Children's Health

Idaho Mother Who Said Vaccines Killed Her Baby Twins on RFK Jr’s Children's Health Defense Podcast Has Been Charged With Murder **According to the Idaho Statesman,** **a Payette County grand jury** indicted 23-year-old Andrea Shaw on two counts of first-degree murder more than a year after her 18-month-old twins were found dead in a shared bed on May 1, 2025. Police said from the outset that foul play was suspected, but have declined to discuss the evidence now that the case is before the courts. **Court reporting from KTVB says** **the indictment alleges Shaw suffocated** the two children. That remains a prosecution allegation, not a proven fact, and Shaw is legally presumed innocent unless convicted. **CBS2 Idaho reports** **that Shaw was arraigned on** July 2, 2026, and ordered held on $2 million bond. The case could expose her to life imprisonment or the death penalty under Idaho law, although prosecutors had not publicly announced whether they would seek capital punishment. **People reports that Shaw and her husband previously appeared on** a Children’s Health Defense podcast and attributed the deaths to vaccines the twins had recently received. Her attorney has continued advancing that explanation, but authorities have not publicly endorsed it, and the indictment presents a sharply different account of how the children allegedly died. **Why it matters:** **The case shows how an unverified medical explanation can spread through advocacy networks before investigators disclose their findings. The broader issue is not only whether the criminal allegations are proved, but how emotionally powerful claims can become embedded in public debate while the underlying evidence remains sealed or incomplete.** **When a personal tragedy becomes evidence for a political or medical movement before an investigation is complete, who bears responsibility for correcting the narrative if later evidence points elsewhere?**

I'm amazed at all the good done in Valko's name Sometimes this community amazes me. I've seen multiple people inspired by the campaign to bring bac.k Valko "adopt" individual wolves from their local wolf sanctuaries, but there have also been group donation drives. The fundraiser for Shan Shui Wildlife Conservation Center hit its 5k goal in one day and looks to be on trac.k to break 10k before it closes on the 9th. Russian fans donated 300,000+ rubles to Chertog Volka. Right now there's a fundraiser for red wolves that's hovering around 800 but is set to run for another 5 months, plenty of time to reach it's 5k goal. And I know these aren't the only ones - I saw a Portuguese fan talking about their fundraising for an animal shelter, too. I'm sure other people are doing similar donations either individually or in drives. Valko's cancelation hit a lot of us hard, but it is so sweet to see how many people have rallied and turned the frustration and sorrow not only into art and fanfic and community but also into inspiration to do good for real wolves. And it's not the first time the fandom has turned our love for these pixel men into charity - I heard about Rafayel mains who organized beach clean ups and I remember Zayne mains who raised funds for children's health care for his birthday. I hope we see more such works in the future - and I hope we can do this again for Valko's birthday!

On June 10th at the Capital in Washington D.C., Children's Health Defense called to: STOP THE COVID SHOTS! 💉 We held a briefing with @SenRonJohnson, @RepGosar, @RandPaul, @FLSurgeonGen and the amazing emcee, @RobSchneider! We then walked with nearly 100 medical freedom fighters to the offices of @RepJamesComer and @Jim_Jordan asking for their support of Johnson's bombshell report on the dangers of the Covid shot. Now, we're calling on YOU to help us #StoptheCOVIDshots! 🚨 TAKE ACTION: https://t.co/GUgtXVAtV1

SERIOUS concerns have been raised over several internal Children's Health Ireland (#CHI) emails discussing a €30,000 donation to fund its staff Christmas party in 2022. -@muirisoc Members of the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee (#PAC) said the emails appear to show a #CHI staff member 'covering their behind' and 'flxing the books' after accepting the inappropriate donation. #HowIrelandWorks #PublicInquiryCHi @irishdailymail

Thank you, @ChildrensHD, for the invitation to speak at Advocacy Day. I appreciated the opportunity to discuss the importance of protecting children's health, empowering parents, and advancing policies grounded in truth and informed decision-making. https://t.co/aKtNYP29Vu

"I've been consistent from day one: I do not want to take vaccines away from anyone. Our policy changes preserved access and coverage." The government will take every right you have, but they won't take away a doctor's right to maim and deatroy you and your children's health. Bobby called COVID vaccines bioweapons. He spent years showing that vaccines cause immenae harm and a models of disease creation and illness perpetuation for profit. They only use the "this is your right" to maintain things that harm you. They use the "this isn't your right" to stop you from drinking regular milk. What an embarrassment. Two years and the COVID vaccines are still on the market. They just gifted Pfizer with another billion dollar order 🤣 Thanks Bob!

