STATUS UPDATE
For those of you that have become my friends and emailed about my recovery, I wish to thank you. Your kindness
meant so much to me. For those who are new, here is a summary:
My last tournament was in 2005. Why so long? Two words: Hurricane Katrina. The TKD school my kids and I attended
was flooded out, as was our entire area. It took several months to rebuild. In the meantime we were refugees, moving from one place to another
until we found a place to settle in until we were allowed to move back home.
After moving back home we began the recovery of our lives; at home, at work, at school, at church, in the community.
Our TKD school lost over half it's students and instructors, as did other schools in this area that were able to at least
reopen. The day before our TKD school reopened I was in a bad car wreck. Since much of the area was still without electricity
for months after the storm the traffice lights weren't working. They had to be treated as 4-way stops. People were rushing
around with all sorts of worries on their minds. Immigrants not familiar with our traffic rules were all over the place.
I came to what used to be a traffic light, now a 4-way stop, and was in line to cross over when I was rear-ended at full
speed by a truck. It ran me into the van in front of me and I was sandwitched between the two vechicles. I was tossed
around and ended up laying sideways in my vechicle. I couldn't move for a while. I had injured my neck, lower back, arms
and legs.
After months of physical therapy (no TKD training) I had to also have surgery. Then there were weeks of recovery followed by complications
and even a kidney stone episode. Again no TKD training. I was in bad shape for a while there. I figured it was time to officially
retire from competition.
Now I'm trying to get back in shape. This past summer (2007) my son and I started our own TKD club
(Louisiana Sport TaeKwonDo)
with some of his friends. I'm working out with these high school aged kids and discovering what I can and can't do.
As long as I act my age I should be alright. I'm not 21 anymore so I have to stop training like I'm 21 and unimpaired.
Now I'm considering doing forms in the U.S. Open here in New Orleans in February. Wish me luck! Thanks!
Update: I was awarded gold in forms and placed second in sparring.
Kicks
January 2008
This page is my way of sharing with you what I have learned so that it might help you in achieving your goals.
My program is divided into 2 parts; 1) Physical Fitness and 2) Tournament Training.
Remember, before beginning any exercise program visit your doctor for a complete checkup. Good luck with your training and your goals!
STATUS UPDATE
Here are some links to web sites of similiar interest:
