Date: Mon, 01 Nov 2004 07:37:03 -0800 From: the_dojang-request@martialartsresource.net Subject: The_Dojang digest, Vol 11 #465 - 12 msgs X-Mailer: Mailman v2.0.13.cisto1 MIME-version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net Errors-To: the_dojang-admin@martialartsresource.net X-BeenThere: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net X-Mailman-Version: 2.0.13.cisto1 Precedence: bulk Reply-To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net X-Reply-To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net X-Subscribed-Address: kma@martialartsresource.com List-Id: The Internet's premier discussion forum on Korean Martial Arts. 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Copyright 1994-2004: Ray Terry and Martial Arts Resource The Internet's premier discussion forum devoted to Korean Martial Arts. 1800 members. See the Korean Martial Arts (KMA) FAQ and the online search engine for back issues of The_Dojang at http://MartialArtsResource.com Pil Seung! Today's Topics: 1. RE: HEALING ARTS (Neil Burton) 2. Thoughts along the way (J. R. West) 3. Testing (Gladewater SooBahkDo) 4. Gladewater.......saying (George Peters) 5. NC Do-Jangs (Gladewater SooBahkDo) 6. Re: Hapkido Sparring (Bruce Sims) 7. Sparring (Burdick, Dakin R) 8. Re: Quote (Jeremy Anderson) 9. re: Should instructors spar with their students? (Bert Edens) 10. Re: Testing in Korea (Christopher Spiller) 11. Re: Testing (Ray Terry) 12. ITF saga (Ray Terry) --__--__-- Message: 1 Date: Sun, 31 Oct 2004 18:40:50 -0800 (PST) From: Neil Burton Subject: RE: [The_Dojang] HEALING ARTS To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net Reply-To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net Wasn't there an article in TKDTimes about this early this year? Something called (if memory serves me right) Dahnhak. It the article claimed this as a method of "Brain Respiration" that originated in Korea. I guess a quick google on Dahnhak and "brain respiration" will yield some results... --- PETER.MCDONALDSMITH@london-fire.gov.uk wrote: > is there any healing arts associated to Korea or TKD > specifically? or am I > right in thinking that Korean healing arts will be > like Chinese healing arts? > > -----Original Message----- > From: Charles Richards [mailto:mojakwan@yahoo.com] > Sent: 30 October 2004 05:03 > To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net > Subject: [The_Dojang] Student database > > > I read > "Does anyone know of any Martial Arts software that > is web enabled? > Ie. > you > use it from a web page as opposed to loading the > software on one single > machine? " > > > MC Reply > Master Thomas, > > A few thoughts...I don't release anything in my > student database so I'm > not sure I'd want it floating around on the web. > If your goal is porting the database on multiple > machines then Master > Vision can do that with a few steps. > 1. Load MV on all the machines (it's a download > with 30 day full demo) > 2. Use a $20 USB memory stick to copy the entire > data subdirectory > after closing out new data entry > 3. copy the data from the usb to the machine you > are working on > cycle 2 and 3 as needed > > I now have a machine at the dojang and here at home > and keep the > database on my USB stick > > Try also Webmation's website they might have that > service > > Be Well, > > MC > _______________________________________________ > The_Dojang mailing list, 1800 members > The_Dojang@martialartsresource.net > Copyright 1994-2004: Ray Terry and Martial Arts > Resource > Standard disclaimers apply > http://martialartsresource.net/mailman/listinfo/the_dojang > > **************************************************************************** > > > > SMOKE ALARMS SAVE LIVES > > > > Go to London Fire at > www.london-fire.gov.uk/firesafety > > > > This email is confidential to the addressee only. If > you do not believe that > you are the intended addressee, do not use, pass on > or copy it in any way. > If you have received it in error, please delete it > immediately and telephone > the supplied number, reversing the charges if > necessary. > _______________________________________________ > The_Dojang mailing list, 1800 members > The_Dojang@martialartsresource.net > Copyright 1994-2004: Ray Terry and Martial Arts > Resource > Standard disclaimers apply > http://martialartsresource.net/mailman/listinfo/the_dojang --__--__-- Message: 2 From: "J. R. West" To: "Dojang Digest" Date: Sun, 31 Oct 2004 22:15:01 -0600 Subject: [The_Dojang] Thoughts along the way Reply-To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net Hapkido Sparring......I don't do it either...too many rules that get in the way of self defense.....Several years ago, several of my black belts wanted to spar in a tournament in Louisiana that we were invited to attend in order to do a demonstration. After reminding these guys that most of what we do was illegal, they promised that they would make an effort to learn and follow the rules......Those of you that come to Jackson will recognize the names...Mangum, Tavassoli and Hodges. As the competition started, these guys did exactly as they were supposed to do...that is, they reverted to