As my new grading to blue belt is soon today I started to train my poomsae. Poomsae are sets of movement and series that consist of the various fundamental stances, blocks, punches, and kicks logically arranged in a meaningful order in response to attacks from multiple imaginary assailants. This helps me to fight better in competition or in real-life situations to protect myself. I first felt that it is meaningless because I just thought it was a useless movement. However, after training my taeguk 4th Poomsae I felt that it raise my fundamental skills and calm me down before active sparring.
LO 2 CHALLENGE – Undertaken new challenges & developing new skills
What was it about this activity that I found challenging/difficult?
I started to feel my flexibility improve but I still feel that it is the biggest challenge I have. Furthermore, I think making a quick step for sparring and combat is very difficult. This is because the steps need to be quick and unpredictable rhythm.
What risks have I taken as part of this activity?
The risk that I have taken is injury mainly. Taekwondo involves a lot of injuries because we use feet and instep of foot to kick something. Therefore, toes fracture can easily occur for the beginner. Furthermore, it involves a lot of jump kicks and spins which can cause injury to ankle and knee.
What actions did I take to overcome these challenges?
A lot of practice even after the session and at home. I at least practiced additional 20 minutes after the session has ended. Furthermore, I had extra practice at home to sharpen my technique.
How will I approach a challenge like this in the future?
I would approach a challenge like this more positively because it is good to have difficulties and challenges. Challenges don’t mean that you are bad, it means that you can improve yourself further step.
What new skills have I developed in this activity?
Variety type of new taekwondo kicks and poomsae.
How did I measure my improvement?
Comment from the Taekwondo coach and visual of myself by the mirror(huge mirror is installed inside the practice room)
Why were some skills that were easier to develop than others?
Every kick, move, and practice is tough and you can’t gain anything without hard work. Therefore, every skill was tough and required hard work.
How important were the skills I developed to achieving success in this activity?
The skills I have developed are very important to achieving success in this activity because it is a fundamental skill for Taekwondo. Without good basic skills and fundamental practice, you can’t be good at Taekwondo or any type of sport.
How can I use the skills I developed in this activity in other areas of my life?
We are taught that Taekwondo isn’t a sport or martial art to harass or aggress anyone, it is to protect yourself when you’re in danger. Therefore, I can use this experience and the skills I have developed to protect myself in the future.
LO 4 COMMITMENT – Showing perseverance, resilience
How did I show perseverance, resilience and commitment in this activity?
I have shown my perseverance, resilience, and commitment in this activity by making a huge improvement with my skillset and extra practice even after the session.
How did I maintain my motivation for this activity?
I was able to maintain my motivation by the people at the same session as me. I wanted to compete against them and I wanted to improve further step.
How did I help others or how did others help me to stay committed to this activity?
I consistently encouraged the other people to put their maximum effort, and I put maximum effort for every session to motivate the other people.
What impact did my commitment or lack thereof have on the success of the activity?
My commitment has resulted in quick and huge improvement over time.