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Coach Lee Q&A Archives
Previous Questions Posed to Coach Lee, and His Answers.
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Q:
I
want to know how many hours a day I should train to become
good at tae kwon do. [Peter Neufville - Englewood, NJ]
A: Dear
Peter, It is all depends on you. If your level of skill
and athleticism is high then you don't have to train as
much as some one with lesser talent. At elite level, athletes
should train 3 times a day 5-6 hours a day, if it is in
season - off season not as much, may be 2 times a day
or 1 time a day and 1 conditioning training. You as an
individual have to set a schedule and perform. Best of
luck with your training. Coach Lee
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Q:
How
would someone find information and get connections to
go to the Olympics? What martial arts orginazation would
you have to be in and all to join the Olympics?
[Terenz
Jeph Escueta - Glendale Heights, IL]
A:
Dear
Terenze,
In order to participate in the Olympic Games
1. Must be a USTU Member
2. Participate in the State Championships
3. Place in top 3 in the State championships
4. Compete in the U.S. Nationals and place in the top
4
5. Compete in the Olympic Team Trials and win first place
Only then are you an Olympic team member.
Good luck with your tkd dream. Please call USTU at 719-578-4632
and ask about the memberships.
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Q:
Coach Lee, I have been training in taekwondo for a
year and a half now, and have been accustomed in point
sparring matches, both for practice and tournaments. In
the point sparring matches, I noticed that I score most
of my points off the front hand, dont get me wrong, I
still use my legs for both defensive and offensive techniques.
I was thinking of switching to olympic style continous
sparring, how could I change my style of sparring to suit
myself for the olympic style sparring. [J.P. Angkaw -
Toronto, ON]
A:
Dear
J.P., In order to switch from point sparring to the Olympic
sparring, first you must keep good point from the point
sparring such as front leg kicking. Most of the point
sparring fighters are not very good with back leg kicking
so if you can develop back leg kicking and start competing
in the olympic sparring, this will give you a starting
point. Good luck with your transition. Coach Lee
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Q:
I
was wondering, on tape 2 you said to do step training.
What if you don't have steps near where you live. What
(or is there) an alternate to do besides that. How many
steps does it have to be (ex.5 or 10). [Mark]
A:
Dear
Mark, I can't belive you can't fine single story steps,
you don't have to have big
stadium steps to have a great work out. Just find 5 steps
or 10 steps and do more repetitions. If you can't find
any steps then do the high knee raises and step ups. Good
luck with your tkd training.
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The following are answers for questions that we have misplaced.
We apologize and hope that your concerns were addressed
sufficiently.
A:
Adam
Dudley,
If you want to attend Sr. camp, please call and check
whether we are planning to have it or not. We haven't
had too many applications as of today and we are considering
cancelling it. Please call and check first. Thanks.
A:
Dear
Lilian,
In order to strengthen your left leg, you are right practice
more with your left leg or weaker leg. You could strengthen
it with weight training but you should check with certified
wt. training and conditioning coach. Good luck making
your weaker leg strong.
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Q:
I'm 15 years old and I'm testing for my 1st degree.
Whenever I spar, I do pretty good including the fact that
I fight 80% of the time with my right leg. However, Everytime
I come across someone who waits for you to pop, and strikes
you with an ax kick or a side kick, I'm never able to
get in to my kicking range. When that Happens, should
I be moving around and fighting at an angle, what should
I do???? (Roosevelt Barros - Silver Spring, MD)
A: Roosevelt
Barros,When someone is waiting and kicking with their
front leg when you move, there
are a few options for you. #1 In open stance give hard
check and move in at an angle when your opponent raises
his leg and kick under. #2 From open stance, step in with
rear leg and back kick when your opponent kicks (trap
back kicks) #3 From open stance, kick to his back side
with your front leg(cut kick,skip round house kick), this
will take his front leg out of the game. #4 From close
stance, give a hard check then switch your feet and kick,
(this is what is called fast kick #2) I hope this will
help you fight better. Good luck with your tkd training.
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Q:
Coach Lee, is the hook kick an effective counter weapon
that I can use? And also, how should I prepare for a tournament?
I mean how long do I run, lift weights, and train tkd
if I'm getting ready for a State Championship?
(Roosevelt
Barros - Silver Spring, MD)
A: Dear
Roosevelt Barros, If you know how to use a hook kick then
it can be a effective counter kick
but generally speaking I would say no. I would stick to
the more conventional bot a cha gi or back kick to counter.
As far as how long you should run and lift weight and
train tkd to get ready for states, that depends on how
old you are and your ability level. If you are an adult
and you have experience in weight training then maybe
run 30 minutes and wt. train 3 times a week(1-1 1/2 hour)
and train tkd 2 hours day. Keep in mind, be sure to give
your body plenty of rest before pratice. Good luck in
your tkd training.
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Q:
For
Olympic weightlifting. What movements and how many sets/reps
should one do, and how often? (Adam Dudley - Orlando,
FL)
A: Dear Adam, It is
difficult to tell you over the e-mail but we are coming
out with 2nd tape of wt. training. It is a very good tape
of Olympic wt. training. Please purchase and review it.
Good luck with tkd training.
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Q:
I
want to improve my jump kicks. Is there any drill i can
do. (Nick - Merkel, Tx)
A:
Dear Nick, Why do you feel you need to improve on jump
kicks? Is this for demonstration purpose? You do not have
to have a great jumping ablity to become a champion. Just
ask barb kunkel, she has vertical jump of all of 6 in.
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Q:
After
high school, I plan on going into the service. I was wondering
if I get stationed up there in Colorado can I come and
workout, or be a resident with you guys. Thanks (Mark
L. - Deland, Fl)
A: Dear Mark, I don't
know your level so it is hard to say yes or no but I would
be happy to take a look at you and make that decision.
We do have an army team working out with the OTC team
but they belong to the WCAP program. WCAP stands for World
Class Army Program, You may find out about the program
with your recruiter. Good luck with your tkd training.
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Q:
Coach
Lee Hi, I'm 28 years old and not very flexible I've been
training for 7 months know. I would like to know how I
can become more flexible. I also would like to participate
in tournaments to come. But I have heavy legs how can
I train or what should I do to over come these issue's.
I also have class 5 times a week. I also want to become
a great martial artist in the future. Thank you and Good
Luck (Richard Nieves - Piscataway, NJ)
A:
Dear Richard N, Try stretching in the morning and try
partner stretching. The partner will be a resistence.
Go down as deep as possible in a stretch position and
come up and your partner will be a resistance to you when
you come up for about 5 to 6 seconds. This will give your
body total relexation after an exertion and you can go
down a little further. Repeat the process 3-4 times per
stretch position. Good luck with your stretching.
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Q:
Hi,
I'm an American who has lived in Canada his whole life.
Is it possible for me to compete at American events like
state and nationals? (David Lusk - Edmonton, AB)
A:
Dear David L, If you have a US citizenship, you can compete
in the U.S. You have to register in the state you want
to compete in, then compete. Good luck with your tkd training.
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Q:I
have noticed that you recommend running 3-5 miles a day.
I would like to know what are good times to be able to
run 3, 4, 5 miles. Thanks, Adam
P.S. By the way I saw your team from the OTC compete this
past weekend at the Nationals. They looked impressive,
what did they place? I hope I can eventually be one of
your team members. (Adam Dudley - Orlando, FL)
A:
Dear Adam, It is up to you to find time to run and running
is not for everyone. Some players can't run at all. You
have to find an alternate way to get in shape. To become
elite athlete it takes time and dedication. Good luck
with your training.
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Q:
Dear coach Lee I am a permanent resident in the United
States, I am interesting in participate in the next olympics
competitions. I have been training hard for that goal.
