November 5, 2005

• I just got back from the tae kwon do tournament.  I think it’s a
  good lesson in performing under stress.  There weren’t that many
  students from my school and I only went up against 3-4 people in each
  event: sparring, breaking, and forms.

  Forms: I have no idea why, but I ended up getting last place.  I
  wish there was some kind of feedback given in class…anyway, not a big
  deal, it was fun. A green belt from my class got 2nd, and a red belt
  doing koryo got first since his movements were really crisp and sharp.

  Sparring: I sparred the green belt, Carlos, from my school.  He
  should’ve been easy competition, but I was too nervous and really
  didn’t give 100%.  However, he is fast and a good opponent and
  kicked me in the head, but he admitted that was a lucky hit.  I’ve
  got to apply pressure and use my speed, and not hold back.  I hold
  back in life too, sometimes not really showing my true self. 

  I ended up not sparring anymore after that, and then realized I had
  lost to Carlos.  Carlos even beat the red belt too!  Just
  goes to show you that it’s not about colors, but technique, ability,
  and confidence that you can do it.

  Breaking:  I was thoroughly warmed up for this event and was
  worried I didn’t buy enough boards, because I can easily break four (4)
  boards with a standing back kick or side kick.  During the setup,
  I showed my jump front, elbow and hook kick. The judges asked if the
  holder should use a chair for my jump front, because I was jumping so
  high!  My hook kick was high too, so this 6foot+ guy had to hold
  it. I broke the 2-board jump front on the first try.  The 2-board
  elbow: I had to try twice, because the holder didn’t know what kind of
  elbow I was doing.  Finally, my first hook kick (1-board) totally
  missed the target, but my 2nd try was direct and it broke right
  away.  I was so happy to get gold!

  • 5:36 pm
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