Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Korean Martial Arts (KMA)
Version: 1.4u Date: 24 July 2007
Brought to you by the Martial Arts Resource (http://MartialArtsResource.com) and California Taekwondo and Hapkido
Ray Terry, P.O. Box 110841, Campbell, CA 95011-0841 MartialArtsResource -at- gmail -dot- com
This FAQ was created to be informative. There are no intentions for it to be offensive to any style or person.
This FAQ is a compilation of information acquired over the years from various sources, but it is FAR from complete. Any corrections or additions that are submitted will be carefully considered. Send them to address MartialArtsResource -at- gmail -dot- com and include "KMA FAQ INFO" as the subject heading.
* ===================================== * TABLE OF CONTENTS * ===================================== * * 1 - Introduction * 2 - What is a martial art? * 3 - How do I choose a school? * 4 - Should children study martial arts? * 5 - Belief systems * 6 - Rankings/Color belt systems * 7 - Korean martial arts glossary * 8 - Bibliography * 9 - Sources of electronic information * 10 - Sources of equipment and material * 11 - Different Korean arts and styles * 12 - TaeKwonDo Olympic sparring rules * 13 - Brief History of Korea * 14 - Korean Martial Arts Organizations * 15 - The people that made this FAQ possible * * ===================================== ************************************************************* * 1.0 Introduction *************************************************************
This FAQ is not intended to be a martial arts bible, but to give some help to those that are looking for a place to start, or those more experienced that would like to know more about some different style, have a particular doubt, etc.
Please note that this is not the "Absolute Truth" but rather an attempt to give clear and basic information about Korean martial arts. Your suggestions, opinions, and additions are welcome; send e-mail per the above instructions.
************************************************************* * 2.0 What is a martial art? *************************************************************
A martial art can be defined as a system of techniques, physical and mental exercises developed as an effective means for self-defense and offense, both unarmed and with the use of weapons.
The origin and history of martial arts is a controversial issue. We can see signs of martial arts in Greece, Egypt, Korea, Africa, Japan, China, Okinawa, Thailand, as well as other cultures. There is a clear trail leading from the Southern China regions up to Korea, Okinawa and Japan. The details before that, and the exact details of that transfer, are greatly debated by historians and martial artists. ************************************************************* * 3.0 How do I choose a school? *************************************************************
A couple of things that are important parts to look at in the process of choosing a school:
(1) The environment where you'll learn and train (2) The people that will be your partners (3) The instructor (4) The logistics of the school
(1) The environment where you will learn and train
Don't get impressed by the size of the place- just be sure that you feel "ok" in there.
Also don't necessarily be impressed by huge number of trophies. They may indicate a very successful competitive school (if that is an aspect you are interested in) or they could be all show. Check carefully.
If you are not allowed to watch any classes, you may not want to invest your time and money. Without seeing a class you will not be able to get a good feel for the school.
Ask questions- don't worry about looking stupid or asking the "wrong" question. They are going to be teaching and training you- you want to get any concerns or considerations you have out before you commit to anything.
If you feel bullied or threatened in any manner, look somewhere else.
(2) The people that will be your partners
Watch some classes (without participating), then ask to participate- see if the behavior of the students changes by the fact that there is a new person in their class.
What follows is a quick and dirty check list, to which you can add your own points, based on what you consider important. Remember: these questions and suggestions are just guidelines, not hard and fast rules. There will always be exceptions.
- How good are the students?
This is more of a measure of the quality of the students as students than their skill at martial arts. See if you can picture yourself with these people. Are they attentive, respectful, interested in being there? Those are all good signs...
- Is there a mix of upper and lower ranks?
This is not always obvious in the styles without belt rankings, etc. It is generally a good sign if advanced, intermediate and beginning students are practicing together. Check the approach the higher ranked students take to you- their help will probably be very important in your advancement in the Art you choose.
Some schools have classes separated by rank though. Ask.
-Is there a mix in the type of people in the class?
Although this doesn't necessarily mean anything if it is not present, it is a good sign if there is a mixture of males and females, older and younger people in the class. It is a pointer to the efficiency of the Art if it can teach a wide variety of people together.
- Do they move the way you would like to?
This will give you some sense of what you can achieve. Look to the senior students and see if they move the way you want to move.
- Do they help one another?
In a small class this may not apply, but in larger classes it is a good sign if the senior students support and assist the junior students. This kind of personal attention will aid you greatly in your training.
- Do the senior students seem fit and relaxed?
This will give you a sense of the atmosphere of the school. If the senior students are uptight, nervous, unfit, out of shape, or unhappy, it may be a sign to move on. However, do not be put off by a single occurrence, i.e. because on THAT day the senior student was in a poor mood. It should at least prompt you to look carefully though...
- How common are injuries?
As most martial arts involve vigorous physical activity and contact, injuries will occur. However, if injuries are very common and/or serious, there is likely a problem in how training is supervised, and you will probably want to look elsewhere. It will be difficult to tell what the frequency/severity of injuries in the class is in one or two visits. Ask the instructor.
