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Taekwondo is a martial art that requires a combination of strength, flexibility, and skill. One of the most important techniques in Taekwondo is the side kick, which requires a significant amount of flexibility in the hip and leg muscles. However, many people focus solely on stretching and flexibility training to improve their side kick, neglecting the important role that strength training plays in increasing flexibility. In this article, we will explore the connection between strength training and side kick flexibility, and provide tips for incorporating strength training into your Taekwondo routine.

Understanding the Anatomy of a Side Kick

To understand the connection between strength training and side kick flexibility, it’s important to understand the muscles and joints involved in a side kick. The primary muscles used in a side kick are the hip flexors, glutes, and quadriceps. The hip joint is also heavily involved, as it is responsible for the majority of the movement in a side kick.

When performing a side kick, the hip joint needs to be able to extend fully and rotate in the direction of the kick. This requires a significant amount of flexibility in the hip flexors and glutes. Additionally, the quadriceps and hip extensors need to be strong enough to generate the power needed to execute the kick.

The Importance of Strength Training

Strength training is essential for increasing side kick flexibility in two main ways. First, strong muscles provide a solid foundation for movement. When the hip flexors, glutes, and quadriceps are strong, they can generate the power needed for a powerful side kick. This power provides a “springboard” effect, allowing the hip to extend and rotate more easily.

Second, strength training helps to improve muscle balance. When one muscle group is stronger than its opposing muscle group, it can cause imbalances that can limit flexibility. For example, if the hip flexors are stronger than the hip extensors, it can cause the hip to be pulled forward, limiting the range of motion in a side kick. By strengthening all the muscle groups involved in a side kick, you can improve muscle balance and increase flexibility.

Incorporating Strength Training into Your Taekwondo Routine

To incorporate strength training into your Taekwondo routine, it’s important to focus on exercises that target the hip flexors, glutes, and quadriceps. Some examples of exercises that can help improve side kick flexibility include squats, lunges, and leg press.

It’s also important to include exercises that target the core muscles, such as the transverse abdominis and oblique muscles. A strong core can help to stabilize the hip joint and increase the power of the side kick.

It’s recommended to do strength training 2-3 times a week, with at least one day of rest in between. It’s also important to start with light weights and gradually increase the weight as you become stronger.

Preventing Injury

While strength training is an important part of improving side kick flexibility, it’s important to be aware of the risks of overtraining and injury. To prevent injury, it’s important to maintain proper form and technique during exercises, and to listen to your body. If you experience pain or discomfort during an exercise, stop immediately and seek the advice of a professional.

It’s also important to remember that flexibility and strength are not mutually exclusive. In fact, flexibility training and strength training work best together, helping to improve muscle balance and prevent injury.

Conclusion

In conclusion, strength training is an essential part of improving side kick flexibility in Taekwondo. By incorporating exercises that target the hip flexors, glutes, and quadriceps you improve range of motion and have higher, stronger side kicks.

Photo by Meghan Holmes on Unsplash

Written by AI & Reviewed by Clinical Psychologist & Head Coach: Yoendry Torres, Psy.D.

Disclaimer: Please note that some blog posts may contain affiliate links and Sana Network will earn a commission if you purchase through those links at no additional cost to you. We use all of the products listed and recommend them because they are companies or products that I have found helpful and trustworthy. Our website is supported by our users.

Taekwondo is a demanding sport that requires a combination of strength, agility, and flexibility. As an Olympic sport, Taekwondo athletes must be at their physical peak to compete at the highest level. One of the most important aspects of Taekwondo training is flexibility, especially when it comes to executing powerful side kicks. Dynamic warm-ups are an essential part of any Taekwondo training program and can greatly improve side kick flexibility.

What are Dynamic Warm-ups?

Dynamic warm-ups are a type of stretching that involves moving your body through a full range of motion. Unlike static stretching, which is done while the body is at rest, dynamic warm-ups are performed while the body is in motion. Dynamic warm-ups are designed to prepare the body for physical activity by increasing blood flow, activating muscles, and improving range of motion. Examples of dynamic warm-up exercises include leg swings, lunges, and high knees.

