Matthew Sylvester
kicking
FREE – Deaths’ Messengers – A sneak preview
The text below is taken from my first published short story, Death’s Messengers, which is in the Grimm and Grimmer Volume Two anthology by Fringe Works. Enjoy what you read, and buy the book! Death sidestepped, brushing the kick aside with the outside of his right arm, slashing outwards with his left hand at the giant’s exposed … Continue reading
Humility and the humble bow
Every martial art has at least some tenets or ideals that promote ‘goodness’. By goodness, I mean that they require the student to follow a set of morals and ethics, which would generally be viewed by the majority as good. These usually include humility, the ability to keep going no matter what (indomitable spirit), honesty/ … Continue reading
Self-defence – An overview
Self-defence, self-protection, street defence are all buzzwords covering the subject of trying to avoid being attacked and what to do when you are being attacked. There are many excellent courses out there but many people still don’t attend them. Why is this? I personally believe that there are many factors but for me the core … Continue reading
Pressure Testing
Pressure testing is a buzz word right now along with ‘reality-based’, ‘pressure points’ and ‘cross-training’. Just as with the other buzz words there is some misconception as to what pressure testing is. Most people seem to think it involves blood, sweat and tears in copious amounts; somewhat like an MMA fight actually. This isn’t far … Continue reading
Applications – They need to be Practical
When looking for applications in your patterns, it is important to always be critical. When you’re doing this from a Practical Taekwondo perspective, it’s vital that you also be practical. Take the picture below. Normally you see this sort of thing performed by people wearing doboks. I took it with us wearing street clothing to show just … Continue reading
Matthew Sylvester 