(3) The Instructor
-You'll need some basic trust in the individual, as a beginning.
The instructor is the person who is going to be guiding your development as a martial artist. You need to feel comfortable with him or her, and feel secure in receiving instruction from them. If you have some unease or personality conflict with the instructor(s) you might want to look elsewhere.
- Do the students get personalized attention?
This will be a good judge of how valuable your time will be. If there is a good amount of instructor to student attention there will be more value for you.
- Does the instructor differentiate between forms and function?
Another good indication is to find out if the instructor(s) differentiates between form and function. In other words do they do it "because it looks good" or "because it works." This may not apply if you are looking for a martial art as a performance art or as an exercise (though then you want to look at the efficacy of their exercises...)
- Does the instructor(s) differentiate between tournament and self-defense?
As above, your reaction to this question's answer will depend on what your goals are. However, there is general agreement that tournament training and self-defense training, while highly related, are different. If the instructor does not differentiate the two- that may be a danger sign!
- Are adjustments made for students of differing body types and
limitations?
Another good sign is if the instructor adjusts the training of his or her student's physical realities: telling a slow person to work contact, a fast person to work ranges, a heavy person to work leverage, a light person to work speed, or, conversely, concentrating on their weak areas to compensate.
(4) The logistics of the School
-Money
This is an important element to be clear about. You don't want to commit to a school if you can't afford it. It is impossible to address what a reasonable price would be here, because the benefits offered, the local economy, the quality of instruction, and the amount of instructor time are all variables in the equation.
Find out if there are extra charges for going up in rank, find out if there are organizational dues, tournament fees, mat fees, etc.
But do not be upset when a martial arts instructor charges money- they need to eat and have a place to stay.
-Location
If you are intending to spend a lot of time at the school you want it to be accessible, and convenient enough for you to get their after work, on weekends, etc.
-Classes
Another thing you want to be clear on is when you can go to the school and when classes are. Some schools are open almost all the time and have lots of classes. In some schools you can only come when an official class is being held. An open school is usually better for obvious reasons- convenience, practice time, access to mats, etc.
-Commitments and Promises
This is an important thing to know about any school you will be joining. Be very clear on what they will expect of you and what you expect of them. Some teachers want to teach only people who are willing to commit to them and their style, some are willing to introduce you to their style and let you dabble, some will teach you as long as you show up. None of these are intrinsically better or worse, but you want to know where they are coming from so you and they are not surprised.
Find out if you are required to attend classes, find out about being late, find out what the policy is on school rules of behavior and etiquette. Find out how you are supposed to interact with the teacher and other students. There are many styles for all these things so make sure you find out. The easiest way is to ask these questions.
There may be other questions you want to look at and specific questions you have about an instructor, school, organization, or style you are looking at. Know the questions you want answered and you will find the perfect school for you!
************************************************************* * 4.0 Should children study martial arts? ************************************************************* In general, yes. Some of the possible positives would be control of aggressiveness, instilling self-respect and self-control, as well as self-defense.
The style that a child should take is a totally different question, and is directly influenced by the style, if any, of the parents. It will of course be convenient if the child can practice with, or at least in the same school as, the parents. The major issue with children in the martial arts is the integrity and trustworthiness of the teacher and the school.
The joints and connective tissues of children are more vulnerable to injury than those of adults. Keep this in mind when selecting a style and school for a child, and discuss it with the instructor. Schools which allow aggressive joint locks to be applied to children or don't train them to refrain from snapping/hyper-extending elbows on strikes and knees on kicks should be avoided. (It is for this same reason that good baseball coaches will not allow young pitchers to throw pitches which require hard snapping of the arm - like curve balls). Throws, however, are quite different; the small size of children makes them naturals for arts which require falling down.
************************************************************* * 5.0 Belief systems *************************************************************
Some martial arts have philosophical and/or religious roots or associations, e.g. with Buddhism, Taoism, or ?. Thus, it is natural for people who are considering a particular art to wonder if it is compatible with their own philosophy or religion.
Normally it is not considered ethical for an Instructor to try to impose his own views on his students. However, the philosophical aspects of some arts may still be present in the required training to the extent that some potential students would be offended by it. As with so many other aspects of martial arts, it depends on the art and even more heavily on the instructor. So, be sure to watch for this aspect when you visit a school that you are interested in. Have a conversation with the instructor about it, and watch how he/she interacts with his/her students.
************************************************************* * 6.0 Rankings/Color belt systems ************************************************************* Many arts have a ranking system. A typical ranking from beginner to most experienced master is: 10th gup, 9th gup, ..., 2nd gup, 1st gup, 1st dan, 2nd dan, ..., 10th dan. "gup" (or "kup") is Korean for grade. "Dan" ranks will typically wear a black belt.
That being said, do not put too much stock in rankings, and put even less in belt color. Belt colors are HIGHLY dependent on the art, school, and instructor. Some arts don't have any belts. Some have only white and black. Some have white, brown, and black. Some have a rainbow. Some instructors hand out rank/belts like candy, others are very stingy. A given color will frequently signify different ranks in different arts.
