Karaoke Karate

When using karaoke equipment, the user stands in front of the equipment, listens to the music it generates, and sings along with the music repeating the words that the equipment presents without questioning the validity of the words or the music. Karaoke karate is when students stand in front of an instructor, listen to what the instructor says, and perform techniques in the same way the instructor has shown them without questioning the validly of the information or the technique. This is not necessarily a bad way to learn Taekwondo, but it may lead to blind adherence to improper information or to a futile effort to perform techniques that are not suited to the individual student. Just as karaoke singers are a poor imitation of the original artist, Karaoke karate students are a poor imitation of the instructor. The original singer worked with many musicians trying many variations in singing styles until he or she developed an unique style that suited his or her personality and abilities. While this singing style works great for the singer, when others try to imitate it, they fall far short of the original.

When studying Taekwondo, listen to the instructor and try to perform techniques as the instructor presents them. As you progress, analyze the way you perform techniques and the way you are told to perform them. Ask questions as to why you are being told to perform a technique a certain way. Be critical of yourself. Is your inability to perform the technique as the instructor asks because: you are not trying, you have not trained enough, your body makeup precedes your ever being able to perform the technique as shown, or is it because the technique itself is flawed?

Just as the original singer studied music, practiced daily, analyzed and tried and rejected different variations of musical styles, and finally found the style that worked for him or her as an individual, so should the Taekwondo student analyze information the instructor presents and not merely be a Karaoke karate student that blindly repeats all the information presented.

Concentrate

Hyung must be performed in a powerful, but exact manner. While training with a partner in class, you must execute powerful techniques, but with absolute control so you do not harm your partner. Both of these actions require intense mental concentration. If you practice intensely and concentrate on a performing a difficult technique, such as a jump-spin side thrust kick, at some point you will achieve a "breakthrough" (the point in time after which you are able to perform the technique consistently). The technique that seemed impossible in the beginning will now seem easy. To achieve breakthrough on a technique, you must concentrate on the technique and not let your mind wander. After achieving breakthrough, you will find it easier to concentrate on that technique. The ability to concentrate your efforts to complete a task will also help you in your daily life and at work.

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