How Dynamic Warm-ups Improve Side Kick Flexibility

The side kick is a powerful technique used in Taekwondo that requires a great deal of flexibility in the hip, thigh, and ankle. Dynamic warm-ups are an effective way to improve side kick flexibility because they target the muscles used in the side kick and prepare them for physical activity. When performed correctly, dynamic warm-ups can increase blood flow to the muscles, which in turn can increase the range of motion in the hip, thigh, and ankle.

Dynamic Warm-up Routine for Taekwondo Athletes

A good dynamic warm-up routine should be tailored to the specific needs of the individual. For Taekwondo athletes focusing on side kick flexibility, a dynamic warm-up routine might include the following exercises:

• Leg Swings: Stand facing a wall and hold onto it for balance. Swing one leg forward and backward, then side to side. Repeat on the other leg.
• Lunges: Step forward with one foot and lower your body down until your thigh is parallel to the ground. Push back to the starting position and repeat on the other leg.
• High Knees: Jog in place, lifting your knees as high as you can.
• Heel kicks: Stand on one leg and kick the opposite heel up towards your buttocks.

It’s important to perform these exercises with proper form and technique to get the most out of them. Remember that dynamic warm-ups are not meant to exhaust you, but to prepare your body for physical activity.

Conclusion

Dynamic warm-ups are an essential part of any Taekwondo training program. They prepare the body for physical activity and can greatly improve side kick flexibility. A good dynamic warm-up routine should be tailored to the specific needs of the individual. Incorporating dynamic warm-ups into your regular training routine can help you achieve your goals and excel in the sport of Taekwondo.

Written by AI & Reviewed by Clinical Psychologist & Head Coach: Yoendry Torres, Psy.D.

Disclaimer: Please note that some blog posts may contain affiliate links and Sana Network will earn a commission if you purchase through those links at no additional cost to you. We use all of the products listed and recommend them because they are companies or products that I have found helpful and trustworthy. Our website is supported by our users.

Taekwondo is a martial art that demands a fusion of physical prowess, mental sharpness, and technical skill. Beyond sheer force, success in Taekwondo hinges on outthinking and outflanking your adversary. This post offers a comprehensive look at the strategies that can steer you towards victory in Taekwondo competitions.

Mental Preparation: Cultivating a Winning Mindset

The Power of Visualization and Goal-Setting

Achieving success in Taekwondo begins with the right mindset. Employing visualization, goal-setting, and positive self-talk can substantially enhance your competitive edge. Visualizing triumph helps solidify your belief in your capabilities, while setting precise goals keeps you focused and driven. Engaging in positive self-talk bolsters confidence and curbs anxiety, laying the groundwork for a victorious mindset.

Physical Conditioning: Building Endurance, Strength, and Flexibility

The Role of Cardio, Weightlifting, and Stretching

The intensity of Taekwondo necessitates exceptional endurance, strength, and flexibility. A well-conditioned athlete can outlast and outperform their opponent. Integrating cardio workouts like running or cycling, along with weightlifting and stretching routines, is crucial for enhancing your physical condition and ensuring you have the stamina to compete at your best.

Technical Mastery: Perfecting Fundamental and Advanced Techniques

The Importance of Consistent Practice and Feedback

Mastering both basic and advanced Taekwondo techniques is vital. Fundamental moves such as punches, kicks, blocks, and strikes lay the foundation, while advanced maneuvers, including spinning kicks and combination attacks, can provide a competitive advantage. Regular practice, meticulous attention to detail, and constructive feedback from experienced coaches or partners are essential for honing your technical skills.

Tactical Awareness: Understanding Rules, Opponents, and Scoring

Exploiting Strengths and Weaknesses

A profound understanding of Taekwondo’s rules, scoring system, and your opponent’s capabilities is critical for tactical planning. Knowledge of your adversary’s weak points allows you to target these areas effectively, while awareness of their strengths enables you to defend strategically. Watching match footage and analyzing both your performances and those of others can enhance your tactical insight.

Crafting a Match Strategy: Tactics, Techniques, and Timing

Developing a Comprehensive Game Plan

A nuanced match strategy is crucial for victory in Taekwondo. This strategy should encompass specific tactics for gaining an upper hand, the techniques best suited to those tactics, and the optimal timing for their execution. Crafting this strategy involves thorough analysis of your and your opponent’s styles, along with studying successful strategies from past matches.

Conclusion: The Path to Victory in Taekwondo

Winning in Taekwondo is the result of a multifaceted approach that blends mental readiness, physical fitness, technical skill, tactical acumen, and strategic planning. To emerge victorious, consistent training, skill refinement, and a strong, positive mindset are indispensable. By focusing on these key areas, you can elevate your performance and achieve success in the competitive world of Taekwondo.

Written by AI & Reviewed by Clinical Psychologist & Head Coach: Yoendry Torres, Psy.D.

Disclaimer: Please note that some blog posts may contain affiliate links and Sana Network will earn a commission if you purchase through those links at no additional cost to you. We use all of the products listed and recommend them because they are companies or products that I have found helpful and trustworthy. Our website is supported by our users.

The Critical Role of Flexibility in Taekwondo

Taekwondo, a martial art renowned for its dynamic movements and high-intensity techniques, places a significant emphasis on the amalgamation of strength, agility, and, notably, flexibility. The latter, flexibility, stands out as a cornerstone for mastering Taekwondo maneuvers, with the side kick spotlighting this need vividly. Delving into the anatomical mechanics of a side kick sheds light on why flexibility isn’t just beneficial for amplifying one’s performance but is imperative for mitigating the risk of injuries.

Anatomical Insights into the Side Kick

The execution of a side kick, one of the most iconic techniques in Taekwondo, engages a complex network of muscle groups including the quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteal muscles, and abdominals. This collective muscle effort is pivotal in unleashing the power and velocity that characterize a proficient side kick. The hip joint emerges as a critical player in this equation, facilitating the necessary rotation and extension that give the side kick its efficacy and grace. This anatomical choreography underscores the indispensable role of flexibility in performing such sophisticated movements.

Flexibility: A Shield Against Injuries

Beyond enhancing performance, flexibility serves as a safeguard against potential injuries. Muscles that lack elasticity are prone to strains and tears, posing risks particularly to the knee and lower back areas during the execution of high kicks and rapid movements. Integrating a comprehensive flexibility and stretching regimen into one’s training protocol is crucial for injury prevention and ensuring the longevity of a practitioner’s Taekwondo career.

Strategies for Cultivating Flexibility

To augment flexibility for the side kick, a multifaceted approach to stretching is paramount. Static stretching, characterized by holding a stretch for a prolonged period, is foundational for increasing muscle elasticity. Complementing this with dynamic stretching, which involves active movements that stretch the muscles, prepares the body for the rigors of training and competition. Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) stretching, a method that combines muscle contraction and relaxation phases, offers another avenue for enhancing flexibility.

The plan below focuses on improving flexibility in the muscles and joints crucial for a side kick, namely the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and hips.

Warm-Up with Dynamic Stretching

Begin your workout with a dynamic stretching routine to warm up your muscles and joints, preparing them for more intensive stretching exercises. Dynamic stretches mimic the movements of the side kick, promoting blood flow and increasing range of motion gradually.

1. Leg Swings: Stand beside a wall for balance and swing one leg forward and backward. Perform 15-20 swings on each leg.
2. Lateral Leg Swings: Face the wall, placing your hands on it for support. Swing your leg sideways across the front of your body and then back out. Do 15-20 swings on each leg.
3. Walking Lunges: Perform walking lunges across the floor to stretch the hip flexors, quadriceps, and hamstrings. Take a step forward into a lunge, keeping your back straight and your knee above your ankle. Do 10-12 lunges on each leg.

Core Stretching with Static Techniques

After warming up, shift to static stretching, which will further elongate the muscles and enhance your flexibility for the side kick.

