Dobok Care

Doboks take quite a beating. They become easily discolored with sweat, Gatorade, lunch, time or even mis-laundered. 

Here are some ideas for improving the look of your dobok and perhaps get rid of some of the stains that occur over time. 

General Cleaning:

1.  Always check out the label before washing.  Most of the polyester/cotton blends will recommend cold water washing. Warm works, but hot can bleed colors on the dobok (taekwondo-info). The black belt v-neck especially can bleed onto the white.  I have always washed my dobok in cold.  I like using Tide Boost Vivid once-in-a-while. It seems to help keep the whites whiter. 

2.  Never bleach your dobok.  The bleach will yellow and/or gray the uniform.  Your logos will definitely be affected.  One logo on our uniform, the red became pink after a bleaching.

3.  Stains can be removed in several ways. Different stains need different instructions.  This may help HERE.  Most directions include a pre-soak.  I have used the 1 part dish soap to 2 parts Hydrogen Peroxide on mine.  I have recently used this on sweat stains with a bit of scrubbing and it worked like a charm.

4.  I haven't had a problem with using the dryer on high heat since there is polyester in the doboks, but again, follow the suggestion drying instructions.  I also use a fabric softener in the dryer as well as the washer.  I don't like clingy uniforms.

5.  If there is a problem with odor retention, It may help to soak the dobok in dish soap and vinegar for 20 minutes before the wash.  

6.  Turn the Dobok inside out to save the iron transfer as long as possible.  If it is embroidered, it is not necessary.


NOTE *****"Never, ever wash your belt!" It is tradition to show your experience with your belt. The white belt becomes dirty over time and training and becomes black.  And the black belt becomes white again over time.  A continue journey that doesn't end.***** 

Tournament time:

 1.  If you haven't had to deal with stains at a tournament, you either haven't gone to any or you are the luckiest person ever.  Kids and even adults can get something on their uniform even if it isn't their fault.  Sitting down on a bleacher gives opportunities galore for some extra, unwanted color on your dobok. Along with the books, Ipads, and snacks, a good suggestion to pack for the trip, would be something like Shout Wipe&Go.  That was the highest rated on Woman's Day.  If that is unavailable, a quick trip to the restroom to use water and a towel will definitely help to not let the stain set.

2. A nice clean and ironed Dobok gives a great impression to the judges for your Poomsae presentation, but also shows others the respect the athlete has for their uniform and their school.  A suggestion for Ironing your Dobok:   "Iron the trouser legs flat. So the creases are at the side of the leg not the front.  Iron the top like a T-shirt with the creases running down the outside of the sleeves.  Have a good look at any lettering on your dobok top. If it's embroidered it's fine to iron over. But if it's a plastic transfer type logo, you'll need to turn your dobok top inside out and iron it on the reverse."

3.  Many people try to stay in plain clothes for as long as possible or have warm-ups and/or track pants to put over the dobok pants.  

Respect:

1.  Folding your dobok

2.  Not only is it important to have your uniform clean and neat for tournaments, seminars, tests, special events, etc. , but we should have our doboks looking nice for class.

3.  Bring your dobok in a bag and label the inside of your dobok with your name.  A marial artist should be responsible for his uniform and belt.


Hope these tips have been helpful.  Please feel free to add your own tips below.  Keep lookin' sharp. 







KS

Taekwondo - At any age......

MTC has a variety of students that range from age 4 to age 73.  Every one of these students progress at their own rate and can benefit in different ways.  Classes are arranged to accommodate the needs of the different age groups because the methods of teaching may vary.

We start our youngest practitioners at 4 years old.  This 4-6 age group tend to be the time children can start holding attention longer and can develop their hand/eye coordination.  They follow directions better. Through learning confidence, they learn respect for themselves and other people. There is a lot of physical activity and we keep them engaged with games and a variety of movements. They start memorizing forms, kicks, block, strikes and self-defense.


