Master Frank Murphy

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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”
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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” »

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.

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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” »

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” »

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” »

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” »

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????” »

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.

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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.

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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” »

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.

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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.