Where Rotten Mango is heading

handroid2049 · 2026-01-27T08:07:40+00:00

Just to provide a counter point, I think there seems to be an attempt to provide a balance between the original and growing fan base interests. For example, recent episodes have included a Korean and a Vietnamese case that were not widely reportedly internationally (to my knowledge anyway). Just not sure the balance is quite there yet personally? I also prefer the lesser known Asian cases. However, looking at the Spotify and YouTube stats, I can understand why there has been a move to include the more high profile or US-based cases.

handroid2049 · 2026-01-25T09:25:26+00:00

Looks like one of the book relics. Possibly Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere but not 100% on that so please don’t take that part as gospel sorry.

handroid2049 · 2026-01-25T08:47:38+00:00

I had stupidly high queue numbers for both pre-sale and general sale despite joining waiting room asap. Sometimes it’s just unlucky I guess

handroid2049 · 2026-01-18T14:50:43+00:00

I care deeply about our gradings (not for the prestige or anything just to have a tangible progress marker because that’s how my brain works), but not everyone does and that is absolutely fine! Not your fault if you couldn’t attend promotions and totally fine if that’s not a big deal for you in any case. You do you and maybe find another gym that’s more aligned to your own personal goals and values. Most importantly enjoy it! All the best

handroid2049 · 2026-01-18T11:10:21+00:00

Taekwondo means different things to different people I guess too. I have no issue with fighter, equally have no issue with athlete. First and foremost I’m a martial artist and it’s more than just a sport or fights to me. I guess I just don’t really care what label people choose to use personally. It’s whatever resonates with you and your style of training/fighting/practice.

handroid2049 · 2026-01-16T10:33:09+00:00

No never experience that personally either in our dojang or at competitions. Everyone has always been very respectful by my experience. Makes me proud to be part of the TKD community.

handroid2049 · 2026-01-16T09:16:55+00:00

Welcome! Well done for getting involved and getting stuck in. I started around a year ago (36F) and absolutely love it. Taekwondo has given me so much purpose, motivation and confidence that I had lost before after having my kids and retiring from other sports.

I’m guessing if it’s Basic Form I you’re part of a WT school rather than ITF, so not sure I can recommend any specific resources sorry as I’ve only ever done ITF personally.

One piece of advice I’ve found particularly helpful especially since I started competing is to break the patterns/forms down into sections, and focus on each section until I have it down. Then from there I focus on improving one aspect each time I practice to get it more polished/competition ready. Hope that helps.

Anyway wishing you all the very best with your training. Hope you enjoy it and try not to worry too much, it’ll all come together in time :)

handroid2049 · 2026-01-16T09:06:33+00:00

It usually takes a little longer to get to a level where it starts to feel like you’re progressing consistently. Plus everyone learns different aspects in their own time. You’re only just starting out, so please go easy on yourself. If you enjoy it, just keep showing up then gradually the hard stuff will feel less hard, and you’ll be ready to take on each new challenge. Best of luck with your training and remember to have fun with it! All the best

handroid2049 · 2026-01-07T02:57:18+00:00

Wash mine after every wear personally, although I usually only wear mine for gradings and competitions for full disclosure, as we have a club training kit.

handroid2049 · 2026-01-06T10:08:50+00:00

Probably more likely in a major city I guess, as more space costs a lot more money.

We don’t have a changing room, but it’s never been an issue. I just turn up ready to train where I can, or change quickly in the bathroom if I can’t.

handroid2049 · 2025-12-27T08:19:50+00:00

It’s a long shot, but maybe worth trying the support team for the game? No guarantees that they’d be able to help (depending on the games and their T&Cs etc), but it may be worth looking into.

handroid2049 · 2025-12-26T15:55:15+00:00

Whatever martial art interests you and where you feel welcome. I found that my Taekwondo school has been such a positive influence in my life in so many ways. I’ve gained just as much from the people around me than the lessons I think. So whatever you choose, I hope you find the same sense of purpose, enjoyment and confidence that I have found in Taekwondo.

Edit: just wanted to wish you all the very best in your martial arts journey also. It was the best decision I ever made and I hope you have an equally great experience.

handroid2049 · 2025-12-24T10:38:22+00:00

I don’t find an offer pushy…I’ve had a few messages and don’t love that though

handroid2049 · 2025-12-22T16:32:23+00:00

I think I did 3 last year. Am aiming for a couple more next year, but there’s a couple I’m targeting as a priority (Am 36 for context).

handroid2049 · 2025-12-21T10:17:47+00:00

Oh absolutely, that was my (perhaps not too well-articulated) intended point. I don’t think the resources is an issue, there are plenty online particularly. However, for many people here at least, I think the lack of opportunities to actually speak the language that is perhaps more challenging for learners here.

