S.T.R.I.V.E for Your Goals!
Posted by admin in Black Belt, Taekwondo on September 22nd, 2009
Anyone who saw Mrs. Peck receive her 7th degree this weekend couldn’t help but be inspired. Don’t let that momentum go to waste! While you are on the road to black belt, you may discover that the road ban be tough to travel and it might have a few obstacles on it that could slow you down. Just like Mr. Lacy says, if earning a black belt were simple then everyone would have one. The most important thing to remember is that when that road gets a bit bumpy or you start to take a wrong turn, smooth out the bumps and ask for directions to help get back on track. The journey we take to black belt teaches us to set goals, be persistent, overcome obstacles, and follow through in the taekwondo school as well as in life. Set a goal, then S.T.R.I.V.E. for it!
S is for Start Small – Set a serious of short-term goals that will add up to a bigger once, such as passing each testing leading up to black belt.
T is for Think Tall – Set a goal that is worthwhile, and dream bigger than life. If nothing could stop you, what would you like to accomplish?
R is for Reach Over the Wall – Choose a goal that will require you to push yourself out of your comfort zone.
I is for Invest Your All – Give it your best shot. Keep working towards your goal and don’t give up. Don’t let yourself slack off.
V is for Visualize – Take the time to see yourself achieving your black belt or other goals you have set. What are the rewards of sticking with your goal? How will your life be different? See yourself at the big celebration that will happen after you reach your goal.
E is for Expect to Stall – Distractions and obstacles may come up on your road to black belt or any other worthwhile goals. Know that with high peaks, where everything is going as planned,come valleys. Be prepared to take action to overcome roadblocks and distractions and get back on track.
The world is full of great starters. It takes a special person to “strive” towards excellence and finish what they start.
Parent Cheat Sheet, Sparring Special
So, how exactly do judges pull students up to spar at a tournament? Rest assured we are not just pulling names out of a hat. Actually, we use the same bracket the NCAA uses for the sweet 16:
http://images.chron.com/blogs/tubular/archives/chron_galactic_bracket_blank.jpg
If the number of competitors is divisible by four it makes our jobs really easy. If, however, it’s not then some competitors will get a bye (automatically win their first round). So, who gets the bye and how do we pair up competitors? Well, our first goal is to make sure no one spars someone from their school the first round. Ideally we try to keep kids from the same school from sparring as long as possible, but if the majority of the competitors are from the same school there is only so much the judges can do.
After making sure competitors are sparring someone from a different school the pairing process can vary slightly depending on the judges preferences. Some judges like to pair competitors up by size. Others like to have the first and second place forms competitors spar and the third and fourth place competitors spar so that as many students as possible get a medal. It’s impossible to come up with hard and fast rules because they will inevitably change based on the makeup of the group. Know that there is plenty of thought going into it though and that we try to set everyone up to be as successful as possible.
Have any more last minute questions? Get them in quick because the tournament starts tomorrow!
I Will Not Quit on You…
Posted by admin in Black Belt, Fitness, Taekwondo on September 16th, 2009
Several years ago Mr. Lacy made a promise to all the students of Lacy’s Taekwondo. After describing the number of students who get a black belt (less than 5% of those who ever start a martial art) and the setbacks that can occur along the way (failed testings, losing interest, giving up) he promised to never quit on a student as long as the student didn’t quit. It was incredibly motivational to all those who remember it or have since heard it, but with time all things wan, so it is time to renew that promise – for all of us.
For Mr. Lacy it’s easy to keep the promise, because it’s clear exactly what not quitting entails. As students, it gets to be a bit more difficult. Standing here every day it looks to me like a lot of students have already quit. Sure, they still come to class, some of them almost every day. Some even go to events and test on time every time; but the effort is gone. EFFORT is what sets apart a true martial artist from someone who will never get their black belt. It is how you can tell an instructor from a black belt with one foot out the door. Effort is the difference between a 7th Degree and someone who used to be a black belt. In taekwondo, effort is everything and if you don’t bring it to class with you you might as well stay home.
Parent Cheat Sheet
With the tournament coming up, here are some tips for the clueless parent as to what exactly is going on during tournament sparring.
-A round lasts 60 seconds. Every time the judges call “break” time is stopped. Overtime lasts 15 seconds.
-A competitor can get up to three warnings per round. If he or she gets two warnings, the other competitor is awarded one point. If he or she gets three warnings he/she is automatically disqualified. Warnings reset at zero at the start of a new round or overtime. Drawing blood is an automatic disqualification.
-A competitor cannot score from outside the designated “ring” no matter how many kicks or punches they throw.
-One point for: kick to the body, punch to the body.
-Two points for: jump kick to the body, kick to the head.
-Three points for: jump kick to the head.
-Competitors cannot kick to the back, below the belt, to the face, or punch to the back, the face, or the head. If they do they will receive a warning.
-Competitors may also receive a warning (or two or even three) for hitting too hard.
