About a month ago I dipped my toe into the TKD waters to see what would happen. Actually, I jumped in head first. For months my Canadian buddy Brenden had been urging me to go to Yeonsei TKD in Songdo for it for increased core strength, flexibility and balance.
Each day starts with a pretty rigorous routine of sit ups, push ups, squats with the kettle bell and jumping rope. Form while doing all of these is paramount. We finish all of this with some serious stretching. It's not easy and Brendan understands this.
A little about me. I am a 41 year old male. I've been a "good" bicycle racer and largely kept my sport persuits limited to that or some running. I broke my left hip and femur almost exactly 10 years ago thanks to a careless driver. Since then I have had some sort of pain or limitation in my hip and the muscle in my left quad. Each night during our workouts of punching, stretching, forms, and kicking, I am reminded of this injury through imbalance or weakness. However, the next day finds me totally recovered and feeling measurably better than I did the previous week. I find myself grunting less when picking things up from awkward places or just getting in and out of the car.
Brendan and Master Kang have done an excellent job of listening to my thoughts, understanding my physical limitations, and accommodating my needs. I think it safe to assume any lesser facility would be more of a sink-or-swim style. I feel like I'm swimming and doing it without injury. I should also stress that this a non-violent approach to learning martial arts. I'm approaching a yellow belt (not so rookie as white) and am assured of minimal contact for some time. Whew!
Cost is $100/month. Classes are Monday - Thursday night at 9:30PM for one hour. You can come a little early for additional workout time.
If you want to contact Brendan to check out a class or just chat with him, shoot me a note.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
message Rx, Chiropractic care, and personal training
My wife and I have been enjoying the care of Dr. Ko recently and it's made a ton of difference. Dr. Ko actually prefers to be called Teacher Ko. The guy is supremely humble. His care however is a force to be reckoned with.
Teacher Ko has been providing us message therapy and light chiropractic care. I'm in the critical camp when it comes to chiropractic care but his approach is well executed. He's gentle and tuned in which is important to me. He can really buckle down on those difficult spots which is good too.
Last month I was attending "Dirt church" with some friends. Dirt church is a non-competitive MTB ride every Saturday. I managed to experience the fortitude of Korean trees when I warp-10'd into a small grove after a kick-ass power slide. I was the bee's knees to that point. I destroyed my helmet (good thing!) and managed to tweek my neck and right arm severely. I walked in drunk on wisky (pain killer) and he saw me right away. He worked on my entire body focusing on my right arm and neck for over 90 minutes. I got me loose enough to start some real healing. I'm trained to be critical and observant of all care and I feel he truly helped me. He charge me his standard rate of 20,000 KRW.
If you are in need of message therapy or light chiropractic Teacher Ko is fantastic. I am not in need of a trainer so I cannot comment on his abilities. Please note that his English is very limited. Thus far, it's not been an issue. He's currently working very hard on getting his English improved. Also note that in January his rates go up to 30,000 Krw/ hour. Still a fantastic bargain for this fantastic care provider.
Teacher Ko is located above the wine store in Songdo in suite 206.
Phone 032-832-6378
Cell 010-6378-6363
E-mail: jaehee2003@naver.com
Teacher Ko has been providing us message therapy and light chiropractic care. I'm in the critical camp when it comes to chiropractic care but his approach is well executed. He's gentle and tuned in which is important to me. He can really buckle down on those difficult spots which is good too.
Last month I was attending "Dirt church" with some friends. Dirt church is a non-competitive MTB ride every Saturday. I managed to experience the fortitude of Korean trees when I warp-10'd into a small grove after a kick-ass power slide. I was the bee's knees to that point. I destroyed my helmet (good thing!) and managed to tweek my neck and right arm severely. I walked in drunk on wisky (pain killer) and he saw me right away. He worked on my entire body focusing on my right arm and neck for over 90 minutes. I got me loose enough to start some real healing. I'm trained to be critical and observant of all care and I feel he truly helped me. He charge me his standard rate of 20,000 KRW.
If you are in need of message therapy or light chiropractic Teacher Ko is fantastic. I am not in need of a trainer so I cannot comment on his abilities. Please note that his English is very limited. Thus far, it's not been an issue. He's currently working very hard on getting his English improved. Also note that in January his rates go up to 30,000 Krw/ hour. Still a fantastic bargain for this fantastic care provider.
Teacher Ko is located above the wine store in Songdo in suite 206.
Phone 032-832-6378
Cell 010-6378-6363
E-mail: jaehee2003@naver.com
Dental Care (Songdo Dream Dental Clinic)
I've long eyed the large tooth sign on the 3rd floor, suite 304, on corner above the convenience store across from Sinsagae basement grocer. At a friend's suggestion I gave them a go for my teeth cleaning needs.
I found Songdo Dream Dental Clinic to be very professional and sufficient enough at English to get me through the process. I filled out a simple health question sheet while I waited for less than five minutes. I was told the whole cleaning would take about 30 minutes and they were right. I feel I had less pain than I have had at places in the States but I cannot say if they went as deep as other locations. I usually need an ibuprophen after a cleaning when it's been a while but I'm cool for now. The total price was 60,000 KRW. I'll certainly go again and I'll do it in six months like a good boy.
Phone 032-858-2800
I found Songdo Dream Dental Clinic to be very professional and sufficient enough at English to get me through the process. I filled out a simple health question sheet while I waited for less than five minutes. I was told the whole cleaning would take about 30 minutes and they were right. I feel I had less pain than I have had at places in the States but I cannot say if they went as deep as other locations. I usually need an ibuprophen after a cleaning when it's been a while but I'm cool for now. The total price was 60,000 KRW. I'll certainly go again and I'll do it in six months like a good boy.
Phone 032-858-2800
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