their training. All were disqualified after choking guys out (Hodges), grabbing kicks, sweeping and kneeling on groins (Tavassoli) and knocking guys out with kicks and punches (Mangum) to areas that were illegal. While Master Jere Hilland and I and many other of our ilk were in Korea in 2000, we were given a short course on Hapkido "sparring" and Tavassoli and Hodges decided to give it a try....It was ugly, and the head of the KiDo Hae broke the fight up about one minute into the "match" before these two killed each other. In a tight, you will, or should, do whatever you train to do. Tests: I have stated before that I don't give black belt "tests", I have fairly long, tiring award ceremonies....If I think for an instant that someone will not pass, they will never be put up in the first place, and I want their wives, parents and friends to see them do what I know they are able to do well. Call it an exhibition. All this extended, several day test stuff is nonsense. I NEVER test any of my students for any rank above 3rd dan.....If I can't get somebody ready for 5th dan after 5 years and 500 classes at my school as a 4th dan, whose fault would it be, theirs or mine? Instructors working with students: Call it sparring or matwork or whatever, the head instructor is the one with the most knowledge, (and if they are not, they should get out of the way) and the head instructor should be the one that is "hands on" with virtually everyone. J. R. West www.hapkido.com --__--__-- Message: 3 From: "Gladewater SooBahkDo" To: Date: Sun, 31 Oct 2004 22:20:18 -0600 Subject: [The_Dojang] Testing Reply-To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net JR Hilland; We treat our students like adults not babies. I believe in pushing a student to the edge and I can't tell you how many times I have had students say I can't continue but with some motivation they did. They did not think they could but they did. What that means is they did not know there own capability. I have seen students with sloppy technique improve 100% in a very short time because nothing else was excepted from them. When a student comes into your school with low self-esteem and no confidence do you think they know what they are capable of. I think not. If someone told you to stand on one leg as long as you could while they held a gun to your head, How long could you do it? Do you know you capabilities. The truth is none of us do until we have been to the edge. I push my student to the edge of their own individual abilities in everything we do. What I was implying about a softer approach to testing and training is that. Some instructors require less from their student than others. Maybe physically, maybe mentally, maybe both but it creates a double standard. I agree that the testing student should be prepared and that the test should not be more than they are capable of but it is a test designed to TEST the student. I agree that an attacker does not care what belt you have at home, however I believe that as you get to Black Belt your rank is not the belt you have at home but who you are. To some, this may not be the same as it is for others. The student training in the old school do-jang does not think the way a student does at the local recreational karate club. If recreation is what they want they will be a white belt a long time at my school or they can go to dance class. I don't have anything against those people, I just don't think they deserve the rank some achieve. I don't agree with the testing procedure you spoke about concerning "if they testing board didn't get to you you did not test..." (That's Wrong) I am glad to hear it took your student five years to earn cho-dan and you are absolutely correct that if you train your students correctly, they will be prepared and should pass a given test. The question is who's test. I have NO doubt that any one of my Black Belts can defend them-selves. but I have seen some that can't fight out of a wet paper sack proudly wearing their Black Belt uniform with 20 patches as they shop at Walmart. You are also right that the belt you wear makes no difference in your technique or your ability to defend yourself but it should be an accurate gauge. JC --__--__-- Message: 4 From: "George Peters" To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net Date: Sun, 31 Oct 2004 23:57:50 -0500 Subject: [The_Dojang] Gladewater.......saying Reply-To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net Good Sir: Saying is from Friedrich Nieztche(spelling?). Anyway, not sure about the spelling, but sure about the bit of philosophy. Respectfully, George _________________________________________________________________ FREE pop-up blocking with the new MSN Toolbar – get it now! http://toolbar.