Brain Work

So what I want to know is why I can work on 3-step sparring on one day--and really have all those moves down--and the next day . . . I've completely forgotten all but White Belt #1 and #2.

Actually, I don't think I want to know why this happens. I just want to improve my memory--at least of the movements I need to know for martial arts.

That's the main reason I want to add one more TKD workout a week: for more repetition and better memorization!

This week I worked out with Brian on Monday morning. We found an empty squash court in the Racquet Center here at the college and went through all our forms, from Palgwe 5 on down, our kihaps echoing off the walls. Then we practiced step sparring. I think I have the White and Yellow Belt step sparring memorized now.

For those of you who aren't martial artists, step sparring is prescribed movements of self-defense. This is what white belt #1 looks like. (Brian and Brian were my models!) See how Brian A on the left blocks the punch and punches back--first to the stomach, then to the face . . .






Crazy, isn't it?

"I think I need to write these down," I said to Brian after we finished.

"Didn't I give you a copy? I can get you one," he offered.

"No. I have a copy. I need to actually write them down. It'll help me remember them," I told him.


OK. I did it. But maybe I better continue with those extra workouts, too!