Rather than rank or belt color, what will determine an individual's skill are how long and how intensely they have studied, the quality of instruction they have received, and (to a lesser extent) their "natural" ability.
A brief history of gup/kyu/dan (kyu is the Japanese equivalent of gup) ranking systems and belts, originally contributed by Steve Gombosi, follows:
Before Jigoro Kano founded Judo, there was no kyu/dan ranking system in the martial arts. Kano borrowed it from the game of Go when he awarded "shodan" to two of his senior students (Saito and Tomita) in 1883. Even then, there was no external differentiation between yudansha (dan ranks) and mudansha (those who hadn't yet attained dan ranking). Kano apparently began the custom of having his yudansha wear black obis in 1886. These obis weren't the belts karateka and judoka wear today - Kano hadn't invented the judogi (uniform) yet, and his students were still practicing in kimono. They were the wide obi still worn with formal kimono. In 1907, Kano introduced the modern gi and its modern obi, but he still only used white and black.
Karateka in Okinawa didn't use any sort of special uniform at all in the old days. The kyu/dan ranking system, and the modern karategi (modified judogi) were first adopted by Karate-do founder G.Funakoshi in an effort to encourage karate's acceptance by the Japanese. He awarded the first "shodan" ranks given in karate to Tokuda, Otsuka, Akiba, Shimizu, Hirose, Gima, and Kasuya on April 10, 1924. The adoption of the kyu/dan system and the adoption of a standard uniform based on the judogi were 2 of the 4 conditions which the Dai-Nippon Butokukai required before recognizing karate as a "real" martial art. If you look at photographs of Okinawan karateka training in the early part of this century, you'll see that they were training in their everyday clothes, or (!) in their underwear.
Most Korean arts have ranking/belt color systems that were adopted from the Japanese arts.
************************************************************* * 7.0 Korean martial arts glossary *************************************************************
A Summary of Korean Terminology for TaeKwonDo compiled by Brad Appleton (bradapp@enteract.com) [with minor edits by Ray Terry]
Introduction ============
This document is an attempt to compile a list of Korean terminology
used in the study of TaeKwonDo. In years past, the terminology used
was based upon Chinese. Since then however, most styles have "upgraded"
to use a more "modern" Korean terminology that is more "in sync" with
the semantics of the Korean language. Wherever possible, I have tried
to use this "new" (more modern) terminology. [older terms appear in
brackets{}.]
Obviously, the Korean language is not written using the Roman alphabet, so all the spellings you see here are mere approximations and will not necessarily be the same spellings that some of you are used to seeing.
Counting to 10 in Korean ========================
1 hanah
2 dool
3 set
4 net
5 dasot
6 yosot (pronounced more like "yawsot")
7 ilgop
8 yodol (sort of like "yawdol")
9 ahop
10 yool (or "yeol" or "yol")
The stress in "hanah", "dasot", and "yosot" is on the first syllable, in "ilgop", "yodol", and "ahop" on the second. In counting cadence in TaeKwonDo, this is so emphasized that the other syllable frequently almost disappears (e.g., "han", "das", "yos", "lgop", "hop", etc.).
The Korean names for 1st-10th =============================
These are not cardinal numbers (first, second, etc.). They are another numbering system. The numbers hanah, dool, etc. are most frequently used when you're talking about something that's counted; il, i, etc. for other things (which usually correspond to cardinal numbers). For example, a first degree black belt would be an "il dan".
These numbers are:
1 il ("eel")
2 i ("ee")
3 sam ("sahm")
4 sa ("sah")
5 o ("oh")
6 ryuk ("yook")
7 chil
8 pal
9 ku
10 ship
The final 'l' in "chil" and "pal" isn't rounded, like an American 'l' .... it's a much shorter sound, sort of like the initial 'l' in "let", but even shorter. It's not like the 'l' in "ball".
When pronouncing the word "ship", you MUST NOT emphasize the "sh" sound. It's almost more like "sip" with a sort of a lisp. If you pronounce it like "sh" in "shell", you will be talking about sexual intercourse.