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200415ave/direct/01/ --__--__-- Message: 5 From: "Gladewater SooBahkDo" To: Date: Sun, 31 Oct 2004 11:16:46 -0600 Subject: [The_Dojang] NC Do-Jangs Reply-To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net Tony; I am not sure how close you are to the Soo Bhk Do schools but I can tell you there is one is Charlotte (Master Mussington) and one in Cary (Bannard Sa Bom Nim). I can give more information if you are interested. JC --__--__-- Message: 6 Date: Mon, 1 Nov 2004 05:08:14 -0800 (PST) From: Bruce Sims To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net Subject: [The_Dojang] Re: Hapkido Sparring Reply-To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net Dear Jeffrey: ".....who doesnt spar in hapkido? we do....is there anyone else in hapkido that doesnt spar? why?...." Sparring in Hapkido can be a bit like standard MA competition, which is to say that it requires the introduction of rules or guidelines to safeguard the participants. Hapkido is an art of accuracy, of precision and of detail and that is what I need to have my students focusing on. With the focus on the points that I have mentioned I encourage the students to use ever-increasing levels of authority when they excute the techniques. I suppose, were it possible to "spar" with committed attacks then there might be some purpose for us to use it. What I have seen of sparring involves techniques which are modified to reduce the possibility of injury. Rather than modify the Hapkido techniques to this end, we just don't use it. FWIW. Best Wishes, Bruce --__--__-- Message: 7 Date: Mon, 1 Nov 2004 08:19:31 -0500 From: "Burdick, Dakin R" To: Subject: [The_Dojang] Sparring Reply-To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net Jeffrey Kiral wrote: >who doesnt spar in hapkido? we do....is there anyone else in hapkido that doesnt spar? why? The general argument given is that it is too dangerous. In the USHF, they don't spar, but I do with my students. The difficulty is that it takes a lot of training. I just did a presentation on this for the USHF fall seminar where I described how I develop students to that level: 1. Escape from wrist grab and execute 4 counters 2. Escape from random grab and execute 4 counters 3. Sticky hands with linear movement (one attacker, one defender), hands & elbows only 4. Same as above, but with kicks as well 5. Sticky hands with linear movement (defender can now counterattack) 6. Sticky hands with linear movement (both can attack or defend) 7. Sticky hands with circular movement 8. Sticky hands vs. 2 or more opponents There's other ways of getting there of course -- one could use the hubbad lubbad from Filipino styles, or push hands from taijiquan, etc etc. Take care, Dakin dakinburdick@yahoo.com --__--__-- Message: 8 Date: Mon, 1 Nov 2004 05:53:36 -0800 (PST) From: Jeremy Anderson Subject: Re: [The_Dojang] Quote To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net Reply-To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net Wasn't that Nietzche? Not a general, but a philosopher. Jeremy Anderson. --- Gladewater SooBahkDo wrote: > Loretta; > > I believe it was a famous general that said > > "If it does not kill you, it will only serve to make you stronger" > > JC > _______________________________________________ > The_Dojang mailing list, 1800 members > The_Dojang@martialartsresource.net > Copyright 1994-2004: Ray Terry and Martial Arts Resource > Standard disclaimers apply > http://martialartsresource.net/mailman/listinfo/the_dojang > __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com --__--__-- Message: 9 Date: Mon, 01 Nov 2004 08:47:18 -0600 To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net From: Bert Edens Subject: [The_Dojang] re: Should instructors spar with their students? Reply-To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net At 17:34 10/29/04, you wrote: >From: Patrick Baeder >Organization: Auburn Academy of Martial Arts, LLC >Date: Fri, 29 Oct 2004 11:15:24 -0400 > >Respected Dojang Members, >I would like to know the opinions of the Digest on what are the pros and >cons of instructors sparring with their students? >Thanks, >Patrick Baeder Greetings, sir... I don't know if I fall under the "respected" umbrella, but I will respond just the same... :) Pros: - Student gets to spar with a much higher rank, therefore able to learn more and at a better pace than by sparring peers in rank. - Instructor can see where the student is and specifically test their response to particular actions - Experience, experience, experience. As long as it's not dangerous, it's still practice. - Student learns to spar advanced ranks and overcomes fears, apprehension, etc., in the process. Cons: - Only one I could think of would be a corollary to the last one above: Sometimes sparring your instructor can be intimidating. But the learning process is well worth it... I guess you can see where I stand, huh? :) I definitely encourage it. I know that by sparring my instructor from the get-go (yellow belt in our school) when he was a 4th dan (now 5th), I got a very good head-start on sparring, especially as it relates to tournaments. Not only did I get the advice and instruction that was invaluable, I also got to the point that a competitor of the same rank was not to be feared... At least not compared to a 4th dan with a VERY fast lead jab :) Hope this helps! <> - Bert Edens, 2nd Dan Springdale, Arkansas --__--__-- Message: 10 Date: Mon, 1 Nov 2004 07:06:55 -0800 (PST) From: Christopher Spiller To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net Subject: [The_Dojang] Re: Testing in Korea Reply-To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net >>Chris; Thank You for your reply; I was given the option to test in Korea October 2005 during the 60th anniversary of the Moo Duk Kwan or test in California this January. I chose to test in January. I still plan to attend the 60th anniversary celebration in Korea next October but wanted to go without having to be focused on a week of testing. JC<< NP. I am always interested in hearing about people's testing experiences and the stuff I've read regarding the US Soo Bahk Do Federation has been interesting. I remember my own 4th dan test; it wasn't a week long but it was certainly enough for me! All my patterns Chon-Ji to Choi-Young plus the four direction exercises for a total of 22 patterns), 3-, 2- and 1-step sparring, semi free sparring, free sparring, free sparring against 2 and 3 opponents, demonstrating techniques selected by the testing board, including flying multiple kicks, breaking with hand and foot techniques, ground techniques and self-defense techniques. Boy was I tired at the end of the night :) Taekwon, Chris __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - Helps protect you from nasty viruses. http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail --__--__-- Message: 11 From: Ray Terry Subject: Re: [The_Dojang] Testing To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net Date: Mon, 1 Nov 2004 08:15:58 -0800 (PST) Reply-To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net > .... I believe in pushing a student > to the edge and I can't tell you how many times I have had students say I > can't continue but with some motivation they did. They did not think they > could but they did. Sounds like a regular M-W-F class. :) Ray Terry rterry@idiom.com --__--__-- Message: 12 From: Ray Terry To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net (The_Dojang) Date: Mon, 1 Nov 2004 08:31:21 -0800 (PST) Subject: [The_Dojang] ITF saga Reply-To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net The True ITF Story UPDATES July 28 2004 A complaint was open with the Florida Bar. Mr Baghdassian had until August 12 2004 to respond to my complaint. 11 August 2004, I did receive his response. And in it he stated "I was unaware that I was delinquent (HE HAD BEEN SO SINCE 2001) in my Continuning Legal Education Requirements (CLER) as well as delinqent in payment of my memebership dues. He says "rest asurred that the delinquencies are in the process of being resolved." September 20 2004, The Florida Bar has requested that Mr. Baghdassarian "Provide with all supportive documentation not later than September 30, 2004 to show you have provided the required documention and payment to The Florida Bar to remove your delinquency." The Mencia Report Dear ITF and Taekwondo/Martial Artist, I wanted to make you aware of certain matters that have plagued the martial arts for years are only getting worse! You will see a letter that was sent to Master Phap Lu on 07-02-2004 along with Chang Ung 07-02-04, and Grandmaster Rhee 07-09-04 of the ITF about an Andy Mencia that is illegally head of a USA NGB a position that Grandmaster Hwang is with the USA-ITF. As some of you know Grandmaster Hwang resigned is positions from the ITF because he could not carry on with his duties under the Chang Ung regime. He did not leave the ITF, and did not turn his back on the people of the ITF either. He has been in constant contact with many of you or in contact through others. As you will see, I did an investigation on this matter, I did not include everything that I found, and I just added some of the issues. There are many more that prove that this person is not what he claims or what the ITF under Chang Ung has allowed him to become. He has items listed on his website that claim many things about his personal life that are proven to be false, so he is not only lying to others in the ITF, but to anyone that reads his misleading website. Please read the letter that was sent and some of the issues that have come up in the matter, I encourage all of you to write to Chang Ung, to Master Phap Lu, to Grandmaster Rhee, and anyone else who might be in the chain of command in the ITF over this fraudulently promoted 8th Degree Black Belt. Also as an interesting side note to this affair. Mr. Lyle Locke who questioned this Mr. Mencia and his assistant Mr. Hugo Huerta, Mr. Locke questioned his certification to Grandmaster Rhee, and in response Grandmaster Rhee stated "What kind of doctor is he if he wants me to provide him with an ITF history." Mr. Mencia had an email sent from a David Baghdassarian. Let me write the content of that letter and the after math of it. ----- Original Message ----- From: David Baghdassarian To: 'Lyle Locke' Sent: Monday, March 15, 2004 11:10 AM Subject: Dr. Andres Mencia Mr. Locke, My office is primary legal counsel to Dr. Andres Mencia. He has forwarded to me an email you recently sent accusing him, inter alia, of falsifying his credentials and pretending to be a doctor as well as threatening to post information on the internet stating that Dr. Mencia is lying. I have known Dr. Mencia