Can Taekwondo MMA Actually Work? One Fighter’s 7-Year Gamble
Hong Yeong-gi hasn’t fought professionally in seven years—and he’s coming back to face a teenage phenom. Everyone expects disaster. But traditional taekwondo MMA specialists have this weird habit of occasionally proving the doubters wrong. Here’s my breakdown of why I’m picking Hong by head kick KO in round two.
Combat Sports Fashion: Kendall Jenner’s Taekwondo Shoes Expose the Real Issue
When Kendall Jenner posted herself wearing Adidas Taekwondo sneakers, traditional martial artists erupted: cultural appropriation, disrespect, Instagram posing. But here’s the complicated truth about combat sports fashion crossing into mainstream: taekwondo has a visibility problem, and someone with 290 million followers wearing your gear is a bridge whether purists like it or not. The economics matter – more sales mean better gear for practitioners. Yet there’s legitimate concern about combat sports becoming pure aesthetics, reducing fighting tradition to costume jewelry. Within five years, we’ll see massive combat sports fashion collaborations with traditional martial arts. The question: will brands connect fashion to function, or just extract aesthetics while ignoring substance?
Taekwondo Belts 101: Meaning, Order, and Progression
Embark on a journey through the vibrant tapestry of Taekwondo’s belt system, where each color signifies a milestone in your personal and martial arts growth. From the humble white belt to the coveted black belt and beyond, discover the rich symbolism, rigorous training, and profound philosophy that underpin this ancient art. Uncover the secrets behind each belt, the challenges that await you, and the immense rewards that lie ahead in your quest for mastery.