Newsletter Newsletter 3/2017 Master Frank Vanberghens Thesis

As GrandMaster Pablo Traijtenberg quoted during the ITF Convention 2017 in Benidorm (Spain), there are many hip injuries amongst Taekwon-Do practitioners all over the world, so I decided to write a thesis about this phenomenon and the possible solutions after research.

Already after my Master grading in 2004 I decided to write an article for the ITF website about my 'resurfacing hip surgery' and the result.

After my article was published on the ITF website and in Taekwon-Do Generation, I was contacted by persons from around the world about the Birmingham ‘resurfacing hip’ BHR. Previously I didn't know that so many Taekwon-Do practitioners suffer from hip injuries because of various reasons.

After this surgery I could continue practising my beloved martial art Taekwon-Do and could have back my quality of life and an active lifestyle.

Stretching with a BHR

Meanwhile during my contacts with others it became clear to me that there are different hip injuries, due to various causes, not only related to Taekwon-Do.

I’m grateful to all Sabums and Sahyuns sending me their experience. It was very interesting as I discovered a new world during my research.

The difference between practicing Taekwon-Do 40-50 years ago and nowadays is very different.

The ‘hard’ Korean methods are replaced by a more responsible-scientific medical justified workout. Some karate inspired methods disappeared in time with e.g. higher stances and the sine wave. When reading this document it will be clear this is a very positive evolution.

Also the stretching methods changed (e.g. dynamic stretching after the warming-up and static stretching at the end of the training session).

It is my opinion that during the time, new instructors are evolving in this matter.

Fast but not hard kicks are important, the right angle, feeling comfortable in every movement and stance is the message I want to give through this work.

I hope with this thesis that in the future hip problems due to Taekwon-Do will be over.

I quote also:
"To the best of my knowledge, nobody keeps statistics on how many martial artists get their hips replaced, but the list of veterans who’ve had the surgery done on one or both sides is impressive. Jean Claude Van Damme, Chuck Norris, Bill Wallace, Billy Blanks, Keith Hirabayashi Cooke, Christine Bannon-Rodrigues, Steve ‘Nasty’ Anderson, Larry Carnahan, Danny Dring, Tom Seabourne and Joe Hess are just the tip of the iceberg."

The old school? I invite you to read this document. I will always be ready to share my experience.

Kind Regards,
Master Frank Vanberghen
VIII Dan