Black Belt Class

I was very honored last week to get invited to attend Master Rose's Black Belt class. Before going (bare in mind I am still at 4th Kup - Blue Belt) I felt a certain amount of trepidation as to what to expect. Was I going to be the instructors punch bag for the evening? Would I struggle to keep up?

I enjoyed the class enormously - Master Rose gave me a lot of help with the finer points of my technique which I will most certainly be doing my best to remember. I felt I was able to keep up reasonably well, although my instructor told me afterwoods he felt Master Rose had definately "toned down" the pace of things for my benefit and usually they are pushed a lot harder. I'm going to have to move my fitness level up quite a lot when I (hopefully) reach that elusive 1st Dan and start attending Master Rose's classes regularly.

The club website has some fantastic pictures of Master Rose performing the flying side kick and split kick which if you have an interest in Taekwondo you'll appreciate.

Chungdokwan Nationals

I attended the Chungdokwan Nationals this weekend. Despite a great desire to come away with a gold medal I'm afraid this year, yet again, I came home wearing silver. I'd have to say, I was appalled at how badly I fought (losing by 7-0 in the first round) but am humble in enough to admit that even at my best I wouldn't have beaten the young man from Portsmouth University Taekwondo that I was lined up with - he was definately quicker, stronger and all round better in the ring. I'll be back next year of course and am hoping to get to some other tournaments this year, in particular the BTCB competition in Bournmouth.

Unfortunately, my son James did not get the chance to defend his Gold Medal from last year as a pressing social engagement meant he missed the tournament. A lucky escape for whoever he'd have been facing! Hopefully James will be accompanying me to the next one.

Hopefully the entire Chung Yong Squads results will be visible on the club website this week so be sure to take a look at the tournament results for Chung Yong.