Other Korean Terminology ====================
Stances
sohgi stance
{cha see stance}
anjun sohgi sitting stance
ap sohgi walking stance
ap kubi front bent knee stance
{chungul chasee frong bent knee stance}
bom sohgi cat stance
chagi sohgi kicking stance
dwi kubi back stance
{hugul chasee back stance}
juchoom sohgi horse stance
{keema chasee horse stance}
kima sohgi riding stance
mot sohgi fighting stance
onnoon sohgi sitting stance
kibon junbi sohgi ready stance
dong yuk sohgi dynamic stance
cha yun sohgi natural stance
Directions/Motions
oo right
joa left
ap front
an inner
bakkat outer
baro reverse
bitureo twisting
dwi back
gamya stepping
uro moving in a particular direction
(e.g. "ap uro gamya" - stepping forward)
anuro inward
bakuro outward
twim yah jumping
dollyo turning
dora to turn
dolmyo spinning
mee kul myu sliding
Kicks
chagi kick (or snap kick)
cha olligi stretching kick
ap chagi front kick
bandal chagi 45' roundhouse kick
pyojuk chagi crescent kick
dwi chagi back kick
dollyo chagi roundhouse kick
bandae dollyo chagi reverse round kick ("hook kick")
dwi dollyo chagi hook kick (back round kick)
nakko chagi hooking kick
naeryo chagi ax kick
an chagi inside ax kick
bakkat chagi outside ax kick
yup chagi side kick
bitureo chagi twisting kick
mireo chagi push kick
twio chagi jump kick
{ea dan chagi jump kick}
huryo chagi thrashing kick
Hand Attacks
chirugi punch
chigi strike
{kongkyuk attack}
sonnal knife-edge
joomok fist
doong joomuk back fist
yup joomuk side fist
me joomuk hammer fist
sanbadak chigi palmhand strike
sontong chigi backhand strike
sonnal mok chigi overhead knife-edge strike
doo bun chirugi double punch
sae bun chirugi triple punch
kwon su chirugi spearfinger thrust
sonkut chirugi finger thrust
sewo chirugi vertical punch
dollyo chirugi round punch
dwijubo chirugi upset punch
olliyo chirugi upward punch
bandae chirugi front punch
baro chirugi reverse front punch
Blocks
makki block
bakkat makki outer forearm block
an makki inner forearm block
hecho makki double forearm block
anuro makki inward block
bakuro makki outward block
arae makki low block
gutjha makki nine-shaped block
daebi makki guarding block
cho kyo makki rising block
olgul makki high block
momtong makki middle block
sonnal makki knife-edge block
wesanteul makki mountain block
Commands
charrot attention
junbi ready
dorah about face
elosoh stand
keuman stop
gooky a hyanghayoh face the flag
hai san class dismissed
jonglee line up
kyenyae bow
anja sit
pah ro return to ready position
pal bah kwah switch your stance (switch sides)
koo ryung op see in your own time
seijak begin
shiuh relax
Body Parts
arae lower body (low section)
{ha dan lower body}
bahl feet
dahlee leg
eep mouth
palkup elbow
gi ear
joomok fist
ko nose
mok neck
molee head
momtong middle body (middle section)
{choong dan middle body}
mooloop knee
myung chi solar plexus
noon eye
ouka shoulder
pahl arm
palmak forearm
sonn hand
olgul face & head high
{san dan face & head high}
Sparring
kyorugi (free) sparring
{daeryun sparring}
hanbeon kyorugi one step sparring
{il sooshik daeryun one step sparring}
doobeon kyorugi two step sparring
{yi sooshik dayryun two step sparring}
sebeon kyorugi three step sparring
{sahm sooshik daeruyn three step sparring}
anja kyorugi sitting position sparring
tzalbeun-khal kyorugi knife sparringk
ban ja yu kyorugi semi free sparring
Miscellaneous
danjang fix
dhee belt
dobok uniform
dojang school (house of discipline)
gup grade
dan degree
jang a page (similar to a page)
joncha every one
kihap yell
kahm sa ham nee da thank you
jer maenyo (you're) welcome
mukyum meditation
onyonghe asayo hello
onyonghe gasayo goodbye
pil sung certain victory
poomsae form (pronounced "poom-say")
hyung form
sah bum nim master (or senior instructor)
jung sin yuk mental strength (martial art spirit)
yung suk combination
Tai Geuk Gi the Korean flag
************************************************************* * 8.0 Bibliography *************************************************************
************************************************************* * 9.0 Sources of electronic information *************************************************************
For those on the World Wide Web, see the URL:
http://MartialArtsResource.com
Korean Martial Arts Mailing List:
Do you practice Korean martial arts? e.g. SinMoo Hapkido, Tang Soo Do, HwaRang Do, Kuk Sool Won, Taekwondo, TaekKyon, Hapkido, Soo Bahk Do, Kumdo, Yudo, Ship Pal Ki, Yu Sool, Kong Soo Do, Kung Jung Moo sool, HaeDong Kumdo, Kyuktooki, Hanmudo, etc.
Come practice with us at the "The_Dojang", 11 years of continuous operation.
The_Dojang is a 2000 member e-mail distribution list for the discussion of Korean martial arts.
The list is managed by "Mailman". To subscribe to The_Dojang go to the URL;
http://the-dojang.net
Brought to you by the Martial Arts Resource, MartialArtsResource.com.
Pil Seung!
