Tang Soo Do Focus

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do FocusImposter Syndrome is the feeling of being a fraud or fake when it comes to our accomplishments.  This feeling can be present in our Tang Soo Do training as well. We need to have self confidence without being arrogant and manage the feelings of being an imposter.  This episode examines these feelings and more.

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do FocusThe idea of being smooth in our Tang Soo Do practice is a sign of higher level training. No one ever said-" Thay would be better if you were a bit more erratic, choopy and robotic in your movements".  Smooth techniques use less energy, create more power and look better when performed.  If Tang Soo Do is ultimately about balance, then Smoothness- is an outward manifestation of our quest.

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do FocusWe live in a Three dimensional world. Placing our techniques correctly requires us to be aware of the X, Y and Z axis of our physical space.  Up and down, Left to right, and in or out placement of a kick or strike can mean the difference between a broken board or a broken hand.  This episode looks into this topic and how we can improve our placement of all of our techniques.

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do FocusMaster Kristin Duethorn has been practicing Tanag Soo Do since the mid 1990s.She is an accomplished competitor and owner of Quest Martial Arts in Thompson , CT.  She has completed internationally and has promoted many masters of her own.  Master Duethorn focuses on character development before all other things and the results have been impressive.  I am happy to present this interview with my friend Master Duetorn.

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do FocusAt tournaments a very important part tof Tang Soo Do is the role of the Center Judge.  The "Center" leads the other judges, Ring coordinator and timekeeper and is responsible for the safety and welfare of the competitors.  Doing a good job as Center Judge can mean the difference between a good experience or one that leaves a bad taste in the mouth of parents, spectators and competitors.  The "Center" also owes a good performance to the tournament organizer and promoter.  This episode delves deeply into the role of Center Judging in our martial art.

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do FocusThis episode concerns the use of writing and journaling to improve our practice.Writing can be used to set goals, record achievments, assist in memorization, sharing our knowledge and giving us peace of mind.  This article was inspired in equal parts by the teachings of O-Sensei Phil Porter and an article by Emily Ronay Johnston.  See how writing it down can make your Tang Soo Do journey a more successful and satisfying one.Writing: The hobby that can rewire your brain and help you build resilience  by Emily Ronay Johnston-Jan 1, 2026https://www.the-independent.com/life-style/health-and-families/writing-letter-books-mental-health-benefits-b2893335.html

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do FocusSelf discipline is often cited as one of the main benefits and reasons that people train in martial arts. The self discipline developed through training impacts other aspects of our lives such as our professional and financial success.  This episode looks at two articles that talk about career and financial success and I draw connections to our training in Tang Soo Do.

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do FocusThis episode will cover five reasons that may prevent you from getting classes in throughout the year.  When actually being in the dojang is the best way to improve, we must examine the pitfalls in our daily lives that keep us off the floor.

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do FocusThe most common weapon or training tool in Tang Soo Do is the staff.This episode explores the use and purposes of staff forms and exercises in Tang Soo Do.

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do FocusMany articles have been written about ways to delay or offset the effects of aging.  This episode highlights ten ways practicing Tang Soo Do can help defeat aging.

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do FocusPaying attention to your surroundings in any situation is an important skill to practice.  When we are out at a club, restaurant, or shopping spree we should always project confidence and be aware of our surroundings and the people around us.  In our Tang Soo Do training, Situational Awareness is important to avoid collisions with other students and even weapons that being trained used in class.  This episode examines the ways in which we can be safer and extend that safety to those around us by paying attention to our surroundings.

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do FocusMany activities from baseball to ballroom dancing have rules of etiquette that are passed on by word of mouth or in person.  Tang Soo Do has many such traditions that are good to know for beginners and important for more senior students to pass on to their juniors.  This episode details 15 specific rules of good manners that may be written down in a training manual but are better imparted by spoken word.

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do FocusTraining in Tang Soo Do often involves injuries at some point.  The back and knees seem to be the most common areas impacted.  This episode gives some advice on how to prevent injury and deal with it when it becomes a reality.

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do FocusThough the words waiting and hesitation are often used interchangeably, there are differences in their meaning.  In this sepisode we investigate the differences and discuss why hesitation is usually a more negative behavior than waiting. As always the two terms a re applied to our training in Tang Soo Do for our benefit.

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do FocusThis 45 minute episode has Masters Stickel and Patarini discussing their long relationship n Tang Soo Do training. Master Stickel has been training since childhood and has been a full time instructor at Middlesex Tang Soo Do for over 20 years. This interview tells the story of his TSD journey and highlights moments such as Dan and Ko Dan Ja testing.Enjoy this episode as two old friends share stories of their experiences from over 50 years of combined training in Tang Soo Do.

