From: the_dojang-owner@hpwsrt.cup.hp.com To: the_dojang-digest@hpwsrt.cup.hp.com Subject: The_Dojang-Digest V8 #309 Reply-To: the_dojang@hpwsrt.cup.hp.com Errors-To: the_dojang-owner@hpwsrt.cup.hp.com Precedence: The_Dojang-Digest Tues, 22 May 2001 Vol 08 : Num 309 In this issue: the_dojang: Trip the_dojang: Re: Hapkido by Kwanjangnim Rogers the_dojang: Sunday morning the_dojang: On Sparring=Dizzy the_dojang: Re: visualization the_dojang: Re: visualization the_dojang: TV report on TKD the_dojang: Old topic but please humor me. the_dojang: Visualization Training the_dojang: RE: Sparring...what good is it? the_dojang: Re: Sparring the_dojang: Cross Training the_dojang: Breen's view of Koreans the_dojang: Re: Visualization the_dojang: Trips To Korea the_dojang: Moja Kwan Moo Do Camp the_dojang: Forms the_dojang: Kicks for Cash the_dojang: Re: Sparring the_dojang: Re: The_Dojang-Digest V8 #303 the_dojang: . ========================================================================= The_Dojang, serving the Internet since June 1994. ~1111 members strong! Copyright 1994-2001: Ray Terry and Martial Arts Resource The premier internet discussion forum devoted to the Korean Martial Arts. 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 the online search engine for back issues of The_Dojang at http://www.MartialArtsResource.com Pil Seung! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Rudy Timmerman" Date: Sun, 20 May 2001 04:49:40 -0400 Subject: the_dojang: Trip Ray writes: > I'm off to Ohio for a week or so, to visit family and teach seminars. Have a good trip Ray. Sounds like a fun week for you. Sincerely, Rudy ------------------------------ From: ABurrese@aol.com Date: Sun, 20 May 2001 00:20:22 EDT Subject: the_dojang: Re: Hapkido by Kwanjangnim Rogers Thank you for a very good post, I hope everyone on the list takes the advice and leads by example. I posted long ago that in Korea kids started Hapkido at a young age, and they were taught the same curriculum as adults. (It is great returning to Korea now and seeing the kids older, bigger, and much better.) You also hit the nail on the head with the comments about Hapkido being Hapkido and not something added to a TKD or other class. The schools I trained at in Korea were Hapkido only, very different from the TKD schools. Much different from the TKD schools I have seen here in the States that "also" teach Hapkido. (I could get more into that, but won't at this time) I realize that I am sort of a blend of Hapkido and other training in my past including the realistic self-defense training by the likes of Marc MacYoung. But actually, as you point out, these blend better than the "sport" aspects of TKD and Hapkido, because Hapkido is a combat art and not sport. Again, Thank you, and I hope that as I finish law school and get back to my training, writing, and teaching I can lead by example and be a positive force in the world of Hapkido and self-defense. Yours in Training, Alain Burrese ------------------------------ From: Harold Whalen Date: Sun, 20 May 2001 05:20:05 -0400 (EDT) Subject: the_dojang: Sunday morning I do not know if it is age or stupidity,or the fact I am half crazy that would force someone on there day off to wake up at 4:15 to meet fellow believers that are just as crazy to train outside doing the HAPKIDO THING. The best thing about training at this time of morning is that we get in three hours before the normal people wake up and tackle the remainder of the day psyched,That I stole another day from the grim reaper and yet another day close to retiring. I apologize for my ramblings at this time of morning and I will not bring up kids Hapkido or comment on jose and visulation when I sleep I visualize all the white belts I have had to tie on students in the twenty-two years I have been teaching Hapkido. Member of the gray beard society. Hal - -------------------------------------------------------------- Get a free e-mail account from Verizon Online at http://www.verizon.net ------------------------------ From: Ken McDonough Date: Sun, 20 May 2001 06:33:44 -0700 (PDT) Subject: the_dojang: On Sparring=Dizzy Dizzy jotted down: Response: You related to the late Dizzy Dean (baseball fame ?). Anyway, your about to open up a can of big worms. But, I understand what your saying. I am certain you will find answers from those who advocate point sparring. So, just wait. But, if you really want to reinforce what your learning get the Professor James video series out of New York. He does a good series with