Strength Training for Taekwondo

One of Global Sports Partners' core services is to provide the expertise to improve sport performance. Dave Johnson, a certified Athletic Trainer, represents GSP in Ethiopia and consults for the Ethiopian National Taekwondo (TKD) team. The Taekwondo Federation requested GSP to provide a strength coach to develop a strength program in preparation for the 2011 All-African Games in Maputo, Mozambique. GSP sent strength and conditioning expert Hope Bushby* from the GSP International Office in Cyprus. 

Bushby presented a two-part Strength and Conditioning seminar for coaches from Ethiopia's Cycling, Athletics, Boxing, Gymnastics, and Tennis Federations. The seminar included the benefits of a well-designed program, principles of periodization, and elements of a sport-specific strength program. Practical sessions were spent in the weight room where the focus was technique and creativity. 

To prepare the TKD team for the All-African Games, Bushby observed training and competitions and administered tests to assess the abilities and capacities of team members, resulting in a dynamic, sport-specific strength program.

(Editor’s note: Half of the Ethiopian TKD team who competed won medals -- two silver, one bronze.)

*Hope Bushby, B.A., Fitness Management, Mississippi State University; Assistant Strength Coach, Samford University; GSP International Consultant in Strength and Conditioning