Today, I was honored to be invited to observe and support a Dan Shimsa (Black Belt Test) with many candidates at various levels.

I was inspired by the high level of skill, the high number of female candidates, and a [edit] scientific publication that was timely shared. But first, let me start with some context...

[Edit] After initially publishing this post, I participated in more discussions and received other observations. I hope the additional commentaries help in this exploration.

Warning: This may get debatable. But I promise I have a point.

I'm just as guilty of once providing instruction / coaching to make sure that the front knee is bent (preferably close to 90 degrees) in front stance (chungul jaseh).  My original reasons behind this recommendation included:

• The use of an increased range of motion provides a strength and conditioning function to the stance (jaseh).
• For tournaments, the expression of dynamic flexibility generates a lot of points from the judges.

Some may argue that there's no other purpose because using exercises throughout the full range of motion is a functional strength and conditioning principle.

But that's just it...What is the function that you are looking to achieve?
Are you reaching down to the floor to perform an action?
Are you bracing yourself for a moment of impact?
​Can you safely do both functions without loss of efficiency?

I have always been fascinated with the cycle of learning and the development of physical and analytical skills. During a period of mixing a full-time job with a "weekend warrior" schedule, I experienced recurring aches/pains and physical restrictions, and thought nothing more than to have grit and push through the pain. 

Eventually, I suffered a non-contact ACL tear at a amateur karate competition and experienced many of the biggest losses in my adult years.

I attempted to understand what happened, and after a lot of trial and error, I have learned a lot since. In that time, I regained my mobiilty, passed my Black Belt and Instructor gradings, became certified as a Mobility Specialist, and became a highly-valued IT professional and administrator.

In sharing my day-to-day progress, personal training, and professional endeavors, I started receiving a lot of requests for coaching, mentoring, and problem-solving. I am so grateful for the opportunities to make a positive impact in their lives.

So how can I help?
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