street tactics versus point sparring distinctions. I love when he sez "This guy just tried to mug you...hit him in the groin, when he is down break his ankles and stomp his head...then get the heck out of there." McD... __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! Auctions - buy the things you want at great prices http://auctions.yahoo.com/ ------------------------------ From: Sarah Pride Date: Sun, 20 May 2001 11:45:53 -0500 Subject: the_dojang: Re: visualization >>>When I was active in Taekwondo, I regularly visualized myself >>>practicing my forms. Now, after Hapkido class, when I am lying in >>>bed I visualize all the techniques we did that day in order to >>>better commit them to memory. An added benefit is that I some >>>times have trouble falling asleep after working out, and this >>>seems to work better than counting sheep. How many other list >>>members visualize their practice in a systematic way?<<< I am an extremely visual and partly auditory learner. I basically live through parts of each TKD class many times in my memory in the days afterwards. The same thing with tournaments, especially. The really strange part is that the view in my head is never the view I had in class, but rather one outside myself, looking at myself. I always relive how I would have looked to others doing a form or whatever, only I can also feel what it felt like. It's freaky. But anyway, that's not very systematic, or on purpose. I do visualize myself doing my forms, however, as Jose' mentioned. I have noticed an interesting phenomenon related to this. If I am learning a new form that my body hasn't yet gotten used to, I will visualize intensely exactly what it should look like and feel like to do it right, from beginning to end. I generally have to have my eyes closed to do this, which means I do most of my visualizing just before I go to sleep as well. The funny part is that when I go to do the form the next day, every move is sharper, clearer, and more like I pictured it. I think it's something like the Olympic skiers that Jose' mentioned, because my muscles clench when I visualize intensely. Probably, the next day my muscles are more used to doing the form. It's funny but cool, isn't it? :) - -Sarah Pride- ------------------------------ From: Sarah Pride Date: Sun, 20 May 2001 11:45:53 -0500 Subject: the_dojang: Re: visualization >>>When I was active in Taekwondo, I regularly visualized myself >>>practicing my forms. Now, after Hapkido class, when I am lying in >>>bed I visualize all the techniques we did that day in order to >>>better commit them to memory. An added benefit is that I some >>>times have trouble falling asleep after working out, and this >>>seems to work better than counting sheep. How many other list >>>members visualize their practice in a systematic way?<<< I am an extremely visual and partly auditory learner. I basically live through parts of each TKD class many times in my memory in the days afterwards. The same thing with tournaments, especially. The really strange part is that the view in my head is never the view I had in class, but rather one outside myself, looking at myself. I always relive how I would have looked to others doing a form or whatever, only I can also feel what it felt like. It's freaky. But anyway, that's not very systematic, or on purpose. I do visualize myself doing my forms, however, as Jose' mentioned. I have noticed an interesting phenomenon related to this. If I am learning a new form that my body hasn't yet gotten used to, I will visualize intensely exactly what it should look like and feel like to do it right, from beginning to end. I generally have to have my eyes closed to do this, which means I do most of my visualizing just before I go to sleep as well. The funny part is that when I go to do the form the next day, every move is sharper, clearer, and more like I pictured it. I think it's something like the Olympic skiers that Jose' mentioned, because my muscles clench when I visualize intensely. Probably, the next day my muscles are more used to doing the form. It's funny but cool, isn't it? :) - -Sarah Pride- ------------------------------ From: "Andrew Pratt" Date: Mon, 21 May 2001 10:38:29 +0900 Subject: the_dojang: TV report on TKD For those in Korea: There was an article on the news (SBS?) last night about TKD. I didn't see all of it but it appeared to be complaining about the state TKD was in: one quote was that TKD has no 'do' any more. There were also some interviews with equipment suppliers