Gyoroogi and Poomse Training

Gyoroogi Training

As to be expected, the gyoroogi portion of the training session made up the bulk of our workouts. Master Myungsam Chang, the World and 1988 Olympic Champion, taught the majority of classes in this area of study and provided us with a bit of his insight on successful training practices and technique.

The gyoroogi classes were divided into four main areas:

• Stretching
• Footwork
• Individual kicking and footwork drills
• Partner kicking and footwork drills

The first formal class, coming on the second day of our program, was devoted to stretching. Master Chang primarily emphasized the differences between "passive" and "dynamic" stretching techniques. As the first workout in dobok, this was an invigorating way to begin the sessions.

Two days later, Master Chang taught us several different footwork exercises to improve mobility and ease of motion. He emphasized using the hip to generate that quick first step. From gyorumsae choonbi, a quick hip turn enables one to either propel forward with a quick step or fire off a fast and powerful kick.

That same afternoon, the coach of the Korean Sports University and four of his students (each an international champion) led us in two severely challenging workouts. For each two-hour workout, we were rarely at rest as we performed a variety of exercises. The first period involved individual exercises (kicking and footwork drills across the room) and the second period involved more partner drills.

The primary benefit of these two workouts was an introduction to the level of intensity required to exceed expectations and become a world champion. As many of us had never experienced a workout of this calibre, it was somewhat shocking to several people. However, the only thing lost was breath, so afterwards everyone relaxed in the glow of a hard and an extremely aerobically-challenging workout.

We had, in fact, met the instructor and students on our visit to the Korean Sports University earlier in the week (following our visit to the Kukkiwon). Being an alumni of the Korean Sports University, Master Jun Yoon (the team Assistant Director) introduced his instructor to us who offered a few words about the program. After watching the team proceed through several minutes of warm-ups and drills, a few of us were offered the opportunity to participate in several impromptu sparring matches for another educational opportunity.

Our last day of formal gyoroogi training consisted of training with protective gear and partners. This was the type of workouts that the majority of students had been itching to participate in all week. Although we did not spar, we did cover many drills to combine effective footwork with powerful kicks.

 
Poomse Training

The poomse training was led by Grandmaster Kyoohyun Lee for two classes. He led us through the first five t'aegueks before dividing into smaller groups to cover p'oomse specific to our rank. Grandmaster Lee also took the time to clarify many of the combinations in the first several taeguek poomse.