Lynne
Master of Arts
I want to thank everyone who gave me advice and tips on board-breaking, sparring and forms. I took your advice to heart when I attended our school's board-breaking clinic as well as when I started sparring and sparring classes.
I entered my first competition this weekend and won first place in board-breaking and second place in sparring. I didn't place in forms as I'd bitten off a bit too much there with a Chil-Sung (Dan) form - it was going well until I flubbed the middle knife blocks. But, thanks to everyone's advice, I had the courage to try and perform a complicated form for my level (8th gup). Also, we had eight competitors and all but one person competed in forms.
As far as the board-breaking, I'm certain that the fact that I did not take practice aims impressed the judges. All I did was place my elbow, heel, or part of hand where I wanted to hit the board - I wanted to get a feel for the correct area of my hand, etc., so I wouldn't hit my funny bone or whatever. I don't suppose that's aiming? Then, I just went for it. Kaboom, kaboom, kaboom!
Also, I broke two boards with an elbow strike. I would have tried three, but I couldn't even break one at home for some reason, so I thought I'd better do what I had done before (at the clinic). I only used one board for the hammer strike and one for the inside/outside kick. I probably could have used two but I wasn't sure. Maybe next time!
Anyway, I want you to know, your advice was very helpful and thanks again.
Lynne
I entered my first competition this weekend and won first place in board-breaking and second place in sparring. I didn't place in forms as I'd bitten off a bit too much there with a Chil-Sung (Dan) form - it was going well until I flubbed the middle knife blocks. But, thanks to everyone's advice, I had the courage to try and perform a complicated form for my level (8th gup). Also, we had eight competitors and all but one person competed in forms.
As far as the board-breaking, I'm certain that the fact that I did not take practice aims impressed the judges. All I did was place my elbow, heel, or part of hand where I wanted to hit the board - I wanted to get a feel for the correct area of my hand, etc., so I wouldn't hit my funny bone or whatever. I don't suppose that's aiming? Then, I just went for it. Kaboom, kaboom, kaboom!

Anyway, I want you to know, your advice was very helpful and thanks again.
Lynne