a local tournament. If they’re th
People get caught up on that they have to win the whole time. This is especially true when competing either at National level, or at a local tournament. If they’re th
Get more Taekwondo Training here...
Winning By Failing in Taekwondo
I was reading an article about failure and success by a friend of mine this morning, and it got me thinking… It got me thinking about why very few people succeed in Taekwondo competitions and championships, and why so many don’t.
I began to wonder what it is that gives those who win the edge over those who don’t… And it became apparent very quickly that it was all to do with failure.
From training with the best Taekwondo athletes in the world - multiple Olympic and World Taekwondo Champions - to working with some of the best up and coming athletes in the Taekwondo world, that t
I began to wonder what it is that gives those who win the edge over those who don’t… And it became apparent very quickly that it was all to do with failure.
From training with the best Taekwondo athletes in the world - multiple Olympic and World Taekwondo Champions - to working with some of the best up and coming athletes in the Taekwondo world, that t
Get more Taekwondo Training here...
Why Do Taekwondo Athletes Bounce?
We have all seen it... especially back in the old days... minutes and minutes of bouncing in a Taekwondo match!
One of the most common questions I ever get asked by people who don't do Taekwondo is 'Why are they just standing there bouncing around doing nothing? Why don’t they kick each other?' To people who do Taekwondo this seems like a tedious question just like 'Why don't they put their hands up?' but being honest how many people out there in the Taekwondo world know why we bounce... or what for?
This may seem a little condescending to some of you guys out there but it amazes me wh
One of the most common questions I ever get asked by people who don't do Taekwondo is 'Why are they just standing there bouncing around doing nothing? Why don’t they kick each other?' To people who do Taekwondo this seems like a tedious question just like 'Why don't they put their hands up?' but being honest how many people out there in the Taekwondo world know why we bounce... or what for?
This may seem a little condescending to some of you guys out there but it amazes me wh
Get more Taekwondo Training here...
Taekwondo Training - 5 Tips to Training Harder, Longer and More Often
Taekwondo is perhaps one of the hardest Martial Arts sports there is, and Taekwondo Training is one of the hardest training types you are going to find in with world of Martial Arts sport. Being an Olympic Sport has meant that the level of Taekwondo all over the world has improved, as every country, big and small, as looked to increase their chances of winning medals at World and Olympic Level.
If you are an aspiring international Taekwondo Athlete, you need to be able to train hard, train for long times and train often. Here are 5 top tips for you to be able to do that at any level you wan
If you are an aspiring international Taekwondo Athlete, you need to be able to train hard, train for long times and train often. Here are 5 top tips for you to be able to do that at any level you wan
Get more Taekwondo Training here...
Tuesday, 7 September 2010
Are You Fuelling Correctly For Your Taekwondo Training
One of the biggest problems I find with Taekwondo athletes today is the lack of good information on nutrition, basically what to eat and what not to eat and when to eat.
It can be a somewhat technical subject if you want it to be. But I want to make it as simple as possible for you so that you have something you can put into practise straight away and improve your Taekwondo training performance, and even your competitive performance if you wish.
Before I get into specifics, I’m going to give some basic nutritional information so that I know we are all on the same page.
Firstly ther
It can be a somewhat technical subject if you want it to be. But I want to make it as simple as possible for you so that you have something you can put into practise straight away and improve your Taekwondo training performance, and even your competitive performance if you wish.
Before I get into specifics, I’m going to give some basic nutritional information so that I know we are all on the same page.
Firstly ther
Get more Taekwondo Training Tips here...
Hey, a new post: Taekwondo Strength Training Basics - How To Perform The Back Squat http://tinyurl.com/2884jgl
Taekwondo Training - Elements Of A Strength & Conditioning Program
In Taekwondo training, a good Strength and Conditioning program is a vital component to your success, both short and long term. To gain a better understanding of a proper Strength and Conditioning program we need to understand some of the key elements that is in one.
Firstly as stated in previous articles we need to know what we are training for. What is our goal and what do we need to do to achieve it? Once we know this we can then start to periodize our training. We cover this in more detail at Taekwondo Training – Periodization I and Taekwondo Training – Periodization II
Then
Firstly as stated in previous articles we need to know what we are training for. What is our goal and what do we need to do to achieve it? Once we know this we can then start to periodize our training. We cover this in more detail at Taekwondo Training – Periodization I and Taekwondo Training – Periodization II
Then
Get more Taekwondo Training here...
Thursday, 2 September 2010
Taekwondo Flexibility 101 - Factors Affecting Stretching
There are many different factors that affect stretching and flexibility in Taekwondo.
One of the main things I see as a Strength & Conditioning (S&C) and Taekwondo coach is different levels of flexibility. Some kids, as soon as they enter the gym, can stretch right down into box splits. Others have to train for years to barely touch their toes.
On the other hand, there are those who have virtually no static flexibility at all but excellent kicking ability, with great height, range of motion (ROM) and technique and others who seem to be ‘hyperflexible’ with little or no kicking tech
One of the main things I see as a Strength & Conditioning (S&C) and Taekwondo coach is different levels of flexibility. Some kids, as soon as they enter the gym, can stretch right down into box splits. Others have to train for years to barely touch their toes.