but the connection was lost to me. If someone else who has better Korean than me also saw the report please can you give a fuller report. Thanks, Andrew ------------------------------ From: "Daremo and Kitsune" Date: Sun, 20 May 2001 21:16:45 -0500 Subject: the_dojang: Old topic but please humor me. List members, I know that the discussion about Dan test fees has gone through several times but I can't remember if the reasoning behind the increasing fees (i.e. $70 for !st Dan, $90 for 2nd, $120 for 3rd, etc.) have ever been mentioned. Please direct me to the archives or humor me with some responses for why this occurs. Personally, I feel that it penalizes the students loyalty. Why should I charge them a greater test fee everytime they are promoted? Has this ever been, at least a partial reason, why some of you left your original instructors? Thanks, Rob Frankovich ------------------------------ From: mtomlins@mail.volusia.k12.fl.us Date: Mon, 21 May 2001 08:03:41 -0400 Subject: the_dojang: Visualization Training Jose, The first time I heard about visualization training was way back in high school from my Track Coaches. It is funny but most of the Science that comes from sports training originates with the Track Athletes. This was way back around 1973.. I continue to use visualization to this day,, I used it in College and High School for Football and Track and I have used it for quite a while in Hapkido,, I do the same thing at night that you do to visualize techniques.. I also go over my whole set of curriculum sheets about every two or three weekends,, as I sit and lightly watch TV I'll go thru every gup and black belt sheet and visualize me doing every technique, this really helps when you practice the physical side. Michael Tomlinson ------------------------------ From: "Craig Stovall" Date: Mon, 21 May 2001 08:49:36 -0500 Subject: the_dojang: RE: Sparring...what good is it? Dizz wrote, "But I don’t see a point in using it as a training drill other than the “sport” end of it. I took up martial arts mainly to learn self defence. I’m learning stuff now that I can’t use in sparring. Like how to take out a knee cap, eyeballs, hitting “below the belt”, pressure points, take-downs, ect. All that is illegal in sparring, but it’s good for self defence." Well, as someone that holds the opposite viewpoint (that sparring IS vital for learning self-defense) I'll offer some thoughts...NOT to try and change your mind, but to perhaps stimulate your thinking. A few things: 1. You're absolutely right in that you can't realistically practice eye gouges, groin kicks, knee stomps, and vital point striking. To do this stuff in a "live" environment against a resisting opponent would be suicidal. That's exactly why I believe that 90% of these techniques that are "too deadly for competition" will fail the practicioner in a real fight. I believe that under stressful conditions (and I've experienced this) a fighter will fall to the level of his/her training. If you've never been able to practice these brutal techniques under conditions that approach a real fight (no pre-determined sequences, opponent is actively resisting, etc) then how do you know that you can rely on this stuff? I believe the answer is simple...you can't. 2. There ARE ways to work around the "you can't spar with this stuff" problem. Get yourself a couple of pairs of swimming goggles, and a partner whose control you can trust. Now do some controlled sparring with an extra variable...finger strikes to the eyes are now allowed. Obviously, restraint must be used, but if you can "touch" the the eye of an opponent that is not only moving, but also trying to hit you...then you'll see if you can really pull it off in a real fight. If you find it hard in sparring, it will be even harder in the real thing. As far as takedowns go, that shouldn't be a problem. Judokas, sambists, and wrestlers practice their throws and takedowns in a "live" setting all of the time. Yes, the injury rate for this type of training is higher than point sparring or "one step self-defense", but it's not like this stuff can't be practiced without killing each other. Use your imagination to work around the injury factor. 