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do FocusWe all would agree that Tang Soo Do is fun, but why is it so much fun?  Catherine Price has studied fun and has a TED talk with over 2.5 million views detailing her findings.  She suggests that fun is composed of a sense of playfulness, a sense of connection, and being engaged in a flow state during an activity.  This episode examines how Tang Soo Do ticks off all three of these requirements and results in the fun experience of training in our martial art. Here is link to Ms. Price's TED talk if you want to know more about "fun".https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMBJrvEwv8s&t=614s&pp=ygUPY2F0aGVyaW5lIHByaWNl

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do FocusTang Soo Do has a history of incorporating other martial arts styles into our practice.  Founder Hwang Kee himself studied several Chinese and Japanese styles before creating what we know as Tang Soo Do.  As a primarily striking art it may be beneficial for us to study other complimentary styles to improve our overall martial abilities. 

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do FocusI am pleased to share my first international interview with a Tang Soo Do instructor, Master Angus Rogers of Wales.  Gus is a listener of this podcast and reached out to me to share his experiences working with autistic students as well as describe his new book on self defense: "Recipes do not make a delicious meal".  Like many of us, Gus trained for some years, stopped for a period of time, then returned to Tang Soo Do with an even greater committment to his training, eventually earning many honors and recognitions.  Please enjoy the interview and check out Angus Rogers' school website:           Heads of the Valley" Tang Soo Do https://www.hovtsd.com/.   Also Master Rogers has an extensive Youtube channel:    https://www.youtube.com/@HOVTangSooDo.  This is a direct link to purchase his new book on self defense:  https://www.hovtsd.com/product-page/recipes-do-not-make-delicious-meals-bookThanks again to Master Rogers for seeking me out and sharing his time with Tang Soo Do Focus.

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do FocusThe question of whether folks who train in Tang Soo Do ought to be held to a higher standard of behavior and ethics is covered in this episode.  As we recite the creed and practice the philosophy of TSD in our daily lives, we should try to strive to be better people with higher character.  Sadly not all instructors and practitioners are of higher character and we see it in other arenas as well such as teachers, police, religious and other social leaders.  This discussion hopefully will reinforce the imperative that we follow the words and spirit of the TSD creed and try to "bring out the best in myself and others".

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do FocusThis episode looks at the role of weapons training an dforms in Tang Soo Do.  Using training aids such as staffs, edged weapons, and  other tools can add to our portfolio of abilities and allow us to compete.  This is the first episode delving into the use of weapons and hopefully the first of many.

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do FocusAs we are now in the thick of tournament season I wanted to re-release this episode highlighting ten ways to improve your tournament preparation. Hopefully some of these suggestions will allow you or your students to perform better on the big day

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do FocusIn this episode KJN Master Steve Voelker helps us to understand internal and external forms and types of breath.  Often referred to a Weigun and Neigun these differences are the focus of advanced students of Tang Soo Do and help us find the balance in our training.  

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do FocusMore excerpts from my unfinished book "A few thoughts on Tang Soo Do".  Targeting , footwork, training vs. practice are among the 15 sub topics covered in this episode.

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do FocusIn 2011 I began writing a book of short ruminations on Tang Soo Do.  Writing and editing a book is a huge undertaking, one that I never finished. However the writing of "A few things about Tang Soo Do " was perhaps the genesis of this podcast.  As I looked back over my writings I decided to share some of the topics I wrote about some 14 years ago.  I hope you enjoy them.

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do FocusMartial arts is a difficult pursuit for many reasons. I took an informal poll of fellow students and collected their responses in this episode. From losing abilities due to age and injury to simply remembering Korean terminology, the following episode will give us all some validation that this thing we do is difficult but worth the struggle.

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do FocusA short thank you for the past year, a look at last year's resolutions and making new goals for the upcoming year.

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do FocusAs a follow up to the the last episode, Nine words for self-defense introduces a simple concept for effectively dealing with an attack.  Move closer, move outside, move forward and move the head sum up an easy to remember idea that puts you in the best position to defend yourself against an attack. 

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do FocusIt is easy to argue that one of the main reasons why people train in martial arts is for self defense.  There are many ways that the benefits of  Tang Soo Do training can help you to defend yourself.  This episode covers some general concepts that apply when defending yourself and some simple key terms to remember when you have a situation.  Most dojangs work on Il Soo Sik (One steps) and Ho Sin Sool (Grab defenses).  These skills along with sparring, forms and drill work combine to give TSD practitioners an advantage in any self defense situation.

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do FocusMental health issues has been described as a crisis among our society. Many of the most common problems that ail our population can be reduced or managed by training in Tang Soo Do.  Depression, anxiety, self harm and ADHD sufferers can benefit from the consistent practice of martial arts. This episode looks into the positive impact martial arts training can have on everyone's mental health.

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do FocusThis episode is a continuation on the topic of board breaking with an emphasis on techniques and tips to improve you success rate when attempting breaks.  Four main areas of practice are highlighted:Commitment, Distance Appreciation, Targeting and finally Proper Technique.  With these four things in mind you will be able to better prepare for upcoming breaks in both testing and competition situations.

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do FocusBoard Breaking is common activity in Tang Soo Do as part of testing or in competition.  Bruce Lee famously said "Boards don't hit back".  However, there are many ways breaking can demonstrate good Tang Soo Do practice.  In order to successfully complete a board break one must use proper technique with spirit and intention. Targeting, focus, and indomitable spirit are all on display as well. This topic is so rich in information that I split it into a Part 1 and Part 2.  Please enjoy this episode coving the generalities of board breaking while the next in the series will give advice on improving technique for success.  

