From: the_dojang-owner@hpwsrt.cup.hp.com To: the_dojang-digest@hpwsrt.cup.hp.com Subject: The_Dojang-Digest V6 #124 Reply-To: the_dojang@hpwsrt.cup.hp.com Errors-To: the_dojang-owner@hpwsrt.cup.hp.com Precedence: The_Dojang-Digest Tues, 2 March 1999 Vol 06 : Num 124 In this issue: the_dojang: drilling, surprise and the unfortunate HKD 1st Degree the_dojang: Re: Handbook the_dojang: Re: Drilling the_dojang: shunned the_dojang: Re: natural reaction the_dojang: Re: The_Dojang-Digest V6 #123 the_dojang: Re: The_Dojang-Digest V6 #123 the_dojang: startle sense the_dojang: Re: Scott miller's size question. the_dojang: Machado Jiu-Jitsu Seminar - Austin, TX - this weekend the_dojang: Re: Surprise! the_dojang: Wearing Many Hats/Jamaica the_dojang: Handbook the_dojang: Re: Surprise the_dojang: Handbook the_dojang: Re: Stressing History and other mental things the_dojang: RE: The_Dojang-Digest V6 #123 the_dojang: USTU open to all ......................................................................... The_Dojang, serving the Internet since June 1994. ~800 members strong! Copyright 1994-99: Ray Terry, California Taekwondo, Martial Arts Resource Replying to this message will NOT unsubscribe you. To unsubscribe, send "unsubscribe the_dojang-digest" (no quotes) in the body of an e-mail (top line, left justified) addressed to majordomo@hpwsrt.cup.hp.com To send e-mail to this list use the_dojang@hpwsrt.cup.hp.com See the Korean Martial Arts (KMA) FAQ and online search the last two years worth of digest issues at http://www.MartialArtsResource.com Pil Seung! Ray Terry, PO Box 110841, Campbell, CA 95011 KMA@MartialArtsResource.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "John Bad" Date: Mon, 01 Mar 1999 16:40:09 PST Subject: the_dojang: drilling, surprise and the unfortunate HKD 1st Degree In response to the drilling and surpriseissues, I find that when being surprised,loud noise or any sort of startle will get me to jump thats why they call it a startle, turn towards the incident and raise my hands to a ready position weather it be a defensive stance or neutral stance, this is from so many times on the training floor, from drill of blocking attacks or even been told to keep my guard up. If some one is going to jump me by trying to hit me from behind, and I react by raising my hands automatically and hopefully blocking the attack, then I am glad I have done the repetition. With the HKD thing, not all HKD 1st Degree's come from a 50hr seminar course, some of us have done years of blood, sweat and tears on the matts to get us where we are. I am disgusted that another Martial Art can treat my Art with such disrespect by giving it's Black Belts away like that. John Baade "Train not just for strength, but for armor" ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com ------------------------------ From: Stan Lim Date: Mon, 01 Mar 1999 18:04:44 -0800 Subject: the_dojang: Re: Handbook >I may be revising my school's handbook for the Sabumnim. While he and I were >discussing this, I suggested that a special booklet for white belts be >prepared. The idea is to have in one place the basics a beginning student >needs to know. I have in mind things like: where to bow or how to tie the >belt; as well as, oh, I know you love your spouse, but you still have to >remove your wedding ring. The Sabumnim wants something more along the lines of >an essay on the importance of the journey one is about to embark and how >students should help keep the dojang clean. Fortunately, these two thoughts >are not mutually exclusive. However, that brings up the question for the list: >what do people think are, say, the five most important things for a new >student to know as he or she begins his or her first or second class? > >JB > JB, I *was* going to post and only ask that you share your handbook with the rest of the digest. Then I figured I should at least share some of my thoughts if I want you to share your work with us :-) So, please share your handbook with us when it is completed. Here are my 2 cents on what a white belt should know early on: 1. Proper respect - To whom: the Grandmaster, Instructors, seniors, other members, the dojang. etc. - How: Proper bowing, saluting, greeting, vocabulary (e.g. Yes/No, sir!) 2. Meaning of "Tae Kwon Do" - Definition of each word - Some knowledge of history & Philosophy (e.g. TKD comes from Korea) 3. Rules, regulations and code of conduct of the Dojang - Dos and do nots - Acceptable and unacceptable behavior - Expectation for students 4. Student must know what they want to get out of TKD - Fitness? Agility? Self Defense? How does this fit into the TKD's "Do", or "way of life?" 5. Student should ideally know (most have no idea) their level of motivation and commitment. Looking forward to seeing your handbook. Stan Lim 3rd Kup, WTF-TKD San Jose ------------------------------ From: Stan Lim Date: Mon, 01 Mar 1999 18:21:30 -0800 Subject: the_dojang: Re: Drilling Chris Porter asked: >Have any of the instructors on this list found repetative drilling in