Im really new to gumdo, as in im not even a white belt yet. Ive had 3 classes. The thing is that we only get 1 class a week, so obviously if Im going to get any better I have to push myself to practice a great deal on my own. I have been practising the things that i have already learned, but i was wondering if anybody could sugest to me like a list of stuff to do in a home practice session, that would be good for a no-belt noob like me, so I'd be ready for the white test, and so i could get into a good training habit.
right now when I pracice i find myself sort of playing around with different things i remember off the top of my head. I warm up and stretch a bit then I just do the real basic stuff I learned, and try to remember the Korean terms (although i got them all written down on paper.) BTW I have to practice outside, because I'm kind of tall so my chukkdo and mokkgum would hit the ceiling alot inside... and thats not good. So Im wondering what I'll do in the winter? Its bad enough that its often 90 plus with the chesapeake bay humidity...

well thanks for any advice, we all have to be nubs at one time I guess

kneel down and straight cut.

when you learn the patterns, practice with a chopstick.

Try and replicate what you do in your class on your own time. Go through everything with as close to exact detail as possible. Everything from stretching, to basics to terminology.

A Hint, Just like Master Gihm said You can do all of your basics and forms without a real sword in a pinch. Substituting the mokgum with anything that will help keep your hands in unison, or even without any objects at all. You wont get as much benifit doing them this way but it will be better than not doing them at all.

As well, Tough out the heat or wait and train at night. For weeks we've been training for hours at a time at the dojang with temps in excess of 95 degrees some times and humidity nearing 100%. You will get used to the temperatures but make sure you stay hydrated before and after. In the winter, get some Gumdo shoes and wear alot of socks. Practice for as long as you can at a time in bare hands and then put your hands in your sleeves or pockets if you have them and jog or do other excersizes until your hands warm up. (Hint, if you start and keep a warm Mok Gum, then you can go alot longer without getting cold.)

Haidong!

Just sitting there and going through everything in your mind also helps. I did it a lot before testing.

In fact, at this year's 2005 Canadian Open, I closed my eyes during my competitors' turn. I revised everything in my head while they performed.

I second Master Gihm's response. Do centre cuts.

If you don't have the room to do them from gima-sae then do them from a kneeling position. This will be uncomfortable, so be prepared for that and be prepared to use it as a learning and self-development tool.

In class, follow your instructor's directions to the very best of your ability. At home, don't try anything new, don't practice the 'cool new thing', don't let your mind wander from one thing to the next ~ keep it simple.

How? Like this:

Start with reasonable numbers of repetitions - done in sets. This should make you tired, not sore.

Concentrate on form - speed and power will come with form. This is solo study so study yourself.

As you cut, kneel properly, breathe properly, focus on what you are doing, don't force it, don't ease up on it. Be open to what is actually happening and compare it to what you have been asked to produce. Work for small improvements not big ones ~ you have time.

Make time to do centre cuts. There are many advanced belts who do not understand the centre cut - physically, mentally, or philosophically.

Be open to revelation from within. Understanding comes with time and repetition. It rarely comes from what some guy on the internet said. Academic learning is just a small part of the equation.

Commit.

I think virtually all of the bases have been covered so far. The only thing I'd like to add is that you should consider asking your master what exercises he wants you to go through between classes. The reason I say this is 1) he's your master; ultimately he's the one who should be directing your training and 2) your master can see the areas you need to work on and suggest appropriate exercises based upon your needs.

Thanks for the suggestions! Kneeling will definately help me to do something more than just in my head. I also like the idea of working on center cut as the mok gum still seems unwieldy in my hands...