-You should try to make light contact while sparring. Whether or not students receive points for “getting close” but not making contact depends on their rank.
Still confused about why your child won or lost? Look at how much the judges move around while they’re judging sparring. Notice how one judge is always on a different side than the other two. That’s because a sparring match may look completely different from another angle. Even judges with several years worth of experience may miss things from time to time, so if you have a question please feel free to (politely) ask.
To Black Belt and Beyond
Posted by admin in Black Belt, Taekwondo on September 14th, 2009
Reaching your potential means breaking through your comfort zone to discover your true abilities. Your comfort zone is what you can achieve with your average effort and determination. Here are five strategies you can implement today to help reach your full potential.
1) Cross Train – Taekwondo is excellent exercise. However, make a commitment to supplement your taekwondo classes with biking, jogging, weight training, cardio kickboxing, yoga, etc. You can even alternate your cross training activity each week. By exercising muscles used less in taekwondo you will become a stronger and faster martial artist.
2) Stretch – Make a habit of warming and stretching your muscles every day. Flexibility plays a critical role to the responsiveness of your muscles. the bottom line is stretching will make you a better martial artist.
3) Practice – Martial artists believe that there is always room for improvement. While it may not be true that “practice makes perfect”, practice does make better (especially when you practice with EFFORT).
4) Take care of yourself – Be healthy. Pay attention to what you eat. Food is the fuel your body uses to perform. If you feed it junk you will not perform your best. Find out what your ideal body weight should be and set a goal to reach it. Care for yourself and you are sure to be a good martial artist.
5) Train Your Brain – Develop the mental aspect of your training by reviewing all your techniques in your mind’s eye. Many scientific studies have shown that “thinking” about an activity can help you improve your performance. Visualize yourself doing the perfect form, then get up and do it exactly like you saw it.
You don’t need to make a major change to produce dramatic results. The above five strategies will allow you to make several subtle changes to break through your comfort zone and reach your full potential.
AAA Awards Black Belts
Posted by admin in Black Belt, Taekwondo on September 11th, 2009
It is easier to achieve your Taekwondo goals with a little help from AAA – Attendance, Action, and Attitude.
Attendance
Good attendance seems obvious at first. All you have to do is go to class, right? WRONG! To achieve real results you must attend class regularly. That doesn’t mean you go everyday, but at least three times a week. It is more effective to train three times a week than to train daily for a week or two then stop for ten days. Experts suggest that it takes an equal amount of time to regain your skill level when you miss class. For example, if you take two weeks off you’ll need two weeks to regain your previous skill level before you can start improving.
Action
Consistent action is the second key to achieving your goals. As you workout, both your mind and your muscles are recording standards of performance. Consistent action means that you practice how you want to perform. For maximum performance always practice with 100% effort. If you consistently train with intensity your mind and body will become equal to the task. So remember, don’t just say “I wish that I could kick really high/fast/strong”. Workout to make it happen!
Attitude
Attitude is the most powerful key to reaching your goals. The Black Belt Attitude is one of personal excellence and achievement. Black belts maintain winning attitudes through self discipline and self control. They develop high levels of self confidence in their ability to follow through and get the job done despite any obstacles. Ask any black belt if achieving their rank was easy and every one of them will tell you no. There were a lot of roadblocks, dedication, and hard work along the way but because of their positive attitude they were able to succeed where most others have failed.
Consistence in attitude, action, and attendance, combined with setting specific goals will give you the foundation to meet and exceed your Taekwondo goals.
Tournament Etiquette
With the tournament coming up next week plenty of students and parents are wondering what the proper etiquette is and still have a few lingering questions. Hopefully this post will help to set your mind at ease but if you have more questions please let us know!
- Make sure you give yourself plenty of room to do your form, even if it means starting off the mat. You don’t want to worry about hitting the judges in the middle of your pattern; it could distract you and cause you to make a mistake.
-All students receive two chances to perform their pattern at a tournament, except in the case of a tie-breaker. If you are participating in a run-off (tie-breaker) you only get one chance, so no matter what FINISH YOUR FORM. The other person may make a bigger mistake than you did.
-If you have to do your form twice there will be a one-point deduction from your total score (the combined score of all 3 judges) not one point from each judge.
- If the judges ask you whether you would like to perform your pattern again, the answer is always yes. Always. No exceptions. I have never seen Mr. Lacy so angry or disappointed as the time four competitors in the 3rd and 4th Degree Men’s division decided not to attempt their form a second time. There’s no reason not to, and you are setting a good example for all the other competitors when you do. As judges and black belts, we always looking at the amount of EFFORT students put into Taekwondo. Not doing your form a second time when given the chance shows a serious lack of effort.
-If you have a question about why you had to do your form again make sure you ask one of the three judges at the end of your competition. They will be happy to tell you and it may save you from making a similar mistake at testing.
-When sparring, only red TA co-branded gear is allowed. Make sure you check your gear bag before leaving for the tournament. Students may not have any type of tape anywhere on their gear.
