MAN ON MARS

Martial arts are like exploring new planets, as practice and self-confidence unlock a world of possibilities far beyond what we used to consider our natural limits. I am currently 32. I've been training for a lifetime but I still find it hard to consider myself an athlete or a sportsman whatsoever. I wasn't born to do this. I am much of a romantic perpetual child, who works freelance in the gaming industry and puts humour and emotions above all else. I'm skinny. Before each competition I'm in, there is one odd moment when, wearing my dobok in the locker room, I am surrounded by a whole army of black belts whose bodies look like Greek statues. Then I feel like a dog in church. My muscles are outrageously thin and my joints are weak. I have to train wearing shoes and a pair of appalling insoles, even on a tatami mat. Regarding my mental strenght, I leave a lot to desire too. But you know what? I don't care if I can look like an alien, sitting unconfortably on an out of scale world. I still got kicks. And as long as I can give them, this planet is my home.

IT BEGINS

Can you remember your first fight? We all can. Mine was 16 years ago. I remember I wasted all the breath I had in a fistful of seconds, hitting more elbows than a human being can count, thus spending the rest of the match panting and thinking that competitions were too tough for me. The other guy was no better than me, as the final score would be a pathetic 0-0. I lost, however, due to a second penalty charged to my exuberant coach. I also managed to injury my right foot, which prevented me from walking normally for a week or so. Overall, it was a terrible experience, plagued with anxiety and disappointment.
So I wish this young yellow belt a far better start than I did. But more than anything, I wish him a hundred more memorable experiences in his dobok, so that in 16 years he will be happy to tell everyone about his own baptism of fire. No matter the result.

SLEEPING BEAUTY

Wake up. Today's your day.

SHORT MEMORY

<<What are we dressed up like this for, again?>>
<<Can't remember, but sure is soft.>>

STRIP GIRL

Because a comic girl could not but inspire a balloon post. Peace, Alessia :P

ITALIAN VERSION

LIQUID COURAGE

We proudly brew our own.

TIP OF THE ASS-BERG

You know, sometimes your master tells you to do things that look very, very bizarre.
Trust him, though. It all becomes clear, when you get the bigger picture.

OLD BOYS

Usually in sport you compete as long as you can keep up with the best, no matter if they're up to 20 years younger. So, over 30/40/50 years divisions are a privilege of our discipline. They allow talented Poomsae performers to stay on top for almost a lifetime. Besides, staying in touch with the competition dramatic feelings makes them better teachers as well. On the other hand, as Poomsae are an aesthetical sport, the oldest veterans cannot but disappoint when it comes to agility and high beautiful kicks, even on a global scale selection. That's why I have mixed feelings about Master divisions.
Anyway, please stand up for Nadir Giunchi, Roberto Boghi and Giovanni Sotgiu, the amazing Italian Male Team 2 that tricked their age conquering a bronze medal at the European Poomsae Championship 2011.

(Photo courtesy of Aleksandar Golović)

LOOK AT MY LADYBUG

Yes, dear son, Taeguk are fixed patterns, but you never know what you might come across when you perform one.

OH JOY

All's well that ends well. Right? Wrong. The more I train with the best athletes in my region, the more I realize this: they love TKD, they like to train, they want to compete. But they find it so hard to enjoy it when they do it. This is true for both fighters and poomsae specialists, but it's the latter the most vulnerables. Poomsae training doesn't leave much room for improvisation. Routines are repetitive, as the focus is on correcting mistakes. Competitions, on their side, can keep you waiting a whole day to eliminate you in a minute. Sure, if everything goes right, you'll eventually smile at the end. But how long can you bear with this? Hard training, strong pressure... only for a feeble chance of bliss at the end of it all? Just think a minute. This is nonsense. You're getting burnt out, only you don't know it yet.
Martial arts are not strictly about "having fun", but no passion can do without some kind of pleasure. Poomsae are not about playing over and over some record in your mind. *You* are that form. You are the tradition, revived each time you blow your fists. Feel the energy flowing all through your limbs. Enjoy the wide stances and the statuary kicks. You are the swift body of a mute dance that echoes wars from an ancient past. This is art. Don't carry out. Perform. Don't play it. Live it.
So when you train with your friends or enter a competition venue, don't let the hard feelings overcome you. It's not fear the reason you're here. It's joy. Right from the very start.