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do FocusThe fundamentals of movement are the same regardless if you are skier, ballerina or a martial artist.  By watching other athletes we can learn things about movement and technique that can reinforce our pursuit of excellence in martial arts.  This episode examines how looking closely at other physical activites can give us insight and context to expand our own abilities.  Plus it's kind of fun!

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do FocusViola Tagliatella and Betty Jo Stosse are both second Dan black belts who train regularly.  Both began training later in life and continue to train in their 50s and 60s.  This is my first interview with two guests at the same time who share many common experiences.  Their resilience and enthusiasm for training is contagious and makes for an enjoyable listen. Enjoy!

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do FocusIncreasing your speed is no secret.  It is simple but not easy. Doing some tedious but useful things can reap increases in your speed.  In this episode I cover four ways to improve your speed without sacrificing technique.

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do FocusWe all know Tang Soo Do is a life long endeavor, but Adam Kaczmarek has demonstrated it by testing for 4th Dan at age 74!  this interview covers his story and attitude toward training in his 7th decade,

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do FocusOne of the hallmarks of Tang Soo Do as a martial arts is the use of kicks in our forms and sparring.  This episode describes 5 sure ways to improve your kicking. 

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do FocusThis episode is dedicated to looking back on my years of training and the important take aways from that experience. I wax nostalgic on the loss of that feeling of beginning training as well as the new emotions that come with years of experience.

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do FocusOne of the many benefits of martial arts training is developing confidence, but what does that mean?  What exactly is confidence  and how does one develop it.  In this episode we take a deep dive into what it means to be confident, how Tang Soo Do can help increase it, and ways it will benefit your mental and physical health.

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do FocusMany of the things we are taught in Tang Soo Do seem strange and even wrong on first glance.  Ideas such as moving in toward and attack or going slow to create speed sound like the opposite of what one should do.  There are many ways that Tang Soo Do can seem counter-intuitive and those aspects are examined in this episode.

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do FocusMaster Mike Bogdanski has been practicing Tang Soo Do for over 50 years. A regular on the competition circuit in the 70s and 80s he was widely renowned for his performances.  A school owner for many decades he has promoted scores of Black Belts in his long career.  Now happily retired and in his 70s, Master Bogdanski reflects on his Tang Soo Do journey in this interview from April of 2024.

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do FocusEpisode 20 "Learning Tools" describes many ways to help improve your practice using commonplace items. Instructors may find ideas for helping students to correct their  techniques on their own.Learning tools or teaching hacks, whatever they are called, can help any of us improve our Tang Soo Do.

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do FocusThis episode highlights 10 ways to help you prepare better for upcoming competitions.  There are training tips and ideas to help manage scheduling, gear issues, and different locations of tournaments.  How you prepare is almost as important as how much you prepare.  This advice from the perspective of someone who has completed and judged for decades should be valuable to all competitors and instructors.

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do FocusTang Soo Do focus is pleased to share an interview with Master Efrain Valentin, founder of Valentin Karate in Meriden , CT.  Master Valentin is a 7th degree Black Belt. He has trained in Tang Soo Do since 1977 and opened his first school in 1989. At the age of 23, he was the youngest person to obtain Master 4th degree Black Belt in the World Tang Soo Do Association.  He is also the Region 9 Director for the World Tang Soo Association.  

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do FocusThis episode explores the experience of  being judged in a testing or competition.  Suggestions are given on how to make a better impression and put your best foot forward in these pressure situations.  Additionally the experience of judging others is looked at so we can be fair and objective, benefitting all of us.

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do FocusEpisode 16 is a continuation of Episode 9 -"5 ways to improve your Tang Soo Do".  We look at five more simple ways to improve your practice and training.  Taking any of these steps is sure to help your progress and working them in or alternating them will help keep your training fresh.

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do FocusThis episode examines the concept of Toughness and what I means as students of Tang Soo Do.  The characteristics of pysical, mental , and spiritual toughness are explored and several exercises are suggested to help increase your toughness as you train.

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do FocusFrom counting in Korean to the number of moves in a form, this episode focuses on the role of numbers in our training.  Some strategies for using numbers and counting to improve your performance and training are highlighted as well.  

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do FocusThis episode delves into the Injuries and recovery from injuries that are a part of Tang Soo Do practice.  Advice on how to prevent, minimize, and manage Injuries- so we can return to training .

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do FocusThis episode covers the testing cycles of Tang Soo Do and gives tips to improve your performance in a testing situation.  From White Belt to Master ranks all Tang Soo Do students will face testing situations to demonstrate their skills and knowledge.  Being well prepared can reduce anxiety and make for a better showing in front of the testing board.

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do FocusA quick podcast to thank my listeners, reflect on the past year and set goals for the upcoming one. Happy New Year to all and let's make 2024 our best year of training and growth yet! Tang Soo!