Benefits of Taekwondo (Martial Arts) Taekwondo is a form of Martial Arts that originated in Korea. It involves various punching, blocking, and kicking moves that are organized into choreographed patterns and used in combat and self-defence. The "Taekwondo" dates to 1955 and is a combination of three korean words that translate into English as "foot", "fist", and "way". The practise has its roots in earlier martial arts forms from Korea, Japan and China. It became n olympic sport in 2000. Health & Fitness Guide What to Know About Taekwondo Written by Amber FeltonMedically Reviewed by Jabeen Begum, MD on June 24, 2024 7 min read What Is Taekwondo? Taekwondo is a form of martial arts that originated in Korea. It involves various punching, blocking, and kicking moves that are organized into choreographed patterns and used in combat and self-defense. The term "taekwondo" dates to 1955 and is a combination of three Korean words that translate into English as "foot," "fist," and "way." The practice has its roots in earlier martial arts forms from Korea, Japan, and China. It became an Olympic sport in 2000. In addition to physical training, taekwondo emphasizes mental discipline and character. It also has philosophical and spiritual elements. Taekwondo tenets: The sportsmanship principles and behavior expectations for taekwondo are summed up by a set of tenets. These are: Courtesy Integrity Perseverance Self-control Indomitable spirit Taekwondo features several kinds of powerful kicks. Taekwondo vs. Karate: Taekwondo has much in common with the Japanese martial art karate. Japan influenced Korean culture when it occupied the country in the first half of the 20th century. Health & Fitness Guide What to Know About Taekwondo Written by Amber FeltonMedically Reviewed by Jabeen Begum, MD on June 24, 2024 7 min read What Is Taekwondo? Taekwondo is a form of martial arts that originated in Korea. It involves various punching, blocking, and kicking moves that are organized into choreographed patterns and used in combat and self-defense. The term "taekwondo" dates to 1955 and is a combination of three Korean words that translate into English as "foot," "fist," and "way." The practice has its roots in earlier martial arts forms from Korea, Japan, and China. It became an Olympic sport in 2000. In addition to physical training, taekwondo emphasizes mental discipline and character. It also has philosophical and spiritual elements. Taekwondo tenets The sportsmanship principles and behavior expectations for taekwondo are summed up by a set of tenets. These are: Courtesy Integrity Perseverance Self-control Indomitable spirit photo of woman practicing karate kick Taekwondo features several kinds of powerful kicks. (Photo Credit: Moment/Getty Images) Taekwondo vs. Karate Taekwondo has much in common with the Japanese martial art karate. Japan influenced Korean culture when it occupied the country in the first half of the 20th century. Featured Yoga Poses for People Who Sit All Day No Pain, No Gain? How to Exercise When You Hurt HGH Uses and Abuses The person credited with founding the practice of taekwondo, South Korean general Choi Hong Hi, said he earned a black belt in karate during the occupation and taught it to his troops before developing the new techniques that would become taekwondo. Both sports use strikes with your hands, with either a closed fist or the outer edge of your open hand, and with your feet. They also teach defensive blocks with your arms and legs. Students learn a series of moves that are then used in sparring and combat. The uniforms are similar, with a belt system to signify levels of accomplishment. The main difference is that taekwondo has a greater emphasis on kicks. It features head-level kicks, sometimes with leaps, that aren't seen in karate. Karate also uses blows with the knees and elbows, which aren't allowed in taekwondo competitions. Logo for WebMD Home Conditions Back Conditions View All ADD/ADHD Allergies Arthritis Atrial fibrillation Breast Cancer Cancer Crohn's Disease Depression Diabetes DVT Eczema Eye Health Heart Disease HIV & AIDS Lung Disease Lupus Mental Health Multiple Sclerosis Migraine Pain Management Psoriasis Psoriatic Arthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis Sexual Conditions Skin Problems Sleep Disorders Ulcerative Colitis Drugs & Supplements Back Drugs & Supplements Drugs Supplements Pill Identifier Interaction Checker Pet Medications Well-Being Back Well-Being Aging Well Baby Birth Control Children's Health Diet & Weight Management Fitness & Exercise Food & Recipes Health & Balance Healthy Beauty Men's Health Parenting Pet Health Pregnancy Sex & Relationships Teen Health Women's Health Symptom Checker Find a Doctor More Back More News Blogs Podcasts Webinars Newsletters WebMD Surveys WebMD Magazine Best Hospitals Support Groups Privacy & More Log In Ask WebMD Search Fitness & Exercise/Reference Health & Fitness Guide What to Know About Taekwondo Written by Amber FeltonMedically Reviewed by Jabeen Begum, MD on June 24, 