1. Hamstring Stretch: Sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you. Reach forward towards your toes, keeping your knees straight. Hold the stretch for 20-30 seconds.
2. Quadriceps Stretch: Standing on one foot, grab your other foot and pull it towards your glutes, keeping your knees together and your back straight. Hold for 20-30 seconds then switch legs.
3. Straddle Stretch: Sit on the floor and spread your legs as far apart as possible. Lean forward at the hips and reach towards the center to stretch your inner thighs. Hold for 20-30 seconds.

Flexibility Enhancement with PNF Stretching

PNF stretching involves alternating contraction and relaxation of the target muscles to achieve deeper stretches.

1. PNF Hamstring Stretch: Lie on your back and lift one leg up, keeping it straight. Use a towel or band around your foot to gently pull the leg towards you while pushing against the towel with your leg for 5-10 seconds. Relax and pull the leg closer towards you. Hold the stretch for 20-30 seconds. Repeat on the other leg.
2. PNF Hip Flexor Stretch: Kneel on one knee (like a lunge position) and push your hips forward to stretch the front of your hip. Contract your hip muscles by pushing your hips slightly back against resistance for 5-10 seconds. Then, relax and push your hips forward to deepen the stretch. Hold for 20-30 seconds and switch sides.

Cool Down

Conclude your workout with a gentle cool-down consisting of light static stretching to relax the muscles and prevent stiffness. Repeat the static stretches mentioned above, holding each stretch for a shorter duration of 10-15 seconds.

Lastly, remember that consistency and diligence in practicing these stretching techniques are crucial for seeing improvements. Incorporating flexibility exercises both as a warm-up before engaging in rigorous training and as a cool-down afterwards can substantially benefit one’s flexibility. It is equally important to prioritize correct stretching techniques to prevent injuries and ensure the most effective flexibility gains.

Conclusion: The Journey to Flexibility in Taekwondo

In summary, the pursuit of flexibility, particularly in the context of mastering the side kick in Taekwondo, is a journey marked by patience, consistency, and a strategic approach to stretching. Understanding the intricate anatomy involved in a side kick provides invaluable insights into optimizing performance and preventing injuries. By embracing a holistic and disciplined approach to flexibility training, Taekwondo practitioners can unlock their full potential, ensuring both longevity in the sport and the achievement of peak performance.

Written by AI & Reviewed by Clinical Psychologist & Head Coach: Yoendry Torres, Psy.D.

Disclaimer: Please note that some blog posts may contain affiliate links and Sana Network will earn a commission if you purchase through those links at no additional cost to you. We use all of the products listed and recommend them because they are companies or products that I have found helpful and trustworthy. Our website is supported by our users.

Taekwondo is a martial art that is known for its powerful and dynamic kicks. It’s an Olympic sport since 2000 and being successful in competition requires mastering a set of specific moves. In this blog post, we will provide an overview of the top moves for Olympic Taekwondo competition. Lets review current Olympic sport Taekwondo sparring rules and then highlight top techniques that will help you in competition.

Match Formats

Olympic Taekwondo sparring matches are conducted in a very structured format, designed to test the skills, agility, and strategy of the competitors. Each match is divided into three rounds, with each round lasting two minutes. There is a one-minute rest period between rounds, allowing athletes to recover and strategize with their coaches. The matches are held on an octagonal mat, providing a unique arena for the athletes to maneuver and attack.

Competitors are matched based on weight categories, ensuring fairness and safety in the competition. The objective is to outscore the opponent by landing accurate and powerful kicks and punches on the scoring areas: the torso and the head.

Point Structure

The point system in Olympic Taekwondo is designed to reward accuracy, power, and technique. Points are awarded based on the area of contact and the method of strike:

• Body Strikes: Kicks to the torso score two points. If the kick incorporates a spinning technique, it earns an additional two points, making it a total of four points.
• Head Strikes: Kicks to the head score three points. A spinning head kick earns an additional two points, totaling five points.
• Punches: Punches to the torso can score one point, emphasizing the importance of kicks in scoring higher points.

