Pain in the Arse!
So… okay. Here I am again, writing about TaeKwon Do. What have I got to say this time? 4 words: Pain in the arse. 
Yes… it’s true. TaeKwon Do IS a pain in the arse. LITERALLY! NOT figuratively. Let me explain…
I had my first workout with fellow 2nd Dans in Sheboygan on Saturday morning. Mr Kevin McDaniels was kind enough (hmm… may have to rethink just HOW kind he was to come down and run us through our 2nd Dan* forms. Excellent work!
It was great to finally be able to really push through the forms and pick apart individual techniques and their applications. It’s the first reall opportunity I’ve had to do so.
I arrived at the Sheboygan dojang. Changed into my dobok. Stretched out. And, jumped into the forms workout.
We worked on Eui Am, first. Disecting it. Pulling it apart. And, really nailing down techniques.
Next up was Choong Jang. I’ve only had the opportunity to work through the first portion of it with the help of my instructor, Dr. Buttita, in Menasha. This time, we were able to get thorugh the entire form. MANY times! Also, an excellent workout.
So… now we come to the pain in my behind, Juche. No, I’m not saying it’s a bad form. Nor am I saying I can’t figure it out. So, WHY is it a pain in my behind? Try this: Pick up your leg and keep it parallel to the floor. COMPLETELY parallel. Now, rotate (pivot) 180° on your supporting leg WHILE keeping that leg parallel to the floor. Then, kick it out once more before setting it back down. Got that?! Oh, and did I mention that this ‘pivot’ with the leg up is to be done in ’slow motion’?
Okay… now… do that again about 6 or 7 times in a row. Keep that leg UP THERE and don’t rush…. slow and steady. 
Feeling that lovely pain running through those muscles?! Good…. ’nuff said.
Saturday and Sunday I was a bit sore. Today, I’m feeling better and actually looking forward to working on that form again. It’s hard work, but definitely a good workout. It’s a great demonstration of balance, technique and control. Without those things, a practioner of TaeKwonDo wouldn’t get too far.
So… now you have the story of why TaeKwonDo is a pain in the butt. I’m sure my instructors will be quite proud of me! (I should probably start looking for another school after they read this
Pilsung!
*Note: Dan means degree, or level. 2nd Dan means 2nd level of black belt. In ITF/USTF there are only 9 dans, or levels, of black belt.
