Mokkum and Kum Chib

Hi again, Haedong!

I’ve been doing some thinking about my training and progress to date and have decided to make some changes. The Mokkom I started with in January is fine but it is a little small and too light for me. I also feel I should train with a Kum Chib (scabbard) to help me get the draw ‘angles’ correct.

Having had an opportunity to play with a real sword (and scabbard), it’s just not the same as a wooden sword slid into your belt – and you have to put a real sword back into the right place too!

Unfortunately nobody has heard of anyone who makes one or has one in Peterborough and it may take some time to find something suitable. However, I just know this will become important if I am to progress.

Swimming to Fitness

This problem about fitness and being overweight is getting to me. I have absolutely no energy or precious little at the end of a long day when I have a bit of spare time. Oh, and by which time it’s dark, cold and miserable.

I know I’d collapse of a heart attack if I went to the local gym so am taking an easier option, I think (?), swimming. Went for the first time last night (in probably ten years) and swam six, 25 meter lengths (with a rest at each end). It took about 30 minutes – ouch. Still, I didn’t drown and slept like a log.

I’ll try and add two lengths more each week and see how it goes.

Sword Draw Three (Front)

This week I was taught Draw Three and with the nice weather thought I would have a go in the garden and video the result. Not much of a result – it doesn’t even look right. Still, I enjoyed learning about video editing.

Would anyone like to comment on the Draw … or the Video. Ouch!

Haedong Kumdo Clubs

I’ve been telling a few of my old friends about this Martial Art. Some have expressed an interest and want to find out more. Alas there is hardly anything to be found on the Internet so as I find out details of the various clubs in and around the UK, (World) I’ll post some links here on this blog for anyone to read. If you know of any please feel free to add a comment.

Grading

I don't beleive it! I'm not eligible for this first grading as I am not 'time qualified'. Never come across this before - you were ether good enough or not? How things have changed - can't say I agree with it but hey - I joined the club and they have rules. Grrr - frustrating.

Finding it hard(er)

I can’t do this? It is such a drain and I’m tired all the time after a good training session – sometimes for days. OK, I never expected it to be easy, certainly not a walk through but really, I’m so unfit and so overweight. The combination makes a desparate situation.
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Went to see the Doctor this week? He was a great help, not. Still at least I can confirm that I am, in medical terms, defined as clinically obese. It is all down to me - in getting like this in the first place and finding a solution to it!

Got the Jitters

Just having a few jitters after the last lesson. If I say 'Sodo-se' then I guess I don’t have to say to much more to those in the know. I ache in places I never knew I had! Even the 'Kima-se' feels odd and looks even worse. How do they do that! I think I’ll keep this Blog a secret for this first year?

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I also need to get a grip of the Korean language - it's nothing like Japanese. Doh! Stupid thing to say!

About Me

Ooops, just realised that anyone reading this Blog won’t have a clue about me or what is going on here. It’s a long story as they say but I’ll try and be brief.

A long, long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away …. there was this young, fighting fit, Judo bloke called Steve Allan. He started his Martial Arts training at the end of 1974 having joined the Royal Air Force. In those days of olde one could scream through the grades and it wasn’t long before he was not only a Black Belt, but fighting, and winning competitions for the RAF Judo Team around the world.

He left the RAF in 1984 and lost touch with his Judoka colleagues, gradually putting on weight and becoming increasingly unfit until he grossed 17st 10lb by 2005. Hard to believe but you have to see the photos – which are not going to be shown to you!

Anyhow, to cut a long story short, I retired in 2002 (ish) but had to give that life up when my son, Luke, was born in April 2005 – he’s such a treasure – but I want to be there for him when he is older and to do that, I need to live a healthier lifestyle!

Master Paul Giffen - United Kingdom

Early days but my Instructor for Haedong Kumdo sword will be Master Paul Giffen of Giffen’s Tang Soo Do. (3rd Dan Haedong Kumdo, 4th Dan Master Tang Soo Do, 3rd Dan Ki Do, 2nd Dan Kickboxing).

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The Peterborough Haedong Kumdo Club meet most

Tuesday Evenings between

7.45 - 8.45 pm at:

The Cresset
Peterborough
Cambs PE3 8DX

Telephone: 01733 333523 for more information

or email: info@haedongkumdo.co.uk

Dragon Black Belt Academy

Well, here we go on the long or short adventure. I’ve taken the first step and joined the Dragon Black Belt Academy in Peterborough, UK. I have all the equipment I need to start Haedong Kumdo and have had my first lesson. It was not too bad at all and there are a great bunch of guys and girls to train with.