for many years and his integrity is beyond reproach. Any further emails or letters falsely accusing Dr. Mencia or threatening slander will be met with swift legal action. Additionally, any further communication with Dr. Mencia should be directed through my office. PLEASE GOVERN YOURSELF ACCORDINGLY Regards, David P. Baghdassarian, Esq. _________________________________________ Law Office of David P. Baghdassarian Phone: (954) 598-7671 Telecopier: (954) 255-8682 After I received a copy of this I immediately contacted the Florida Bar Association to confirm this attorney. Well, I was not surprised when I received a fax from them stating that "David P. Baghdassarian is currently ineligible to practice law in Florida." After further investigation, I found this is a relative of his wife whose name is also Baghdassarian and is a dentist practicing in the same office as Mr. Mencia. I have since filed a complaint with the Florida Bar Association as it is a crime to practice law when you are not licensed to do so, and awaiting the out come of such actions. Also notice I am not hiding behind some false name or an assumed name, the name listed at the top is mine. I also included my telephone number and email so anyone of you can contact me and put your two cents in. In fact I really wish everyone would contact me and tell me what they think about this situation. Doug Nowling Dear Master Lu, I do not expect you to remember me, but we have met on several occasions at International Instructors Seminars and other events. My name is Doug Nowling and I am just a humble 6th degree. However, I have come across copies of Mr. A. Mencia's rank certificates and became very concerned about what I discovered, which led me to want to share it with you. Before that, let me tell you a little more about me, as then you will understand my stance on this matter. I am a licensed and bonded Federal Fugitive Recovery Agent; along with my duties of apprehending subjects I must naturally investigate matters before I go into the "field", so this is why and how I was asked to take a close look at Mr. Mencia. Like you, I have worked very hard for everything I have. I worked through each degree and each rank the same as all others, so I can speak from experience. And I believe in having a standard system of rank. We need this in order to keep things on the right path, and as long as everyone stays on that path, there can never be any questions about the validity of anyone's rank or the method by which it was acquired. I know there are those who would argue that you were promoted a couple of years early. To be honest with you, I think you deserve it, as you have done so much for the General while he was here and still do. And this is why it becomes that much more important for you to continue your work for the General. This Mr. Mencia is a fraud. He has paid $5000.00 for the "privilege" and honor of being an ITF 8th Dan. Part of this fee also seems to be connected with holding the office of "president" of the new NGB of the United States. Since every word I have heard you speak has demonstrated your honesty and sincerity, I am certain you will agree that this in itself is wrong. I am not here to debate weather or not GM Hwang should be the head of the NGB. However, since there has been some type of "break up" between GM Hwang and Chang Ung, the presidency of the organization has been transferred by inappropriate means. So I was wondering if you could tell me why Chang Ung or whomever decided that this Mr. Mencia, and not the "Vice President or other member" of the current NGB, was selected, and selected without any appropriate procedural course of action, such as a meeting etc. Mr. Mencia, has not been an ITF black belt, expect for his 8th. He has held NO other ITF degree. Now before I go any further, I will tell you, he has copies of ITF certificates for his 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 8th. His 1st Dan is dated January 2nd 1975 (three years after your 1st Dan) and listed as being granted in the Dominican Republic. He does not have a copy of his 2nd nor his 7th Dan. But let me tell you about the other Dan certificates and the dates first. His 3rd Dan is dated 22 December 1980 and again is listed as Dominican. His 4th Dan is dated 16 September 1982 and is listed as Dominica, his 5th Dan is dated 26 July 1986 and listed as American, and his 6th Dan is dated 2nd April 1993 and listed as American. There is no 7th Dan, and as you may be aware, his 8th Dan is dated 8 May 2003, and this time he is listed as Dominican! So we have four different ways or names for nationality; Dominican Republic, Dominica, Dominican, and American. I think it is worth looking at each date and progressing from there. Again, his 1st Dan is dated Thursday January 2nd 1975. Here is the breakdown of his subsequent "promotions." His 3rd Dan allegedly occurred 3 days before Christmas in a country that is 77% Roman Catholic and 18% Protestant and the remainder divided between non-practicing and others. This is a special holiday week for all of the Dominican Republic, so it is very, very doubtful, that he was tested on a Monday, 3 days before Christmas! His 