-Cheering is encouraged during sparring as long as it is positive. Negative comments and chants are disrespectful and will not be tolerated. Students or spectators heard doing so may be asked to leave.
-Don’t take off your gear after you spar, even if you lose. Two losing students will end up having to spar again for 3rd and 4th place.
-Sparring rounds last 60 seconds. Overtime (if there is a tie) lasts 15 seconds.
-All students must wear clean, full white uniform with all patches and belt.
Above all else, tournaments are supposed to be fun so take the time to get to know the people in your division. It will help ease your nerves, make sparring less stressful, and might make you a new friend!
Perseverance: When Something is Worth the Fight
Today it’s time to talk about another very important tenet – perseverance. Simply put perseverance is when something is worth the fight, so you keep pushing. Mr. Lacy always says that what we do is not easy – if it were everyone would have a black belt. It’s the hard work, the fighting for something important, that makes it so special.
Not to rub in the Hokie loss this past weekend, but the infamous Alabama football coach Paul “Bear” Bryant once said, “The first time you quit, it’s hard. The second time, it gets easier. The third time, you don’t even have to think about it”. When you or your child come to class you are learning a martial art, but more importantly you’re working on life skills, like perseverance. Everyone has their own reasons for refusing to quit, but no matter what your reasons are there is no better time than the present to improve your commitment to perseverance.
Recently my college roommate was diagnosed with Stage IV Ovarian Cancer. At 24 years-old every day of her life is a fight to stay alive. Words cannot express how grateful I am that her parents instilled in her from an early age the importance of never giving up. When it comes to teaching your children life skills like perseverance there is no such thing as too early or too often – you never know when a life skill will be called upon to help save a life.
What’s Your Favorite Thing About Taekwondo the Grown-Up Edition
Today we ask the adults what THEIR favorite thing about taekwondo is. Here’s what they had to say:
Although we were not specifically looking for a family activity, but instead came to Taekwondo America because one child had an interest in trying this martial art, we found a sport that both kids and parents could enjoy together. [I thought when we joined, that this sport would last like so many others -- maybe 6 months. Now, 13 years later, the kids have grown to adulthood and we are still sharing Taekwondo classes!] In those classes we shared camaraderie and built bonds that truly last a lifetime. I would not trade the experience of learning Taekwondo as a family for anything!
It was [and continues to be] the best value we ever received from a recreational activity.
–Anne Lanzara and the Lanzara family
I will admit, I was ‘one of those Moms’ who was hesitant to sign my 7-year old son Tyler up for classes due to watching the movie Karate Kid too many times. I feared it was ‘too rough’, looked very similar to ‘fighting’ and I worried about the message it would give my son.
After a year of instruction under Mr. and Mrs. Lacy, as well as their amazing staff, Tyler is now a green belt and adores (as do I) continuing his journey as he learns the real meaning of Taekwondo. I applaud the individual attention the instructors provide to each of the children and the result is we could not be happier with positive influences it has had on Tyler. So we thank each of you for making a difference – - because indeed you truly have.
Jeni Cameron
Two and a half years ago my wife came home and told my then 9 year old son and I that she had signed us both up for Tae Kwon Do lessons at The Lacy’s school. The same school I had driven past for years, every time wishing that I had the nerve to join. At the time I was 50 and thought that it would be impossible for me to participate. I thought that I was too old. It hurt to bend down let alone jump in the air and kick a bag with both feet before landing. Well we started Jan. 2, 2007. Now two and a half years later my son and I are both Black Belts. I am amazed at the flexibility that I have regained and the quiet confidence that my son has gained. TKD gives my son and I a great father – son hobby. It is an excellent chance for us to exercise, and has given us a mutual interest that helps us bond. We love the school, the Lacy’s and the instructors. There is an atmosphere of respect, challenge, reward, and friendship. Joining Lacy’s TKD America is one of the best decisions we have ever made (or should I say my wife has ever made).
We hope that you too will join in the fun.
Carl and Hunter Smith
What is YOUR favorite thing about Taekwondo?
What’s Your Favorite Thing About Taekwondo?
Today we ask the kids: What’s your favorite thing about taekwondo?
“High Blocks!” ~Taylor Hilovsky
“Kicking…jumping over the rope and jumping over the pole and jumping and kicking the bag.”~Mateo Lara-McNamara
“Sparring…You get to kick and all that”~Austin Trent
“Breaking the boards because I just really like to break things”~Grey Pearson
“We get to hit people. It’s my favorite because when I get angry I get to take it out on my brother and I don’t get in trouble”~Harry Pearson
“The forms because they’re challenging and fun”~Emma Cass
“Ki-Bon because I got a stripe today”~Ethan Stanley
“Ki-Bon because it’s my form”~Gabe Wright
“The high-block”~Sarah Wright
“When I get a new belt”~CJ Walters
Parents – what’s your favorite thing about Taekwondo?