3. Remember, the term "sparring" means a lot of different things. In BJJ, sparring involves grappling with the goal of submitting one's opponent via choke or joint manipulation. In judo, sparring involves throwing one's opponent, as well grappling on the ground with the goal of submitting or immobilizing one's opponent. In boxing/kickboxing, sparring involves semi to full-contact strikes to the head and body...with sufficient protective gear to minimize the long-term damage. In FMA, sparring involves the use of weapons. All of these types of "sparring" are fantastic in developing real-world self-defense skills, and they develop attributes at the physical, mental, and emotional level. I'm not sure what you mean by "sparring", but I would invite you to broaden your definition of the term to include the full spectrum of martial activity that falls under the term "sparring". Only then should you decide to relegate it to the world of "sport". I hope this gives you a different perspective. BTW, don't EVER stop asking these types of questions because the discussions that come from them are what keeps us on our toes. The martial arts community currently has a shortage of inquisitive minds, and we need people like yourself to keep asking things like this. Craig Stovall _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com ------------------------------ From: Kevin Janisse Date: Mon, 21 May 2001 06:54:58 -0700 (PDT) Subject: the_dojang: Re: Sparring "Ok, enough of my ramblin lol. Thanks in advance to anyone who can shut me up about sparring lol." Dizz, Sparring is taught for many different reasons and sometimes not at all. Some of the reasons for teaching sparring, or point fighting, is to help build reflexes, reading an opponent, and focus. Another good reason for sparring is to build on comroderay, team spirit, Jung Shin. It is fun to attend an occational tournament to cheer on fellow classmates and to experience a match against another opponent whose fighting style is totally different. I would not focus on sparring to offer me good fighting technique, I have known some very good point fighters who have gotten there but kicked on the street because they point fought as a conditioned reflex. I teach sparring in class less than 8 times a year so I do not focus on sparring as needed but as an element of skill building and fun. Just enjoy it for what is is and make the most of it. Kevin M. Janisse _______________________________________________________ Send a cool gift with your E-Card http://www.bluemountain.com/giftcenter/ ------------------------------ From: Kevin Janisse Date: Mon, 21 May 2001 07:07:37 -0700 (PDT) Subject: the_dojang: Cross Training "Any change to that order would end up with a student who does not grasp those concepts that are the basis of their systems. Scary thought. Interested in hearing other's takes on this." Lorne, I agree. Have you heard of the "Heintz 57" rule. It goes something like, "You put it all together in a pot, mix it up, and you still do not know what you've got". I have had the opportunity of studying 4-5 different styles of Martial arts over the past 18 years, mainly due to availability in a geographic reigion. One thing that stands out more than anything is that to truly understand and master one technique (system) is to not mush in other influences which distort the underlining "way" of the technique. As far as I am concerened, there is more than enough material in Hapkido to focus on to defer the need to add more. Of course there is always something new or different that can be used to improve or enhance ones technique or abilities. See you in June, Kevin M. Janisse _______________________________________________________ Send a cool gift with your E-Card http://www.bluemountain.com/giftcenter/ ------------------------------ From: "mark.a.henderson" Date: Mon, 21 May 2001 11:48:34 -0500 Subject: the_dojang: Breen's view of Koreans Bruce, "1.) Koreans have a very old and venerable history which they avoid identifying as much as possible. Breen points out that in a city which is brightly lit well into the night as is Seoul, you would be hard pressed to locate the historical locations much less get anyone to fill you in on their importance." Speaking from personal experience of having lived in South Korea from 1984 until 1992, I think Breen needs to research more carefully Korean attitudes toward history. There are three major palaces in downtown Seoul. These palaces are taken care of specifically for history and culture. They include mueseums and numerous temples of which most were rebuilt following the Korean War. However, the history may be of Korean slant, but then almost everybody does this including Americans. Koreans relish in telling anyone who will listen about their history and legends. "2.) Whatever organizations, institutions