Our next group is the 7-12 year old group.  They are energetic and alert.  They follow directions and Mayoclinic
start developing self-discipline.  They are able to start some managed strength training.  They work on their coordination, balance and flexibility.  "By this age, children have mature vision and the ability to understand and recall sports strategies. These children are typically ready to take on complex skill sports, ..."

The Teenagers,13-17 year old, are involved in all aspects of the martial art.  They are very physical at this age and often enjoy the competition. They make connection with their team and their classmates.  They understand the tenets and deeper meaning of Taekwondo and the martial arts.  They often become leaders and instructors at this age.  They develop strength, agility, speed, flexibility, and balance.  Five reasons the Examiner gives for Teenagers to be involved in martial arts:  1. Fitness 2. Positive Self-Esteem 3. Socialization Skills 4. Stress Management 5. Self-Defense.  These certainly can be reasons for any age.



The 18-32 year old group is categorized that way because of the sparring classifications at

Nationals.  We group adults together for training, but there more diversity with adults than with children.  Our journey changes drastically as our body changes.  We become busy with life and try to fit training into our schedule. It becomes harder to recover from injuries.  But as an adult, it is almost more important to keep our bodies moving.  It is not only healthy to keep active, but healthy to relieve stress during these physically active time of our lives. 

The 33+ Group is the all inclusive adult group.  There are so many health benefits in this group.  Our balance is so important to maintain as we age and Taekwondo pushes us to work our core and challenge our balance.  Taekwondo techniques, forms and strategies challenge the mind.(Taekwondo Science). This group "play to their strengths. The advantage senior(older) taekwondo students have over youth.....is life experience.
Older students are often wiser. They think before they act. And they often have more self-control.
They have the mental toughness to push through tough training.
And they know the power of perseverance." Taekwondo-information


The Top Ten Benefits of Martial Arts from healthfitnessrevolution.com
for all ages:

• Total body workout
• Healthy lifestyle
• Self confidence
• Improved cardiovascular health
• Weight loss
• Improved reflexes
• Focus and stillness
• Teaches great morals and values
• Muscle tone
• Better mood

I have witnessed the growth of students of all ages.  It is a joy to see the confidence build.  In a world where their peers are not as fit or focused.  These students grow to realize their potential and that there are others that care and support their journey in a safe environment.  Whether that journey begins at 4 or 74, the benefits listed apply to all.





KS

YOU are Worth The Fight

That is the message we are sending in our self defense/self definition/empowerment seminar exclusively for Missoula Taekwondo Center Family females on March 16th.   

This self defense seminar will be more than just a way to learn some ninja moves to help you in a tense or dangerous situation. We will focus on how to ensure that you are reaching your full potential in life through self definition.

Many, if not most, instances of violence against women are not perpetrated in the blink of an eye. Often people are victimized because they believe they are not worth being treated well and therefore have      remained in situations that slowly escalate into verbal, mentally or physical abuse. That is why our Worth The Fight seminars will focus on each person making the discovery of what makes them uniquely Worth The Fight. We will also guide individuals to some realization about who and what, outside of themselves, have an interest in defining them. Other people, clothing companies, recording artists, movie production companies, food venders, cigarette companies; the list of potential influences on who you become is nearly endless.  

Join the crowd of females who believe they are Worth The Fight .

Saturday, March 16th         

1-3PM

At Missoula Taekwondo Center

For all females age 6-96 in our Family. Weather you are a martial artist, mom, sister, grandmother or friend of a MTC martial artist you are Family to us.

There is a suggested donation of $15.                  

Sign up with your BFF (or your daughter, sister or mother )and give             

$20 total for the 2 of you.

Advanced sign up is suggested. Limited space available.

Come in sweats and bring a water bottle.

See you there!

Notes from our Noses

Although there is a fresh blanket of snow on the ground as I write this, it is  becoming the season to think about how you may affect the olfactory senses of yourself and those around you after an hour of intense running, jumping, kicking, blocking, striking and such. In other words, now that it is getting warmer outside our bodies start to sweat more and with that they also start to smell more, when our bodies smell more in an enclosed space we are all affected.