On the other hand, there are those who have virtually no static flexibility at all but excellent kicking ability, with great height, range of motion (ROM) and technique and others who seem to be ‘hyperflexible’ with little or no kicking tech
Get more Taekwondo Stretching here...
Wednesday, 1 September 2010
5 Biggest Mistakes In Taekwondo Competition
The 5 biggest mistakes in Taekwondo Competition are very simple ones. In fact, in Taekwondo competition YOU can actually be your own worst enemy rather than your opponent!
Over the years of watching Taekwondo matches I have seen so many people making mistakes and losing due to their own errors. The reason why I know this on a personal level is because I have made these mistakes myself!
So let’s look at how you can cost yourself the win and see which are the biggest, and most common, mistakes in Taekwondo competition.
1. Projecting – Giving Yourself Away
A lot of players don’t
Over the years of watching Taekwondo matches I have seen so many people making mistakes and losing due to their own errors. The reason why I know this on a personal level is because I have made these mistakes myself!
So let’s look at how you can cost yourself the win and see which are the biggest, and most common, mistakes in Taekwondo competition.
1. Projecting – Giving Yourself Away
A lot of players don’t
Get more Taekwondo Competition here...
"Psyching Out" Your Opponent in Taekwondo Competition
At a local Taekwondo Competition last weekend. The competition wasn’t a very high standard, but it was good enough for experienced players to try stuff out and more or less get a good workout from it.
While watching a match, I overheard a Taekwondo player talking about how he was “looking at his next opponent” and how he was trying to “psych him out” - and it really made me laugh.
What this guy didn’t know was that the opponent he was trying to “psych out” was one of the athletes I work with.
Not only that, but the athlete I work with is quite experienced, not only on
While watching a match, I overheard a Taekwondo player talking about how he was “looking at his next opponent” and how he was trying to “psych him out” - and it really made me laugh.
What this guy didn’t know was that the opponent he was trying to “psych out” was one of the athletes I work with.
Not only that, but the athlete I work with is quite experienced, not only on
Get more Taekwondo Training here...
The Value of Family In Taekwondo Training and Competition
While working with athletes, one of the many (if not the highest) issues I have to work on is an athlete’s relationship with their family for the benefit of their Taekwondo Training and Competition Success.
In my last article - Taekwondo Success Is Determined By The People You Associate With - I talked about how the people you hang around with will determine how well you do.
Time and time again, I’ve seen how one little thing from a family member can either make or break someone, especially in the early part of their Taekwondo career.
I came across one very interesting fact about
In my last article - Taekwondo Success Is Determined By The People You Associate With - I talked about how the people you hang around with will determine how well you do.
Time and time again, I’ve seen how one little thing from a family member can either make or break someone, especially in the early part of their Taekwondo career.
I came across one very interesting fact about
Get more Taekwondo Training here...
Taekwondo Success Is Determined By The People You Associate With
On one of my many journeys to work with athletes to bring them to their next level, I had a talk with a young athlete this weekend, and it brought back to me the importance of who you associate with for success, not just in Taekwondo, but in Life in general.
This athlete was chatting with a "friend" (and I use that term loosely) on Facebook, and this "friend" was talking crap about his coach, and other people. His coach was definitely not happy, not because he was talking crap, but because what he was saying was firstly inaccurate but secondly and more importantly, because this young athl
This athlete was chatting with a "friend" (and I use that term loosely) on Facebook, and this "friend" was talking crap about his coach, and other people. His coach was definitely not happy, not because he was talking crap, but because what he was saying was firstly inaccurate but secondly and more importantly, because this young athl
Get more Taekwondo Psychology here...
How To Win Major Championships By Losing In Taekwondo
Recently, while doing some work with a group of athletes I work with, I went over how they need to view tournaments that they go to for their overall Taekwondo success. I told them that it doesn’t matter about the local competitions, or even the International Open’s whether they win or lose. It’s not about winning. They’re about trying out new stuff, getting comfortable with new techniques and their performance.
People get caught up on that they have to win the whole time. This is especially true when competing either at National level, or at a local tournament. If they’re th
People get caught up on that they have to win the whole time. This is especially true when competing either at National level, or at a local tournament. If they’re th
Get more Taekwondo Training here...
Monday, 9 August 2010
5 Biggest Mistakes In Taekwondo Competition
The 5 biggest mistakes in Taekwondo Competition are very simple ones. In fact, in Taekwondo competition YOU can actually be your own worst enemy rather than your opponent!
Over the years of watching Taekwondo matches I have seen so many people making mistakes and losing due to their own errors. The reason why I know this on a personal level is because I have made these mistakes myself!
So let’s look at how you can cost yourself the win and see which are the biggest, and most common, mistakes in Taekwondo competition.
