Day 12

So, I realized another relavent point of interest that I should address in regards to my thesis. It's a very simple point, but should be articulated as others may not have realized this point. Participating, as a female, in Tang Soo Do, or any predominately male physical arena (not a literal arena) can do two things to the Frailty Myth. It can reinforce it or it can erase it. First, it exposes it. When a female enters and has little to no understanding of how her body works, then she is exposing the frailty myth. This is quite evident, as even boys/men who are not talented at physical activities, still end up having had more physical experiences then the average female (can't quote where I got this info from though). My point is that there is clear difference between the average female and the average male. When a female enters this type of situation, she exposes this difference, and perhaps reinforces the frailty myth for the rest of the class. However, with more and more women breaking this myth and proving that they can supersede it, which in turn can change the class's view of the physical potential of women. And if a woman begins under the frailty myth and then overcomes it and succeeds, that's probably even more impactful to the others observing her progress. In other words, breaking the frailty myth doesn't just include women reaching their physical potential, but it also includes men and women observing this phenomenon.

Today would have been the day I was supposed to test. There was one other dude who was supposed to test, but he hadn't been to the last two or three classes, so master Miller wouldn't let him test. Anyway, I learned two new things today. #4 of the one steps and #3 of the hand escapes. We worked on punching. Apparently we were all doing our punches wrong. We weren't bring our resting fist(?) up to our faces when we punched with the other hand, leaving our face open to the opponent. Next class I will learn the rest of the Kee Cho Hyung Ee Bo and Roundhouse kick.

Hum, had to miss the gym yesterday. I had a meeting with one of my professors. I've been running in my neighboorhood every morning though. I'm still sore from last T.S.D class, probably from the duck walk. Anyway, my arms are definately showing their definition now. Happy to see that. Can't really tell if my legs are. Stomach will certainl be the last thing the looks like it's toned. Not that these are my goals, but just noticing the changing shape of my body. I certainly feel more fit though!

Well, it's 10:00. Better leave it here. Gotta get up early.

Karen

Day 11

So, today was my first class as a yellowbelt. Along with the physical test that was required for receiving my yellowbelt, I also had to write an essay about my Tang Soo journey and read it in front of the class. I did this today as I wasn't expecting to test last class and was, therefore, unprepared. The purpose of reading the essay in front of the class was to demonstrate and practice leadership. As a student of Tang Soo Do I am expected to be a leader.

I learned two new things in class today. The first was the next portion of the Kee Cho Hyung Ee Bo. So, I know about half of it at the moment. I also learned the Axe Kick. Here, I'll look up the Korean. Jik Kee is the Korean. So, I know Aph Cha Kee, Yup Cha Kee, and Jik Kee. The person I was working with said he thought I was a natural at kicking. I never know when to believe people though. I also did some sparring practice today. We just practiced kick, punch, punch without the defender doing anything. I suppose I'm on my way to actual sparring. I should probably get some equipment.

I also need to learn how to say "thankyou" in Korean. I'll look it up right now. It's Gam Sa Hab Ni Da. I think that's something a yellowbelt should know. Actually, that's probably something a whitebelt should known.

The new girl can only come on Tuesday's now, and for the first 30 mins of class on Thursday. She's coming along a little better. She still doesn't have much power behind her movements, and her ki-ups are still a bit week. I should ask her about her past physical experiences. Maybe I should interview her. That would be a good idea, and the other female in the class too, as well as Master Miller, to see if they think the frailty myth is with them, or with the females they have observed.

Well, I really don't have much more to say. I've been running in the mornings. I actually ran in the rain when it was 35 degrees out. Never thought I'd make myself do that. But I did it and it wasn't too bad. Today's run was a little tought, but they usually are after I've worked my legs (I did them the day before) and especially when I'm sore (which I was today).

So, not much to add to my experience with the frailty myth, but just a little update. Adjusting to my school routine is a little rouch, but Tang Soo Do helps relieve some stress. I was really tense this morning and afternoon, but in T.S.D class and afterwards I felt great. Anyway, I am running out of time. Gotta do Yoga before I go to bed!