There are many socially accepted ways to alleviate body odors. They include showering, laundering your clothing, wearing deodorant, wearing socks in your shoes and eating healthy natural foods (without beans). Please feel free to employ these and other methods of keeping yourself and our dojang smelling sweet.

from the desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky

Nationals Qualifier/Sparring Seminar/Collegiate Fight Off

Montana athletes are invited to compete at the 2013 Montana State USAT Championships to qualify for competition at this summer’s Junior and Senior Nationals in Chicago. This qualifying tournament will take place on March 23rd at Bonner School. This is a mandatory step for athletes competing in Chicago July 3rd-8th. Registration must occur online at usat.hangastar by March 15th to receive the Early Kick discount. There is NO day of event registration.

This qualifier is not a typical tournament. We must use the same divisions that are used at the national events where there are 3000+ competitors. This means at our event with around 50 competitors there will likely be very few contested qualifying spots. Most athletes will qualify without needing to fight. We will, however, arrange exhibition matches whenever possible. 

Following the qualifier…the Montana Taekwondo Association will host a Competition Clinic, also at Bonner for 2 hours. All MTA members are welcome to participate in the clinic. Master Rosbarsky, Master Miranti and Master Williams will run the clinic. The fee for the clinic is $25. Registrations are available at MTC.

Following the clinic… the first ever MTA Collegiate Team Fight-Offs will take place also at Bonner School. Current Collegiate athletes from the state of Montana who are MTA members and red or black belts may compete for a chance to earn 1 of 10 $300 scholarships to be used at National Collegiate Taekwondo Championships on April 13th and 14th in Colorado Springs, CO. The fee to participate in the fight off is $25 includes entrance into the preceding Competition Clinic.

You may call Mrs. Rosbarsky or visit montanataekwondo.org for further information.

from the desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky

Spring Happenings

So many Taekwondo things happening this spring. Here is a list to pique your interest.

Tournaments will be held on: 

 April 13th in Great Falls, 

April 20th in Butte,  

May 4th in Livingston, 

May 25th-26th in Los Angeles

June 1st in Butte.

TKD Opportunities Sprouting Up this Spring

Coming to class is a tremendous way to tap into the world of Taekwondo and how it can enhance your own varied abilities. To open the floodgates of your own potential Taekwondo offers much more. 

Attending activities that expose you to new teachers, new classmates, new challenges and new information will help you grow as a martial artist and person.  Consider doing just one of the following to enhance your life experience and become something greater than you were before 2013.

Tournament opportunities for all students: 

• February 2nd MTC Fun Tournament, 
• February 9th Zootown Kickdown hosted by MT TKD Academy, 
• April 13 Great Falls Tournament hosted by GM Scott Miranti,    
• April 20th Dae Myung Tournament in Butte
• May 4th Livingston Tournament hosted by GM Dan Williams.

Some other tournaments for passionate pursuers are the US Open in Las Vegas February 18-24th, the MT State USAT National Qualifier and MT Collegiate Fight Off on March 23rd in Bonner, National Collegiates in Colorado on April 13th, and USAT Nationals in Chicago July 3-9.

It is not just tournaments that can expand your martial arts experience. Growth may be spurred by something as simple as picking up an extra class during the week or even just once a month. Every person in a class changes and enhances the dynamic. Even when learning from the same instructor, with different students, he or she may approach a lesson from a slightly or completely new angle which may reach right to the heart of your understanding.

We highly encourage attendance at the seminar being given by Grandmaster Park in Butte (for all belts)on Friday March 1st and/or the Judo winter camp at Clark Canyon Bible Camp also instructed by Grandmaster Park (for blue belts and above) on March 2nd and 3rd. A seminar with Grandmaster Park is a rare occurrence in Montana and should be treated like it may never happen again.

from the desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky