The Three Faces of Taekwon-Do
Taekwon-Do may be viewed as a martial art, a sport and of course self defense. As a student of this great art I have at times confused these three faces, and my goal with this article is to highlight and differentiate all three. While the sport and competitive side of Taekwon-Do are self explanatory, many heated debates Continue reading “The Three Faces of Taekwon-Do” »
Cork 40 Years Celebrations – the Taekwon-Do warm-up starts now
Cork Celebrates 40 Years of Taekwon-Do, come and join the Party!
Remembering General Choi Hong Hi
As the sun sets on this day June 15th, 2013, let us Taekwon-Do students and instructors around the world pause to reflect the man who died on this day eleven years ago in June 2002. The founder of Taekwon-Do General Continue reading “Remembering General Choi Hong Hi” »
Finding Reasons to Continue Training
We all have reasons for doing things. Having a flat midsection, renewed energy levels and better all round physical and mental health are all strong reasons to workout. However, we also may have reasons to give up, and these “give up”
Continue reading “Finding Reasons to Continue Training” »
Boxing Basics for Taekwondo Practitioners
I’ve always considered boxing and in particular the conditioning from boxing as excellent training for all round fitness and self defense. It has made a transition from the hard core boxing gyms into the modern day fitness gymnasiums and white collar boxing clubs. Continue reading “Boxing Basics for Taekwondo Practitioners” »
A Beginner’s Guide to Taekwondo
Taekwondo, renowned for it’s dynamic kicking, as we know it today has two distinct styles. ITF (International Taekwondo Federation) which was founded by Korean General Choi Hong Hi and incorporates Patterns (Tul) which apart Continue reading “A Beginner’s Guide to Taekwondo” »
TEACHING CHILDREN TAEKWONDO – More of What you need to know
You may have heard it before, the saying, ‘Children are not “Miniature Adults”, yet many martial arts instructors fail to understand this concept. Would you ever dream of sending your child to a school where you knew that none of the teachers had undergone any form of teacher training or even had a course in child psychology and child development? Continue reading “TEACHING CHILDREN TAEKWONDO – More of What you need to know” »
Taekwondo Self Defence Techniques (Hosin Sul) Drilling Knees and Elbows
In this combination we explore those two explosive attacking tools, the knee (moorup) and the elbow (palkup). Apart from the practical value of short range techniques, it can be used for line-work in most Taekwondo classes, it is also great to include for cardio work as it works the bigger muscle groups, and can be easily done by most grades.
Continue reading “Taekwondo Self Defence Techniques (Hosin Sul) Drilling Knees and Elbows” »
The Oldest Taekwondo Combination in the Book
“The Oldest One in the Book”
This month’s Taekwondo combination is the Step In leading Leg Side Kick and follow up with a knife-hand. This is probably one of the first and most basic of all sparring combinations, we all strive to learn, nonetheless it is a formidable Continue reading “The Oldest Taekwondo Combination in the Book” »
Tailor Made Taekwondo Sparring Combinations Part 2 – Using the Axe Kick
Before we get into the axe kick, just recap on last month when we covered eight points that would benefit putting a combination together. Now we add two more. Continue reading “Tailor Made Taekwondo Sparring Combinations Part 2 – Using the Axe Kick” »
Tailor Made Combinations for Taekwondo Sparring Part 1
One of the most interesting aspects of Taekwondo training is putting together a combination of kicks and punches using some of our favourite techniques and more importantly ones that are tailor made for ourselves. We know from our Continue reading “Tailor Made Combinations for Taekwondo Sparring Part 1” »
Taekwondo and Sparring the Inner Opponent
One of the best selling self help books of all time has to be: “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey. With 25 million copies sold and translated into 38 languages it makes an easy recommendation. Based on many years of success literature as part of his doctoral studies, it was first published in the USA in 1989. Elegantly written and containing trans-generational gems of profound wisdom, to my mind, has outlasted many of the current wave of new age publications. It’s important because it follows closely the dogma of the great Continue reading “Taekwondo and Sparring the Inner Opponent” »
Why Flexibility Training is Important for Taekwondo & Health
Every fitness book will tell you that it is vital to stretch regularly to maintain flexibility and aid muscle recuperation throughout your life. They are all right. I took awhile to heed this great advice, I needed stronger reasons Continue reading “Why Flexibility Training is Important for Taekwondo & Health” »
Getting Girls and Women to Practice Taekwondo
I have no doubts most genuine, caring, instructor can see the value of teaching young members of our society lessons, both physically and mentally, through the martial arts. But are we reaching out to all children, or are there some Continue reading “Getting Girls and Women to Practice Taekwondo” »
Is it a Myth? Now that I’m over 40, My Metabolism is Slowing Down….
Does Metabolism change after Age 40?
