How do the athletes in taekwondo train?

Answer 1

Aside from taking regular classes, and learning the core curriculum and requirements to promote in rank and gain a solid foundation and understanding of the art, athletes train many additional hours under the guidance of a coach. The coach might be certified by a sport governing body, and might be their own Master, or one of the Black Belt Instructors or Assistant Instructors at their dojang (school).

Athletes first learn the techniques and skills used in competition, the learn the rules and regulations for what is permitted, prohibited, and used as criteria for scoring points. Some athletes focus on Poomsae (forms), while others spend more time on Gyorugi (sparring). Either way, they need the constant guidance and supervision of an experienced instructor/coach, and the indomitable spirit, perseverance, drive and will-power to train many hours every day.

Successful Taekwondo competitors work to maintain a healthy body through a proper diet, regular exercise for endurance and muscle tone, stretching for flexibility, and avoiding negative habits such as smoking, alcohol, drugs, or anything to excess or extreme that could have a negative or adverse affect on their performance or ability to participate in competitions.

The student practices individual kicks for speed, accuracy, timing, and deception. The work on kicking focus targets for speed, accuracy and control, and hit heavy bags and break boards for power, accuracy and control. The wear protective padding to avoid injury and unnecessary delays in training while sparring with partners to improve distancing, rhythm, timing, and coordination of both defensive and offensive attacks or counter-attacks. Once preliminary training is under way, one of the best methods for improving skills and gaining experience is to enter as many competitions as possible, starting with small tournaments, and working their way up to national, international and world championships.

There will likely be many losses in the early stages and along the way, but this is where the student should learn and gain valuable experience while keeping a positive attitude, and not becoming emotionally upset over being penalized, or a loss of a point, a match, or a championship. Using video is a good way to study your performance, and learn from your mistakes while focusing on what works. Videos should not be used to harp on perceived biased or poor judging, or make excuses as to why you lost. Pick yourself up, dust yourself, put a smile on your face, shake hands and bow to your opponent, the referee and the opponent's coach with earnest respect - - then go back to training with a renewed focus on improvement.