Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus Mental 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 ep…

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus This 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 i…

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus Board 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 wi…

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus The 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 physic…

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus Viola 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 f…

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus Increasing 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.Di Steve

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus We 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,Di Steve

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus One 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.Di Steve

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus This 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.Di Steve

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus One 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 …

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus Many 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…

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus Master 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 70…

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus Episode 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 Focus This 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 …

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus Tang 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 obt…

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus This 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, benef…

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus Episode 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 Focus This 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 Focus From 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.Di Steve

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus This 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 .Di Steve

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus This 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…

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus A 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!Di Steve

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus There are certain behaviors, mistakes, and oversights that are simply intolerable when one is a serious practitioner of Tang Soo Do. This episode covers 10 things that would damage a person's reputation as a martial artist and even endanger their chances at advancement. The good news is these "Un…

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus Episode 10 marks the first time I have interviewed another Tang Soo Do Master and invited them to tell their story and share their knowledge. Kwan Jang Nim Steve Voelker, founder of Middlesex Tang Soo Do, the Pyong Hwa Kunin Association, and the U.S. Goodwill Tang Soo Do Association is my special…

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus This episode will highlight five strategies to improve our practice and performance of Tang Soo Do. Tips are given to increase the frequency and intensity of your training. These simple consistent choices can allow you to make great gains in your pursuit of better understanding and technique.…

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus This episode examines the three basic Stances: front, back, and horse stance. Tips for proper form and execution are given.Di Steve

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus A brief special edition of the podcast on the timely subject of recovery from surgery.Di Steve

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus This episode examines the first three basic kicking motions and the proper form for optimal speed and power. The front, roundhouse and side kick are the basis of all advanced kicking techniques so a fundamental understanding of them is crucial for your success in Tang Soo Do.…

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus This episode examines the basic techniques of low block and center punch. Forming a proper fist, engaging hips and rotation of the forearm are emphasized as well.Di Steve

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus The Five Codes of Tang Soo Do are loyalty to country, obedience to parents, honor friendship, no retreat in battle, and in fighting choose with sense and honor. This episode explores the meaning behind the five codes and how we may apply them in our training and our lives. This episode also delve…

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus Episode 4 of Tang Soo Do Focus looks closely at the 7 tenets of Tang Soo Do. They are as follows: Integrity -Concentration -Perseverance -Respect and Obedience -Self Control -Humility -Indomitable Spirit A breif definition and examination of what these terms mean in our lives and our practice of …

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus Episode 3 touches on warming up and stretching in preparation for a Tang Soo Do class. Some tips on hygeine, improving performance and avoiding injuries are covered as well.Di Steve

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus Episode 2 of the Tang Soo Do Focus podcast will focus on the protocol, expectations, and behaviors for students when training. This includes topics like showing proper respect, following the sometimes unwritten rules of conduct in the dojang and how seniority and rank are recognized. There is als…

Text your thoughts and comments to Tang Soo Do Focus This first episode of Tang Soo Do Focus is a description of the host's personal martial arts journey. Master Steve Patarini is a 5th Dan in Pyong Hwa Kunin Tang Soo Do. His journey in martial arts dates back to 7th grade and continues to this day. Wrestling, Kung Fu, and eventually Tang Soo Do ha…