Blog | McCoy's Taekwondo America

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  Tournament Memories

  Tournaments are my favorite!! Tournaments are a way for the individual student to compare their training with other, similar-ranked students. Tournaments are a way to have your "Karate Kid" moment. Tournaments are a way to discover your potential. Tournaments are a way to feel a part of the "team". I have been participating in tournaments since 1983. In those 38 years I have learned about myself as a martial artist, and instructor, and as a leader. This is what tournaments offer to everyone, regardless of rank or age. Here are some of my favorite tournament memories: 1. I'll start with my first tournament. I was a 13 year old yellow belt. I had been training for 5 months and wanted ....

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  12 Nov 2020

  Random Thoughts

  As I come out of quarantine I've had some random thoughts. Some are taekwondo related, some not. Please read to end and enjoy some frivolous musings from yours truly. 1. A "two week vacation" isn't as glamorous as it sounds. I quickly grew tired of sitting on the couch watching the random TV shows. Last year, around this time, I thought to myself how awesome some time off would be. I promise you that an extended weekend is my limit. 2. As embarrassed as I am to admit it, I have learned the appeal for silly games on my phone. I engaged the instructors in a fun game of Among Us. It is both mindless and intriguing. 3. As much as I love my family and (I assume) them me, I believe they have ....

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  Are tournaments necessary?

  I am asked often by parents and students alike, "Is tournament participation necessary?". My answer is always the same: "NO". While this may seem like an odd answer from a professional martial artist and Taekwondo America's Tournament Director, allow me to explain. Tournaments aren't necessary if you wish to be an average martial artist. In today's society of participation trophies and "atta boys", our tournament experience provides so much more. Tournaments are a way to not only challenge yourself. They also provide an opportunity to compare your training with others' training. We encourage all ranks and ages to compete for this reason. Tournaments are also a way to learn how to ....

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• Testing and Special Events

  With testing and Winter Camp fast approaching, I want to take a little of your time to explain the importance of these events. Children like to feel a part of a group. Testing, camp, and tournaments allow them to be part of a team while maintaining their individuality. Testing is the "big game" that they've been practicing for. The hard work they've put in will be rewarded with a new belt or, at the very least, words of encouragement and new things at which to excel. Camp allows kids and adults alike the chance to train among a large group of martial artists. They can learn and grow in their knowledge from other instructors from different Taekwondo America schools. It also allows ....

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• The Importance of Focus

  In this age of "screen time" being the primary activity for our children, I am noticing a few trends that, I believe, taekwondo helps with. 1. Lack of physical activity. I see more and more children falling away from the activities my generation enjoyed. I often tell the story to my kids of my love of baseball. When I was a child, baseball was my sole focus. If it wasn't raining you could find me, glove and ball in hand, looking for a game. If no game was to be found I could entertain myself throwing "pop ups" to myself. I believe that taekwondo can fill that role for our children these days. Taekwondo provides interaction with others, as well as a positive place to become physically ....

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  Goal Setting

  I began my taekwondo career in 1983 at a scool in Huntsville, AL. Why I began is probably different than others' reasons. I was diagnosed as a Type 1 diabetic and was advised by my physician to exercise. My parents gave me the option of any activity I wanted to pursue. Some friends and I tried a class and I was hooked. I immediately developed short term and long term goals. My short term goal was to pass my first testing. At the time, if you really did well at testing you could advance beyond the next pattern. This was the pursuit I worked toward. My long term goal was to get my black belt and become an instructor. I stayed focused on these goals until I achieved them. Goal setting is ....

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• 8 Jul 2019

  Join Us For the Best Kids Taekwondo in Arab

  Welcome To Our New Website! We’re Proud To Serve Arab with Kids Taekwondo! At Mccoy's Taekwondo, we are working hard to go above and beyond for every person who walks through our doors. And you could be next! We are offering Arab a hands-on approach to Kids Taekwondo. And you don’t need any prior experience to succeed! Come visit us at Mccoy's Taekwondo and see for yourself what makes us the best Kids Taekwondo facility in town. Just fill out the "Request Information" form on the side of the page and stop in for a visit today! And don't forget to click below to visit us on our social media pages!! ....

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