or movements that might be manifest in Korean culture, the Korean people have a way of "Koreanizing" the influence such that it bends to their way of preceiving the word which is essentially an adversarial ("us vs the outsiders") position." Whoa! Just a minute. What about the Japanese, Americanss, et ctera? Certainly, Koreans do incorporate their own uniqueness to whatever they accept. Mostly I have seen this in religion. It has said that once Koreans believe in something they become more faithful than the proselytizer. Some Koreans do indeed take an "adversarial position" toward "outsiders" (does Breen define this in detail?), but I have also seen them seek friendship and acceptance from both other Korean groups as well as foreign groups. As for the hapkido situation, it seems to me that many of the Korean hapkido organizations in the US are thinly veiled businesses out to sign anybody to their cause and working against others. They are not progressive martial arts associations dedicated to the goodwill of the art. However, I am sure this is a broad generalization. Mark Henderson ------------------------------ From: "Yarchak, Mary Kay" Date: Mon, 21 May 2001 18:02:17 -0400 Subject: the_dojang: Re: Visualization In response to Jose's post, regarding using visualization as part of MA practice, yes, I often do and find it very valuable. I really learned to use visualization as part of skydiving training - to be cleared from student status there is a series of maneuvers you have to execute and visualization (while going through the motions physically as much as possible) is basically the only way you can practice -- you can't really do it in the air before your training because, once you are in the air, that IS your training... Visualization and practice of what you plan to do in the air while you are still on the ground (call it 'dirt diving') is also done by experienced jumpers on pretty much every skydive because there is such a limited amount of airtime in which to do whatever you plan. It really isn't a good time to plan and rearrange things when the group is blowing through 7500 feet... When I started TSD training, I just sort of naturally kept using it and found that visualizing both basics and forms helped me to learn them more easily - and I could do it at my desk or in stopped traffic without anyone wondering what I was up to. I still use it when learning new things but I think it's most helpful when there is a move I'm really having trouble doing in real life. It also helps me to build in responses to my own particular "gotcha's" in my head (remember to land that jump with right foot pointed straight ahead, keep forearm at chest level and parallel to the floor on that block..) so that I remember them when I'm really doing the moves. I also use it to do my own scenario training. Like I've walked somewhere where I needed a bit of extra vigilance -- say a strange parking garage late at night -- when I get home, I run through in my head what it would've looked like if a really scary dude was lurking behind the pillar near my car or three stepped out and blocked a narrow space on a ramp or stairwell I had been on and how I could've reacted. And how they might react to that. I vary ages, sizes, and shapes of scary dudes and sometimes (gulp!) I give them weapons. And I don't always fight, sometimes I talk, sometimes I just run like #@$(*. It seems to work best if I do it before physical practice itself or at the end of the day before meditation. I saw some literature on it a while back. Participants in one study were divided into three groups. Each one in all groups did the same number of basketball free throws and their accuracy was recorded. Group 1 was told to practice free throws for a set time each day. Group 2 was told to visualize practice for the same amount of time each day but not actually to touch a basketball. Group 3 was told to go home and forget about basketball entirely. When the groups got back together in a couple weeks, there was a 25% improvement in group 1 and a 23% in group 2; group 3 stayed the same. I've also read about guys who were POW's in Viet Nam who stayed sane by visualizing round after round of golf. When one got back home and played a round on the course he had been visualizing, he reportedly had shaved 15 or 20 strokes off his game. I haven't seen confirmed stats on the result of using BOTH visualization and physical practice. I can't seem to get into words (although I used a bunch of them - sorry gang) how much I think