What I have to do for participate in the Olympics 2000?
(BEGAZO JOSE - NY, NY)
A:
Begazo Jose, An athlete must be a u.s. citizen, place
in the ustu state championships and the Nationals and
win the team trials in their Olympic wt. Good luck with
your dreams.
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Q:
Sometimes I stretch I hurt my knee joints. What are
some really good ways to stretch without putting to much
pressure on my joints.
A:
Try stretching by keeping knee flex, don't lock your knees
when you stretch and don't stretch until your knee hurts.
Listen to your body. You know your body, nobody else does.
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Q:
I'm a 19 years old 3rd dan in ITF Taekwon-do, but
I competed for the first time in WTF at the U.S. Open
in Los Angeles. What do you think about those who transfer
from an association to an other? (Jeff Baribeau - Quebec,
Qu.)
A:
Jeff B., Many players who transfer from the different
styles do very well. Many former national and olympic
team members are from different styles. A player must
be willing to learn and adapt. Good luck with your transfering
to wtf.
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The following two answers are for
questions that we have misplaced. We apologize and hope
that your concerns were addressed sufficiently.
A:
Dear
Ned Reader,
If you are a left leg fighter, you have an advantage over
right leg fighter. You can work on your left leg cut kick
and left leg fast kick. This will help you to become a
better player. Good luck with your tkd training. Coach
Lee
A:
Mr. Mitch Allen,
It is never too early to get your son involved in Olympics.
Your son can compete in color belts and can compete at
the Jr. Olympics as well. He must compete at the state
championships to qualify for the Jr. Olympics. Good luck
with your sons tkd training. Remember not to push your
son too hard. Let him enjoy competition, don't pressure
him too much on winning and losing. At his age let him
have fun competing and learn tkd as a martial art aspect
first. Thank you. Coach Lee
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Q:
I'M
5'4 126LBS AND I'VE ALWAYS HAD PROBLEMS COUNTER FIGHTING
TALLER FIGHTERS. EITHER THEIR KNEE WOULD BE IN THE WAY
OR MY COUNTER KICKS WOULD NOT REACH.(SHORT LEGS) ALSO
WHEN I SIDE STEP AND COUNTER I WOULD BE FOLLOWED WITH
THE KICK OR CANT SHIFT THE MOMENTUM. ANY ADVICE WILL BE
APPRECIATED. (ROBERT "COBRA" BARNES -MCGREGOR,
TX)
A: When you are fighting
taller player there is way to kick to make your counter
kicks effective. For example when a shorter player is
counter attacking, the shorter person must not move back
and execute the techniques. When the shorter person counters
while moving back then the shorter person will be out
of reach but taller person can reach, therefore shorter
person must counter without moving back.
If you want to know more purchase my next video of strategy.
Good luck with your training.
Coach Lee
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Q:
I'm
6'5 200 pound and no longer able to lose weight to get
into middle weight. My question is how do I gain weight
without losing speed and agility, and how much weight
should I be gaining, and what kind of weight training
should I be doing? (John Vrionis - Windsor, Ontario)
A: As far as Weight
training goes, the Olympic Weight training is the best
to gain explosive speed with out gaining too much weight.
My second upcoming instructional video of weight training
goes over Olympic Wt. training in detail. You have a huge
advantage over other heavyweights because of your height.
Learn how to use it. Good luck with your training. Coach
Lee
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Q:
I
have a black belt 3 dan. I am good, but I want to be better
(like be on the national team). My question is what should
I do to build up my speed, be musculcar too. I was thinking
to try the Tae Bo everyday, and then do weight training.
