April 23rd

Long time no update!

Things have been quite busy for the last couple of weeks. Training wise things are going very well, very well indeed.

Although, I developed a problem with my right tensor facia latae. That's a muscle at the very top on the out side of the hip. At one stage I couldn't lift my leg over my waist as the TFL was cramped up. I had one visit to Orlagh Sampson and got immediate relief after some dry needling. I have to go back a few more times but already the right leg is much better.

I'm still training in Rivervalley with Stephen Cooley. They're a great bunch of guys out there and I'm enjoying the new surroundings and different ways of doing things.

Also on Sundays after I do the 1st kup class, Jim Faulkner joins me along with John Malone for about three hours of patterns work. Mr Faulkner is going for his fifth degree and John Malone is gearing up for his 3rd degree in the future. It's great to have other black belts to be technical with! Its funny all three of us have donkey's years under us and we're still only 2nd, 3rd and 4th degrees. John Malone got his 2nd degree 20 years ago, and Mr Faulkner has a pile of years done too, I graded to 1st degree in 1994, no racing here!

Mr Willy Owers also joined us last week, we had a great session delving into the books and performing all the tiny detail. It's incredible what you can forget!

Along side the physical training, my head is buried into the books. I've had to go back to basics with step sparring and get that right so volume 3 of the encyclopedia is out, as is volume 13 carrying all the details of Sam Il, Yoo Sin and Choi Yong. All the finer details of the patterns are important. I have to break out the theory of power next.

I've started the conditioning. My forefists are fine, as is the footsword, the ap kumchi is not too bad, but the reverse knife hand and the heel are still lagging. I'll keep banging away.

I hope to pop down to the degree grading on the 9th to see what is being done, good luck to all those going for degrees in front of Master Dalton on that date!

It has been one if them weeks. I've been quite tired for most of it and I've been neglecting my water. Believe it or not, when I don't get enough water in it affects performance on all levels. Mentally, physically. This happens with everyone, however most people can't relate tiredness and stiffness to a lack of uisce. It is powerful stuff.

So over a quite coffee here (ironically a diuretic!), I look back on the week that was a bit of a blur. I haven't really trained since Tuesday. We ventured out to Stephen Cooley's club for an enjoyable kick about. However when I go and train in a club that has a very high standard it can leave me feeling like I've so much to do and so little time to do it in. I panic. There's a standard out there that we're just not at yet, and I need to get there. I get frustrated, but I must remain patient.

In 2004 I had a conversation with someone about ITF Taekwon-Do in Ireland. He had big plans for his clubs and he remained consistent in his message that he would achieve a standard to be admired. That was six years ago. Obviously patience and a methodical approach to training is what is needed to be the future of ITF Taekwon-Do in Ireland. I have time on my side, I'm still only 24, ok maybe not, but I'm still young in the greater scheme of things and time is on my side and I'm learning valuable coaching skills as I move along. Exposure to great coaches is what it is all about, and I am grateful to have learned skills from the likes of Don Dalton, Jose Maidana, Tomaz Barada, Aidan Walsh, Martin Lawless, Terry Donnelly and Stephen Cooley. I consider myself very lucky.

Taekwon-Do Advisory Board

This blog had some interesting meetings over the past fortnight. All culminating from the recent INTA ITF Open. The Taekwon-Do Advisory Board (TAB) seems to be hotting up. It has some great ideas in the way forward for ITF Taekwon-Do in Ireland. Government recognition for ITF Taekwon-Do is a great thing. All I need to do now is recognise the government, I'm working on that one :)

Standard is important. There are too many shoe string Taekwon-Do clubs out there. There needs to be one standardised ITF format for all. The ITA and the RITA are on board. It's fantastic to see the RITA involved. The original ITF Taekwon-Do association in Ireland, and the ITA which split from the RITA when it was the AITA in 1984- confused yet?. And so history comes full circle.

When I was told that the TAB will be providing govt recognised and certified coaching courses (FETAC), sports nutrition and weight cutting courses, child protection courses and one grand championship in 2011 I thought this is the way to go.

So with my certs and details off I set to join the TAB. This will be a positive step for Red Star, of this there is no doubt. Great stuff.