Attributes
of an Awesome Technique
A Guide for Instructors &
Students by
Major H. Salas
W hether
you are kicking, punching, or blocking there are certain critical
attributes common to the execution of Taekwondo
or Karate techniques.
Take for example the attributes of kicking techniques.
There are 10 major attributes that are observable.
Assuming the student has learned what a roundhouse kick suppose to
look like, what direction it follows and what part of the foot to use as
the weapon, the next step would be to achieve a higher level of learning.
What is the next higher level
of learning? To master the
attributes.
The attributes are critical to being successful every time in the
execution of the technique selected and brought into action.
To master the art of Taekwondo
or Karate you must
recognize the importance of the attributes and apply them.
Here is how you can reach higher level of learning and have that
awesome technique you've always desired!
Take a moment and study the
attributes listed.
Once you understand these attributes examine them again but this
time think how you may apply them to punching and blocking.
Check how many you feel you're doing well.
How many of the attributes do you need working at it?
The
Learning Objective: Execute
kicking techniques, which exhibit the critical attributes of a higher
level.
-
Makes
eye contact with the target
-
Moves
quickly and smoothly
-
Maintains
balance and good control
-
Performs
with confidence
-
Performs
without hesitation
-
Makes
impact at center-line without reaching
-
Puts
snap into movement
-
Retreats
striking technique quickly and is ready for follow-up action
-
Tense
muscles, for power, at impact
-
Ki'ah
at the point of focus
The
wording of the attributes allows for an Instructor as well as the student
and parent to evaluate the learning outcome of the student.
By the time a student is ready for promotion he or she should
demonstrate these attributes in the performance of Taekwondo
or Karate techniques.
However, it's understandable that it may be some time before some
novices reach this higher level of learning.
The objective listed above --
execute kicking techniques properly -- describes an intended result of
instruction.
The attributes tell how to execute kicking techniques properly.
In essence these same attributes also lend themselves to punching,
blocking, and even when changing stances for the most part.
Next time, you're in class listen for these attributes, often heard
in class more commonly as "coaching tips."
These are the master's secrets passed onto his students.
Having attributes that tell
how to execute techniques properly, provide students with the means to
organize their own efforts toward accomplishing their objective --
mastering Taekwondo or Karate.
Experience has shown that with clear objectives and "coaching
tips" in view, students at all levels are better able to decide what
activities on their part will help them get to where it is important for
them to go. |