What should I do for weight training, what to lift, how
many times,etc. Thanks for your time reading this!! (Mark
G. - Maitland, Fl)
A:
As far as weight training goes, you need to do Olympic
weights. Find a certified strength and conditioning coach
to help you train in olympic weights or wait until my
weight training and conditioning tape is released. I am
hoping it will be done by the end of April. Good luck
with your tkd training. Coach Lee
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Q:
Coach
Lee, my name is Erik Wagner and I have attended the last
two consecutive years of your Junior training camps at
the OTC. I live in a very remote area where I have to
travel at least 300 miles to compete in tournaments. It
is very difficult for me to train and to have the experience
that I need to be a successful TKD athlete. My TKD school
was introduced to the Olympic Sport about 3 yrs ago, and
already my level of competiton excedes over my fellow
TKD classmates. I am the only one from my community that
participates in the Olympic TKD competition, and because
of that I have to train alone and prepare by myslef for
up coming events. Soon will be the CA State championships
and I am wondering if I am ready or not. What can I do
to get the proper training that I need to become one of
the elite? Thank you for your time and for those videos
of which you have generously put together. (Erik Wagner
- Crescent City, CA)
A:
Erik, I know how tough it can be training by yourself.
But it can be done - make your friend hold a paddle for
you and ask your classmates to come and work out with
you. It is hard but not impossible. If you have the will
there is the way. Keep training with your friends and
you can train by yourself. Apply what you have learned
in camps. Good luck with your tkd training and never give
up on your dreams. Coach Lee
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Q:
Coach Lee, I'm 18 years old and just now starting
Tae Kwon Do. Is there any possible way I could ever reach
national tournament status? Or did I start to late? (Bryan
- Tuscumbia, AL)
A:
No, it is not too late for you, 18 is not too late. Barbara
Kunkel, who has been on the U.S. National Team for 6 years
now, started when she was 20. It is never too late to
chase your dreams. Good luck with your tkd training. Coach
Lee
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Q:
Mr.
Lee - What are the requirements / standards needed to
train at the OTC? There are numerous schools in the Houston
region that I worked out with and occasionaly some go
train at the OTC, so I am curious on how one gets to live/train
there. Thanks! (Jake - Houston, TX)
A: Qualifications
to become otc resident: Player must be a top 4 player
in the nation by placing in top 4 at the Sr. Nationals
or at the team trials and the Jr. National Team members
can be considered for otc resident.
Good luck with tkd training.
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Q:
Mr Lee I weigh 165 lbs. and am 5'7". I am wondering
what the right weight for my height would be, and considering
my height, should I focus on either defensive or offensive
tactics, one more than the other? (Justin - Las
Cruces, NM)
A:
The right weight is the weight you feel comfortable with.
You should try one below a light weight and see if you
feel comfortable at that wt. You should experience a different
wt. at lesser competitions to find the wt. you like. As
far as offense and defense goes I really can't say based
on your height which to concentrate on. It varies on your
style and your techniques. The best advice for you is
to concentrate on both. Become an all around player not
one dimensional. Good luck with your tkd training.
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Q:
Coach, What do you consider the most important skills
for a young player to develop? My son, age nine, willing,
trains hard and has good kicking skills. In addition to
more tournaments --they are limited in our area-- where
should he focus his energy? Any suggestions as to how?
(Larry - North Canton, Ohio)
A:
At your sons age what you need to stress is the basics,
teach him basic kicks such as round house kicks, and back
kicks. 95% of the time in competitions, kicks score is
the round house kicks and all other kicks make up the
5%. Teach him good basic kicks and basic steps, this will
make him a champion in the long run. Good luck with training.
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Q:
Hi my name is Andrew Hong and I attended your OTC
camp last august. I have a question of the fast kick.
In competition /sparring i seem to go through the kick
much to slowly to land it. What is your advice to increse
speed on the fast kick? And how do you set up an opponent
for the fast kick?
A:
Well Andrew, there are many ways to increase the explosive
speed, Plyometrics could help and short distance sprints
may help, band kicking may help as well.