a >single session to be effective or ineffective? >I am referring to a 100 low blocks,middle punches, kicks etc. I beleive >that we learn by day to day repetition of a given technique but what >about many at one time? I wonder if this type of drilling adds to the >"way of no way" response. >CMPorter@webtv.net Do we repeat a move until we get it right, or do we get it right because we repeated it so many times? It all boils down to learning the proper technique first, then doing it repeatedly until the movement becomes natural. I think an instructor would be lacking if he/she made a student repeat any move without first making sure that the student was executing it properly. Then it becomes the "way of no way." I think that lots of repetative drilling is fine for senior and black belts because they know (or should know) the proper technique and how to execute it. In this case, the students should focus on perfecting their skills. For junior belts, I think it is more effective to focus on teaching them the right technique, and have them practice a few times, maybe 20 or 30, while coaching them. When they have it right, or close to right, then make them do lots more. I personally think that doing 100 of any move gets boring very quickly and it is hard to keep the motivation level up. I'd probably be slacking off at the latter half and just try to complete the 100 reps without focusing on the details of each and every move, which is what I should be doing if I want to constantly improve. Anyone else have this problem? Stan Lim 3rd Kup, WTF-TKD San Jose ------------------------------ From: Date: Mon, 1 Mar 1999 21:22:49 EST Subject: the_dojang: shunned In a message dated 3/1/99 6:04:41 PM Central Standard Time, the_dojang- owner@hpwsrt.cup.hp.com writes: << Now all of these are demotions (maybe some mental and emotional) because somewhere along the line you either had to start over or had to overcome major obstacles to begin anew and stay within and organization to get certificates, or were stopped for awhile in your advancement. >> As many of you know I left my grandmaster several years ago. While I had been debating just that action as i watched friend after friend leave the school - people I had studied with for over a decade, it was not an easy decision for that reason. I left when i was called on the carpet for giving one of my closest friends (and former classmate) a birthday card. I was told I was not allowed to associate with former students. I begged the grandmaster not to make me choose between him and my friends - he told me I had to choose. I told him I would clean out my locker the next day. A good master would never have forced that choice upon me. After i left, i drifted a little, trying to decide which former classmate's school to attend. The funny thing is a couple of "masters" and a grandmaster started a bidding war to test me for my 3rd dan. They knew i was overdue for it - and it was almost comical at tournaments, "You come see me, I test you for 3rd - only ***** dollars." "NO, I test you - only $***** - $100" and so on. But i learned there was TKD outside that school and people who thought and believed as I do. I see a lot of people who want to leave schools - but not until they get this or that rank - wrong reason to stay. Stay because you are getting what you need from the program - the belt means nothing. Ronda J. Sweet ladytkd@aol.com ------------------------------ From: Date: Mon, 1 Mar 1999 22:01:06 EST Subject: the_dojang: Re: natural reaction Mark asked: <> When I was in college, my room -mate, who knew I had been in TKD for years, decided to test me. He tapped me on the shoulder while I was drying my hair and said something like, "what would you do if I did this?" He punched as I turned around, I evaded and kicked him in the groin before he got the entire sentence out. I felt terrible, but it was a knee jerk reaction. Must not have hurt him too much, he has 3 kids! Peter M. ------------------------------ From: Date: Mon, 1 Mar 1999 22:25:12 EST Subject: the_dojang: Re: The_Dojang-Digest V6 #123 Greg asked: <> I share a gym with basketball in the Winter and baseball in early Spring. The basketball coach never said there was a problem, but the Athletic Director came up to me one time and said my students were making too much noise for the basketball players. He was just trying to be a pain, but to placate him, I had the kids doing "Ninja" kicks-instead of loud kihaps, we did soft ones-kids all thought it was fun, parents were laughing, etc. When I look over and see the basketball folks just standing around, we go back to good, hearty kihaps which rock the gym! When I taught in an Athletic Club, there was a spinning session going on and the leader would have a microphone. They were not louder than my student, and despite my diminutive stature, I have a pretty big mouth! Take Care, Peter M. ------------------------------ From: Date: Mon, 1 Mar 1999 23:14:27 EST Subject: the_dojang: Re: The_Dojang-Digest V6 #123 Dear Ray, I have