2024 7 min read What Is Taekwondo? Taekwondo is a form of martial arts that originated in Korea. It involves various punching, blocking, and kicking moves that are organized into choreographed patterns and used in combat and self-defense. The term "taekwondo" dates to 1955 and is a combination of three Korean words that translate into English as "foot," "fist," and "way." The practice has its roots in earlier martial arts forms from Korea, Japan, and China. It became an Olympic sport in 2000. In addition to physical training, taekwondo emphasizes mental discipline and character. It also has philosophical and spiritual elements. Taekwondo tenets The sportsmanship principles and behavior expectations for taekwondo are summed up by a set of tenets. These are: Courtesy Integrity Perseverance Self-control Indomitable spirit photo of woman practicing karate kick Taekwondo features several kinds of powerful kicks. (Photo Credit: Moment/Getty Images) Taekwondo vs. Karate Taekwondo has much in common with the Japanese martial art karate. Japan influenced Korean culture when it occupied the country in the first half of the 20th century. Featured Yoga Poses for People Who Sit All Day No Pain, No Gain? How to Exercise When You Hurt HGH Uses and Abuses The person credited with founding the practice of taekwondo, South Korean general Choi Hong Hi, said he earned a black belt in karate during the occupation and taught it to his troops before developing the new techniques that would become taekwondo. Both sports use strikes with your hands, with either a closed fist or the outer edge of your open hand, and with your feet. They also teach defensive blocks with your arms and legs. Students learn a series of moves that are then used in sparring and combat. The uniforms are similar, with a belt system to signify levels of accomplishment. The main difference is that taekwondo has a greater emphasis on kicks. It features head-level kicks, sometimes with leaps, that aren't seen in karate. Karate also uses blows with the knees and elbows, which aren't allowed in taekwondo competitions. How to Do Taekwondo Taekwondo begins with learning specific offensive and defensive moves. Those are combined into patterns that students practice alone and then use against an opponent. Students are placed at different levels based on the techniques they've mastered. Taekwondo curriculum Different schools teach different techniques. But they include many of the same main disciplines. Patterns or forms are a basic element of taekwondo. These are punches, kicks, and blocks that are put together into choreographed series. A yell called a ki-yap is designated at certain places. Students learn set patterns at each level. These patterns become more elaborate and difficult as they advance. These patterns may be called poomsae, hyung, or tul depending on the school. Sparring teaches students to use the moves they've learned against an opponent. Beginners practice set combinations in pairs without actually making contact. Once they reach a certain level, they can make light contact while wearing protective gear, then move on to improvised bouts called free sparring. Combat is the form of taekwondo included as a sport in the Olympics. Advanced students make full contact with unstructured attacks and defenses. kip to main content Logo for WebMD Home Conditions Back Conditions View All ADD/ADHD Allergies Arthritis Atrial fibrillation Breast Cancer Cancer Crohn's Disease Depression Diabetes DVT Eczema Eye Health Heart Disease HIV & AIDS Lung Disease Lupus Mental Health Multiple Sclerosis Migraine Pain Management Psoriasis Psoriatic Arthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis Sexual Conditions Skin Problems Sleep Disorders Ulcerative Colitis Drugs & Supplements Back Drugs & Supplements Drugs Supplements Pill Identifier Interaction Checker Pet Medications Well-Being Back Well-Being Aging Well Baby Birth Control Children's Health Diet & Weight Management Fitness & Exercise Food & Recipes Health & Balance Healthy Beauty Men's Health Parenting Pet Health Pregnancy Sex & Relationships Teen Health Women's Health Symptom Checker Find a Doctor More Back More News Blogs Podcasts Webinars Newsletters WebMD Surveys WebMD Magazine Best Hospitals Support Groups Privacy & More Log In Ask WebMD Search Fitness & Exercise/Reference Health & Fitness Guide What to Know About Taekwondo Written by Amber FeltonMedically Reviewed by Jabeen Begum, MD on June 24, 2024 7 min read What Is Taekwondo? Taekwondo is a form of martial arts that originated in Korea. It involves various punching, blocking, and kicking moves that are organized into choreographed patterns and used in combat and self-defense. The term "taekwondo" dates to 1955 and is a combination of three Korean words that translate into English as "foot," "fist," and "way." The practice has its roots in earlier martial arts forms from Korea, Japan, and China. It became an Olympic sport in 2000. In addition to physical training, taekwondo emphasizes mental discipline and