From Novice to Black belt in a year, was David out of his mind or out of this world?

Christie interviews David Smith on his trials and tribulations of a new, radical programme that improves fitness, body strength, power and control and results in a prestigious TKD Black Belt honour.

What made you want to achieve a black belt in a year?
Well I’ve spent years doing tri’s, running and cycling and I felt I needed to ‘stretch out’ my body. I wanted more agility especially around the base of my back and the core area generally. I’d spent years shortening my muscles and wanted to feel loose again

What did you consider?
I researched Yoga, Pilotes, Kick Boxing and many other types of programmes but after talking to Bytomic I decided that their TKD programme would provide the sort of conditioning and challenges I was looking for. I wanted to hit certain goals, the big ones were improved agility, stronger core, a new interesting training programme and the opportunity to learn something completely new at the same time. The prize of achieving a black belt was an added bonus which made this option more compelling than any of the other disciplines.

So how was it?
I remember vividly tackling the first and very basic challenge of 4 dimensional punching and thinking that my coordination and body control was desperately poor, and it was. I remember the first basic exercises that highlighted that my core, legs and back were all just too weak and just incapable of carrying out the basic TKD exercises. I remember starting to learn the pattern definitions, and the Korean and thinking wow what have I taken on! As a single challenge it represented one of the toughest things I’d ever done from a combined physical and mental challenge. Quite something when you think I’ve done a few Iron man Tri’s, been on the Inca and Kiloman’ trails, Done the four peak challenge, Pennieway and did my second masters degree in a year whilst keeping my business going fulltime! Not forgetting having to bend and go with my three daughters!

So is it a challenge only a few could achieve?
No, I think anyone who wants something better for themselves, who’s serious about getting TKD fit, is interested in the sport and enjoyed a club atmosphere would and could make a better job of it than I did.

So how do you feel about it now?
Well it was a tough intensive programme which gave me not just a BB but a whole new way of thinking about my fitness, body and life in general. There’s no doubt the programme hit my goals, I feel really strong and much more agile around my core area and my legs feel great.

What advice would you give to someone considering a similar programme?
Be clear about your goals, be patient, be prepared to work very hard but relax and enjoy the experience because it will bring a greater understanding of who you are, something that not many other challenges could boast. You will be working with a great team of professionals and my thanks go to many but in particular Paul, Graham, Dorian and Christie all of them gave me new insights and learning which is valuable not just in the world of TKD but in the much wider world where you live your life.

A Final word?
Well I met some great people at the clubs and made some new ‘life friends’ but my final word needs to be a thank you to the guy who had the big problem of improving and changing my fitness levels, teaching me the TKD complete syllabus white to black belt and ensuring I kept focused and motivate to achieve my goals. Well done and thanks Simon you were truly professional, so supportive and a great friend, one word springs to mind….outstanding, thank you.