The scoring is electronically monitored, with sensors in the protective gear (headgear and body protector) registering the impacts. This system ensures objectivity and fairness in scoring.

Penalties

Penalties, or “Gam-jeom”, are given for various infractions, impacting the match’s outcome by awarding a point to the opponent. Common reasons for penalties include:

• Going out of bounds: Stepping outside the octagonal mat.
• Falling down: Losing balance and falling without being struck by the opponent.
• Avoiding the fight: Not engaging in combat or consistently backing away without attempting to score.
• Illegal actions: Executing prohibited techniques, such as hitting the back of the head, attacking below the belt, or using excessive force.

Understanding these penalties is crucial for competitors to maintain discipline and strategy during the match, avoiding unnecessary point losses.

Olympic Sport Taekwondo sparring is a thrilling and strategic component of the martial art, showcasing the athletes’ skill, agility, and mental fortitude. Whether you’re a competitor aiming for the Olympics or a fan enjoying the sport, knowing these rules enhances the experience and appreciation of Taekwondo.

Top Kicks

Kicks are a fundamental aspect of Taekwondo competition and are used to attack the opponent’s head and body. The roundhouse kick is one of the most popular and powerful kicks in Taekwondo. The side kick, back kick, axe kick and spinning hook kick are also commonly used in Taekwondo Olympic sport competitions. These kicks are effective for attacking the opponent from different directions. To execute these kicks with power and accuracy, it’s important to practice proper technique and maintain balance throughout the movement. Next we’ll go over how to execute each of these kicking techniques.

Executing a Taekwondo Roundhouse Kick

The Taekwondo roundhouse kick, or Dollyo Chagi, is a versatile and commonly used technique in sparring. To perform a roundhouse kick, start in a fighting stance with your knees slightly bent. Pivot on your support foot, turning your hips towards the direction of the kick. Raise your kicking leg, bending at the knee, and whip it around in a circular motion towards your target. Strike the target with the top of your foot or the ball of your foot for maximum impact. It’s crucial to maintain your balance by keeping your body leaning slightly back and your hands up for protection. After striking, quickly retract your kicking leg and return to your original stance, prepared for the next move.

Executing a Taekwondo Side Kick

The Taekwondo side kick, or Yop Chagi, is a powerful technique used for both defense and offense. To execute a side kick, begin by standing in a fighting stance with your feet shoulder-width apart. Pivot on your front foot, turning your body sideways towards your target while keeping your kicking leg’s knee bent and pulled up towards your chest. Your heel should be pointing towards the target. Then, extend your kicking leg swiftly towards your target, striking with the heel or the side of your foot. Ensure your supporting foot’s toes are pointing away from your target to maximize power and balance. Quickly retract your kicking leg and return to your fighting stance, ready for your next move.

Executing a Taekwondo Axe Kick

The axe kick, or Naeryeo Chagi, is known for its straightforward yet effective downward force. To execute an axe kick, start with a fighting stance. Lift your kicking leg straight up in front of you, as high as possible, keeping your leg as straight as your flexibility allows. The kick’s power comes from the downward motion, so swiftly bring your leg down, aiming to strike with the heel of your foot. The target can be the head, shoulder, or guard of an opponent. It’s important to maintain your balance by leaning back slightly as you execute the kick. After striking, retract your leg quickly to regain your stance and maintain readiness for further action.

Executing a Taekwondo Back Kick

The Taekwondo back kick, or Dwi Chagi, is known for its surprise element and potent force. To perform a back kick, start from a fighting stance. Look over your shoulder to spot your target, then pivot on your front foot, rotating your body 180 degrees. Lean forward slightly, and with a quick motion, thrust your kicking leg backwards, driving your heel into the target. It’s crucial to keep your kicking leg straight and your foot pointed, ensuring the heel makes contact. After the kick, quickly bring your leg back, rotating to face your target again, and resume your fighting stance. The back kick is particularly effective for counter-attacks, exploiting an opponent’s blind spot.

