Newsletter Newsletter 4/2017 Interview with Lukasz Grygiel, author of Black Belt Project

During the World Championship we had a chance to interview Lukasz Grygiel, author of well-known Black Belt Project. As it appears, there is a lot going on there! Lukasz has always been more focused on creating than advertising, so here are few things you might have missed…

- Lukasz, the last time we talked you announced Part 2 of Black Belt Training Secrets with Master Jedut – how was that received?
- First we released just one short interview with Master Jedut speaking about his general approach to running a club and that one post had over 1000 likes, many shares and comments. That was a good sign. We wanted the second part to be not only about exercises, but also Master Jedut sharing some of his ideas and customers really liked that. Of course for many still the 150 exercises included was the main reason to invest in it, but everybody admits that the content overall is a treasure. But, of course, I wouldn’t expect any less from Master Jedut.

- First part was mainly about basic exercises, what is the content of the second part?
- We are starting with the whole section about movement in sparring – Master Jedut shows and explains everything - from the basic exercises to more complicated sequences. Then we proceed to exercises with shields – still lots of movement but we are adding kicks and punches to make it more realistic for sparring. A lot of exercises here also. Next part – Gear Up! – we are getting closer to real sparring, wearing full gear and practicing sequences from sparring as well as working on our speed, strength, reaction and coordination. Last part is the one where Master Jerzy shares some ideas from his rich experience in Taekwon-Do.

- That indeed sounds like a great help to instructors...
- Yes! During the World Championship in Ireland many instructors approach me just to thank for Training Secrets, it was really nice to know that again we delivered more than they had expected.

- That is great. What about Pattern applications for mobile devices?
- Finally I can advertise those, because we have finished the Android version of the app. Still not everyone knows about it. The iOS app was released few months before and it’s performing really well, but many people kept asking me about Android version, so I have waited with the marketing until I had versions for both platforms. Below are the links to the apps on both platforms.

- What are functionalities of the apps? Are they the same as in the desktop program?
- User can watch pattern from four angles, using step by step and repeat movement options and of course there is a name in Korean and English for every movement as well as the notifications whenever it is slow/connecting/continuous motion etc... Basic information about patterns (diagram, description) is also included. The one thing that is not here is slow motion, because it would make the packages’ size too big. So if you need that feature – go for the desktop version.

- Can I use it or my tablet as well?
- Yes, when once purchased you can use it on all of your devices. If you are running out of space, you can always delete the packages that you are not using at the moment and download them again, when needed.

- Lukasz, as always I want to ask you about your new project. We have seen you talking to Master Barada, Oleg and Katya Soloveys, as well as Neil Ernest from England. Something serious is in the process, I believe?
- Yes, another project will be a big one. I was hoping to have it ready for Ireland, but I like to keep my standards high and make sure that everything is working perfectly, so I have decided to wait with the premiere. I have been talking to some instructors about it, all were interested and I also got a lots of important feedback on this matter (big thanks to Master Thierry Meyour from Finland!). All those inputs showed me that there are some things I still have to think about. I can’t say much more at this point, but hopefully very soon I will be able to publish some more information.

Black Belt Training Secrets and Apps Reviews:

I started teaching my black belt class using drills from BB Training Secrets Combo, they were amazed and kept asking – “Where did you get all those ideas from? Every time there’s something new!” And I know that I have just scratched the surface of the content! I am very happy with both programs. Well, actually I’m happy with all Black Belt Project products as I have them all! “
Ron van der Lee

“First I’ve got the books from Black Belt Project and loved them! Easy to follow, great reference while learning and refreshing patterns, but I must say – the mobile app is what I always wanted. Now I can perform pattern with my smartphone in my hand and check the next step whenever I need, without having to step out of the diagram. It makes learning new movements a lot easier!”
Jair Stenhuijs