From: the_dojang-owner@hpwsrt.cup.hp.com To: the_dojang-digest@hpwsrt.cup.hp.com Subject: The_Dojang-Digest V7 #290 Reply-To: the_dojang@hpwsrt.cup.hp.com Errors-To: the_dojang-owner@hpwsrt.cup.hp.com Precedence: The_Dojang-Digest Fri, 28 April 2000 Vol 07 : Num 290 In this issue: the_dojang: Right Hand / Left Hand the_dojang: Masters Titles the_dojang: Masters again the_dojang: Re: In Sun Seo the_dojang: re: Melinda the_dojang: Competition help the_dojang: Left Hand Sword the_dojang: NH, Hapkido seminar the_dojang: Thank You [none] ========================================================================= The_Dojang, serving the Internet since June 1994. 900 members strong! Copyright 1994-2000: Ray Terry and Martial Arts Resource Replying to this message will NOT unsubscribe you. To unsubscribe, send "unsubscribe the_dojang-digest" (no quotes) in the body (top line, left justified) of a plain text e-mail 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 five years worth of digest issues at http://www.MartialArtsResource.com Pil Seung! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- From: MissIllona@aol.com Date: Fri, 28 Apr 2000 00:20:58 EDT Subject: the_dojang: Right Hand / Left Hand In a message dated 4/27/00 8:00:44 PM Pacific Daylight Time, the_dojang-owner@hpwsrt.cup.hp.com writes: << I fenced myself and look forward to getting back to it when I return to Canada and in that tradition I found maybe 1 in ten were left-handed. Here it seems like 0 people train for dominant left hand use in Hai Dong Gumdo (or fencing). >> When I was doing iaido ... they told us the reason we did it with only our right hand was because of the way the uniform (or for them, everyday wear) was tied. If they drew the blade from the right side with the left hand ... it may get stuck in the lapel as it came out and then they were dead. Illona ------------------------------ From: "Moja Kwan - C. Richards" Date: Fri, 28 Apr 2000 00:17:55 -0400 Subject: the_dojang: Masters Titles <> Welcome Master Clay. I have seen some of your posts in the past and did not realize you are a TSD practitioner. I generally agree with Master Mac's post, but have some other opinions and have seen a few variations. <> In my personal philosophy I try to simplify. Of course I would want to preserve the traditions of the art so please correct me if I stray. (IMHO) the Bo (Deputy) prefix is a bit cumbersome, I have even seen 6th and 7th separated out as Sunim (Senior) Sahbum Nim. I tend to move away from a focus on titles (see previous posts). I have seen other organizations that use Kwan Jang Nim as head of the kwan regardless of current rank (above 4th Dan). Some just explain Kwan Jang Nim as *Head Master*. This is what I resonate with: 1st - 3rd Dan Assisting with classes = Kyosa (nim) 2nd - 7th Dan Owner of the club/school = Sabom (nim) 4th - 9th Dan Head of the Kwan = Kwan Jang (nim) although I usually view this as 8th and 9th Dan There seems to be a fine line between Doju nim and Kwan Jang nim in my mind, but what do I know? I believe the subtle difference is a Kwan Jang Nim is an 8th or 9th Dan who is not the founder. DoJu Nim is the founder, who is usually 8th Dan or higher when they begin to use this title? In general references Beginner = Cho Bo Ja (I rarely use this term) Students (juniors) Jae Ja Color Belts = Yu Gup Ja Black Belts = Yu Dan Ja Masters = Ko Dan Ja Rather than Cho Dan Bo I prefer to use Sun Bae Nim for Blackbelt candidates, or my most senior student (that is not a Blackbelt) Sorry to ramble so long. Yours in trainig, Charles Richards Moja Kwan Tang Soo Do ------------------------------ From: "Moja Kwan - C. Richards" Date: Fri, 28 Apr 2000 00:24:35 -0400 Subject: the_dojang: Masters again Hello Mr. Dunn! In most styles that I'm aware of the *Master* grade requires at least 10 years as a Dan member and typically 14+ years of training. I've never met a Master that tested in less than 15 years total training, but I guess it's possible. I beleive TSD vs TKD/HKD has a longer time in each rank but 4th Dan is regarded as Master's grade while our TKD/HKD brethren 5th Dan is regarded as Master's grade. Either way I think is 10+ years as a Dan grade. Yours in training, Charles Richards Moja Kwan TSD ------------------------------ From: Seo727@aol.com Date: Fri Apr 28 01:08:00 2000 Subject: the_dojang: Re: In Sun Seo To whom it may concern, My name is Steve Seo and I am the youngest son of Grandmaster In Sun Seo. In the past few weeks there have a been a great deal of misinformation posted on various martial arts sights regarding an interview GM Seo conducted in Korea for a Tae Kwon Do magazine. It is my