Winter 1993 Newsletter - News 4

This is a special issue to outline our upcoming Interschool Tournament

On December 4th we will be hosting an Interschool tournament at the Marion school. Actually, we have two events scheduled for the same day, namely promotion test and tournament. With few exceptions, all students are expected to participate in the tournament. To improve organization and reduce confusion we have divided the tournament schedule into two sessions. The first session will take place at 2 p.m. and will involve beginners (white to green belts). The second session will be held at 5 p.m. and will be reserved for advanced ranks (blue-tip and up). Regardless of rank, students (and guests) are welcome to attend at any time. As this is our Annual Interschool Tournament, the atmosphere will be friendly and we expect to have a good time. This is a great opportunity especially for students that haven’t had tournament experience. The proximity of the location and participation of affiliated schools provide a rare occasion for all involved.

This past October 9th the following students attended Song’s Invitational Tournament in Belleville, Illinois: Ryan Green (1st form, 3rd sparring), James Runge (3rd sparring), Woody Scruggs (3rd breaking, 3rd sparring), Chris Bickers (3rd form, 3rd sparring), Joey Brent (1st form, 2nd sparring), and Preston Brent (2nd sparring). Congratulations to all competitors!! On the same day many other students participated in a demonstration that took place at Illinois Centre Mall. Thanks to all who took part in the event!!

Train hard and the rewards will be manifold!

Alan J. Weston, Ph.D.

The following is our current schedule:

Upcoming Events & Holiday Schedule:

Beginners

Interschool Tournament

Tournament events will be forms, breaking, and free sparring. Tournament participation will require $25 for two events and an additional $5 for a third event. Boards for breaking competition will be provided on site at a cost of $1 per board. Spectators will be admitted free of charge.

We expect to award medals for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places in forms and breaking; while two 3rd place medals will be awarded in free sparring competition.

According to tournament judging criteria, competitors should concentrate on a few important aspects during practice.

Form (Hyung/Poomse)

Forms competition is judged according to some ground rules as well as a few subjective elements. The following tips will assist students in covering the basics:

 Start and end at same spot

 Proper stances -- size and leg attributes

 Focus and turn head prior to next movement

 Smoothness -- do not drop hands during transitions between movements, bend knees and keep head level

 Loud kihap at appropriate time

 Slow down

 Hold last position prior to Koo Maan

In addition, forms are evaluated according to the enthusiasm or realism, which is exhibited during execution.

Sparring (Gyoroogi /Ja You Dae Ryun)

In Free Sparring competition legal targets include the abdominal and chest areas as well as the head. Punching will not be permitted to the head. Competitors will be required to wear appropriate gear including groin supporters, shin-instep guards, headgear and chest protectors. Points will only be counted for techniques, which are executed with control and clearly delivered. We will observe two-minute rounds wherein the highest score or first competitor to get 3 points wins. The following should be observed at all times:

 Use control

 Strike appropriate targets (i.e., back and below waist don't count)

 Don't turn your back and keep eyes on opponent

 Use combinations and counter-attacks

 Use stance shifts to setup attacks and counter-attacks

 Be patient and use timing

 Stay within the designated ring area

In order to free spar effectively, emphasis must be placed on appropriate counter-attacking techniques. All too often techniques are employed that are not suitable to the attack in progress. Students develop personal styles while practicing free sparring, but often fail to assess the techniques being used. We practice counter-attacks in a systematic fashion so that students may employ the techniques accordingly.

Breaking (Kyukpa)

Breaking competition requires students to develop sufficient power and penetration in order to be successful. A clean break using a technique at one's level of difficulty is more appropriate than an improperly executed advanced technique. Competitors will be limited to breaking at most 3 boards with any techniques. Competitors will be limited to two techniques. This makes the following combinations possible:

• 1 technique – 1 board
• 1 technique – 2 boards
• 1 technique – 3 boards
• 1st technique – 1 board / 2nd technique – 1 board
• 1st technique – 1 board / 2nd technique – 2 boards
• 1st technique – 2 boards / 2nd technique – 1 board

Keep in mind the following:

 Use a technique with which you are familiar and that you have practiced.

 Use focus and concentration.

 Breathe properly and use a kihap to maximize power.

 Break the first time! First time breaks score higher than second time ones, even if the level of difficulty is higher (with rare exceptions).

Quote of the Season:

“None but the well-bred man knows how to confess a fault, or acknowledge himself in error.”

Benjamin Franklin