Andy, fast kick is mainly used for finding out what the
opponent is thinking, fast kick can quickly change to
cut kick if your opponent is thinking about back kick
and so on.
Good luck with your tkd training and I hope to see you
at this year's camp as well.
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Q:
In
1991 I was trainging with Master Nam Sik Baik. I had the
oppurtunity to train with you at your club in Ann Arbor.
I was just wondering if it is possible for a Canadian
Tae kwon do player to train at the OTC in Colorado. I
am 6ft 4inchs tall and weight 210. (John - Windsor, Ontario)
A:
Yes it is possible to train at OTC for short period, please
call me at 719-578-4632.
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Q:
Hello,
Thank you for your terrific web site and opportunity to
purchase Coach Lee's videos. I placed an order for the
video at the introductory price at 10:30 PM pacific standard
time on 12/31/1998.
Please reply and let me know the venue for the January
1999 tournament in Anaheim California. I am very interested
in purchasing tickets. (Dale)
A:
Thank you for purchasing the tape, I hope you will like
it. I think the US Open venue is the Anaheim Convention
Center. You can purchase the tickets there. Good luck
with your tkd training.
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Q:
I
teach TKD at a big college. Do you think I should teach
beginners differently from those elite players, i.e. tell
them to bounce more, keep hands up, etc., or I should
have them spar the way I want them to as black belts,
e.g. watch out for head shots which no one do at the low
level? Thanks. (Vincent - Palo Alto, CA)
A: Mr Lo, My philosophy
of teaching lower level is basics, teach them strong basics
and they will learn more advanced techniques with ease
and better understanding. Without a good basic foundation
it is very difficult to become a world class athlete.
Good luck with your tkd teaching.
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Q:
Could
you give me some good dependable sparring equipment brands
approved by the WTF? There are so many brands out there
but I wouldn't want to waste my money on a chest guard
that rips in a few weeks. Thank You for your time.
(Matt
- PA)
A:
The U.S. National Team uses Macho and Adidas products,
but most importantly you should consider which product
is best suited for you and consider price and so on. Every
individual is different. You should consider what feels
right and feels comfortable. In my opinion Macho, Adidas
and Century products are all very similar in quality.
You should use your own common sense and go with it.
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Q:
I am very interested in the Olympic aspect of Tae Kwon
Do and want to better my game. However, within the state
of Illinois there are many traditional schools and not
too many sport. I have looked on the USTU web page and
have noticed two nationalists. (James Stagen and Yung
Suk Han) Where would be your advice to train?
A:
The first thing you should do is find a USTU school and
compete in the USTU state championships and nationals.
Then find the instructor who you feel comfortable with
and who is a competent teacher. I don't know too many
schools that only emphasize sport taekwondo. There are
many, many very good olympic style schools in the state
of Illinois, you just have to do some research and find
them. Good luck with your search and your quest for the
Olympics.
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Q:
I
live near Anaheim, California and am very interested in
attending the US Open tournament there in January 1999.
Please let me know of the venue so that I may purchase
tickets. (Dale)
A:
Please call the USTU and ask for the National Events.
They will be glad to answer your question. The number
is 719-578-4632.
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Q:
Do
you have any training recommendations for somebody who
has to train alone, like what drills/conditioning can
effectively be done without a partner?
A:
There are many ways to train alone, such as running and
steps and line drills and so on, but it is easier to train
with a group of people who push you to train. I am currently
in the process of taping a conditioning and weight training
video to help people just like you. It is difficult for
me to tell you through email how to train by yourself,
but run 3-5 miles per day and do step work outs. The running
is the basic of all conditioning. Please consider purchasing
my upcoming tape on conditioning to compliment your current
methods.
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Q:
My
name is Tracy, and I live in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
I am in search of information regarding training and tournament
opportunities. Unfortunately there are lack of opportunities
in Canada in the area of taekwondo, and I am committed
to find where some better ones exist. I started taekwondo
only four years ago, earning my black belt within 2 years,
and began to compete at the national level shortly thereafter.