character. It also has philosophical and spiritual elements. Taekwondo tenets The sportsmanship principles and behavior expectations for taekwondo are summed up by a set of tenets. These are: Courtesy Integrity Perseverance Self-control Indomitable spirit photo of woman practicing karate kick Taekwondo features several kinds of powerful kicks. (Photo Credit: Moment/Getty Images) Taekwondo vs. Karate Taekwondo has much in common with the Japanese martial art karate. Japan influenced Korean culture when it occupied the country in the first half of the 20th century. Featured Yoga Poses for People Who Sit All Day No Pain, No Gain? How to Exercise When You Hurt HGH Uses and Abuses The person credited with founding the practice of taekwondo, South Korean general Choi Hong Hi, said he earned a black belt in karate during the occupation and taught it to his troops before developing the new techniques that would become taekwondo. Both sports use strikes with your hands, with either a closed fist or the outer edge of your open hand, and with your feet. They also teach defensive blocks with your arms and legs. Students learn a series of moves that are then used in sparring and combat. The uniforms are similar, with a belt system to signify levels of accomplishment. The main difference is that taekwondo has a greater emphasis on kicks. It features head-level kicks, sometimes with leaps, that aren't seen in karate. Karate also uses blows with the knees and elbows, which aren't allowed in taekwondo competitions. Personalized Recommendations: Commit to completing 1 healthy activity today. Choose a goal and let your daily win become your new healthy habit! Drink 60 oz of water Go to bed 30 minutes earlier Exercise for at least 20 minutes Meditate for 5 minutes Eat an extra serving of fruit or vegetables Choose my own How to Do Taekwondo Taekwondo begins with learning specific offensive and defensive moves. Those are combined into patterns that students practice alone and then use against an opponent. Students are placed at different levels based on the techniques they've mastered. Taekwondo curriculum Different schools teach different techniques. But they include many of the same main disciplines. Patterns or forms are a basic element of taekwondo. These are punches, kicks, and blocks that are put together into choreographed series. A yell called a ki-yap is designated at certain places. Students learn set patterns at each level. These patterns become more elaborate and difficult as they advance. These patterns may be called poomsae, hyung, or tul depending on the school. Sparring teaches students to use the moves they've learned against an opponent. Beginners practice set combinations in pairs without actually making contact. Once they reach a certain level, they can make light contact while wearing protective gear, then move on to improvised bouts called free sparring. Combat is the form of taekwondo included as a sport in the Olympics. Advanced students make full contact with unstructured attacks and defenses. Board breaking is another element of many taekwondo practices, where students learn to break wooden boards held by an assistant using certain hand and foot strikes. Some styles of taekwondo use movement sequences that involve weapons, including knives and swords. Taekwondo commands The commands given by instructors and referees are usually spoken in Korean. Common commands include: Attention (cha-ryeot) Bow (kyeong-rye) Ready (joon-bi) Start (shi-jak) Break (kal-yeo) Resume (kye-sok) Stop (keu-man) Back to ready position (ba-ro) Every few months, students typically have the opportunity to take a test on the skills they've been practicing. This gives them a chance to move up to the next level. Taekwondo Styles There are several major international organizations that teach somewhat different styles of taekwondo. World Taekwondo (WT). This is the group that sets the rules for the Olympic games and other major competitions. It takes its style from the Kukkiwon, the training school affiliated with the South Korean government. International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF). General Choi founded this organization, which later cut ties with the South Korean government. It further splintered after Choi's death. ITF continues to practice the style of taekwondo Choi developed and hosts its own World Championships. Traditional taekwondo. While there isn't a single governing body, many organizations and schools practice what they consider traditional taekwondo. The style may also be called Moo Duk Kwan or Tang Soo Do. This refers to the original Korean martial arts schools that formed after World War II. Major groups include ATA Martial Arts and United States Taekwondo Won. Taekwondo Kicks Taekwondo features several powerful kicks. Many of them are delivered at head height and can involve spins and leaps. Here's how to do some of the most commonly used kicks: Front kick or snap kick. Lift your knee to waist level straight in front of you and extend your foot forward. Side