it helps. If I really get into it, especially visualizing pressure situations like the scenarios above or even tournament competition, my body will really go through the whole clammy hands, butterflies, adrenaline rush as I do it. Good practice for pressure and, to a confirmed adrenaline junkie, not a bad way to spend some time. Apologies again for the length... MK ------------------------------ From: "hackworth" Date: Mon, 21 May 2001 18:31:04 -0400 Subject: the_dojang: Trips To Korea Trips To Korea I think that the best way to experience any culture is to go there. The Korean Martial Arts Instructors Association will be hosting a trip to Korea October 15th-22nd, 2001. We will visit many cultural and historical sites like some of Korea's famous temples. We have scheduled training with JungDoKwan founder GrandMaster Yong Woo Lee (89 years old). A visit to KukKiWon and the Korea Hapkido Federation headquarters. Training with the Korea Hapkido Federation Masters Demonstration Team. ShimKiDo and Weapons GrandMaster Buddhist Warrior Monk Seok Kyu Lee. There will also be a day of training with the Korean Presidential Bodyguards and the Seoul City SWAT Team. Taekwondo, Hapkido, Yudo and TangSooDo testing will be available for those who qualify. I know that you see a lot of trips to Korea promoted in the magazines, but this is the one that could change your life. Richard Hackworth http://ma_success.tripod.com ------------------------------ From: Charles Richards Date: Mon, 21 May 2001 18:44:25 -0700 (PDT) Subject: the_dojang: Moja Kwan Moo Do Camp My TSD/TKD training camp is set for mid September (9/22 or 9/15) 2001 in North Georgia (less than an hour from the Atlanta airport). If you would like to receive the registration package please email me with your snail mail address. Thanks to Ray for the bandwidth! John Doe Kick’s For Cash Inc. 123 Main Street Anytown, USA May 21, 2001 Dear Chief Instructor/Owner, Transmitted under this cover are copies of the announcement and registration form for the first annual Moja Kwan Moo Do Camp. I would like to take this opportunity to personally invite you and your students to a day of martial arts brotherhood and Korean martial arts training. I have selected your school from my list of past colleagues, AAU owner’s lists, past participants at events I’ve hosted, and/or referral by a fellow martial artist who believes you and/or your students may be interested in our event. What is the event about? We have two main goals, to enroll as many new Moo Duk Kwan artists in the AAU Taekwondo program as possible, and to provide intensive training on both the Moo Duk Kwan (Tang Soo Do/Soo Bak Do) forms and WTF forms. Completion of the day’s camp will prepare your competitors for the upcoming AAU 2000/2001 seasons and provide a good enhancement of forms and sparring skills for any non-competitive artist. What will the event cover? Morning session will include an all group session on hand skills in sparring, followed by a session on kick skills used in sparring. The afternoon sessions will include breakout sessions on Moo Duk Kwan Forms, WTF forms and weapons. Ages 5-12 will not include the weapons sessions or Dan level forms. If you have black-belts age 12 and younger, please email or call me to make arrangements. Finally, it is my hope that all participants will leave the event sweaty, sore, and smiling (three S’s). Videotapes and notebooks are welcome, as is anyone who is willing to train with us all day. If you do not plan to train, please do not plan to attend. Warmest Regards, Charles E. Richards Master Instructor __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! Auctions - buy the things you want at great prices http://auctions.yahoo.com/ ------------------------------ From: Charles Richards Date: Mon, 21 May 2001 19:08:35 -0700 (PDT) Subject: the_dojang: Forms Craig wrote; <> Craig, Check out the DD archives for a recent thread on this topic including posts by yours truly and Master Terry. I would say when forming Moja Kwan my first response would have been a JKD influenced 3. But after much research and discussion with many on list and in my close circle of mentors, I would say a TSDMDK influenced 8. Begin LONG discussion Why the change? Using theoretical JKD I am interested in what works in a self defense situation, and can be adapted to a variety of players. One could assume that target mitts and sparring could provide skills development in this area, but teaching my new white belts, they generally are not ready for