I know so well what it's like to botch a form during a tournament. I got a lecture about it the first time I did it, instead of comfort. We had a class addressing the concept of Mu Shim, which means "empty mind". It's the state of awareness a martial artist should try to embrace while executing any technique. It is not an absence of awareness, but rather an awareness so complete that you no longer have to think about your form, or kick, or block; you just do it, you just react. The only way to achieve this is through constant practice. And when you finally nail it, it feels great. You're nervous going into the form, but once you begin, it's like the judges aren't even there, and all you visualize is your opponent.

Classes like that are one of the reasons I fell in love with the art. It is whole mind-body training. Nothing else I have done, sports-wise, has ever blended the mental and physical so perfectly.

I am also small and light. As you gain more confidence and practice more, you will find that you can use that to your advantage, especially if you are flexible. You already mentioned that you have superior speed and agility to a larger opponent. That will be your key. Stay out of range of the bigger guy and watch his (or her) attacks for a few seconds. If you pay attention and don't get overwhelmed by fear or adrenaline, you will discover a pattern that allows you to dart inside of a kick or strike. And once you're inside the reach of a taller opponent, the advantage is yours. It doesn't have to be pretty; a straight punch to the ribs or solar plexus, or a crescent kick or hook kick to the side of the head, will score you points. Be flexible mentally as well as physically. Most people, when sparring, repeat a sequence of attacks that works for them. You must identify this and find a way to surprise them, and you will do that by being unpredictable and by allowing their attacks to lead you to the best counterattack.

It's not as easy as it sounds, and takes years of practice to master. I am still working on it. It's harder for me to find opponents in a tournament now, because most black belts at third dan or higher no longer compete, especially women in my age group. I have sparred people much younger than me, and a few times I have agreed to spar the men, just to have an opponent. That's always interesting, because you never know whether a guy is going to take it easy on you because you're female, underestimate you, or try to intimidate you for an easy win. I have never won first place in sparring when I've gone up against male black belts, but I have made it to the semifinals a couple of times.

Oh, that happened to me during my black belt test. Probably the only reason I made it through at the top of the class. I never notice the others watching and judging me. It was awesome.


And thanks for advice. xD I'm sure it'll help.

Never could understand the visualization of an opponent. It just made me feel stupid to do anything like "shadow boxing" or Fighting Solo. I just studied my forms as much as possible...good thing too. I've been out of practice for years now and those instincts are still there lol. I'd tell you some of the stuff i've done to Silverfox but he'd probably never forgive me if I did. Even if it was all on accident.

Thought I would update this post with a little action and color. Two of these photos are during my third dan final test: one demonstrating an open-hand form and one demonstrating a dagger form. We were not allowed to use rubber knives for the test; hence the concentration apparent on my face. That knife was sharp and I did not want to cut myself!
The last shot is from a do jang photo shoot, probably a year and a half before the test photos. It's a fair demonstration of why flexibility is so important, especially when you're short. I'm 5'4" but can connect with a 6'2" opponent's head with my roundhouse kick.

That is my Grand Master (in white) just behind my shoulder, looking probably at a test paper.


My hands were soooo sweaty. I was afraid I would fumble the knife.


Every girl black belt should be able to wear red toenail polish for a photo shoot.

haha! Awesome pictures!

cool pictures, looks intense.

I did tae kwon do when i was 4-7 years old or something. i remember they would draw a smiley face on the board for where i was supposed to kick lol. I got up to a blue belt with a red stripe, not that i remember anything now haha.