For the two years that I have competed at the Canadian
nationals I have placed second in my weight division.
I do however lack experience in tournament sparring, and
believe that my determination and focus although strong
are not enough to get me to where I want to go. I am in
need of some training and experience. I have tried to
search out opportunities closer to home but have found
little luck and support. I have my sights on the April
Olympic trials and am willing to do whatever it takes
to do my best once I get there. Is there anything that
you could suggest to help me in my efforts. I know that
the time is short, but I am a quick and determined learner
and feel confident that if given the chance I would be
able to live up to my own expectations. If you know of
anywhere that I could train for a while, tournaments (even
local), that I could attend I would appreciate it so much.
Thank you in advance for your assistance. Gratefully,
Tracy (I am 5'73/4" and I weigh aprox. 146lbs.)
A:
We have a U.S. Open in January in California. Please call
the USTU office and ask for the national events and ask
more about the tournament. I am sorry I don't know too
much about the Canada system to give you any advise on
how you should train for your Olympic trials. Good luck
with your quest for the Olympics.
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Q:
Dear
Sir, I'm a 10 year old taekwondo player, I started two
years ago. Now that I first began my competitions having
excellent results then my curve declined, but at least
I had the second place in the "Korean Embassador
Open Championship".
My coaches and parents noticed that my problem is in concentration
during the match. I start with high concentration then
lose it then gain it again all the match that I appear
with changing standard all the match.
I love taekwondo and I want to know a way for increasing
my concentration.
Thanks, Karim (Alexandria, Egypt)
A:
Dear Ten Year Old,
I am not sure what you are trying to tell me, you said
you lose the match because of lack of concentration. Are
you nervous before the match? How do you lose the match?
Sometimes if you dwell on losing and winning too much
then you tend to not compete at your best. Please write
me again and tell me a few more details. At your age don't
worry so much about the winning and losing but have fun
competing. Good Luck!
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Q:
Hi,
my name is fady assad. I was the national champion in
egypt in traditional karate. I am very strong in kicking
and very fast learner. I live in alabama now. I would
really like to be in olympic taekwondo but there are no
centers near bye. Can u give any kind of advice on how
to enter tournaments without belonging to any club and
how to train by myself! Thanks very much, Fady
A:
You can call our USTU office and ask for National Events
and ask them for a tournament schedule around the country.
You don't have to belong to any club to compete at these
tournaments however you have to have a USTU membership
and the membership is only $28 for a year.
As far as training by yourself, it is difficult but not
impossible. Keep in shape and keep on practicing your
kicks. Good luck.
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Q:
What
is your impression of foreign taekwondo players? Are there
any techniques or strategies which are unique to a particular
country? (Japan)
A:
As far as top countries around the world are concerned
the techniques are very similar, but countries that are
not so good are very aggressive. Players or countries
that do win at the international championships have actual
competition experience - countries like Spain, Chinese
Taipei, Egypt, and Mexico.
Every one is still trying to copy Korea. Korea is the
country everyone is trying to knock off. Korea still wins
the majority of golds in competitions.
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Q:
What is a really good stretch and speed routines for
someone who wants to achieve the splits, higher, and faster
kicks? i(14 yrs old) teach little kids at my local school
(park institute), ages 4-12, and sometime adults. but
i cant(becuase i havent tried hard enough) do the splits
and now i have high goals to make it to the olympics.
so i am starting my intense training now. please send
any tips. thank you again (Michael - Rochester, MN)
A:
There are some specific exercises to increase speed, such
as speed drills and plyometrics and even weight training.
Look for these subjects on my next tapes. To increase
flexibility try resistance stretching with a partner.
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Q:
Do you think that tae bo is good to train for a tournament?
