November 07, 2008
Issue: 6 of TkdTimes. The Free eZine of The Taekwondo Network. To help me make this newsletter as helpful and relevant as possible, I would enjoy your feedback. Simply email me your comments to TkdTimes@Taekwondo-Network.com. I really appreciate it when you contact me directly.
If you enjoy TkdTimes, please email this copy to a friend. You can help me spread the joy of tae kwon do around the world. The more of us who walk the path, the greater the journey.
Oh, if you need the link to the free clip art page again, here it is and thank you for signing up for the eZine.Free Clip ArtI'll get around to adding more of the images I've collected soon.
Martial Arts Injury
Are You Suffering? Do You Know Why?
Martial arts injury, yes I've coined a new phrase. One that more and more doctors are beginning to hear. Let's face it, when you study the world's most popular martial art word does get around.The injuries frequently sustained in martial arts training are very similar to those that boxers suffer. Boxers and Martial Artists train on a hard floor and a rubber matte. We both move and shift laterally imposing the same stresses on knees and hips. While boxers wear foot support, we are more often barefoot leading to ankle stress and sprains. We may both use running and jumping rope to enhance our abilities. Boxers have the edge on the number of punches they throw, but martial artists too spend plenty of time punching targets and shadow boxing which has obvious impact on hands, wrists and shoulders.
All martial artists run the risk of injury ranging from minor aches, pains and strains to much more serious sprains, tears and breaks. I hate to see new enthusiasts suffer an injury that forces them to stop training before they've even really begun. And it breaks my heart to see a long-time dedicated martial artist sidelined with a permanent injury that keeps them from forever practicing the art they love in the same way again.
Can You Avoid Martial Arts Injury?
Need you ask? You know I've brought the topic up for a reason. As someone who has suffered her share of injuries directly related to training, I want to know how to avoid injury and I want to share with you what I've learned.An internet buddy of mine who studies tae kwon do is also a Certified Personal Trainer. Deb Russell is a 3rd Dan Black Belt and has written an article recently for the Brotherhood of Martial Arts of which she is a member.
Lucky for all of us, she has given me permission to reproduce the article at Taekwondo-Network.
Martial Arts Train Without Pain will give you insight on how to avoid injury in the first place before you need to inquire on how to treat a particular injury.
TKDspace.com
At TKDspace, we currently have over 1300 members with more joining every week. If you haven't already taken me up on the invitation, why not visit TKDspace and claim your free page. It's on me.Use this invite link to join TKDspace.com for free. Invite
Make your own profile page, look through the forums, join a group and get involved. It's a lot of fun.
Check out my profile here: Profile
There are many community websites that cater to martial arts. MartialArtsFriends.com is another nice group of artists who enjoy helping their peers. To check them out just click this link:MAF
Check out my profile here and join the TKDspace group: Profile
What's Happening at
The Taekwondo Network?
Many of you enjoy polls and the choices have been coming in regularly.Have you taken the Best Style Poll yet? Well why not?
Lots of visitors to The Taekwondo Network take the time to share their style.
You can take the poll now by visiting the tae kwon do styles page and make yourself heard.
Here are the current standings:
WTF 30.8%
ITF 20.9%
ATA 13.2%
ITA 4.4%
Tang soo do 2.2%
Moo duk kwan 5.5%
Oh do kwan 7.7%
Chung do kwan 8.8%
Other 6.6%
Some of the "other" submitted are Saikang, Chin Mu Kwan and American Kyuki-Do.
Your Feedback
Because this particular questions has to do with this month's topic of martial arts injury, I want to share with you what Manuel asked me earlier this month.Manny wrote: Hi I'm in South Africa doing taekwondo which I just started but am really enjoying it. I would like your help in how to help me with my kicking techniques as I am struggling in my hip area to reach higher targets? Any tips or training programs would be greatly appreciated. kam su mi dan
My response: Thanks for contacting me.
The key to reaching higher kicks is flexibility. The greater your leg flexibility, the higher your kick and higher the target you can reach.
I do simple leg splits to the front and both left and right sides to increase my flexibility. If you stretch everyday without over-doing it, you will see a great increase in your kicking ability in no time.
Regards,
Kalynn
You'll see why this question was timely when you go to the site and read "Martial Arts Train Without Pain" by Deb Russell. Thanks for the timely question Manny. I love it when we share information and opinions. So I have created an area on Taekwondo-Network where you can share your questions or comments with all visitors. Please visit Your Feedback and leave your story for everyone to comment on and learn from.
Okay, that's the end of this fifth edition of TkdTimes. I hope you've enjoyed it and found some useful information as well. Please share TkdTimes with your friends in martial arts. I want to reach as many martial arts enthusiasts as I can. We are a strong community with a great deal to share together. As always...
"To achieve great things, two things are needed; a plan, and not quite enough time." Leonard Bernstein
There's never enough time so all you need is the plan.
Kam sa ham ni dah,
Kalynn