kick. Turn sideways while bringing your knee up to waist level, keeping your knee pointed straight in front of you and the bottom of your foot pointed at the target. Extend your leg to kick straight at the target. Back kick. Turn away from the target, bend your knee, and extend your leg straight backward. Roundhouse kick or round kick. Turn sideways while bringing your knee up to waist level, keeping your knee pointed at the target and your foot behind you. Bring your foot forward to deliver a kick from the side of the target. Crescent kick. Lift your knee in front of you as high as you can, then extend your leg while sweeping it to the side in an arc. The kick can either arc inward, across your body's center line, or outward. Hook kick. Turn sideways while lifting your knee to waist level in front of you with your foot facing the target. As you extend your leg, sweep it in an arc behind you. Axe kick or hammer kick. Lift your straight leg as high as you can in front of you and chop it downward. This can either be done straight forward or in an arc inward or outward. Taekwondo Rules The different governing bodies of taekwondo set the rules for their own competitions. The Olympic Games use the rules set by World Taekwondo. In general: Tournaments feature different individual and group events, such as patterns, sparring, and board breaking. (The Olympic Games only include individual sparring.) Competitors are divided by weight class. Events take place in a ring with protective mats. Patterns or forms Events may include set patterns and freestyle routines. The scoring system is similar to that for gymnastics, with points awarded for the accuracy of competitors' movements and their presentation, including things such as balance, rhythm, and power. With freestyle, there are also points for the level of difficulty and creativity. Sparring or combat Matches typically consist of three 1-2 minute rounds with rest breaks in between. Referees begin each match by having the competitors bow to each other. Competitors get different numbers of points for legal blows. Under WT rules, those include punches and kicks to the torso, with the exception of the spine, and kicks to the head. ITF rules also allow hand strikes to the head and face. You can also get points for penalties drawn by your opponent. Hitting in the neck, throat, back, or below the belt isn't allowed, and you can't use your knees or elbows. The winner is the person who gets the most points over three rounds. Some competitions use a best-of-three system. As in boxing, you can also score a knockout. If your opponent touches the mat with any part of their body besides the bottom of their foot, the referee begins a 10-second count. If they can't continue, you win. Board breaking Competitors must use specific hand or foot techniques to attempt to break plastic or wooden boards. Points are awarded for boards that are either bent or fully broken. Taekwondo Belts The taekwondo uniform includes a belt, the color of which signifies the rank that the student has achieved. The colors and their order vary by school, but beginners often start with white. Some schools add stripes to the belt that mark a student's progress toward the next level. Health & Fitness Guide What to Know About Taekwondo Written by Amber FeltonMedically Reviewed by Jabeen Begum, MD on June 24, 2024 7 min read What Is Taekwondo? Taekwondo is a form of martial arts that originated in Korea. It involves various punching, blocking, and kicking moves that are organized into choreographed patterns and used in combat and self-defense. The term "taekwondo" dates to 1955 and is a combination of three Korean words that translate into English as "foot," "fist," and "way." The practice has its roots in earlier martial arts forms from Korea, Japan, and China. It became an Olympic sport in 2000. In addition to physical training, taekwondo emphasizes mental discipline and character. It also has philosophical and spiritual elements. Taekwondo tenets The sportsmanship principles and behavior expectations for taekwondo are summed up by a set of tenets. These are: 1. Courtesy 2. Integrity 3. Perseverance 4. Self-control 5. Indomitable spirit ((photo of a women kicking the kick bag)) Taekwondo features several kinds of powerful kicks. Taekwondo vs. Karate: Taekwondo has much in common with the Japanese martial art karate. Japan influenced Korean culture when it occupied the country in the first half of the 20th century. The person credited with founding the practice of taekwondo, South Korean general Choi Hong Hi, said he earned a black belt in karate during the occupation and taught it to his troops before developing the new techniques that would become taekwondo. Both sports use strikes with your hands, with either a closed fist or the outer edge of your open hand, and with your feet. They also teach defensive blocks with your arms and legs. Students learn a series of moves that are then used in sparring and combat. The uniforms are similar, with a belt system to signify