Brushing up

This week has been very busy. I managed to get a patterns session in on Sunday. In the cold near Baltic conditions of our dojang in Cabra, but like Ernest Shackleton I ploughed on through the icy conditions!

I have to say, I'm always impressed at how patterns, while looking easy, have the ability to knock the wind out of you when done with full power. I began with Chon Ji, and worked up through the kup patterns. By the time I got to Won Hyo I was feeling warm. I do have problems keeping my hip muscles warm, but so far so good.

I came across a small problem in Toi Gye where I felt myself speeding up through the 'w' shape blocks, maybe it's because they're stamping motion that I felt I was going beyond the normal pace of the pattern. After Choong Moo, I moved on into the dan patterns, if it was Shackleton, he would now have the South Pole in sight! Only Juche and Eui Am stood in the way as awkward patterns, akin to a dodgy ice crevice in the Antarctic!

Unlike Shackleton, I didn't lose the endurance and made it through to Yoo Sin. I had to re-do Choi Yong though as one of the turns had me finishing the wrong direction. A quick glance through the encyclopedia and I was back on track. I did three versions of Yoo Sin. I taped the last one for you criticism.

Please feel free to let me know what you think, now bear in mind, I am feeling tired and I do realise I made the wrong step turn from the middle punch to the reverse knife hand middle block, your man says the back leg moves first. I tend to agree with your man.

But here you go, warts, wobbles and tiredness included.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXbZqC4q6B4&feature=email

My next installment will be soon. I met with Senior Master Howard of the RITA. Ireland's first ITF black belt. An incredible source of Taekwon-Do history and a gentleman at that. Stay tuned!