************************************************************* * 10.0 Sources of equipment and material *************************************************************
Academy of Karate Martial Arts Supplies 405 Black Horse Pike Haddon Heights, NJ 08035 609-547-5445
Asian World of Martial Arts 917-21 Arch St. Philadelphia, PA 19107 215-925-0459
BLT Supply Inc. 35-01 Queens Boulevard Long Island City, N.Y. 11101-1720 (718) 392-5671 or (800)-322-2860 FAX:(718) 392-5705 Mail Order * Retail * Wholesale
Bugei Trading Company http://www.bugei.com
California S and P Inc. 10545-B San Pablo Ave.; El Cerrito, CA 94530; USA 415-527-6032
Century Martial Art Supply, Inc. 1705 National Blvd.; Midwest City, OK 73110; USA 800-654-4701
Chris Nickolas American Arts Karate Martial arts supplies (wholesale/retail) 4858 S. Main St. Akron, Ohio 44319 216-645-0818 Internet: mark.juszczec@bellhow.com
Defense Arts, Inc. P.O. Box 1028; Smyrna, GA 30081; USA 404-434-0370
East West Markets Exchange, Inc. 5533 North Broadway; Chicago, IL 60640; USA 312-878-7711
Far East Books 2029 North Park St. Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3K 4B2 902-422-8142 FAX 902-422-1998 Internet fareast@fox.nstn.ca Chinese Martial Arts, Religions, and Healing Disciplines; catalogue available
Honda Martial Arts Supply Co. 120 W. 30th St.; New York, NY 10010; USA 800-USA-NYNY or 212-563-6688
I & I Sports 1524 W. 178th St. Gardena, CA 90248 310-715-6800
Inter Sports 1 Bon Ji. Ulchiro 7-ga (under the Baseball stadium) Chung-gu, Seoul, Korean 82-2-2237-2236 FAX: 82-2-2237-2238
Kim Pacific Trading Company 4141 Business Center Drive 800-227-0500
Kiyota Company 2326 North Charles St.; Baltimore, MD 21219; USA 800-783-2232 or 410-366-8275
Martial Arts Supplies Co., Inc. 10711 Venice Blvd.; Los Angles, CA 90034-6294; USA 213-870-9866
Macho Products 10045 102nd Terrace Sebastian, FL 32978 800-327-6812 e-mail macho@bb.iu.net
Moo Sool Sa 1 Bon Ji. Ulchiro 7-ga Dongdaemun Football Stadium Chung-gu, Seoul, Korea 82-2-2237-9991 FAX: 82-2-2237-9993 http://www.martialarts.co.kr e-mail: moosool@chollian.dacom.co.kr
Musashi Martial Arts 1842 S. Grand Ave.; Santa Ana, CA 92705; USA 714-557-4274
PAIS Enterprises P.O. Box 518, Miliken Post Office; Milliken, Ontario, LOH 1K0, CANADA 416-299-8168
S & P of New York Budo, Inc. P.O. Box 2; Depew, NY 14043; USA 716-681-7911
Saghafi Enterprises 1604 Niagara Falls Blvd.; Tonawanda, NY 14150; USA 716-832-3322
Sang Moo Sa 16631 Bellflower Blvd. Bellflower, CA 90706 800-346-3116
Top Brands Box 51331; New Orleans, LA 70151; USA 504-522-4540
World-Wide Martial Arts Supply P.O. Box 3132 Bethlehem, PA 18017 martial.arts@corp-reflection.com http://www.corp-reflection.com/dojo/index.html
************************************************************* * 11.0 Different Korean arts and styles *************************************************************
Important note: This information is true to the best of the knowledge of the author. Not all will agree with some, perhaps even most, of what follows.
Gicheon Mun was brought out into the public during the 1960's but has not spread. The difficulty and length of classes discourage many as does the effort required to reach proficiency. In one sense the name means, Gateway to Heavenly Energy. Gicheon Mun practitioners are trying to develop their inner energy in accordance with principles of universal balance in hope that they can achieve harmonious lives. Younger practitioners seem to enjoy the powerful and brutal fighting techniques. Description: Beginners focus on learning to adopt very extreme stances, built on the principles of developing strength and tenacity from Yok Geun. This technique is one of opening joints to their maximum range of motion and holding them open for ever longer periods of time. Harmonized muscular development is a primary goal in Gicheon and much attention is paid to safe, facilitating warm-ups. Total body conditioning and strength is required to progress. Intermediate students move on to a variety of forms and drills (solo or partner) for unarmed, sword, and staff skills. Progress is slow and always routed in the gradual expansion of application of the basic techniques. The art prides itself on efficiency and effectiveness, both in combat and in developing health. The most striking thing about Gicheon is the means of generating power and the tactics for employing that power effectively. Training: Training involves demanding stance work, solo drills and study of forms. Free sparring is generally not done based on philosophical reasons. Students are expected to learn and demonstrate multiple interpretations and applications for the basic principles in addition to discovering their own. An Online Resource: http://www.kichun.co.kr
Hai Dong Gumdo (Korean Swordsmanship - Hai Dong refers to the light energy at dawn over the East Sea, and was also the Chinese way of referring to the Korean Peninsula) draws its techniques from many areas. Most commonly referenced of course is the Muyedotobongi although this is less an influence than the martial arts of Gicheon Mun and Shimgumdo. While sourced in many disparate traditions, the art is elegantly refined into one cohesive and systematically presented pathway to mastery of the sword. The underpinnings of the art are based in the ancient Koguryo Kingdom of the 3rd to 6th century, primarily the emphasis on a rigid code of ethics. The techniques are clearly the result of dedicated and serious attempts to make the style effective, functional, and accessible to modern students.