noticed with great appreciation that you close each issue with: Attention USA WTFers! Support the USTU by joining today! US Taekwondo Union, 1 Olympic Plaza, Ste 405, Colorado Spgs, CO 80909 719-578-4632 FAX 719-578-4642 ustutkd1@aol.com http://www.ustu.com I'd like to mention for the illumination of others who may not know that one need not be a WTFer, or even be in taekwondo to join the USTU. Unlike most "private" federations (ATA or USTF for example) anyone is free to join the USTU. And anyone who joins for ($28 per year) may compete in USTU sanctioned events!!! Yes, even if you study Kung Foo San Soo, you may enter, and ultimately win, a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team (naturally this also requires that you are a US citizen, too) ...Baloney you say? Not only is it possible, it has been done. Arlene Limas was a Kung- Fu practitioner for 19 years and "open-style" tournament champion. She got into the USTU and wound up winning a Gold in the '88 Olympics --- in taekwondo! So whether it is just to stay in touch with the developments in the world of WTF Taekwondo, or due to an interest in competing, the USTU is open to all Americans. U.S. Federal law actually requires it. Thought your readers might find this interesting. What do you think, sir? S.E. Silz ------------------------------ From: "Jana Lise" Date: Mon, 01 Mar 1999 20:28:46 PST Subject: the_dojang: startle sense >Has anyone been in a situation where they have been surprised, >scared, or otherwise taken off guard by someone they know? Yeah...I was at a party, and had met a guy there. Towards the end of it (rather late at night) he came up for a chat. But i was half-asleep, party animal that i am:) and he startled me so bad that i nearly gave him a black eye. That sure made a first impression. After that he called my name from across the room, and then slowly moved towards me. :) I've also been the recipient of some punches and kicks (that fly teasingly in my direction) and have surprised myself by turing around and blocking or countering without even realizing it until afterwards. An interesting feeling... Tang Soo Jana ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com ------------------------------ From: Date: Tue, 2 Mar 1999 00:03:04 EST Subject: the_dojang: Re: Scott miller's size question. Scott, I have encountered the same problems that you have. Althought not as tall (5'9'' 240lbs) I am larger and being a former power lifter I am stronger then any of the people I train with. Your training is up to you. You could take an easy road and learn to rely on size/strength or you can practice and work even more on those techniques that require strengh. Rather than thinking " I don't need to work as hard because I am strong." Think instead, " This technique will be even more effective with my strength, IF I perfect it." This has been my aproach and I have become a more copatant martial artist for it. Look at your situation as an opportunity to learn rather than a hurdle to jump. ThThomas Edison, after thousands of failed attempts at making a light bulb said, "I have discovered more than 10000 way to not make a light." Jonathan Jozokos 2nd Red Tae Kwon Do PS. Ny the time many of you read this I will be in the middle of my testing for 1st Red. ------------------------------ From: "John Bennett" Date: Mon, 1 Mar 1999 23:56:20 -0600 Subject: the_dojang: Machado Jiu-Jitsu Seminar - Austin, TX - this weekend Carlos Machado will conduct a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu seminar this weekend in Austin, Texas. Don't miss this opportunity to train with one of the most knowledgeable and well-respected Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructors in the United States. Participants from all styles and levels are welcomed! Mr. Machado speaks excellent English. His seminars are both effective and fun. For more information please call 972-934-1316 or visit the seminar web pages at: http://www.machadojj.com/carlos/seminar.htm Thanks! John Bennett ------------------------------ From: Date: Tue, 2 Mar 1999 08:54:08 EST Subject: the_dojang: Re: Surprise! In a message dated 3/1/99 11:08:27 AM Eastern Standard Time, the_dojang- owner@hpwsrt.cup.hp.com writes: > Has anyone been in a situation where they have been surprised, scared, > or otherwise taken off guard by someone they know? I am interested in > what the "natural" response was.....did you jump 10 feet in the air, or > assume a fighting stance and be on the ready? I came very close to breaking a friend's nose once. I used to work in downtown Boston, an area with lots of kids looking for trouble, homeless looking for handouts, business people, shoppers...in other words: fruitcakes of all varieties. Working downtown, you quickly learn how to walk so that you are left alone. One day, as I was walking to the T (the subway in Boston), a friend thought he'd be funny and shuffled up behind me muttering, "spare change for the homeless, spare change for the homeless...." and grabbed by shoulder. I went to