Many of us believe in this myth that once we reach age 40 our metabolism dramatically slows down and we helplessly pile on the weight. Well the good news is Continue reading “Is it a Myth? Now that I’m over 40, My Metabolism is Slowing Down….” »
Pushing Through Barriers in Taekwondo Training
Strong reasons to keep up training, over many years, takes an above average mindset. Black Belt and beyond is a plateaux reserved for those of us who value a fit, strong body and an open mind on what is possible with further advanced Continue reading “Pushing Through Barriers in Taekwondo Training” »
Boxing Mindset for Taekwondo Sparring
Boxing for actual sparring is a serious workout. Unlike the cardio type of exercise, this is a slightly different mind set. It has elements of grace and beauty and well as elements of hardcore training Continue reading “Boxing Mindset for Taekwondo Sparring” »
Why do You Teach Taekwondo to Children?
Have you ever asked yourself the question, ‘Why do I teach children?’ Answer the question carefully, because if it is not in your heart or disposition to teach kids, then you shouldn’t be doing it at all… Have you ever sat back and reflected, ‘What do I teach and how am I teaching? Are the children actually learning something valuable? Martial arts is a Continue reading “Why do You Teach Taekwondo to Children?” »
Is Your Taekwondo Curriculum Suitable for Children?
Traditional martial arts training like Taekwondo is typically looked upon as being very disciplined, so instructors tend to be strict, with a focus on skill development. There is a high element of hierarchy and therefore you would never speak unless spoken to or be allowed to question. The style of teaching is purely didactic, children are expected to obey in silence. Generally, Continue reading “Is Your Taekwondo Curriculum Suitable for Children?” »
Taekwondo Training with Goals and Passion
Since the day I first saw Bruce Lee flash across the screen, I was hooked on everything martial, particularly Taekwondo, as my passion for it developed and consumed my life. Now before I suggest that we all start running out to buy rash guards and the latest MMA must-haves, I am speaking from a personal perspective of passion for Continue reading “Taekwondo Training with Goals and Passion” »
Weight Training for Taekwondo and Fitness
AN INTRODUCTION TO RESISTANCE AND WEIGHT TRAINING
Strength or Weight training, sometimes known as Resistance training, will enhance boxing martial arts and fitness. Even the high kicking art of Taekwondo will benefit, as research has shown when resistance and flexibility training are combined, flexibility actually increases. Continue reading “Weight Training for Taekwondo and Fitness” »
Coming of Age in your Taekwondo Training
Many of us think of ‘Coming of Age’ as turning 18 or 21. While this is known to be true for young adults as a milestone in life’s journey, a similar occurrence takes place for those who practise the martial arts journey long term. To me, coming of age in your martial arts training, takes place around age 40, plus or minus a few years, depending on the individual. Continue reading “Coming of Age in your Taekwondo Training” »
Sparring the Taekwondo Ego
Allow me to transport you dear reader, back to when my parents gave me a pair of Boxing gloves in October 1965 for my tenth birthday. I wore them all the time and tested my skills on my younger, terrified brother. Continue reading “Sparring the Taekwondo Ego” »
Kids Taekwondo – Getting Fun and Enjoyment in Your Classes
From personal experience, one of the key reasons any student will continue to do the activity of martial arts is because they enjoy it and have fun, particularly children. The key is to get a balance of fun and skill learning in your classes and Continue reading “Kids Taekwondo – Getting Fun and Enjoyment in Your Classes” »
Getting Serious About Taekwondo Training…
I was inspired reading the autobiography of one of the world’s greatest dancers Michael Flatley, about when he really decided to make dancing his life’s endeavour, how his training regime was seriously upgraded… Continue reading “Getting Serious About Taekwondo Training…” »
Children’s Taekwondo Classes – Some Important Ideas
For those of us that have run children’s classes long term, we may have seen a drop in the age 7 – 11 group and teenagers recruitment over time and are quick to blame ‘competition’ (what many instructors consider other martial arts clubs in the vicinity) or ‘recession’ (people simply have no money!). Continue reading “Children’s Taekwondo Classes – Some Important Ideas” »
THE MEANING OF TAEKWONDO BLACK BELT IN 2012
So many students will enrol this January with the goal and the burning desire to become a Taekwondo Black Belt, and some will be willing to go through the hardship and discipline to be a really great one. With modern scientific training methods, the potential is there for the black belt standard Continue reading “THE MEANING OF TAEKWONDO BLACK BELT IN 2012” »
Teaching Children Martial Arts in the New Millenium
BUDO BLACKBELT MAGAZINE, No. 24, December
Today a number of alternative views abound on teaching children – many successful ideas have been explored, for example interactive-homework based programmes, specifically designed to bridge the Martial Arts history lesson. Continue reading “Teaching Children Martial Arts in the New Millenium” »
Teaching Children – What you Need to Know
BUDO BLACKBELT UK Magazine, No. 36, Dec 2003
This article is about physical aspects that should be taken into consideration when teaching children martial arts and emphasizes why an adult training regime is not suitable for a young child. Continue reading “Teaching Children – What you Need to Know” »
An Original Taekwondo Pioneer – Master Ted Hopwood
Frank Murphy on one of the original ITF Taekwondo Pioneers in the UK – Master Ted Hopwod 8th Dan.