levels of accomplishment. The main difference is that taekwondo has a greater emphasis on kicks. It features head-level kicks, sometimes with leaps, that aren't seen in karate. Karate also uses blows with the knees and elbows, which aren't allowed in taekwondo competitions. How to Do Taekwondo: Taekwondo begins with learning specific offensive and defensive moves. Those are combined into patterns that students practice alone and then use against an opponent. Students are placed at different levels based on the techniques they've mastered. Taekwondo curriculum: Different schools teach different techniques. But they include many of the same main disciplines. Patterns or forms are a basic element of taekwondo. These are punches, kicks, and blocks that are put together into choreographed series. A yell called a ki-yap is designated at certain places. Students learn set patterns at each level. These patterns become more elaborate and difficult as they advance. These patterns may be called poomsae, hyung, or tul depending on the school. Sparring teaches students to use the moves they've learned against an opponent. Beginners practice set combinations in pairs without actually making contact. Once they reach a certain level, they can make light contact while wearing protective gear, then move on to improvised bouts called free sparring. Combat is the form of taekwondo included as a sport in the Olympics. Advanced students make full contact with unstructured attacks and defenses. Board breaking is another element of many taekwondo practices, where students learn to break wooden boards held by an assistant using certain hand and foot strikes. Some styles of taekwondo use movement sequences that involve weapons, including knives and swords. Taekwondo commands: The commands given by instructors and referees are usually spoken in Korean. Common commands include: 1. Attention (cha-ryeot) 2. Bow (kyeong-rye) 3. Ready (joon-bi) 4. Start (shi-jak) 5. Break (kal-yeo) 6. Resume (kye-sok) 7. Stop (keu-man) 8. Back to ready position (ba-ro) Every few months, students typically have the opportunity to take a test on the skills they've been practicing. This gives them a chance to move up to the next level. Taekwondo Styles: There are several major international organizations that teach somewhat different styles of taekwondo. -> World Taekwondo (WT). This is the group that sets the rules for the Olympic games and other major competitions. It takes its style from the Kukkiwon, the training school affiliated with the South Korean government. -> International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF). General Choi founded this organization, which later cut ties with the South Korean government. It further splintered after Choi's death. ITF continues to practice the style of taekwondo Choi developed and hosts its own World Championships. -> Traditional taekwondo. While there isn't a single governing body, many organizations and schools practice what they consider traditional taekwondo. The style may also be called Moo Duk Kwan or Tang Soo Do. This refers to the original Korean martial arts schools that formed after World War II. Major groups include ATA Martial Arts and United States Taekwondo Won. Taekwondo Kicks: Taekwondo features several powerful kicks. Many of them are delivered at head height and can involve spins and leaps. Here's how to do some of the most commonly used kicks: -> Front kick or snap kick. Lift your knee to waist level straight in front of you and extend your foot forward. -> Side kick. Turn sideways while bringing your knee up to waist level, keeping your knee pointed straight in front of you and the bottom of your foot pointed at the target. Extend your leg to kick straight at the target. -> Back kick. Turn away from the target, bend your knee, and extend your leg straight backward. -> Roundhouse kick or round kick. Turn sideways while bringing your knee up to waist level, keeping your knee pointed at the target and your foot behind you. Bring your foot forward to deliver a kick from the side of the target. -> Crescent kick. Lift your knee in front of you as high as you can, then extend your leg while sweeping it to the side in an arc. The kick can either arc inward, across your body's center line, or outward. -> Hook kick. Turn sideways while lifting your knee to waist level in front of you with your foot facing the target. As you extend your leg, sweep it in an arc behind you. -> Axe kick or hammer kick. Lift your straight leg as high as you can in front of you and chop it downward. This can either be done straight forward or in an arc inward or outward. Taekwondo Rules: The different governing bodies of taekwondo set the rules for their own competitions. The Olympic Games use the rules set by World Taekwondo. In general: 1. Tournaments feature different individual and group events, such as patterns, sparring, and board breaking. (The Olympic Games only include individual sparring.) 2. Competitors are divided by weight class. 