Date: Sun, 15 Jan 2006 10:05:21 -0800 From: the_dojang-request@martialartsresource.net Subject: The_Dojang digest, Vol 13 #29 - 7 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. List-Post: List-Subscribe: , List-Unsubscribe: , List-Help: X-Spam-Checker-Version: SpamAssassin 2.63 (2004-01-11) on plus11.host4u.net X-Spam-Status: No, hits=0.3 required=5.0 tests=LINES_OF_YELLING,NO_REAL_NAME autolearn=no version=2.63 X-Spam-Level: Status: O X-Status: X-Keywords: Send The_Dojang mailing list submissions to the_dojang@martialartsresource.net To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit http://martialartsresource.net/mailman/listinfo/the_dojang or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to the_dojang-request@martialartsresource.net You can reach the person managing the list at the_dojang-admin@martialartsresource.net When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than "Re: Contents of The_Dojang digest..." <<------------------ The_Dojang mailing list ------------------>> Serving the Internet since June 1994. Copyright 1994-2006: Ray Terry and Martial Arts Resource The Internet's premier discussion forum devoted to Korean Martial Arts. 2,100 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. Fwd: Bored Black Belts (Erik Kluzek) 2. Ability to teach (Bob Banham) 3. RE: old Masters (David P. Zapencki) 4. RE: Lower Back Problems (David P. Zapencki) 5. RE: Re: Learning/unlearning switching styles (PETER.MCDONALDSMITH@london-fire.gov.uk) 6. Re: old Masters (Ray) 7. RE: Lower back pain (Howard Spivey) --__--__-- Message: 1 To: The Dojang From: Erik Kluzek Date: Sat, 14 Jan 2006 23:41:11 -0700 Subject: [The_Dojang] Fwd: Bored Black Belts Reply-To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net Here's a question from Captain Bolt Clinton... > From: "Boit Clinton Capt AF/DPMP" > To: > Subject: [The_Dojang] Black Belt Motivation > > Through my years marital arts training, I often see black belts get > bored when > they get black belt Often because they expect to see a lot of new > material > and be treated like a student once they get their 1st Dan. My > opinion is that > when a person obtains 1st Dan, they should be more of a leader and > the person > should be refining the skills they learned as a Gup. (thoughts?!) > I agree that one role of a new black belt -- is a leadership role. But, I'd divide their role into three categories: 1.) Advanced skill development -- beyond gup level -- somewhat self- directed. 2.) Maintaining current skills. 3.) Leadership Here's a quote from a advanced curriculum I'm developing... "What does it mean to be a black belt student? Many times Black Belt is represented as being a perfect martial artist having the complete knowledge and competency of a martial arts system. Often students of this level are thought to no longer need to practice diligently. However, this is simply not so. Continued regular practice is a hallmark of a student that has achieved the rank of black belt. A black belt student has not perfected their martial arts skill; they are simply at a level where they can be considered a serious student of the martial arts. When we look at the development of any athletic skill we see that a key principle is continued practice. If you don’t use a skill – you lose it. This is true of any skill, but especially true of athletic skill as you also loose the specific athletic muscle development required for that skill. Because, athletic skill is specific, even other athletic training though helpful, will not facilitate the loss of skill to a practitioner that discontinues practice. A black belt student understands this and as such continues to keep up with their training. Black belts should also have developed the following character traits in their training and continue to develop these qualities both in their martial arts training and in their daily life. Solid – have a solid understanding and skill level in basic techniques and forms. Dedicated – put forth dedicated effort and commitment to one’s martial art training. Independent – able to self-direct some aspects of their training. Exemplary – good role models to other students. Leader – able to lead other students effectively. Seeker – actively seek to further their training and knowledge. Humble – does not brag about abilities or seek attention to one’s skill in an unseemly way. Controlled – able to control their emotions and restrain from conflict if possible. Indomitable Spirit – have strength of will that cannot be put down. Faithful – comes to class regularly and consistently. Patient – able to wait for results in personal training and in life. Respectful – shows respect and courtesy to fellow students as well as instructors, other leaders and the martial arts. Before a student attains the rank of 1st Degree black belt, their testing for rank advancement will be approximately 2-6 months apart. The testing curriculum is also defined closely enough that it’s difficult for students to attain skill in areas not covered on the test. However, once Black