Snow Related Class Cancellations

We will announce class cancellations via e-mail and the web site.  During the previous year, class was only cancelled once due to weather.

New Class - Self Defense

We will be starting a special class on Wednesday focused on self defense.  Members may attend this class for free.  Parents of students in the school may attend each class for a fee of $3.00/class.  Non-members are also welcome to attend this class for  $5.00/class.  The class offered the second Wednesday of the month will be free.  For more details, see the special section below on the Self Defense class.

As a reminder to all the sparring students, no sparring classes are held on the night of Junior Belt Testing.  Parents should expect the Junior Belt Test to take 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

Weight loss can be difficult.  In the November 2003 edition of The Physician and SportsMedicine, an article titled "Weight Loss Success" offers some easy steps to help one lose weight.  The magazine is available in the office for anyone who wants to read the complete article. Clearly, the members of Hamilton-Fairfield Taekwondo are already exercising, which is one of the key requirements for losing weight.  But if you are having problems shedding a few pounnds, you can try these tips:

Step 1: Where to Start:

• Set weekly goals and keep track of progress.

• Walk for 10 to 15 minutes at lunchtime 5 days a week.

• Walk up one flight of stairs each day.

• Read food labels and be careful of food portions.

• Use smaller dishes so that portions look larger.

Step 2: Sticking to It: 

• A change takes several days to become part of your routine.  Stick to the routine at least 2 weeks.

• Set realistic goals.

• Eat at home and take meals to work.  This provides more control of your caloric intake.

• If it rains or the weather is too cold, walk at a mall.

• Put notes up that you will see and include encouragement.

• Don't give up after a set back.

• Ask a friend, spouse, or coworker to join you.

Step 3: Step it up

• As you develop better eating habits, maintain them.

• Spend 30 to 60 minutes walking a day instead of just 10 to 15 minutes.

• Try to walk up additional flights of stairs each day.

• Keep track of your progress - make a written record.

The Physician and Sportsmedicine, Volume 31, Number 11, November 2003, pp 37 - 38.

We are introducing a special 12 week class this winter for our cardio class, Taekwondo students, and the parents of our junior Taekwondo students.   The class will be offered on Wednesday nights starting the second week in January and will focus on self defense.  This class will replace the Wednesday night sparring class.  The class will be taught by Master Huffstutler and Mr. Robert Gerhardt, a police officer. 

Course Elements

• 12 week class cycle

• Basic Personal Safety Recommendations

• 4 Step Safety System

• Techniques against punching and kicking attacks

• Standup techniques against grabbing and holding attacks

• Techniques against ground grappling and pummeling attacks

• Basic techniques against knife attacks

• Basic techniques against blunt weapon attacks

• Basic techniques against other weapons

 Attire

• Students are encouraged to wear street clothing, jeans, shorts, or work out pants.

• While many techniques will be performed on mats barefoot, other techniques will be practiced in street shoes

• Men will be encouraged to wear groin protection during the grappling classes

Cost

• First Wednesday of each month free

• Free for Taekwondo students

• $3/class for cardio students or immediate family of TKD students

• $5/class for non-members

We are integrating more varied training into the Nunchacku class.  These classes focus on introductions to other weapons and specialized training.  In December, Jason Saylor, introduced basic throwing techniques and Craig Stoll introduced some multi-step response drills.  The Weapons Class is open to all adults (any Gup) and children that are 2nd Gup (brown belt) and above.  In January, we will continue to alternate between Nunchakus and special training classes.

We will continue in January working on Gi-less grappling.  For those who have not already purchased an Under Armour® shirt, there is a knock-off brand, Athletics Works, offered at Wal-Mart.  The off-brand shirt is approximately $11.00 and a good deal.  The material and quality seems to be comparable to the Under Armour® shirt.

This month's featured technique is a defense against a charge.  This technique is particularly effective against people that have a wrestling background and come toward you at waist level.