Do you think that it doesn't stress enough on technique?
please give me any thoughts you have on it. thank you
(Michael - Rochester, MN)
A:
I believe that Taebo is great, it is fun and also an alternative
way of getting in shape, but getting in shape is only
a small portion of the competition, there are other elements
to the competition such as good techniques and distance
control, timing and ring control. Unfortunately, taebo
doesn't stress those essential elements. Good luck with
your training.
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Q:
Are
you considering to be coming out with a video in Aero
kicks (the amazing specular kicks used for demonstrations,
not sparring or self-defense)? It would be nice if you
did. And also are you considering to come out with books
based on your current series?
(Matt
- Duncannon, PA)
A:
Matt, Thank you for your interest in the video series.
The video series is designed to help raise the level of
competition and give as many students as possible the
benefit of the training techniques used by the USA and
National Tae Kwon Do teams. At this time we are considering
no new video tapes, however, I do appreciate your thoughts
on additional tapes and I will keep them in mind. There
are no books being talked about yet, but if I do any,
they will be listed on this site. The first video will
be available soon and please, let us know what you think
after you have watched it.
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Q:
I
have been taking Tae Kwon Do for five years now. I am
15. I would love to go to the Olympics. What should I
do to be on the Tae Kwon Do Olympic team?
A:
When a player is only 15 years old then he should be competing
in the junior nationals and start competing in the senior
nationals as well and participate in the seminars or camps
given by the past olympians or camps given by the USTU.
The USTU has been conducting jr. and sr. developmental
camps every year since the mid 80's. Young players should
take this opportunity to train with the national coach
and lots of national team members. Good luck to you and
everyone who has aspirations to become an Olympic champion.
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Q:
I
am 30 years old and am very interested in trying out for
the Olympic Team. Where do I begin? Do I have to participate
in tournaments and if so where? Do I need to join an organization
that is Olympic? (Jack - Dallas, TX)
A:
Here is the selection process for the Olympic games: First
you must place in the top 3 in the state championships,
then place in the top 4 in the U.S. National Championships.
Then you are qualified to come to the U.S. National Team
Trials and when you win First Place at the National Team
Trials you are a U.S. National Team Member. While the
2000 Olympic Games trials might be a little different,
I am sure it will be very close to that format. I hope
this will help you plan out your journey to the 2000 Olympic
Games.
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Q:
When
someone makes the national team, do they need to live
at the Olympic Training Center year round? If not, how
long prior to a major tournament must they train and stay
at the OTC?
A:
No individual who makes the team has to stay at the O.T.C.
year round. They have an option to do so at their will.
However we do have a training camp before the major international
championships and athletes do come to the OTC to train
for the competition. The duration of that stay varies
on the competitions. I hope this answers your question.
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Q:
Who
are the top four middle wts. in the U.S. and who is the
current midddle wt. Team member?
A:
The men's team member is Peter Bardatsos from the N.Y.
area and top players are Oui Lee from Minnesota, Ken Hance
from N.C. and Stewert Gill fromOhio. The women's middle
wt. National team members are Heidi Guilbert from Seattle
WA., Anna Kim from O.T.C. and Page Lerose from Seattle
WA.
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Q:
Are
the national team members required to attend International
training camp before the championships?
A:
No, but we do encourage them to attend and most of them
do attend the camp.
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Q:
How
many hours should an elite athlete train per week? (France)
A:
It all depends on what phase the individual athlete is
on, for example if an athlete is on the precompetition
phase of training, then that individual athlete should
be concentrating and spending more time on the conditiong
part of the training and less on the Taekwondo training.
Example: 10 hours per week for the conditioning and another
10 hours or so on Taekwondo training, 3-4 hours per week
for the weight training.
Competition Phase: Concentrating on Taekwondo training
and less on the conditioning. Example 14-16 hours of Taekwondo
training and 4-5 hours of conditioning. Don't forget about
the weight training as well - about 3 hours per week.
I hope this will give you an insight to an elite level
of Taekwondo athlete training.
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