Executing a Taekwondo Spinning Hook Kick

The spinning hook kick, or Huryeo Chagi, combines power and deception, making it a formidable technique. Begin in a fighting stance and initiate the move by turning your head and shoulders in the direction of the kick, followed by your hips. Execute a 180-degree spin on the ball of your support foot, lifting your kicking leg in a semi-circular motion at the same time. The goal is to hook your foot around and strike the target with the heel. Control is key—your body should be slightly leaned forward throughout the spin, and your eyes should quickly find the target after the spin to ensure accuracy. After making contact, continue the motion to bring your kicking leg down and swiftly return to your fighting stance.

Combinations

In Olympic sport Taekwondo competitions, the use of kicking combinations plays a pivotal role in securing victory. These combinations are not just about showcasing an athlete’s skill set but are a strategic element that can catch opponents off guard and create openings for scoring additional points. Effective combinations involve a mix of speed, power, and unpredictability, allowing competitors to break through their opponent’s defense or counter their attacks effectively. For instance, a well-timed series of roundhouse kicks followed by a surprise back kick can disrupt an opponent’s rhythm and score valuable points. Moreover, kicking combinations are essential for maintaining offensive pressure and controlling the pace of the match. As competitors advance in skill, mastering the art of chaining kicks seamlessly becomes a critical aspect of their training, emphasizing the importance of fluidity, precision, and adaptability in high-level Taekwondo competitions.

In conclusion, Olympic Taekwondo competition requires mastering a set of specific rules and moves. Basic techniques such as punches, kicks, blocks, and strikes are essential to master. Kicks, spinning techniques, and combination techniques are also important for Olympic competition. To be successful in Olympic competition, it’s important to practice proper technique and to consistently train and refine these moves. Please visit TKD Wellness if you’re looking to start your Olympic sport Taekwondo journey. 

Written by AI & Reviewed by Clinical Psychologist & Head Coach: Yoendry Torres, Psy.D.

Disclaimer: Please note that some blog posts may contain affiliate links and Sana Network will earn a commission if you purchase through those links at no additional cost to you. We use all of the products listed and recommend them because they are companies or products that I have found helpful and trustworthy. Our website is supported by our users.

I want to congratulate our athletes for their display of Taekwondo spirit despite of some difficult matches and for representing TKD Wellness positively at WOT Championships 2022 on March 5th and for supporting their teammates during/after every match. “This is the way.”

Also… major kudos to our amazing coaches Chris and Dion for not only training up our athletes but for their leadership and dedication to our athletes’ wellbeing.

Athletes medals:

Fletcher – Gold (Olympic Sparring)
Valeria – Gold (Olympic Sparring) & Silver (Olympic Sparring)
Angela – Gold (Olympic Sparring)
Coach Dion – Gold (Olympic Sparring)
Coach Chris – Gold (Olympic Sparring)
Jesus – Silver (Olympic Sparring)
Jesse – Gold (2020 Sparring), Gold (Olympic Sparring), Gold (Poomsae)
Colin – Bronze (Olympic Sparring)
Kawsa – Bronze (Poomsae)
Megan – Gold (2020 Sparring), Silver (Olympic Sparring)

Next up is Grand Prix West on May 6-8 in Reno, NV… it’s the qualifier for 2022 USAT Nationals!

Check out sparring highlights video

Check out poomsae highlights video

On December 18, 2021 Taekwondo Wellness held its Q4 promotion Taekwondo test in Tucson and it was a great success. A big congratulates to the following students on their rank promotion and display of effort, dedication and perseverance.  

This Taekwondo promotion test was extra special because TKD Wellness held its first ever black belt promotion test in Tucson! It was 4 hours worth of pure Taekwondo heart and spirit that each of the black belt candidates demonstrated. The black belt test not only tested their physical conditionings and technical knowledge but it also required a written essay and multiple choice/short answer exam to test their understanding of Taekwondo psychology, history, terminology, etc. It is with great honor that I welcome these black belt candidates into the black belt Taekwondo family! Welcome and let the journey to mastery and self growth continue.