4th Dan is dated September 16 1982, and this was on a Thursday. An odd day to have testing on. I know that 99.99% of all instructors do testing on Friday, Saturday, and maybe, just maybe a Sunday. His 5th Dan on July 26 1986 was on a Saturday, and his 6th Dan dated 2nd April 1993 was on a Friday. So you can see that the first three in this section were on very odd and unusual dates, thus indicating that the dates are fraudulent, and this is based on past, present, and usual customs of martial arts instructors. All of these conclusions were supported by Master Tom MacCullum when I called and questioned him and had him look it up in the computer in which he still maintains Mr. Mencia's "past". Master MacCullum stated "Mr. Mencia was turned down for his 7th Dan that was submitted by Grandmaster Hwang as Mr. Mencia could not show proof of any ITF certificates and no other history. I also had him confirm that the numbers listed did in fact belong to others. At one point Grandmaster Rhee even asked who Mencia was, and I have an email from him asking the same question; however, now I see a picture of Grandmaster Rhee and this fraud sitting around in a creek soaking their feet on the recent trip to North Korea. So I must assume that either money has bought GM Rhee also or that he does not realize that the person next to him is a $5000.00 8th Dan. Then there is the appearance of each certificate. Each one shows blatant proof of being forged. And proof of each one being photo copied etc. All I ask is that you personally, look at them and tell me if they are real or not, because I am now in the process of getting copies of the same numbered ITF Dan certifications for those listed in the USA. And let's talk about the numbers. 1975 his rank is listed as 1st Dan number DO-1-1. I know the ITF was in the Dominican Republic back in 1968 as I have a picture of General Choi and Grandmaster Rhee, Joon at a function in the Dominican Republic. As you may be aware Grandmaster Joon Rhee published his first books in Spanish, as he had many students in the Dominican and other Latin American countries. So for him to have such a low number is rather odd I think. Now his 3rd Dan is listed as number DO-3-1 in 1980, so again, stating that he was the first 3rd Dan in 1980 over 12 years after the ITF had a foot hold in the Dominican. His 4th Dan is listed as number DO-4-1, again, indicating that he was the first 4th Dan from the ITF in the Dominican Republic. Now here is where it starts to get really weird his 5th Dan is listed as an American! A-5-27 and this in 1986! Now Master Walter Lang was promoted to A-5-22 in 1984 and Master Mike Winegar was promoted to A-5-25 in 1984, so by looking at this he is saying that here in the US during those 2 years, the number promoted was only two? The USTF had a certain block of numbers assigned to them, and the A-5-20's belonged to them! He was never a member of the USTF! As per Master Renee Sereff! Now Mr. Mencia's 6th Dan is listed as A-6-38 and dated 2/4/93, and here is where he got caught! Let's look at Scott Sereffs 6th Dan. He was promoted to 6th Dan on 9/9/1996 and his certificate number is A-6-31! Master Fred Akard was promoted to 6th Dan 12/1996 with certificate number A-6-35, and Master Earl Weiss was promoted to 6th Dan on 12/8/1997 and his certificate number is A-6-39! So how is it that this guy has a certificate number higher then two I listed, but has a date before any of their 6th Dan promotions? And one certificate number right after his in 1997 and not in 1993? Again, this is blatant and absolutely a forged ITF certificate. And you as a senior member of the ITF, the ITF that I love, the ITF that I have worked hard at keeping and in the tradition of the General, and the ITF that we hold dear, are being abused by Mencia! Sir, you can not allow this type of thing to go on! What's next? In all the pictures of him on his own website, he still has yet never had an ITF uniform! Now let me tell you a story that Mencia told his former students in New York. He has never had any certificates or ITF plaque on his walls. He was always away and in school during the 1980's and this is why he never taught. The only time students saw him is when he came into the school every so often claiming that he personally got back from training with the General at his house and was promoted! This came from two of his former students that I was able to track down, and after 10 plus years! This story is stated to be absolute bull as per one Grandmaster and four (4) 8th Dans and 7th Dans. We in the ITF have far too many problems to deal with, without having to deal with this kind of fraud! Here in the US and even Canada now, Grandmaster Sereff is starting to use his Trademark on the ITF logos and symbols and trying to stop all people from advertising in TaeKwonDo Times! It is only a matter of time before he starts to want others to pay for the use of the ITF logo here in the states! So sir, I do not ask you to take my word for it! Do your own research. If you are half the man I think you are, you will not stand for these kinds of acts, and we in the ITF need your help to get rid of those that are damaging