For most of us, the results of some hard training, while for the most part are beneficial there are times when some injury or stiff joints, or general physical and mental fatigue may give some cause to complain. Continue reading “An Original Taekwondo Pioneer – Master Ted Hopwood” »
Does the Style of Martial Art You Practice Really Matter?
I recently wrote the following paragraph at the start of a book. I share it here as it leads into the opening of this blog…
“I began my study of the martial arts after an assault by a gang of thugs in 1974. The beating hurt more psychologically than physically, and for a long time afterwards, revenge was my prime motivation to take up martial arts training. The Bruce Lee craze was in full swing and I began training in Boxing and Taekwondo in June of 1974. It really did not matter to me that the style was called Taekwondo, I could just as easily have walked into Judo or a Karate club.
Continue reading “Does the Style of Martial Art You Practice Really Matter?” »
Taekwondo Training and Challenges
This article was taken form the first edition of Frank Murphy’s Masterclass Newsletter. I hope you enjoyed looking at the website and that you found something of interest, whether it was an article or simply an old photo that held some good memories. Regardless of the type of training you are involved in,my goal is to keep you motivated with your training (or teaching/coaching if you Continue reading “Taekwondo Training and Challenges” »
Chasing the Elusive Six Pack
At this stage of my career, I feel priviledged to be still very actively involved in training, particularly with my latest project Kaizendo Fitness, a training programme I developed over the last 10 years, to facilitate both the needs of the fitness enthusiast and the adult martial artist. A personal goal of mine, now at the age of 56 is to chase down the elusive six pack, although I would settle for four. Continue reading “Chasing the Elusive Six Pack” »
Taekwondo Ego …….!!!!!!! Who Me????
We all know the best part of the martial arts journey, is the training. That addictive buzz when your energy is running through you, you’re in peak shape and the confidence levels soar. I was coach once at a Clash of the Titans event, one of the UK’s prestigious competitions, Continue reading “Taekwondo Ego …….!!!!!!! Who Me????” »
Taekwondo Training – Using Focus Pads
Nothing feels as good as a decent kick/punch combination to a properly held piece of training equipment. While a punch bag or a wavemaster (stationary punching equipment) can develop the basic techniques, the advantage of hand held focus pads is that the holder can simulate the movement of an opponent more realistically by moving in close proximity to enhance range and develop accuracy. Continue reading “Taekwondo Training – Using Focus Pads” »
Taekwondo Training – Using Paddle Pads
Murphy’s Masterclass - Using Paddle Pads
This month we look at the paddle target pad. While the paddle pad is not strictly a focus pad, it still is a very valuable and important piece of equipment. The story behind the paddle is that a group of Korean Taekwondo experts who were looking to warm up prior to an exhibition held a martial arts shoe by the heel and held it so that the wider top end of the shoe could act as a target. Continue reading “Taekwondo Training – Using Paddle Pads” »
Frank Murphy takes Centre Stage
MARTIAL ARTS ILLUSTRATED MAGAZINE, February 2004, Vol. 16, No. 9, p.141 – 145
Frank Murphy Takes Centre Stage
This article introduces Frank Murphy’s ability as a public speaker and how he made appearances at events such as at David Lowe’s College of Martial Arts and MAIA’s (Martial Arts Industry Association) conference in Las Vegas. As this interview was carried out straight after a breathtaking Clash of the Titans in 2004, Frank Murphy was asked his opinion and analysis on the refereeing at this event. It then progresses onto questions about his new project Kaizendo, what it is all about, and why he in particular, as a Taekwondo Master has decided to develop the Kaizendo system.
Taekwondo Training – How to Stay on Track
When we as Taekwondo practitioners are on form with our training, when we go for months on schedule without interruption and the endorphins bring an addictive ‘feel good’ factor, it strengthens our involvement and commitment to physical training. It is rewarding to see, feel and measure our progress no matter how minimal, when our training is going well. While I run the risk of preaching to the converted here, expounding the virtues of regular training, we may well be hard to live with when our training schedules are interrupted. I will be first to admit that when my training is interrupted my self control comes under pressure and is tested.