Description:
Students begin with swords from the first day of practice and are expected to work hard to build up the level of fitness required for regular swordwork. The beginner will start with a wooden sword (mog-gom). Intermediate students will generally be asked to begin practice with a metal training sword (ka-gum) to prepare for the weight, balance and danger of using live weapons after first dan. The average weight of a mog-gom is 300 grams. The average weight of a ka-gum is 900 grams. Real swords (jin-gom) vary in weight by style and fittings but average at 1.1 or 1.2 kg. For the most part only dan ranks practice cutting objects. Typical objects to employ in cutting drills are bamboo poles and rice stalk sheaves. Bamboo simulates cutting bone while the sheaves simulate flesh. Sometimes the two are combined. In addition to cutting static objects, a skilled cutter must be capable of slicing thrown objects. Classes are quite formal with dedication and serious intent being vital. The art itself is very circular and flowing. Students must learn to develop speed and accuracy in harmony with timed releases of power. Sophisticated means of power generation keep the art challenging as each level brings new refinements and means to the same ends. Generally, there is no sparring unless certain conditions are met. At present (2003) some parts of Korea are trying to develop competitive rules using the bamboo sword and a newly developed form of full-body armour. This movement is being met with mixed reactions. Old style sparring was unarmoured, non-contact with moggum, light contact with fist, elbow, knee, palm and foot. Some schools supported a full contact form of sparring with the bamboo sword, either armoured or not. It will take some time for the Federation as a whole to either embrace or discard formal sparring rules for competition. For the most part, the idea of competition is antithetical to the principles of the art. Training: Training involves working on basics, solo drills and study of forms (gom-bub). Haidong Gumdo students must learn a substantial number of forms as they progress. In addition to the forms there are key-point drills, solo and partner drills, breath-based meditation of various forms, basic and intermediate self-defense training, as well as soft and hard object cutting. A student will learn basic and effective methods to counter punches and kicks, will learn tumbling and safe falling practices as well as gain an understanding of basic punches and kicks as well. At higher levels, access to a more complete unarmed curriculum is possible, depending on the instructor. Classes generally last for an hour and focus on perfection of stances and power generation while in motion. Individual practice time is often provided after the lesson. Some Online Resources: http://www.hdgd.org.com (English now available) http://www.stormpages.com/haidonggumdo http://www.geomdo.org http://www.turtlepress.com An Offline Resource for speakers of Korean: WORLD HAIDONG GUMDO FEDERATION. 211-1, Neugpyumg-ri, Opo-up, Gwangju City, Gyunggi-do, Korea 464-892 Tel:031-714-4471~2 Fax:031-715-5433
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11.10) Hwa Rang Do
Intro: Hwa Rang Do is a comprehensive, modern, eclectic martial arts system encompassing unarmed combat, weaponry, internal training and healing techniques.
Origin: Korea
History: In March 1942, the founder of Hwa Rang Do, Dr. Joo Bang Lee and his brother, Joo Sang Lee were introduced to the Buddhist monk Suahm Dosa by their father, who was a personal friend of the monk, and they began their formal training aged 5 & 6.
The brothers lived and trained as students under the monk on the weekends and during school vacations and also trained in other martial arts when they were unable to train under Suahm Dosa. Influences includes Boxing, Yudo, Komdo, and Kongsoodo. In addition, the Lee brothers studied Hapkido under GM Choi Yong Sool.
In April 1960 Dr. Joo Bang Lee claims to have created his martial art by combining Suham Dosa's techniques with the other systems he had trained. He choose the name Hwa Rang Kwan to describe his system and this also is thought to be the first time that Hwa Rang was used in connection with unarmed Korean martial arts.
Since there is no way of knowing if the techniques Suahm Dosa taught the brothers actually was the martial art of the Silla Hwa Rang, or another form of monk martial art, Dr. Joo Bang Lee says he wanted to "combine the spirit and philosophy of the Hwa Rang with his martial arts knowledge".
In 1962, the Lee Brother's founded the Korean Martial Arts Association (Han Kuk Mu Sul Hwe - shortened name Kuk Sul Hwe). Due to various conflicts within the leadership of the Korean Martial Arts Association it was disbanded in 1966 and its original members started their own respective organizations.
Following this dissolution, Dr. Joo Bang Lee concentrated his efforts solely on the development of his own martial arts system. He called it Hwa Rang Do, "The Way of the Flowering Manhood".