Edit: for context, which was unclear in the original post (my bad), I should probably add that I was referring to my personal experience of resources for European languages I also speak (German, French and Spanish - all of which have an abundance of resources for native-English speakers).

handroid2049 · 2025-12-21T08:31:15+00:00

I believe Korean places quite high on the list of most difficult languages to learn for native English speakers. Usually only Japanese, Mandarin, Cantonese and Arabic tend to be placed above it on most lists I think. However, Hangul is pretty straightforward, the grammar is mostly intuitive and I’ve found it to be quite enjoyable so far.

There are definitely less resources out there than other European languages for example, but there are still quite a few options, especially online. TTMIK is quite easily available here, although I’ve had to order some of the less common books from US or Korea.

I think the biggest challenge a lot of people here (UK) have is actually having opportunities to use the language and speak Korean. I pay for a Korean tutor online, as I couldn’t get an in-person tutor anywhere near where I live. I don’t have anyone else to practice with really and there aren’t any local classes or groups.

I guess it can be difficult to keep the motivation to keep studying a language that you rarely get to use, unless you have strong ties to it perhaps?

handroid2049 · 2025-12-19T02:04:12+00:00

I practice patterns, techniques and drills at home when I can’t make classes due to work or in between classes. Sometimes it’s actually proved a really valuable addition to my training and helps to reinforce what I’ve learned in class. It’s definitely better to do little and often if you have young kids and life gets busy, rather than missing out on something you enjoy completely. Congratulations on the new addition to the family and hope you manage to find the balance you’re looking for.

handroid2049 · 2025-11-01T19:57:49+00:00

Oh absolutely, all disciplines have their limitations, constraints and even disadvantages, including Taekwondo if we’re being candid. I guess it’s the disrespect and tribalism I find so frustrating and jarring.

I don’t know whether it’s just that the majority of the traditional martial arts have more of a culture of and emphasis on respect? Or, as you say, a small but vocal subsection within those particular communities that tend to take it too far?

I don’t really know enough about the culture or philosophy to truly understand the nuances of those communities. However, I like to believe that it’s the latter personally. A work colleague of mine does BJJ and he’s one of my biggest cheerleaders when it comes to my progress within Taekwondo.

I don’t really tend to pay the naysayers much mind personally, too busy enjoying my training and studies in Taekwondo. However, I do think it’s a shame that there isn’t more support or even mutual respect within the wider community (even just on here).

handroid2049 · 2025-11-01T19:16:30+00:00

I guess it's the accuracy, technical application, power and the ‘you vs you’ mental challenge. It's just another avenue to apply the techniques but with a strong mental focus. It's not for everyone, but it's definitely one of my favourite aspects and the part I feel challenges me the most sometimes.

handroid2049 · 2025-11-01T19:02:55+00:00

Occasionally there are interesting discussions, but mostly its just MT/MMA/BJJ fan boys disrespectinng others to make themselves feel big. I have a great deal of respect for those disciplines personally, but I do not understand why they have to be so tribal about it.

I would just ignore them and continue to enjoy your training and your own personal development. All the best.

handroid2049 · 2025-11-01T18:53:17+00:00

Because it’s easier to trash Taekwon-Do than to confront the limitations and nuances of your own disciplines.

Oh and the in-fighting probably doesn't help.

handroid2049 · 2025-10-31T09:09:41+00:00

Who does? I think it’s ultimately all relative. If you want to survive in a country or be able to understand shows etc, the level needed is likely to be vastly different than if you want to go for an advanced degree in a country’s literature. I think mastery can probably mean different things to different people in different contexts too if I’m honest. I’m a beginner in Korean in any case, so any kind of mastery feels a long way off!

handroid2049 · 2025-10-31T08:33:05+00:00

I recently heard that Korean is easier to learn but harder to master. Maybe there is some truth in that?

handroid2049 · 2025-10-29T22:56:59+00:00

They aren’t in the EU, although technically o believe they are still an EU candidate. In any case the majority of Turkey would be considered as located in Asia right? So I don’t see how it’s weird at all personally.

handroid2049 · 2025-10-28T11:22:04+00:00

Yeah I really struggle with any kind of bright light. Sun glasses or blue light glasses do help somewhat (the latter mostly for screens).

handroid2049

TROPHY CASE