sincere hope that I can clarify my fathers comments and state without a doubt, my father's status in the Hapkido community. First and foremost, My father did not found Hapkido and has never stated that he has. Let me say that again. He has never said, wrote or in any other way claimed he is a founder of Hapkido. Being one of the leading authorities regarding martial arts in Korea, he did have an interview with a magazine and did impart a great deal of his knowledge regarding Korean martial arts to the reporter. He spoke about GM Choi Young Sool, the state of martial arts and other matters. In fact, my father was qouted correctedly that he trained with CM Choi in the fifties. Further more, my father has always credited GM Choi Yong Sool for establishing the first Hapkido school(originally known as a You Gyun Sool school) and eventually calling his art Hapkido. My father has stated for over 50 years that he has learned from GM Choi Young Sool and that GM Choi is his senior. To do oherwise would be a great dishonor. Furthermore, my father has always made it clear that GM Choi is the legitimate "father" of Hapkido, so to speak, and his statements have always been consistent. To that fact there is no doubt. As for the article and interview, I suppose that people deserve an explaination. The truth is that much of what was written was inaccurate. From speaking to my father, I have come to understand that had been misqouted and that the reporter had been confused on several of the key points, ie. who founded Hapkido. As a point of fact, the reporter actually wrote that my father's headquarters in the US is located in Houston Texas when in fact it is located in Fremont, CA(since 1994)an obviously inaccurate statement. From my understanding, this rather dubious reporter will be writing a correction and it is forthcoming. With that being said, I must say that I am very angered and disturbed that anyone in the martial arts community can be so quick to judge and jump to conclusions. My father has been consistent with his statements for his entire life and people begin to attack him, and his character, because of one loosely translated article from Korea. Have any of you researched my father's Kuk sool textbook, or Kido Hae article in Black Belt Magazine in 1987, or even contacted any of our offices(located in Fremont, Busan or Seoul). If these were the old days such statements would constitute a direct challenge. Alas, we do not live in such times. Yet I must say that those who make comments that may defame another person must be accountable for their statements. It saddens me that a community that prides itslef for its honor and integrity could act so irresponsibly. The only conclusion I can come to is that there are individuals who are either unable or unwilling to act as true martial artists. In the future I call for anyone who wants to make inflammatory comments regarding my father to direct them to me at Seo727@aol.com or come to our school in Fremont and we can discuss the matter fully. To blindly forward e-mails and make uninformed, at times untastefully sardonic remarks about my father is wrong. I hope those who care realize that people have been misquoted from time immemorial. Compare that with my father who has lived his life endeavoringto uphold the most important tenants of martial arts. What's more, he has always stress to me, his son, that the greatest virtue of martial arts is that it can help us be better people. Central to the goal is the pursuit of the truth. Historical truth, truth in our art or any other kind. I have learned this from him and I try to live it. For anyone who will attack the very thing that my father holds dear, without doing any kind of research and desregarding a lifetime of work he has done, I must say that you have dishonored him. I hope that you would have the courtesy to at least post an apology. I apologize for the length of this e-mail but I wanted to make sure that everyone is clear about this matter. I entreat those who really care about the martial arts to be accountable for their actions. We are martial artists and we must hold ourselves to the highest standards. Reporters, academics and writers all at least give their references and do research to gain any amount of legitimacy. Our community should place ourselves to an even higher level. Yours in Mu Sool, Steve Seo Include original text in Reply. Reply Reply All - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Forward 1 of 12 Other AOL Sites AOL Hometown AOL Instant Messenger AOL Affiliate Network AOL Mail New to Chat? Find a Chat People & Chat Directory Download AOL Love@AOL Copyright © 