3. Events take place in a ring with protective mats. Patterns or forms Events may include set patterns and freestyle routines. The scoring system is similar to that for gymnastics, with points awarded for the accuracy of competitors' movements and their presentation, including things such as balance, rhythm, and power. With freestyle, there are also points for the level of difficulty and creativity. Sparring or combat Matches typically consist of three 1-2 minute rounds with rest breaks in between. Referees begin each match by having the competitors bow to each other. Competitors get different numbers of points for legal blows. Under WT rules, those include punches and kicks to the torso, with the exception of the spine, and kicks to the head. ITF rules also allow hand strikes to the head and face. You can also get points for penalties drawn by your opponent. Hitting in the neck, throat, back, or below the belt isn't allowed, and you can't use your knees or elbows. The winner is the person who gets the most points over three rounds. Some competitions use a best-of-three system. As in boxing, you can also score a knockout. If your opponent touches the mat with any part of their body besides the bottom of their foot, the referee begins a 10-second count. If they can't continue, you win. Board breaking Competitors must use specific hand or foot techniques to attempt to break plastic or wooden boards. Points are awarded for boards that are either bent or fully broken. Taekwondo Belts The taekwondo uniform includes a belt, the color of which signifies the rank that the student has achieved. The colors and their order vary by school, but beginners often start with white. Some schools add stripes to the belt that mark a student's progress toward the next level. Students who have mastered the fundamentals earn a black belt. There are nine black belt levels, known as dan. The different styles of taekwondo have different rules, but in general, it takes decades to move through the black belt levels to become a grand master. Taekwondo Equipment The equipment you need for taekwondo will depend on the type of taekwondo you’re doing and if you’re performing in a competition. The uniform, called a dobok, includes pants, a short V- or Y-neck jacket, and a fabric belt. For combat, taekwondo contestants must wear protective gear such as: Trunk protector Headgear Groin guard Gloves Forearm protectors Shin protectors Sensing socks Mouth guard Taekwondo Benefits In addition to teaching self-defense skills, taekwondo can offer both physical and mental health benefits to those who practice it. Supporters say it: Improves flexibility, balance, posture, strength, and stamina Increases self-esteem, focus, confidence, and self-discipline Improves muscle tone and physical condition Improves agility and reflexes Reduces stress. Some of that is backed up by science. Studies have shown taekwondo can increase flexibility, strength, balance, aerobic fitness and endurance, and lean muscle mass. Research on older adults also found benefits in terms of mobility and cognitive function. One meta-analysis that looked at specific health measurements found that like other forms of strenuous exercise, taekwondo has the ability to improve body mass index, blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol numbers. Takeaways Taekwondo is a form of martial arts that originated in Korea in the mid-1900s. It features punching, kicking, and blocking moves that are put together into patterns and used in combat. The practice can have physical benefits, including building strength and flexibility. It also emphasizes mental discipline and good sportsmanship.

I'm amazed at all the good done in Valko's name Sometimes this community amazes me. I've seen multiple people inspired by the campaign to bring bac.k Valko "adopt" individual wolves from their local wolf sanctuaries, but there have also been group donation drives. The fundraiser for Shan Shui Wildlife Conservation Center hit its 5k goal in one day and looks to be on trac.k to break 10k before it closes on the 9th. Russian fans donated 300,000+ rubles to Chertog Volka. Right now there's a fundraiser for red wolves that's hovering around 800 but is set to run for another 5 months, plenty of time to reach it's 5k goal. And I know these aren't the only ones - I saw a Portuguese fan talking about their fundraising for an animal shelter, too. I'm sure other people are doing similar donations either individually or in drives. Valko's cancelation hit a lot of us hard, but it is so sweet to see how many people have rallied and turned the frustration and sorrow not only into art and fanfic and community but also into inspiration to do good for real wolves. And it's not the first time the fandom has turned our love for these pixel men into charity - I heard about Rafayel mains who organized beach clean ups and I remember Zayne mains who raised funds for children's health care for his birthday. I hope we see more such works in the future - and I hope we can do this again for Valko's birthday!

