Kukkiwon Dan Promotional Test - May 22, 2010 at The World Taekwondo Instructors' Academy - Malaysia

By Nathaniel Rhine

Saturday, May 22, 2010, was the day in which the Taekwondo Promotional Testing took place at The World Taekwondo Instructors’ Academy at Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Promotional Testing was administered by my master, Master Lee Byung Hee, Kukkiwon 7th Dan, who reigns from Korea.

Among those sitting for their promotional test, I went first since I was the most senior. Therefore, I was compelled to set the bar high. The first phase of the test was to perform Poomsae, traditional and pre-arranged martial arts movements. Then I had to perform self defence techniques with my Korean partner who is a specialist in Taekwondo demonstrations. I have been honoured to have been taught by him Taekwondo demonstration techniques for the past few months at the dojang. Then came sparring, the act of using Taekwondo techniques and strategy against an opponent.

And finally, I had to break a solid one inch plank of wood. The first of two techniques was to use my hand; in this case I used my elbow utilizing the elbow strike. The second technique was the back kick.

The purpose of using the hand and foot when it comes to breaking planks is because Taekwondo is the martial art of using the hands and feet. Therefore, I was tested on using my hands and feet. The objectives of this part of the test are many. One is to test the correct utilization and accuracy of the technique. It is to test one’s concentration. It is to test one’s level of determination, and to test one’s courage.

All praises are due to Almighty God, that I was successful in passing this examination. I would like to thank my master, Master Lee Byung Hee, Master Choi, my training partners, my wife for her encouragement and those who came to give their support. And last but surely not least, I’d like to thank Mr. Ang for taking wonderful photographs of the event.

Training with the Korean National Taekwondo Demnostration Team - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - May 12, 2010

By Nathaniel Rhine

Wednesday afternoon was a very special day for those who were able to find time to not only meet the Korean players, but to train with them. I thank God Almighty, that I was blessed to train one hour with the Korean National Demonstration Team.

Twenty members of the Korean National Taekwondo Team assist with the training session with approximately 100 to 120 “guests”, local martial artists of Taekwondo. I use the term “guests”, because each and every one of us felt like guests who were treated so warmly.

The most impressive element of my training with the Koreans was not their ability to do incredible things with regards to Taekwondo. Rather, it was their humbleness. They could have easily laughed at many guests, including myself, who were poorly executing the kicks we were practicing. Instead, with their poor command of the English language, they were very encouraging. They even went the extra mile to show each of us how to properly execute a movement.

As a guest that afternoon, I wasn’t able to take photographs; however, I was able to take a few shots after the training session. I hope you will enjoy them and hopefully, you will be able to train with the Korean National Taekwondo Demonstration Team the next time they are in town.

Kejohanan Speed Power Taekwondo - May 01 & 02, 2010 @ Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

How to Improve One's Concentration

by Nathaniel Rhine

At this week's training, my master brought to our attention the importance of concentration in all that we do, especially when we are training in the martial arts. Many student tend to just go through the motions when training. The instructor shows one how to perform a specific movement or technique, and the student simply mimics the instructor. But is that enough?

We went back to basics. In actual fact we not only went back to the basics, we even slowed down our movements drastically. My master taught us that in order to improve our concentration, one would have to learn how to breathe correctly. Interesting. Since the day we were born, we all know how to breathe, but do we really breathe efficiently? And does breathing affect one's concentration?

Simply, in order to increase our concentration, one must inhale through one's nose as one is about to execute a movement. Then one is to exhale 70% of one's oxygen as one would actually execute a movement, through one's mouth.

Example: when one is about to execute a straight punch, take in a deep breath as one would move towards his opponent, very slowly. As you begin to execute the punch, exhale very slowly through one's mouth, keeping 30% in the abdomen. The crucial point is to retain 30% of your oxygen in your abdomen. Notice, I mentioned that the movement must be slow. Slow so that the student can focus and concentrate on both his breathing and the actual technique he is executing.

Moving slowly is not as easy as it may look. By executing the techniques slowly one is learning several things. One, he is learning how to breathe correctly and get the most out of his breathing. Two, he is perfecting his technique, the correct positioning of the hands, legs, arms etc. Three, he is learning the importance of balance and how to improve it. Four, he is learning how to relax both the body and mind, and fifth, he his learning how to focus and improve his concentration.

Many students of the martial arts may know how to performs many techniques when they are performed at normal speed, or so they may think. Practice, what was just discussed above, and one will very quickly see that he may not have been executing his techniques correctly after all. And surely, he was not concentrating very well. Enjoy your training.