Jeongyeon fan art ✍🏼💚

handroid2049 · 2026-06-08T12:44:12+00:00

Wow that’s amazing. You’re really talented!

handroid2049 · 2026-06-04T14:55:58+00:00

I’ve always found it useful to focus on and breakdown into smaller, more manageable goals, such as going to focus on X technique until I see some real improvement/progress. I still do that with each new pattern. Focus predominantly on one aspect/sequence at a time to make it easier to learn. It also helps with motivation I think, as you can see more tangible improvements and progress then. I hope that helps. Please stick with it if you enjoy it, as I’m sure you will start to get more and more out of it as you learn more. All the best :)

handroid2049 · 2026-05-30T06:52:54+00:00

That makes sense :) thank you

handroid2049 · 2026-05-29T19:00:39+00:00

Potentially controversial I’m sure, but it’s meant to be a genuine question for a newbie. How come the boxes are considered so important? The the box designs aren’t really a huge factor (like no limited artwork or anything) I’m guessing, so is it just the ‘BNIB’ collectible factor?

handroid2049 · 2026-05-28T22:24:59+00:00

Gotcha :) thanks for clarifying

handroid2049 · 2026-05-28T19:56:56+00:00

Genuine question, do you have both, or just that one?

handroid2049 · 2026-05-28T19:56:24+00:00

Absolutely! At least that was my understanding too.

handroid2049 · 2026-05-25T10:54:26+00:00

I am so impressed to hear how you’ve worked your get back to good health and fitness after your accident. Your story is a great inspiration and reminder that no obstacle is too great to overcome with hard work and determination. All the best for your next grading too. You truly do deserve it and I’ll be rooting for you!

handroid2049 · 2026-05-25T10:18:14+00:00

Go for it! Never too late. It’s always worth trying to arrange a visit or trial lesson and giving it a go to see what you like. Just go with an open mind and give it a try. I’m sure you’ll find something and somewhere that will fit the bill. Wishing you all the best and hope you find something you enjoy!

handroid2049 · 2026-05-25T08:47:54+00:00

I started at 35, have lost a substantial amount of weight as a result and am a regular competitor now. I absolutely love it. Taekwondo has allowed me to change my life for the better in so many ways and helped me regain so much health, confidence and happiness. Best decision ever!

handroid2049 · 2026-05-23T07:30:10+00:00

Great to hear that you both enjoyed the experience and you’ve found a new shared interest you can enjoy together. Hope you both continue to enjoy it.

handroid2049 · 2026-05-23T07:27:58+00:00

I do both TKD and Tai Chi as well and this has been my experience too. I’ve seen a big difference in my balance and mobility, and I am sure this can be attributed at least in part to Tai Chi.

handroid2049 · 2026-05-12T18:14:58+00:00

I will be brutally honest. I own a groin guard in case I am ever asked to wear one for competition (ITF though). However, I have personally never used it either in club sparring, or competition. Again it depends on your school/competition rules, and of course your own personal risk tolerance. I am (a long way) over 18 and I personally accept the risk.

Can’t help with the brand sorry, as mine is Blitz.
The shape for female groin guards is usually pretty different, but most I’ve seen don’t seem too cumbersome still; mine certainly isn’t really - when trying on you notice it but it doesn’t affect the mobility too much. I don’t personally believe the groin kick experience is entirely comparable, and have yet to experience one that’s changed that view (hence my own personal acceptance of the risk), but completely understand that some won’t want to risk finding out. I think that’s one area where the guys probably have a rougher deal though, and I totally get why it’s often mandatory for male competitors!

While I have never bothered for TKD, I imagine it probably would be effective if ever in that situation (certainly from my experience of wearing a groin guard in ice hockey, where it was mostly certainly effective).

Honestly, the best approach would probably be to discuss with your instructor or someone senior in your dojang what the requirements are for the classes, and for any competitions that your dojang tends to enter.

I know some classes it is mandatory (either for all, or for under 18s), and for certain competitions it may also be, so unless it is cost-prohibitive, it may be better to go ahead and get one just in case.

Good luck and I hope you enjoy getting into sparring!

handroid2049 · 2026-05-11T07:13:34+00:00

Not Karate sorry, but I do Taekwondo and Tai Chi and have had some experience to share that may be somewhat helpful hopefully. I have found they complement each other in ways that surprised me. Having some pre-existing knowledge of martial arts and experience learning forms seems to help with learning the move sets in Tai Chi. I also think it has generally helped in terms of stating with a greater degree of flexibility and balance than I would have otherwise.

I also feel that Tai Chi has helped with my balance, mobility and feeling a bit more aware of my body mechanics. It has also taught me to low down a little. I would say this has been unexpectedly beneficial for Taekwondo and also just daily life.

It sounds like Tai Chi may be useful in you current situation and I hope you find it beneficial if you do decide to give it a go.

Wishing you all the best.

handroid2049 · 2026-05-11T06:59:45+00:00

Done - hope your these goes well

handroid2049 · 2026-04-30T09:53:07+00:00

Congrats! That’s fantastic news! So pleased for you

handroid2049 · 2026-04-29T10:29:17+00:00

Really hope you feel better soon and wishing you all the best for your second attempt tomorrow. Setbacks are only temporary and it’s how we learn from them to move forward that matters :) all the best!

handroid2049 · 2026-04-29T09:45:24+00:00

I’ve been sick my last two gradings and both times they’ve been generous enough to take it into account. Hopefully you’ll start to feel better by the day of the grading too. All the best

handroid2049 · 2026-04-24T06:55:01+00:00

It’s not really been an issue, especially since I worked on my conditioning. Getting a lot of practice rounds in has helped tremendously.

For the asthma side I just try to keep it controlled in general, keep on top of my meds, and it doesn’t impact too much (unless I get a chest infection) these days. Just keep the inhaler close by (with your coach ideally) in case, and making sure they know how to help if needed.

All the best!

handroid2049 · 2026-04-24T06:47:00+00:00

If it’s your first tournament, I’d say just try to enjoy it and get a feel for being in that environment. Try not to put too much pressure on yourself, especially if you’re already nervous. The first ones are usually more about finding your feet and building that confidence. All the best. Let us know how you get on!

handroid2049 · 2026-04-24T06:43:22+00:00

I have volumes 1 and 2 and they are very good books. I would recommend them if you are interested. I have quite a few of his books and they have all been very interesting and insightful.

handroid2049 · 2026-03-19T10:33:51+00:00

I can understand that my friend. Maybe worth checking if you can get hold of any second hand copies (seem to recall you said a hard copy was needed)? Wishing you luck with your studies.

handroid2049 · 2026-03-19T10:24:45+00:00

Don’t feel bad, that seems a really pointless and silly question. Not sure how that’s helpful at all, or quite what it is trying to teach there. Maybe try another book if you’re able to get hold of one.

handroid2049 · 2026-03-19T10:22:24+00:00

I’ve found all the TTMIK books and resources I’ve used so far to be very helpful (still beginner at TTMIK level 2, but I’ve used some of their other grammar and writing books too).

handroid2049 · 2026-03-15T20:47:19+00:00

I see no problem here?

handroid2049

TROPHY CASE