the ITF, and Mr. A Mencia is one who will do nothing for the ITF, because he is only in it for money and power, nothing else! So before I submit my report to my benefactor and the public, I wanted to give you a chance to fix this situation, the only way to keep this from blowing up in the Chang Ung administration is for Chang Ung's administration to deal with this immediately, I fear once this is made public and if not corrected it will only destroy our ITF and those that run the other ITF's will swell in numbers because this is that type of scandal. Yours in Taekwon-do, Doug Nowling Chang Ung Resign or let us Impeach Sunday August 22, 2004 The other day I was sitting at my lovely box on the desk and was thinking. So I reread "The President's Message" that Chang Ung posted and still has posted on the ITF-Chang Ung website, http://www.internationaltaekwon-dofederation.com/main.htm. This letter was written around about September of 2002. So two years have gone by and I wanted to look at the "message" and see just how far we have "come." In the opening paragraph he states "I salute you for your great devotion by developing and strengthening the ITF" Well, I must say, that we members of the ITF have not really done that great of a job at that, we are more fractured today then we were just two weeks ago, and it does not seem to be getting any better. Although Chang Ung is at the head of the ITF, it is not his sole responsibility in how the ITF turns out, we members play the most important role in that, and I think that we are failing the ITF! We should be banding together and strengthening the ITF instead of tearing it apart day by day. He stated "You are following and keeping with the philosophy and tenets of TaeKwon-Do which were laid down by our beloved Founder General Choi, Hong Hi." Well, like I said in the above paragraph, we members have a lot to do with that, and we are failing here too, we should be holding our nations presidents attention by directing what we want them to do, NOT what they want us to do. The ITF is a federation set up to be democratic. Now a lot will go on and say that while the General was with us, it was his way, or the highway. That was true, I do not think anyone would say other wise, but, he was the FOUNDER of not only the martial art we practice, but the very federation that we belong. Millions upon millions of people practice Taekwon-do! And it all started in one small country with one small man, with one big dream! And that was General Choi, Hong Hi. Chang Ung states "we had a lot of hardships and ordeals; we were even oppressed and pushed to the corner by our opponents." This is a very true statement, however, what we really need to remember is that it was the Founder and those senior members of the ITF members such as Hwang, Kwang Sung, Ri, Ki Ha, Chuck Sereff to name a few. They are the ones that had the hard time, we juniors really had nothing to do with anything, and we were shielded by our instructors. However, I remember going to tournaments outside of the ITF and being "picked" on by the other Taekwondo people because they said I was doing "communist Taekwon-do" and that I should do "real Taekwondo" the Taekwondo of the WTF that is. I was always hurt by such statements as this was the 1980's the very height of the Cold War and being a son of a military father and family, I grew up with the fear of the communist, and communist nations, and what they would do! I am old enough that I remember nuclear disaster dills ! at my school, and of course we had movies like Red Dawn and World War III that "scared" us that much more. He goes on to say that "Together we will unite all TaeKwon-Doists and build a stronger TaeKwon-Do family." Well, the exact opposite is true! We have done nothing but divide into secular ITF families. And we are not even close to talking about uniting all of the Taekwon-do family. In the United States alone there are at least a hundred Taekwon-do associations, and the United Kingdom does not fall very far behind. So we are no where near accomplishing that goal, and to be honest, we will not see it in our life time. However, we still have time to do something, if we act, and act today! So the question to you, my Taekwon-do friends and family, is what do we do? Chang Ung then goes on and states, "Some people wish to achieve their own personal goals. Their ambitious are tearing apart the ITF; General Choi spent his life building." While I can look at this statement and think that Chang Ung was right, I think we need to realize is that he already with the backing of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea a.k.a. North Korea that he was going to use the ITF for his and his countries own agenda. While he was also talking about Master Choi and the part of the ITF that he took with him before the Generals death and the group of Tran Quan, this statement is just as true for his ITF then any other. He goes on and states "There is fear because I am a Korean born in the North." Well, so were General Choi and even some of the most senior members of Taekwon-do, however that in my opinion is a racist comment. I do not think anyone cared that he was