Master B's Web log

F alse E xpectations A ppearing R eal In my opinion your mind is a great asset or liability in martial arts training and combat.  How many times have we doubted ourselves when we truly had all the tools to take care of business but not the confidence to follow through.  I have had tournament experiences where I was psyched out and I know I was the better martial artist and times when I was bouncing in the nightclub and instinct took over and the battle was actually won before the first punch was thrown because of my level of confidence. Training your mind to kick into gear is a multi pronged approach. Visualize the victory assume it will go just as you plan Be mad that someone would not treat you respectfully Don't be compassionate- some people deserve a beating. The "woofing" that is going on should be like listening in a different language.  The words have no meaning. Don't let the gesturing/physical intimidation get to you.  If they get too clos...

 Power Control - Him Jo Jeol.   (Him    Joe Juul) One concept that takes many years to perfect is the concept of focusing power in a technique. Too many times we have told our students, snap your punch, thrust your kick or lock your stance.  What we really want to see them do is focus their power at the right time in the movement.  Whether it is a static move like a punch in Keecho hyung or a side kick in Basai so we know many of these techniques lack power. Using the 8 key concept shin chook.  Shin 신 Chook 적 (Expand/Contract or Relax/Tense).  Shin Chook is one of the most used concepts when we examine the development of powerful technique. Without the speedy relaxation in the movement we cannot sufficiently place power at the end of the movement.  Try being stiff and hard too soon will only impede the energy to be released on impact.