backfist him (you *don't* grab someone on the street from behind) and apparantly recognized his voice in that split second where I could still pull the punch. It happened so quickly, that I wasn't even aware of what was happening until after it was all over and I was yelling, "DON'T EVER DO THAT TO ME AGAIN!" He told me that his perspective was he grabbed my shoulder, felt my fist on his nose, but no pain, and then I was staring him down and yelling. He said his first thought was, "Thank G-d she knew it was me or I would be hurt right now." I'm glad my reaction time is what it is. I'm glad my brain can process things as quickly as it can, even when I'm unaware of what it's doing. I'm also glad that my friends now know that you don't surprise me in that manner. I did tell them that, of course, they are always welcome to surprise me with gifts of cash. ; ) Tang Soo! Karla ------------------------------ From: "Lasich, Mark D." Date: Tue, 2 Mar 1999 08:41:56 -0500 Subject: the_dojang: Wearing Many Hats/Jamaica Jamaica, Thanks for the clarification on the "coaching" in tournaments. The ATA Judging Certification process is "supposed" to ensure that knowledgeable people are judging in the ring. The Center Judge has COMPLETE control over the ring and needs to be aware of and properly respond to things that are not right (personally, I have had students not in proper uniform {which includes wearing a cup for the guys -> sorry, can't compete!}, Corner Judges not paying attention {are you ready? or would you prefer someone else takes your spot?}, a Mother Corner judging her son {if you can not be impartial, find yourself a replacement}, and a 5th degree coaching his student!). Notice, I didn't have a solution to the 5th degree! Someone who *should* know better also knows the privilege (or abuse of power) that comes with rank. Thanks. Mark.Lasich@alcoa.com I asked for everything so I could enjoy life. Instead, HE gave me life so I could enjoy everything! ------------------------------ From: Joan Bostic Date: Tue, 02 Mar 1999 06:32:32 -0800 Subject: the_dojang: Handbook I was presented with a handbook 4 months ago (when I started TSD). In the WTSDA, you receive a student's manual, when you join the Association. It contains among other things, the history of the art and the Association, the purpose of TSD, the codes/tenets/attitude requirements (philosophy), rules and procedures in the dojang (including proper etiquette but lacking how to tie the belt, alas), the belt system and promotion test requirements, and a pretty extensive phonetic listing of the terminology used in class. It's a 60 page booklet and a lifesaver. I don't know how I'd have learned some of the terms without a visual aid; picking up a foreign language from a group of people saying it (somewhat differently) at the same time is no small feat. It's a great guide to have around; the only thing it lacks is a picture or description of how to tie the belt (although that's available in the instructor's books). If you put together a handbook, JB, I would try for something similarly comprehensive, but I would also include the info on tying the belt and a sample order or structure of a typical class. Your new students will appreciate it more than you can imagine. Good luck on a worthy cause. J. Bostic jbostic@mr.net ------------------------------ From: "Barbara Oliver" Date: Tue, 2 Mar 1999 07:04:05 -0500 Subject: the_dojang: Re: Surprise << Has anyone been in a situation where they have been surprised, scared, or otherwise taken off guard by someone they know? I am interested in what the "natural" response was.....did you jump 10 feet in the air, or assume a fighting stance and be on the ready? >> One weekend I need to do some work at my office. The corridor was dark. About halfway down the hall, a side door coming from the basement suddenly opened and a rather tall hefty man filled its frame. My immediate reaction was to step into a back fighting stance and clench my fists. The ending to this was hilarious because this big guy says to ME: "You scared the living daylights out of me!" He was there repairing the elevator. Barbara stillkicking@prodigy.net "I'd rather live one day like a tiger than one thousand years like a sheep" - --(Tidbit of wisdom I saw somewhere on the internet!) ------------------------------ From: "Jamaica Power" Date: Tue, 02 Mar 1999 06:36:06 PST Subject: the_dojang: Handbook what do people think are, say, the five most important things for a new student to know as he or she begins his or her first or second class?JB _____________________________________ 1). How to tie a belt and an explanation of how to treat your belt (ie why we don't just throw it on the floor or play tug of war with it.) 2). Training and testing requirements and expectations including when the next test date is (even if this new person won't be testing so they can come and watch, what kicks will be needed, forms etc. And if testings are typically at 6 to 8 week intervals. 