1. Projecting – Giving Yourself Away
A lot of players don’t
Over the years of watching Taekwondo matches I have seen so many people making mistakes and losing due to their own errors. The reason why I know this on a personal level is because I have made these mistakes myself!
So let’s look at how you can cost yourself the win and see which are the biggest, and most common, mistakes in Taekwondo competition.
1. Projecting – Giving Yourself Away
A lot of players don’t
Taekwondo Flexibility 101 - Factors Affecting Stretching
There are many different factors that affect stretching and flexibility in Taekwondo.
One of the main things I see as a Strength & Conditioning (S&C) and Taekwondo coach is different levels of flexibility. Some kids, as soon as they enter the gym, can stretch right down into box splits. Others have to train for years to barely touch their toes.
On the other hand, there are those who have virtually no static flexibility at all but excellent kicking ability, with great height, range of motion (ROM) and technique and others who seem to be ‘hyperflexible’ with little or no kicking tech
One of the main things I see as a Strength & Conditioning (S&C) and Taekwondo coach is different levels of flexibility. Some kids, as soon as they enter the gym, can stretch right down into box splits. Others have to train for years to barely touch their toes.
On the other hand, there are those who have virtually no static flexibility at all but excellent kicking ability, with great height, range of motion (ROM) and technique and others who seem to be ‘hyperflexible’ with little or no kicking tech
Monday, 12 July 2010
Taekwondo Stretching 101
I have been giving a lot of thought about how to approach the subject of the science behind stretching and flexibility. There is a whole wealth of information readily available on the subject of stretching and flexibility but it can be way too saturated and weighed down at times with information that athletes and coaches don’t really need to know about. At the end of the day all you guys want to know is how to get more flexible as quickly as possible!
As mentioned in a previous article static, active and dynamic forms of flexibility are all elements which are important to a Taekwondo athl
As mentioned in a previous article static, active and dynamic forms of flexibility are all elements which are important to a Taekwondo athl
Read more Taekwondo Stretching here...
Saturday, 10 July 2010
Taekwondo Sparring Mental Games
So, you’re at a competition, you’re feeling a bit nervous. The Taekwondo players in your weight division are all experienced, some moreso than you. So how to do you give yourself the advantage?
How do you get around those nerves and thoughts that don’t help you and turn them into something that works for you?
Read on and I’ll you some tools to help you perform better and get yourself closer to that Gold Medal...
The first thing you need to do is to have confidence in your training. Nerves happen because we are unsure about our training and that we are ready for the Taekwon
How do you get around those nerves and thoughts that don’t help you and turn them into something that works for you?
Read on and I’ll you some tools to help you perform better and get yourself closer to that Gold Medal...
The first thing you need to do is to have confidence in your training. Nerves happen because we are unsure about our training and that we are ready for the Taekwon
Read more Taekwondo Training here...
Taekwondo Training - Periodization I
OK, so we understand it is necessary to be doing Strength and Conditioning in order to be a more proficient athlete or even to meet your weight loss/fitness goals in Taekwondo etc.
But the biggest question I get asked by Tae Kwon Do athletes and coaches alike is where to start? What do you need to do first? This is where periodization takes the forefront.
Periodization is essentially ‘athletic planning’ that explains your long term schedule to reach your ultimate goals.
Yesterday I was talking to a national level Taekwondo athlete who was looking at starting an Strength & Cond
But the biggest question I get asked by Tae Kwon Do athletes and coaches alike is where to start? What do you need to do first? This is where periodization takes the forefront.
Periodization is essentially ‘athletic planning’ that explains your long term schedule to reach your ultimate goals.
Yesterday I was talking to a national level Taekwondo athlete who was looking at starting an Strength & Cond
Read moreTaekwondo Training here...
Taekwondo Top 10 Super Foods
Here is a list of the top ten super foods that most health experts agree on. From fruits and vegetables, to whole grains, nuts, beans and legumes, this power-packed nutritional list will improve your training, and most importantly, your competitive edge!
Fruits
1. Cantaloupe
A quarter of cantaloupe provides you with almost all the vitamin A needed in one day. Since the beta-carotene in a cantaloupe converts to vitamin A, you get both nutrients at once. This helps with eye sight as well
Fruits
1. Cantaloupe
A quarter of cantaloupe provides you with almost all the vitamin A needed in one day. Since the beta-carotene in a cantaloupe converts to vitamin A, you get both nutrients at once. This helps with eye sight as well
Taekwondo Training Boost For You
Ok, so you’re training, possibly 2-3 times a day. You’re doing your best, but there’s always room for a bit more success in your life.
So, what can you do to give you that edge, to accelerate the effects of your Taekwondo training and give you more success at the Taekwondo competitions?
Well there is one thing that you need to do that will bring all your training and nutrition together that is a must for any athlete looking for Success.
If you’re not visualising, you are wasting
So, what can you do to give you that edge, to accelerate the effects of your Taekwondo training and give you more success at the Taekwondo competitions?
Well there is one thing that you need to do that will bring all your training and nutrition together that is a must for any athlete looking for Success.
If you’re not visualising, you are wasting
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