In 1968, Head Grandmaster Joo Sang Lee taught Hapkido and Hwa Rang Do in the USA. Dr. Joo Bang Lee became the system's "Supreme Grandmaster" upon Suahm Dosa's death in 1969. He immigrated to the USA in 1972 and later founded the World Hwa Rang Do Association. Today World Hwa Rang Do Association is headquartered in Downey, California (USA). Joo Sang Lee is no longer involved with JB Lee's Hwa Rang Do.
Kim, Myung Man of Australia also independently named his art Hwa Rang Do. Kim Myung Man's teaching are based on his training in Chang Moo Kwan and his training with the military. As with JB Lee's Hwa Rang Do, Kim's material is a derivative of Hapkido, has a focus on full-power fighting techniques, covert skills and Ki cultivation.
Description: JB Lee's Hwa Rang Do is a combination of UM (soft/circular movement) and YANG (hard/linear movement), making it a very diversified and comprehensive martial art. The Mu Sul (martial aspects) of Hwa Rang Do can be further explained in four distinct - though interconnecting - paths of study.
NAE GONG - deals with developing, controlling, and directing one's Ki, or internal energy force, through breathing and meditation exercises in conjunction with specific physical techniques. Due to the exercises' internal nature, they demand patience and concentration.
WAE GONG - Wae gong includes more than 4000 offensive and defensive combative applications. Combining elements predominantly tense and linear in nature with those soft and circular, these techniques mesh to form a natural fighting system. This phase includes full instruction in all hand strikes and blocks (trapping and grabbing as well as deflection applications, using the hands, wrist, forearm, elbows, arms and shoulders), 365 individual kicks, throws and falls from any position and onto any surfaces, human anatomical structure as it pertains to combat applications (knowing and utilizing the body's weak points to effectively control the opponent, regardless of their size), joint manipulation and breaking, finger pressure-point application, prisoner arrest, control and transport, grappling applications, forms, offensive choking and flesh-tearing techniques, defense against multiple opponents, breaking techniques, counter-attacks, and killing techniques.
MOO GI GONG - involves the offensive and defensive use of the over 108 traditional weapons found within 20 categories of weaponry. By learning these various weapon systems, the practitioner can most effectively utilize any available object as a weapon as the situation demands.
SHIN GONG - is the study, development, and control of the human mind in order to attain one's full potential and mental capabilities. Techniques are taught to achieve an increase in one's total awareness, focus, and concentration levels.
Included are instruction in : controlling one's mind; development of the "sixth sense"; memory recall; the study of human character and personalities; practical psychology; visualization; the art of concealment and stealth as utilized by special agents (Sulsa); as well as advanced, secretive applications.
Hwa Rang Do teaches both the martial art (mu-sul) and healing art (in-sul). If one is able to injure or worse, then he/she should know how to heal as well, once again maintaining harmony through balance of opposites. The In Sul aspects (the study of the Oriental Healing Arts) of Hwa Rang Do are every bit as complex and demanding as the study of Occidental Medicine. First aid applications, revival techniques are taught in conjunction with the traditional full studies of acupuncture, acupressure, herbal and natural medicines, and bone setting.
Training: A typical training session includes Meditation (beginning and end of class). Total body stretching and warm-up exercises. Basic punching and kicking practice. Ki power exercises. "Basic-8" combination drills (which vary by belt rank). Two-man countering techniques (vary by belt rank). Open session which may include: sparring, tumbling, grappling, sweeps, or advanced techniques. Self-defense techniques. Cool down exercises. Hwa Rang Do code of ethics.
For additional information on Master JB Lee's HwaRangDo:
World Hwa Rang Do Association 8200 E. Firestone Blvd. Downey, CA 90241 (562) 861-0111
Sub-styles: Michael DeAlba's Modern Hwa Rang Do
| URLs: | www.hwarangdo.com www.hwarang.org/hwarang www.csn.net/hwarang/index.html linus.socs.uts.edu.au/~osborn/hrd.html |
11.12) Kuk Sool Won
Intro:
Kuk Sool Won is a comprehensive system of the traditional Korean martial arts; it is not a 'style' of martial art per se. It incorporates aspects of different martial arts, including Hapkido and Ship Pal Gi.
Origin: Korea
History:
In 1910, Japan dismantled the Korean Royal Court armies as a part of their occupation of the Korean peninsula. The practice of any Korean martial art was prohibited and martial arts weapons were confiscated. One of those who went into hiding was Master Instructor Suh Myuhng Duk. He started training his grandson, Suh In Hyuk at the age of 5 and continued to train with him until his untimely death during the Korean War. Suh In Hyuk had letters of introduction, though, and continued to train with other practitioners of traditional Korean MAs. One teacher, Hai Dong Seu Nym, instructed Suh in special types of breathing exercises, meditation techniques and ki skills. Another very influential teacher was Hapkido's Choi Yong Sool.
In the 1960's Suh In Hyuk organized the martial arts he had learned and produced a system he called Kuk Sool. He associated it as Kuk Sool Won in 1961. In 1974 Suh In Hyuk came to the US. He established the World Kuk Sool Association Headquarters in 1975 in San Francisco; later moved to Houston, Texas.