3). Expected courtesies (bowing in and out) along with the proper pronunciation of Korean instructor terms. 4). List of Korean words (if used) like counting to ten and their phoentic translations. 5). Expected courtesies to higher belts and lining up in class. Jamaica jamaica_power@hotmail.com ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com ------------------------------ From: Date: Tue, 2 Mar 1999 10:39:42 EST Subject: the_dojang: Re: Stressing History and other mental things Kim, I am involved in Hapkido but find that history is not very important. In hapkido some claim that the art was a 14th century art passed down through royal family and/or monks, some claim it was Choi who derived it from Aiki- jujitsu, some say it was named and developed by Ji Han Jae after being a student of Choi. I don't know what is the truth nor do I care. The truth usually lies some place in the middle. Knowing that James Naismith invented basketball with a soccer ball and a couple of peach baskets doesn't help me with my jumpshot. I do find it interesting, just not particularly relevant in my life. The mental aspects that I find more important are concentration and dedication. I see the arts as a mode of self discovery. Knowing the different histories has led me to look at other arts (jujitsu, Aikido, TKD) and see the similarities and differences but a kick is still a kick, a throw still a throw. It up to you to develop them. "Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the wise. Seek what they sought." - Basho There was a thread on this list a couple of months back on the origins of Tae Kwon Do and for the side of the peninsula TKD has its origins on; I gathered it was called Japan:) Brian Btbeach@aol.com ------------------------------ From: "Michael Sarles" Date: Tue, 2 Mar 1999 07:52:27 -0800 Subject: the_dojang: RE: The_Dojang-Digest V6 #123 IMHO... That's a toughy. I've found that I really don't have a personal preference. When I first started TKD, I wanted it because of the activity, beauty, skill requirement, etc. Then I found I really like sparring...at this point, I really still didn't care anything about the history of the country throughout the centuries. I like history regarding the style, though. Then after a couple more years, I started learning the history of the hyungs. I like that because it specifically had something to do with the style. Then I got into full contact sparring...a lot. Really a lot. That's what I like to focus on. Everything else in class was kind of secondary to me...I did all the other things to make my fighting better. Then I got in to the history of Korea some and found I enjoyed it. But I also found that I never really like to have Korean history a part of my martial art training and I still don't. I think you, as a school owner/leader, must decide what you want for a cirriculum and then pursue it. People that want the history thing will stay in your school, those that think it's a bother may go someplace else. But!, it is "to each their own". They are not wrong or right for pursuing what they want in a style. Do what you feel is right for your school and don't worry about the rest. > Subject: the_dojang: Stressing history and other important mental things > > Trying to create an aversion here... > > How many people (instructors or students) stress the importance > of learning > Korean history and the development of TKD? Just strikes me as > being really [snip] > Kim Jones > addidastkd@aol.com > "What? Can't handle the kimchi? Get outta here!!!!" ------------------------------ From: Date: Tue, 2 Mar 1999 08:03:08 -0800 (PST) Subject: the_dojang: USTU open to all > ...Baloney you say? Not only is it possible, it has been done. Arlene Limas > was a Kung- Fu practitioner for 19 years and "open-style" tournament champion. > She got into the USTU and wound up winning a Gold in the '88 Olympics --- in > taekwondo! > So whether it is just to stay in touch with the developments in the world of > WTF Taekwondo, or due to an interest in competing, the USTU is open to all > Americans. U.S. Federal law actually requires it. Thought your readers might > find this interesting. What do you think, sir? Great info. Thanks for sharing it... Ray Terry raymail@hpwsrt.cup.hp.com ------------------------------ End of The_Dojang-Digest V6 #124 ******************************** Attention USA WTFers! Support the USTU by joining today! US Taekwondo Union, 1 Olympic Plaza, Ste 405, Colorado Spgs, CO 80909 719-578-4632 FAX 719-578-4642 ustutkd1@aol.com http://www.ustu.com --------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe from this digest, the_dojang-digest, send the command: unsubscribe the_dojang-digest -or- unsubscribe the_dojang-digest your.old@address in the BODY of email (top line, left justified) addressed to majordomo@hpwsrt.cup.hp.com. Old digest issues are available via ftp://ftp.martialartsresource.com, in pub/the_dojang/digests. All digest files have the suffix '.txt' Copyright 1994-99: Ray Terry, Martial Arts Resource, California Taekwondo Standard disclaimers apply.