from "North Korea." What everyone had an issue with before he became president is if he was goin! g to run the ITF like Kim, Jung IL runs D.P.R. Korea! And that is like his personal club house. "On the 100th day memorial service of our beloved Founder, 46 countries were in attendance." This is a very true statement, and I wanted to add that into this, to let everyone know that even though this Congress was held on short notice, they did have enough members' countries to hold such a Congress, according to the ITF Constitution. He goes on and states that "A shameful letter was sent to boycott this special memorial service" Well, if we look at who sent this letter you will see that they had a lot to lose if they lost the power tier of the ITF. The persons that sent that letter in my humble opinion are just as guilty at building distrust and harming the ITF as Chang Ung, as they wanted him to fail and wanted to hold the ITF for their own selfish reasons. Not because they wanted to keep the ITF pure and by what the founder wanted, but so they could run things the way they wanted now that our great founder was gone. "Don't judge me now. Watch what I can achieve. With my background as the Member of the International Olympic Committee (I.O.C.) and as your new President I will do my best for the ITF and for you." Well, a lot of us did judge him then, for the simple fact he was "North Korean" but I along with many thousands of you went with the judgment of our Grandmasters, Masters, and Instructors and decided that we should follow the last will and wish of General Choi and allow him latitude for the presidency. We have seen illegal fast track promotions, money laundering, money disappearing, mismanagement of ITF funds, illegal use of the ITF in general. We have seen such escapades of the Mencia incident in the USA, in which by investigation, it was proven that this Mencia character was promoted to 8th Dan for nothing more then money! We are also now finding out that the ITF will approve anyone's rank, especially below the rank of 5th Dan, because they need the money! The only thing he has ! been able to achieve as an I.O.C. member is to get the D.P.R. Korea team and the Republic of Korea team to march together in this year (2004) games. This does nothing for the ITF! And in fact the only country that I am aware of that has made any leeway towards the joining or linking with the WTF is here in the United States where Grandmaster Hwang has made contact with the United States Taekwondo Union which is a member of the U.S.I.O.C. to talk about Taekwon-do! He then goes on and says that "I will keep my promises which I made to you at the last Special Congress in Pyong Yang and at the Board of Directors meeting in Vienna." After two years now it is safe to say that he has not kept that promise! He has not carried out what the General wanted, he has entangled the ITF in with the WTF by accepting money from the then president of the WTF Kim, Un Yong, who is now in a South Korean jail for breaking Korean and International laws. I do not "hate" Chang Ung, I do not "hate" North Koreans. I do not think any of us do. But, we must take a stand and let every Taekwon-do person in the world know that we will not stand by and let Chang Ung destroy the ITF! Now is the time to act, now is time to show Chang Ung that we members are the true force in Taekwon-do, not those that we appointed as our representatives. I do not claim to have all the answers! However, I do know enough that we must clean house before we "invite" anyone to our tables. This is what I think we need to do. First we need to start the impeachment of Chang Ung, and get him out. Not because he is "North Korean," but because he has not done anything positive for the ITF. We need to fix our "doors" for the rest of the ITF family, we need to bring together all of the ITF and if the presidents of those secular ITF's impede us, then we need to impeach them as well. We need to sit down with our members and ask them what they want! We need to start this today, so we can get along with what the General wanted for the ITF and us! I am starting a petition today, I would like to have anyone that wishes Chang Ung to resign and or impeach him, to send me your name, certificate number and or rank to this email. TrueITFTKD@aol.com lets start today, so we can have a tomorrow. This is not just for members of one ITF; this is for any! one that is a member of the ITF, no matter what "secular" division you belong to, as we should be helping each other, and not just ourselves. Talk to your Grandmasters, Masters, and Instructors, tell them what YOU WANT, tell them we should impeach Chang Ung and then work on getting the ITF back together at all cost. This is a start. Let's make it count. --__--__-- _______________________________________________ The_Dojang mailing list The_Dojang@martialartsresource.net http://martialartsresource.net/mailman/listinfo/the_dojang http://the-dojang.net Old digest issues @ ftp://ftp.martialartsresource.com/pub/the_dojang Copyright 1994-2004: Ray Terry and http://MartialArtsResource.com Standard disclaimers apply. Remember September 11. End of The_Dojang Digest