JKD or OS type sparring or forms, which is why I teach the Ki Cho hyung forms as optional material for 10th through 8th Gup. That is optional in that they are learning a new Ki Cho Hyung at each level, but not required to know them as a test requirement. All 7th gup students MUST know the first three Ki Cho Hyungs to test, and this is also when they start sparring. Ki Cho hyungs teach them the basic I/H pattern and prepare them for the more advanced hyungs. I have observed the TSDMDK forms provide challenges in balance, timing, focus, control, ambidexterity, jumping ability, and multi-directional attacks in a logical progression of increasing difficulty. Forms provide a way to disguse repition of basic techniques. Forms teach you how to evalute self and overcome weaknesses. Forms provide clues to map out kup so/tsubo on the body (including the correct angle of attack and configuration of striking implement . Forms provide a vehicle for moving meditaion. Forms are an excellent way to do interval training. Forms can be done anywhere and without a partner, dojang or dobohk. Forms are a key identifying part of our history. For all the reasons above I give them a solid 8 as part of my theoretical JKD approach to training, and my TSD roots. I truly believe it is hard to develop a solid yudanja without hyungs, sparring, and self defense skills. Yours in Jung Do, Charles Richards, Moja Kwan TSD __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! Auctions - buy the things you want at great prices http://auctions.yahoo.com/ ------------------------------ From: Charles Richards Date: Mon, 21 May 2001 19:16:07 -0700 (PDT) Subject: the_dojang: Kicks for Cash <> I would send him to a TKD studio where things could be kept on a simple quide pro quo (read also "kicks for cash") basis. <> Hey Bruce, some of us TSD players teach kicks for cash too , and some TKD players STILL do the MDK forms and are not members of the WTF. Please don't generalize about us lowly kick-punch guys. Regards, Charles Richards Moo Do Jae Ja __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! Auctions - buy the things you want at great prices http://auctions.yahoo.com/ ------------------------------ From: Lorne Keatley Date: Mon, 21 May 2001 23:56:30 -0400 Subject: the_dojang: Re: Sparring Hi Dizz, Sparring is as you thought, a drill to perfect your self-defence techniques. Now I know you are not allowed to break knees and otherwise disable your sparring partners. It does allow you to see how well you know the permitted techniques and how you might have to modify them in order to make them effective for you. It also allows you the oppurtunity to put them into combinations or use them in ways you never thought of before. I am amazed by some of the ways I have used techniques to score points in sparring. Sparring has things to teach you that just cannot be taught as well by another means. Movement is one. I try to move out of the way of techniques rather then block them. You learn footwork to get out of way of attacks, to move in to attack and how to respond to the movements of the other person. Range and distancing of your techniques is also imporved on. Finally, sparring gives you a chance to develop strategies that are directly usable in your self-defence material. Some will be really good, some will be really bad. Think of sparring as a testing ground. Oh yeah, and it is FUN to put the pads on and go a few rounds with the crew. Hope this helps. Lorne ------------------------------ From: JBoorstein@aol.com Date: Tue, 22 May 2001 06:40:22 EDT Subject: the_dojang: Re: The_Dojang-Digest V8 #303 If you mean by New York, New York City, there is the New York Martial Arts Center at 598 Broadway. JB ------------------------------ From: Ray Terry Date: Tue, 22 May 2001 9:05:49 PDT Subject: the_dojang: . ------------------------------ End of The_Dojang-Digest V8 #309 ******************************** It's a great day for Taekwondo! Support the USTU by joining today. US Taekwondo Union, 1 Olympic Plaza, Ste 104C, Colorado Spgs, CO 80909 719-578-4632 FAX 719-578-4642 ustutkd1@aol.com http://www.ustu.org To unsubscribe from the_dojang-digest send the command: unsubscribe the_dojang-digest -or- unsubscribe the_dojang-digest your.old@address in the BODY (top line, left justified) of a "plain text" e-mail addressed to majordomo@hpwsrt.cup.hp.com. Old digest issues are available via ftp://ftp.martialartsresource.com. Copyright 1994-2001: Ray Terry and Martial Arts Resource Standard disclaimers apply.