Black Belt Standards – An Examiner’s Responsibility
If the grade of Black Belt in martial arts was easy to attain and gaining it was commonplace, then it must surely stand to reason that such a Black Belt amounts to little or nothing. The wearer of such a false belt is more to be pitied Continue reading “Black Belt Standards – An Examiner’s Responsibility” »
Counter Attacking Sparring Option
Ever find yourself frustrated with your sparring when you execute a kick only to find your opponent is just that tiny bit out of range? Well, take heart as it can be a common feeling so this article looks at the advantages of counter-attacking as opposed to initiating the attack. Continue reading “Counter Attacking Sparring Option” »
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” »
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” »
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” »
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” »
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” »
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…” »
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” »
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 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” »
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” »
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