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.