Continue reading “Taekwondo Training – How to Stay on Track” »
How to do Cardio Kickboxing – Part 2
MARTIAL ARTS ILLUSTRATED February 2001, Vol.13, No.9, p.63-66
This is part two of an article aimed at the instructor who wishes to introduce to his/her martial arts classes martial arts to music such as an aerobic style of kickboxing programme. Previously we covered a number of points related to safety as well as preparation before you start the class. Continue reading “How to do Cardio Kickboxing – Part 2” »
How to do Cardio Kickboxing – Part 1
MARTIAL ARTS ILLUSTRATED, January 2001, Vol.13, No.8, p.122 – 125
This article is written for martial arts instructors interested in teaching martial arts to music, e.g. cardio kickboxing, as part of their portfolio of classes. It includes some tips to help improve your classes and explain why these type of classes are a fantastic addition to your school.
The Strength Behind the Taekwondo Master
MARTIAL ARTS ILLUSTRATED December 1999, Vol.12, No.7, p.122 – 126
This article is about Catarina Murphy, wife of Frank Murphy and how she became involved in Taekwondo and eventually as a full time professional Martial Arts Instructor. It takes you through her initial days of training with the T.A.G.B.(Taekwondo Association of Great Britain), then the G.T.I. (Global Taekwondo International) and her influences as a young Teakwondo student which included the likes of Tony Sewell, Shabir Akthar, Kim Stones and Geoff Thompson. Continue reading “The Strength Behind the Taekwondo Master” »
GTI Chairman Frank Murphy Addicted to Taekwondo
TAEKWONDO & KOREAN MARTIAL ARTS, Vol.2, Issue 5, June 1997, p.34 – 41.
Frank Murphy Interview – No Cure For Me – GTI’s Chairman, Frank Murphy tells us how he became addicted to Taekwondo. Continue reading “GTI Chairman Frank Murphy Addicted to Taekwondo” »
Taekwondo Breaking Techniques
MARTIAL ARTS ILLUSTRATED MAGAZINE, March 2000, Vol.12, No.10.
Frank Murphy’s Masterclass on Breaking, materials used, equipment and the training involved. This is a practice which is typical of many martial arts such as Karate and Taekwondo, and many of us are fascinated when we watch a demonstration of bricks and tiles being smashed into smithereens! But a small warning, with the understanding of Sports Science, it is now advisable to avoid such practice as it may cause arthritis in some individuals at a later stage in their lives. It should definitely be avoided by children as it will affect the growth and development of their bones.
Taekwondo Sparring for Beginners
MARTIAL ARTS ILLUSTRATED MAGAZINE, November 2000, Vol.13, No.6, p.47 – 49.
If you read this article…
You will help the martial arts industry to grow by helping newcomers, ease into the contact side of martial arts. If they have trained regularly and just about to purchase the sparring equipment, you really want to avoid them dropping out. This article could also be called Sparring too much too soon, one of the main reasons for a high rate of student drop out. Continue reading “Taekwondo Sparring for Beginners” »
Taekwondo Training using Kickshields and Airshields
MARTIAL ARTS ILLUSTRATED MAGAZINE, December 2003, Vol.16, No.7, p.108 -109.
In this article, Frank Murphy’s Masterclass goes into detail about the use of larger equipment in the training dojo such as airshields and kickshields. He writes about how to hold the equipment safely and get the best results for the different types of kicks, which mainly apply to Taekwondo, Kickboxing or any kicking within the martial arts. Continue reading “Taekwondo Training using Kickshields and Airshields” »
Can you say one martial art is better than another?
All martial arts regardless of style are beneficial. But the skills and benefits will always and forever vary from art to art and person to person. Every student should respect other martial arts, because everyone is different, and no one size fits all. With fighting arts, it’s so easy to fall into the trap of comparing strengths. Remarks such as “We’re stronger” or saying “We’re more effective’’ are like saying Rugby is better than Soccer.
Taekwondo Club – Using Record Cards
Record cards are a very important tool in your school, especially when you are teaching children and dealing with parents. They give details of the students attendances, when they graded last, perhaps some comments related to the individual, when they were tagged last so at a glance the instructor and the student can monitor their progress. In this way, when little Johnny’s mum questions you why her child isn’t grading or achieving something in particular, you can pull out the attendance card which will clearly indicate lack of attendance etc to back up your argument. Continue reading “Taekwondo Club – Using Record Cards” »
Taekwondo Parent – Instructor – Student Triangle
Many instructors sometimes wish that they could eliminate the parent from the equation when it comes to teaching children because they ask awkward questions such as:
‘Why isn’t Johnny grading?’
‘Can you improve my child’s discipline?’ Continue reading “Taekwondo Parent – Instructor – Student Triangle” »
Taekwondo Instructor – Meeting the Concerns of Parents
I can safely say that most parents who visit Taekwondo schools are under the impression that it is simply about kicking and punching, and all they care about is whether the child is actually enjoying the activity. That level of understanding was borne out of the movies and a lack on the industry’s behalf to educate parents about the benefits the martial arts can have as an educational dimension for children. Continue reading “Taekwondo Instructor – Meeting the Concerns of Parents” »
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