Tae kwon do 3d

This software utilizes Motion Capture and real-time 3D animation capabilities to portray two such practices of Tae Kwon Do. These two aspects are:

-The sparring/ competition characteristic (advertised as Winning Sport Tae Kwon Do)

-The demonstration/ formal characteristic (advertised as Mastering WTF Style Tae Kwon Do)

It should be noted that these two separate characteristics are demonstrated via two different programs. The Lopez family makes up the primary instructors for the sparring simulation program, while Master KyTu Dang is the main guide in the formal Tae Kwon Do program. Jean Lopez is the voice-over for the sparring software, while Master Dang does the voice over for the formal Tae Kwon Do software. Each program enables the user to choose one of four sections to more closely study. These will be elaborated on separately in the following sections.

Winning Sport Tae Kwon Do

This section is split into four main categories:

Kicking Basics
This section is the section probably most suitable for the beginner athlete. The user can choose from 21 different kicks and their variations to have the Steven Lopez model display the kick. Basic techniques such as the front kick, side kick, and round house kick can be modeled, as well as more advanced kicks such as the cut kick, spinning round house kick, spinning hook kick.

Footwork and Distancing
While this section may be intriguing at first glance, the actual information one can get out of it is, truthfully, not much help. The footwork does cover both beginner and advanced variations, but more than half of the variations are too similar, such as clinching. However, the the distancing aspect of this section is quite helpful, demonstrating to the user a kicking technique with it's respective footwork.

Fighting Tactics
This section really demonstrates what this program is all about. The user can choose from a range of different kicks and their logical counters, and then plug in the stance, target side, kicking leg, number of kicks, and the target (being head or body). They then can load the technique onto the graphics screen, where they see a practically step-by-step rotatable tutorial of how to execute the movements. The downside to this part, however, is the need for a powerful graphics card. This section, due to the complexity and accuracy of the simulation, may reduce the frames per second to sometimes as low as nine. Running the simulation on slow speed will help.

Advanced Techniques
This section is also one of the defining aspects of the TKD3D software. The user can choose from three categories of combination techniques, Cover Punches, Traps, and Signature Moves. This section is helpful when practicing sparring, as the information given both orally and graphically is can used to reenact the combinations even without a partner. Also in this section is a free-sparring demo, where Steven and Mark Lopez face off. While this segment is terribly exciting, it is very beginner based, utilizing beginner techniques and very limited counter attacks.

Mastering WTF Style Tae Kwon Do

This section is split into four main categories:

WTF Style Forms
This section enables the user to view 17 different WTF forms ranging from Taegeuk Il Jang (Taegeuk 1), to Ilyo (9th Dan Poomsae). The forms can be viewed from any angle, including an aerial view, and allows the tracking of the hands and feet of the demonstrator. This section is a useful tool for an athlete preparing to demonstrate in competition, as Master Dang demonstrates the all forms, even those at the low-end of complexity, with delicate balance and snap to his kicks. This section also allows the user to view a 2D layout of the form, showing the path Master Dang will take.

Self Defense Techniques
This section of the program is probably the most beneficial aspect of this program to the student who takes Tae Kwon Do as a self-defense class. This section is useful at demonstrating basic combinations of counter kicks and punches in a one-step sparring style. Additionally, there is a step by step instruction text included with each move, so the student does not just have to comprehend the movements visually. There are over 50 different combinations to learn.

Breaking Techniques
This section allows the user to view Master Dang breaking boards using a variety of kicks and hand techniques. This section of the program is useful only to an extent. There are only 16 techniques demonstrated, and many of these are repetitive. However, the moves used to break boards range from simple hand techniques such as punch and elbow strike to complicated variations such as 3 combination kicks in the air. This section, ultimately, should be paid attention to by advanced board breakers who wish to perfect their own combinations.

Strike Points
This section focuses primarily on information about the human body's vital areas. This is one of the few areas of the TKD3D software where little interaction is used. A 3D rotating model of the human body anatomic structure is used to show the vital points. There is no specific information on any one of these points, but an overall text detailing the significance of these points is shown.

Overall Pros

-The hundreds of kicks and combinations that are demonstrated are done so by text, oral, and graphical communication.
-Interactive (Choice of forms, type of kick, angle of view, etc.)
-Includes information and techniques utilized by Olympic and World-Class Champions Steven and Mark Lopez.
-Includes settings variables that enable the user to turn off different aspects of the program, such as shadows, in order to improve performance.
-Technical support is fast and helpful, usually responding between one to four hours of asking the question.

Overall Cons

-The programs run unusually poorly on Windows Vista, and depending on the processing speed of the computer, may also reduce the frames per second drastically when running any section of the program.
-There is a one-time download limit and a one time install limit on each of the programs, so if the user accidentally interrupts the download, he will be required to request a reactivation of the download link and the serial key.
-The Footwork aspect of the Winning Sport Tae Kwon Do program is not necessary from a practical standpoint. However, the distancing subsection is useful, and is worth attention.
-The WTF Style Forms aspect of the Mastering WTF Style Tae Kwon Do program includes only Taegeuk and WTF-approved Black Belt Forms. The section lacks in the less-common but reappearing Palgwe and Pyung Ahn forms.
-The Strike Points aspect of the Mastering WTF Style Tae Kwon Do program is only text and graphically based with no user interaction other than the rotating of a human body and the choice between a skinned or anatomic view.
-The resolution of the text and text boxes in the software are surprisingly low, which sometimes makes for difficult focus.

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See Also

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