Testing for my 3rd Dan Black Belt

This weekend I will be testing for my 3rd degree (dan) black belt. I have been a 2nd dan since August of 2009. As you advance, the timing between testing becomes longer and the testings require more work and knowledge. It also requires plenty of patience. Each of the black belt certificates that we get have our numbered, my black belt was numbered around 1400. My first dan was numbered around 600, and finally my 2nd dan was in the 300 range.

The testing will require me to do (4) forms, 4-5 drills that simulate fighting and defending, 4 or 5 drills of intercept kicks, 5 or more kicking drills, 1-30 self defense, and finally 2 sparring matches between 1-2 minutes each.

During this time between testing, the best way to help it go by faster is teaching. Teaching a class allows you to give back the knowledge that you have been learning and learned to the students in the organization. While you are patiently waiting to test, you are helping others progress in the organization. We always encourage others to begin help teaching as soon as possible. The thirst for knowledge and the giving back is one of the best ways to prevent boredom.

Martial Arts for People Over 50 - You Can Get Involed & so can everyone else

I saw this video on WSJ.com and thought it would be a good topic to write about. Who ever says that you can't do marital arts at any point in your life. I believe you just have to take the step forward and do it. We have many students above the age of 50 at Grand Master Han's in Conway. I would hope that more people would become involved. Participating in taekwondo is a great workout. Not only is it a good work, it provides social interaction and a chance to learn new things all the time. It is much better than going to the gym and running on treadmill, lifting some weights, and then going home just to do the same thing again the next day or a couple days later. We always work to give our students new things to learn or show them a different application for something that they may already know. We can also tailor techniques and moves based on their ability to do them. Below you will find an article about an 80 year old master in our organization that started when she was 67. She will tell you that you are never too old.

"You're Never Too Old" - Click to view Article