Black Belt Promotion Rankings

• Christopher “Dion” Williams Jr who promoted from 1st Dan to 2nd Dan black belt
• Christopher D Williams Sr who promoted from deputy black belt to 1st Dan black belt
• Kawsa Ponnampalam who promoted from deputy black belt to 1st poom black belt
• Allen Kempel who promoted from deputy black belt to 1st poom black belt
• Mylo Baker Torres who promoted from deputy black belt to 1st poom black belt

Color Belt Promotion Rankings

• Matthew Cruz who promoted from brown belt to red belt (2nd Kub)
• Madeleine Berry who promoted from purple belt to brown belt (3rd Kub)
• Mateo Berry who promoted from orange belt to green belt (6th Kub)
• Elias Berry who promoted from orange belt to green belt (6th Kub)
• Aidan Ball who promoted from orange belt to green belt (6th Kub)
• Cristal Romero who promoted from yellow to orange belt (7th Kub)
• Angela Romero who promoted from yellow to orange belt (7th Kub)
• Valeria Romero who promoted from yellow to orange belt (7th Kub)
• Fletcher Cassen who promoted from yellow to orange belt (7th Kub)
• Sam Irish who promoted from yellow to orange belt (7th Kub)
• Sebastian Nellums who promoted from yellow to orange belt (7th Kub)
• Auburn Culp who promoted from yellow to orange belt (7th Kub)
• Everett Culp who promoted from yellow to orange belt (7th Kub)
• Gabriel Wong who promoted from yellow to orange belt (7th Kub)
• Carlos Wong who promoted from yellow to orange belt (7th Kub)
• Christopher Womack who promoted from yellow to orange belt (7th Kub)
• Jordan Duran-Lizarraga who promoted from yellow to orange belt (7th Kub)
• Kai Baker Torres who promoted from yellow to orange belt (7th Kub)
• Bethany Molina who promoted from white to yellow belt (8th Kub)
• Bonnie Boyer-Stevens who promoted from white to yellow belt (8th Kub)
• Emilia Bustamante who promoted from white to yellow belt (8th Kub)
• Gavi Al-Haddad who promoted from white to yellow belt (8th Kub)
• Issac Ripley who promoted from white to yellow belt (8th Kub)
• Isabella Bustamante who promoted from white to yellow belt (8th Kub)
• Jayden Molina who promoted from white to yellow belt (8th Kub)
• Maia Cruz who promoted from white to yellow belt (8th Kub)
• Woody Al-Haddad who promoted from white to yellow belt (8th Kub)

Want to see highlight photos & videos from the promotion test? Visit our facebook page. Hope you enjoy the photos/videos… if so, please like and share to help us recruit more students!   Much gratitude, Master Torres

Just a few more hours before 2020! Can you believe it? 

Back in August I hinted on a Facebook post at a collaborative project between TKD Wellness and Dancesequences Inc. I’m pleased to share that we’ll have Kareene and Sabrina from Dancesequences joining us for a special 8-session program starting on Saturday, Jan 11, 2020 (more details below).

The program will be a part of the Saturday kids TKD classes. Dancesequences will take the reins at 9:40am and go to about 10:15am. I’ll be joining the fun too. There will be no fee for this program and everyone (including parents) is invited to participate and move.

I’m hopeful that this program will help students get more comfortable with moving and in turn find their own expression of the “art” of Taekwondo.

Program Description

Dancesequences’ IN MOTION classes encourage individual and group movement expressions and take inspiration from the free approach to body movement pioneered by Barbara Mettler. In IN MOTION, there is no “right” or “wrong” way to move. Utilizing improvisational creative problem-solving modalities, we explore what it means to follow our own movement feelings while simultaneously cultivating awareness of the larger group. Each person learns to value individual choices; in turn, the group provides support for individual creativity. Among the themes that we will explore are Sound and Movement (with a wide variety of self-accompanied percussive instruments, vocals and spoken word), Moving with Objects (both man-made and natural items), Movement and Art (exploring the intersection between 2-dimensional art and body movement), Moving Cultures (exploring cultural themes through movement), and many, many more. We will creatively move together, discover new ways to communicate and connect with each other, and find inspiration from each other. 