2000 America Online, Inc. All rights reserved. Legal Notices Privacy Policy Try AOL 5.0 ------------------------------ From: HwarangTSD@aol.com Date: Fri, 28 Apr 2000 03:58:42 EDT Subject: the_dojang: re: Melinda From hearing your post, it seems to me that although TKD is very organized, many schools still follow their individual policies. I personally think this is a good thing. I think following anything blindly is less than wise. Thank you for all your help to everyone, who helped me gain information. Now I have another favor to ask. I have desparately been trying to find accurate information on Pre-WWII Korean Martial Arts. I even contacted the Hoplogical Society. No one seems to have anything that is not Nationalistically slanted. If anyone can point me in the direction of realiable sources, that I can document, I'd appreciate it. Thanks in advance for your assistance. Master Frank Clay ------------------------------ From: "Mike Garcia" Date: Fri, 28 Apr 2000 08:19:47 -0400 Subject: the_dojang: Competition help I have competed in many open tournaments in both fighting and traditional forms. Except for the occasional miss-call, my fighting wins and losses are clearly understood. On the forms side, I often fail to see what motivates the judges to award high scores. I have done to-the-letter traditional Hyungs and Katas, I have expanded the traditional Katas, I have put them in combinations of ITF and WTF Poomse yet, I fail to see consistent motive for scoring. Last tournament, a man did a very nice form which had no kicks and only a variation of 6 striking or blocking techniques and he placed second, in front of others doing forms with deeper stances, greater variety, good kicks, and outstanding posture. If anyone has insight that can help me improve my competition forms I would appreciate hearing from you. Thanks. Miguel miguel@garciatkd.com www.garciatkd.com ------------------------------ From: "Farral, Kim G" Date: Fri, 28 Apr 2000 08:00:27 -0500 Subject: the_dojang: Left Hand Sword Being a lowly Yellow Belt in Shim Soo Do (my instructor moved out of state) I can understand the difficulty in the use of Left Hand manipulation of the sword. I would like to offer just ONE of the reasons that the right hand is preferred use of the sword. The traditional uniform and/or clothing crosses the body from left to right. The sword being in the belt on the left hand side of the body and the sword drawn with the right hand. Bearing the sword on the Right Hand side of the body and drawing with the Left Hand, there is the tendency, albeit very slight, (and I have tried and done this) to get the handle or hilt caught in the uniform which is crossed from the left side of the body to the right. When PROPERLY drawn (remember I am only a Yellow Belt) that tendency disappears. Just one of the explanations I was given as well as playing preference to the majority who are Right Handed. Just passing it along. The One and Only... Tink ------------------------------ From: HKDTodd@aol.com Date: Fri, 28 Apr 2000 09:34:00 EDT Subject: the_dojang: NH, Hapkido seminar Just a reminder about the Korea Jungki Hapkido & Guhapdo Association of America seminar Principles and Dynamics When: May 13th Where: Miller's Korean Martial Arts 603-742-0604 e-mail HKDTodd@aol.com 66 Third street Dover, NH 03820 above Foodee's pizza Time: 10:00 - 4:00 with 1 hour lunch break Cost: Members pre-registration $35.00 Non-members pre-registration $45.00 Add $10.00 for late registration or day of seminar If you would like a registration form please send me a private e-mail with your address. Take care Todd ------------------------------ From: ABurrese@aol.com Date: Fri, 28 Apr 2000 09:56:02 EDT Subject: the_dojang: Thank You Thank you to all of you that have wished Yi Saeng and I well in our upcoming marriage and life together. It is Friday morning as I write this, and I will be heading over to Spokane, WA to meet her when her plane arrives shortly. Alain ------------------------------ From: Ray Terry Date: Fri, 28 Apr 2000 07:04:28 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [none] ------------------------------ End of The_Dojang-Digest V7 #290 ******************************** It's a great day for Taekwondo! 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 the_dojang-digest send the command: unsubscribe the_dojang-digest -or- unsubscribe the_dojang-digest your.old@address in the BODY of an email (top line, left justified) addressed to majordomo@hpwsrt.cup.hp.com. Old digest issues are available via ftp://ftp.martialartsresource.com. Copyright 1994-2000: Ray Terry and Martial Arts Resource Standard disclaimers apply.