Trophy Visit | Children's Health Ireland (05/07/26)

Idaho Mother Who Said Vaccines Killed Her Baby Twins on RFK Jr’s Children's Health Defense Podcast Has Been Charged With Murder **According to the Idaho Statesman,** **a Payette County grand jury** indicted 23-year-old Andrea Shaw on two counts of first-degree murder more than a year after her 18-month-old twins were found dead in a shared bed on May 1, 2025. Police said from the outset that foul play was suspected, but have declined to discuss the evidence now that the case is before the courts. **Court reporting from KTVB says** **the indictment alleges Shaw suffocated** the two children. That remains a prosecution allegation, not a proven fact, and Shaw is legally presumed innocent unless convicted. **CBS2 Idaho reports** **that Shaw was arraigned on** July 2, 2026, and ordered held on $2 million bond. The case could expose her to life imprisonment or the death penalty under Idaho law, although prosecutors had not publicly announced whether they would seek capital punishment. **People reports that Shaw and her husband previously appeared on** a Children’s Health Defense podcast and attributed the deaths to vaccines the twins had recently received. Her attorney has continued advancing that explanation, but authorities have not publicly endorsed it, and the indictment presents a sharply different account of how the children allegedly died. **Why it matters:** **The case shows how an unverified medical explanation can spread through advocacy networks before investigators disclose their findings. The broader issue is not only whether the criminal allegations are proved, but how emotionally powerful claims can become embedded in public debate while the underlying evidence remains sealed or incomplete.** **When a personal tragedy becomes evidence for a political or medical movement before an investigation is complete, who bears responsibility for correcting the narrative if later evidence points elsewhere?**

Recent DFW job openings — July 5, 2026 Hope everyone had a safe July 4th! Here's another batch of local openings across DFW. **General** - **Beverage Cart Attendant** — Omni Hotels & Resorts - **Front Desk Agent** — Omni Hotels & Resorts - **Game Room Attendant** — Chuck E. Cheese - **Merchandiser / Stocker** — Keurig Dr Pepper - **EVS Tech (Hospital Cleaning)** — Children's Health - **Groundskeeper** — UT Arlington - **Shuttle Driver (Part-Time)** — City of Grapevine - **Loader Operator** — Copart - **Linen Truck Driver** — Parkland Health - **Customer Service Representative** — Interstate Batteries - **Lifeguard** — City of North Richland Hills **Healthcare & caregiving** - **Radiologic Technologist** — Medical City - **Hospice CNA** — Three Oaks Hospice - **Personal Care Attendant** — Angels of Care Pediatric Home Health - **Caregiver Support Specialist** — Care.com **Skilled trades & facilities** - **Maintenance Technician** — Willow Bridge Property Company - **Electrical I&C Technician** — Vistra - **Facilities / Equipment Stores Tech** — Methodist Health System **Office, finance & creative** - **Client Solutions Specialist** — First Command Financial - **Business Intelligence Analyst (Pricing)** — Kubota Tractor - **Senior Graphic Designer** — J.Hilburn - **Project Architect, Health** — HKS **Tech, engineering & science** - **Field Engineer** — Boingo Wireless - **Mechanical Systems Design Engineer** — Otto Aerospace - **Research Scientist, Pediatrics** — UT Southwestern - **Physical AI / Machine Vision Lab Intern** — KoiReader Technologies Full list with links and how to apply: [Recent DFW job openings — July 5](https://rovajobs.com/dallas/topics/recent-dfw-job-openings-july-5-2026) If you're looking for a job let us know in the comments. We are an Independent DFW job board — not affiliated with these employers.

MAGA Mom Claimed Vaccines Killed Her 18-Month-Old Twins. Now She's Charged with Murdering Them: Andrea Shaw was indicted on two counts of first-degree murder Days after the two children, a boy and a girl, were found dead, Shaw and her husband appeared on a podcast produced by Children's Health Defense, an anti-vaccine organization formerly led by current U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.