Class Details

Dates: 8 Saturdays, beginning 2020

• Jan. 11, 18, 25
• Feb. 1, 8, 15, 29
• Mar. 7

Times: 9:40 am – 10: 15 am

Cost: Free

Notes: Open to TKD Wellness students, families and friends

This project is supported in part with funding from Ong Family Foundation.

Written by Yoendry Torres, Psy.D.

• Allen who promoted from purple to brown belt (3rd Kub)
• Kirk who promoted from purple to brown belt (3rd Kub)
• Mylo who promoted from green to blue belt (5th Kub)
• Chris who promoted from orange to green belt (6th Kub)
• Ben who promoted from orange to green belt (6th Kub)
• Elena who promoted from orange to green belt (6th Kub)
• Gray who promoted from orange to green belt (6th Kub)
• Lauren who promoted from yellow to orange belt (7th Kub)
• Kawsa who promoted from yellow to orange belt (7th Kub)
• Brandon who promoted from white to yellow belt (8th Kub)
• Alaina who promoted from white to yellow belt (8th Kub)
• Braydon who promoted from white to yellow belt (8th Kub)
• Odin who promoted from white to yellow belt (8th Kub)

• Kirk who promoted from blue to purple belt
• Mylo who promoted from orange to green belt
• Gray who promoted from yellow to orange belt
• Elena who promoted from yellow to orange belt
• Chris who promoted from yellow to orange belt
• Lauren who promoted from white to yellow belt
• Lena who promoted from white to yellow belt
• Rodney who promoted from white to yellow belt
• Kawsa who promoted from white to yellow belt
• Roger who promoted from white to yellow belt

• Gabriel who promoted from purple to brown belt
• Austin who promoted from orange to green belt
• Kirk who promoted from orange to green belt
• Lotus who promoted from white to yellow belt
• Mylo who promoted from white to yellow belt

• Blue who promoted from green to blue belt
• Gabriel who promoted from green to blue belt
• Gamal who promoted from white to yellow belt
• Austin who promoted from white to yellow belt
• Kirk who promoted from white to yellow belt

• Gabriel A who promoted from yellow to green belt
• Blue B who promoted from orange to green belt
• Tanner M who promoted from white to orange belt
• Ben J who promoted fromwhite to yellow belt
• Elijah C who promoted from white to yellow belt

Hello Taekwondo Family!

Its been several years since I have competed in a Taekwondo tournament but I decided mid 2017 that I would start training for poomsae competitions sponsored by USA Taekwondo. Tournaments are great fun and a tremendous opportunity for overcoming anxiety, learning sportsmanship, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

I’m excited to share that the Arizona State Taekwondo Association released the details for the 2018 Arizona State Taekwondo Championships. See tournament details below:

• Date: March 24, 2018
• Location: Washington High School, 2217 W. Glendale Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85021
• Contact: 623-875-2882, Email: aztkdworld@gmail.com
• Spectator Admission: $10 per person, 5 years old and under Free
• Competitors Register Online: www.usat.hangastar.com by March 19, 2018
• Divisions: There are many divisions for all ages to compete in such as sparring, poomsae, board breaking, team poomsae, etc.
• Price varies by the amount of divisions you compete in. See chart below:

Taekwondo Wellness students are welcomed and encouraged to attend the AZ Taekwondo Championships as either spectators or competitors in the poomsae and/or board breaking events. Students, please note that in order to compete in a USA Taekwondo sponsored tournament, competitors must pay an annual USA Taekwondo membership of $45 in addition to the event price. This is worth spending if you plan on competing in more than one tournament per year.

I will be competing in the Adult 31-40 Male Black 1st / Black 9th All (UNDER 40) Poomsae Division. Hope to see you there!

Train hard but have fun, Master Torres.