TMA News

"Appeasement only makes the aggressor more aggressive."

Above -TMA Board at June 2016 Testing 

2023 Testing Schedule

March 25 

June 24 

September 23 

December 16

Days in 2023When There Are No Classes at Stangle's Taekwondo:

 January 1 -  New Years

 April 

July  -   Independence Day

 November  -     Thanksgiving 

 December -      Christmas

 Any Testing Day

Pictures from October 16 Tournament

Testing at Robinson, IL March 21, 2015

Black Belt Perspective

Stance

by Chris Vieke

            Stance- the first item in the Five Points of Power. Why do you think it is listed first? With a weak stance, your technique will be weak. This is why we (the instructors) correct your stance when it is not right. With a weak stance your technique will be weak. A weak or wrong stance when breaking wood usually results in failure. With a weak stance, you will usually bounce off the wood.  If setting up to break with an improper stance, you will not be able to get your hips involved in the technique and will not be able to generate enough force to break the boards.

            A solid, stable stance is the foundation of power. A weak, unbalanced stance diminishes the force of a technique. The basic components of a strong stance are: weight shifting and distribution, base, proper body alignment, proper muscle tension in the legs and hips, and center of gravity.

            The stances we do are hundreds of years old. Our stances were not developed because they “look good”.  They were developed with the above in mind, to use the body as effectively as possible. They would not have survived for hundreds of years if they were not effective.

            The front stance- Step out to a distance of about 1 and ½ shoulder widths apart from front to back. Your weight should be 60% on the front leg and 40% on the rear leg. Your toes on the rear foot turn slightly outward while the toes on your front foot are straight ahead. The rear leg is locked out. This forms a solid linkage from joint to joint. Your front leg is bent, so all you can see (as you look down) are the tips of your toes. If you can see more of your foot, your knee is not bent enough. In this position you are in a very stable, solid stance, this is good for forward movements.

            Back stance-Step out with one foot, about shoulder width apart. Your front foot will be straight ahead while your other foot will be turned 90 degrees (looks like an L if they were touching). Knees will be bent with about 60% to 70% of your weight on your back leg

            Rear stance- similar to the Back stance, except the rear leg is turned 45% to the front leg. Again, knees will be bent with about 60% of your weight on your back leg.

            Middle Stance- (also known as horse riding stance) step out to the side with one foot, keeping the feet parallel and on the same line (toes of both feet will be facing the same direction). Feet should be at least 1 ½ up to 2 shoulder widths apart.

            Sparring stance- step out to about shoulder width apart. Both feet will be facing the same direction at about a 45 degree angle to the upper body. Knees will be bent. This is a comfortable, balanced and sturdy position for fighting. With this stance it is easier for you to protect your vital organs. Hands are up( to protect your head), elbows are in (to protect your chest).

            Things to remember- If your stance is too wide, your hips are open too much, making forward movement difficult and opens you up to be hit, also weakens your blows because your are unable to utilize the full rotation of hips. If your stance is too narrow, you will have a hard time maintaining your balance. Off balance, your technique will be weak and you will find it is hard to defend against an opponent.