So, elsewhere,
@Bruce7 asked for more details about the school I attend and the instructor(s). I'm here to oblige!
The school is owned and operated by an 8th Dan BB, who opened it in 1986. He is still the primary instructor, assisted by another advanced BB (I'm not sure of his specific rank) and various others who occasionally lead warmups and help with colored belt practices. Our Master instructor has coached regional and national athletes and the USA team; his son, who has his own school, is a former national champion.
Now that I'm out of the beginner's class (which meets twice a week and is all ages, so it was often me and a couple of eight year olds), the schedule offers up to five classes a week: Tuesday and Wednesday nights are primarily for working on the material for various testing requirements, while Thursday nights emphasize sparring. On Saturdays there is a weekly review session and a sparring class. Black belts also have their own classes, although there are usually at least one or two in attendance on the other nights as well.
This is an ITF school affiliated with Unified ITF, and GM Hwang, Kwang Sung visits about once a year to hold trainings and workshops. He was here a few weeks before I started, so I haven't met him yet.
The instruction at the colored belt level emphasizes foundational techniques. Generally, we spend the bulk of each class working on a small number of moves, with exercises and drills aimed at improving precision and power, with speed coming later. There's a mix of individual, partnered, and bag work. Some of it is done as a class, some broken down into groups by level, with assistance and supervision from the instructors and any black belts in attendance.
Last night was my first time doing anything related to sparring, which we didn't do in the beginner class. Since this Saturday in lieu of the normal practices there will be a special sparring workshop with a visiting guest instructor and national team members, we focused on practice drills and some no-contact sparring. I need to purchase the protective gear so I can join in the real fun! Still, it was cool to practice using moves and combinations against a partner. We rotated around so I got to work with partners of different levels of experience, which is useful.
I obviously have nothing to compare it to, but I appreciate what seems to be a very thoughtful and rigorous approach to instruction, and the sense of community among students, instructors, and families. The atmosphere strikes what is, to me, a good balance between taking the work and discipline very seriously but also having a good time along the way.
So, that's what life is like around here. I'm digging it.
)
. I'm due for a break! Actually, we have these long planks of wood out the backyard that the owners left... hmmmm.......
)