Description:
Kuk Sool Won is a comprehensive system of Korean martial arts. It includes joint-locking, grappling, sparring, throwing techniques, forms training, falling principles, pressure point striking, accupressure and acupuncture, hand striking, leg techniques, acrobatics, body conditioning, animal-style techniques, weapons, internal energy systems, meditation and breathing techniques.
URLs: www.kuksoolwon.com
11.13) Kumdo
Intro: A popular sport in Japanese and Korean communities.
Origin: Japan
History:
Kumdo (Kendo in Japan) is the sport and competitive form of the Japanese art of Kenjutsu. Kumdo has been practiced for a long time in one form or another.
Description:
The practitioners wear protective armor and use simulated swords (split bamboo called "shinai") to "spar" against one another. Strike areas are limited as are moves. It is a very formal art. It is linear, hard, and external.
Training:
Training mostly consists of two-person drills, basics, and some kata that have been retained from kenjutsu between individuals.
11.14) Soo Bahk Do
Intro: A traditional Korean unarmed martial art. Soo (hand) Bahk (strike or educated) Do (way or road). A hard/soft classical art with powerful kicking techniques.
Origin: Korea
History: Soo Bahk as Soo Bahk Hi / Soo Bahk Ki is mentioned often throughout ancient korean history when martial arts are mentioned. Most specifically in the Moo Ye Do Bo Tong Ji (Military Arts Manual) which was writen in the 1700's. During the Japanese occupation of Korea GM Hwang Kee after learning a bit of TaekKyon left Korea for China where he was able to study Chinese Gung Fu. In 1945 he returned to Korea and opened his scool called Moo Duk Kwan (Institude of Martial Virtue) calling the art Hwa Soo Do (way of the flowering hand) do to lack of a name for his art. When he had extreme difficulty attracting students he reopened his school as Tang Soo Do after gaining the permission of other Seoul instructors using that term. He rapidily found success. In 1957 Hwang Kee found the Moo Ye Do Bo Tong Ji in the Ministry of Transportation library. In it was described what GM Hwang claimed was the martial art of Soo Bahk Hi. In 1961 he reincorperated the Korean Tang Soo Do Association as the Korean Soo Bahk Do Association. The Moo Duk Kwan being the first member school to join and the Ji Do Kwan which had taught it's art as Kong Soo Do was the next member school to join. These two schools together comprised over 70% of students with Dan ranking in Korea at that time. By about 1964 most students had left the Korean Soo Bahk Do Association. The Ji Do Kwan founder also quit, leaving Moo Duk Kwan as the only remaining school. Over a period of time instructors where sent over seas. Due to the two names many American servicemen had been taught (Tang Soo Do and Soo Bahk Do) many other countries had the art introduced as Tang Soo Do.
Description: Soo Bahk Do is a hard soft style with powerful kicking techniques similar to Tae Kwon Do. It does make greater use of the hands however. Students are encouraged to be "warriors" but to also be scholars. Students are expected to learn korean terminology and history as well as encourgaed to learn beyond these areas. As a classical Martial arts there is relatively little competion to the point of almost none in some areas. A unique aspect of Soo Bahk Do is also the fact that "Black Belts" don't wear black but Midnight Blue instead. The theory is that black is infinate and therefore perfect and as one can never be perfect the Dans wear blue to siginify that imptovemnet is always possible. The emphasis in Soo Bahk Do is on Physical, Spiritual and Mental well being as well as self defense. Students practice forms, sparring and self defense techniques similar to those in Aikido. Dan level students learn to defend against knives and short staves.
Influences: Northern chinese, due to GM Hwang Kee's studies in China. Okinawan, GM Hwang Kee utilized Okinawan Forms learned from a book wriiten by Funakoshi.
URLs: www.soobahkdo.com, www.soobahkdo.org
11.15) Taekwondo
Intro: One of the most popular sports and martial arts in the world. Often characterized by its fast, high, and powerful spinning kicks. Tae = Foot, Kwon = Fist, Do = Way.
Origin: Korea
History:
After fifty years of occupation by Japan (which ended in 1945) and after the division of the nation by the Korean War, Korean nationalism spurred the creation of a national art in the 1950s. Combining the styles of numerous Kwans active within the country since 1945, the name Taekwondo was eventually settled upon and began being used throughout S.Korea about 1964. Names frequently used prior to that were Tang Soo Do, Kong Soo Do, Kwon Bup, Hwa Soo Do, and Tae Soo Do. The name Taekwondo was apparently selected because of its similarity with the name Taek-kyon, a martial art native to Korea.
The kwans, or schools, previously mentioned that were most involved were:
| School | Founder |
| Chung Do Kwan Song Moo Kwan Moo Duk Kwan Yon Moo Kwan Chang Moo Kwan Chi/Ji Do Kwan Oh Do Kwan |
Won Kuk Lee Noh Byung Jik Hwang Kee Chun Sang Sup Pyong In Yun Yon Kue Pyang Choi Hong Hi and Nam Tae Hi |
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