Belt level is achieved the time to the next test increases in length so as to be measured in years rather than months. This means that the black belt student has the time in their training to dedicate to further areas of study. Thus a black belt student has the greatest flexibility and ability for self-directed study. This makes the training time once a student has achieved the rank of at least 1st degree black belt the richest, most diverse and rewarding. A good analogy to the meaning of black belt ranks are military ranks. A first-degree black belt would correspond to a 1st Lieutenant, while a 9th Degree black belt would correspond to a 5-star general. As in the military the time to the next rank increases as higher rank is achieved. And their responsibility and authority also increase with each advancement. The time to go from buck-private to 5-star general is also similar to the length of time to go from white belt to 9th degree black belt. And ones military training and career continues even after a new rank is gained, just as one’s martial art training and career continues Sometimes, the analogy of school grades are used to explain martial arts ranks. However, this analogy doesn’t work nearly as well as military rank. The times to achieve various levels don’t correspond, one’s authority and responsibility doesn’t necessarily change, and a new degree is a signal to end one’s college career." > How do you all keep your motivation up, and/or your black belts > motivation up? > What types of things do you try to convey and/or teach to your new > black belts > to keep them going? I would like to hear comments from the hard- > core marital > artists specifically please. (Hard-core marital artists who want > to produce > quality black belts, not just milk them for more dollars once they > reach black > belt). Answering your question over the three areas. 1.) Advanced skill development -- beyond gup level -- somewhat self- directed. I look as learning at the Black Belt level as being somewhat self- directed much like a graduate student. As such I try to introduce Black Belt students to the broad-spectrum of martial arts training -- and let them choose some areas of interest to concentrate in. There are still required skills that they must do -- but there's a lot of room for self-directed study. This helps with motivation when the student has a chance to help direct the study. If your curriculum -- has nothing at the black-belt level -- it's really easy for students to quit as you pointed out. If the curriculum is too tight -- and students don't think it's attainable -- they can quit also. That's why having at least part of the curriculum be self-directed makes sense. The other aspect here is that the broad spectrum of martial arts training is very wide and diverse. You have the sport and sparring aspect, kicking and striking, breaking, joint locks and manipulation, grappling, self-protection strategy, multiple opponent defense, knife and gun defense, weapons training, forms, application from forms, artistic and athletic attributes, teaching, strategy and the list goes on. Gaining just some competency in the entire list -- takes a lifetime. 2.) Maintaining current skills. The second attribute is the part that you pointed out -- refining gup level skills, and maintaining your competency in those skills. Retaining motivation in this aspect means to retain your first love, and always working at perfecting the basic skills. 3.) Leadership The third aspect is leadership, which you also pointed out. Recognizing and pointing out the leadership role that black belts hold both to students and to the black belts is one way to reinforce this. Enough for now... Erik Kluzek Colorado !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! --__--__-- Message: 2 From: "Bob Banham" To: Date: Sun, 15 Jan 2006 12:27:44 -0000 Subject: [The_Dojang] Ability to teach Reply-To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net When we are younger we should be able to do anything within our syllabus. Not only because we are younger and fitter but also because the techniques required of us are simpler. How many 7th or 8th dans are there around who have the physical capabilities of a 20, 30 or even 40 year old? I mean a proper and worthy 7th or 8th dan not a self appointed charlatan. Of course there are younger people who call themselves high rank but the proof is in the doing. Really it's a self regulating system. If someone has the knowledge and can walk the walk, they deserve the rank. If they have the knowledge and could walk the walk when they were younger/fitter, they deserve the rank. If they don't have the knowledge or never had the ability - they deserve only scorn and pity. Bob --__--__-- Message: 3 From: "David P. Zapencki" To: Subject: RE: [The_Dojang] old Masters Date: Sun, 15 Jan 2006 08:07:45 -0600 Reply-To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net How much room do you have for storage, Sir? -----Original Message----- From: Ray [mailto:rterry@idiom.com] Sent: Saturday, January 14, 2006 8:47 PM To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net Subject: Re: [The_Dojang] old Masters > "All of the other things I had I replaced, but the pictures, and some of the > only 8 mm footing of GM Pak around, were gone forever. IF you are lucky > enough to get some of those shots or video footage, I strongly suggest that > you duplicate it and keep a copy in another place." > > Wouldn't it be great if we could join together and digitize some of these > old films, maybe store them at some resource similar to the dojang list or > other such server, and all be able to share and enjoy them in perpetuity? > If there needed to be monetary contributions to make such a project happen, > I, and I suspect many others, would be happy to contribute... I could provide a place to store them on the website server. Plus I'm in the (slow) process of updating the site, so this would be a good time. There are already a few mpegs (mov) of taekkyon and the sine wave being demoed in the archive/ftp area. But it isn't all that easy to find and use so I don't think they've been downloaded all that frequently. Ray Terry rterry@idiom.com _______________________________________________ The_Dojang mailing list, 2,100 members The_Dojang@martialartsresource.net Copyright 1994-2006: Ray Terry and Martial Arts Resource Standard disclaimers apply http://martialartsresource.net/mailman/listinfo/the_dojang --__--__-- Message: 4 From: "David P. Zapencki" To: Subject: RE: [The_Dojang] Lower Back Problems Date: Sun, 15 Jan 2006 08:18:07 -0600 Reply-To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net Of course, after checking with his/her physician to see if specific exercises are okay, they should think about core strengthening exercises. Strengthening the core stabilizes the muscles and bones in the hip, lower back and pelvis, which will also lessen pain. The following is taken from the site at Mayo Clinic and can be found in html with charts, pictures, movies and examples by going to: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/core-exercises/SM00071 Hope it helps! Dave ____________________________________ Core exercises: Beyond your average abs routine A well-balanced core exercise routine focuses on more than your abs. Gain a better understanding of the role your body's core muscles play and how to strengthen them. Did you know that your core is where all movement in your body originates? Core exercises are an important part of overall fitness training that, except for the occasional sit-up or crunch, are often neglected. To get your core muscles in better shape, it's important to understand what your body's core is and how you can strengthen it. Understanding your core CLICK TO ENLARGE Core muscles Core muscles Your body's core - the area around your trunk and pelvis - is where your center of gravity is located. A strong core gives you: * Increased protection and "bracing" for your back * Controlled movement * A more stable center of gravity * A more stable platform for sports movements When you have good core stability, the muscles in your pelvis, lower back, hips and abdomen work in harmony. They provide support to your spine for just about any activity. A weak core can make you susceptible to poor posture, lower back pain and muscle injuries. Strong core muscles provide the brace of support needed to help prevent such pain and injury. Strengthening your core Core strengthening requires the regular and proper exercise of your body's 29 core muscles. Basic exercises that will enhance your core fitness include the: * Bridge * Abdominal crunch or sit-up * Plank * Quadruped A fun alternative to your basic core strengthening regimen is to learn exercises that use a fitness ball. Balancing on these oversized, inflated balls requires that you focus on using your core muscles for support. Getting the most from your workout It's important to do your core exercises at least three times a week. For optimal results, remember to: * Choose exercises that work your core muscles simultaneously. Rather than isolate each muscle group in your trunk, the best exercises for your core are those that get muscles working together at the same time. * Focus on quality of movement rather than quantity. You'll gradually build up to a greater number of repetitions. When starting out, take it slow and learn how to properly perform each exercise with optimal technique. * Breathe steadily and slowly. Breathe freely while doing each of the exercises in your core strengthening workout. Your instinct may be to hold your breath during an exercise, but it's better to continue breathing. * Take a break when you need one. When your muscles get tired, stop and change exercises. And, if you work your core muscles to fatigue during an exercise session, wait at least a day between workouts to allow the muscles to recover. * Get help from a trained professional. Body position and alignment are crucial when performing core strengthening exercises. When you begin, it's a good idea to have a fitness trainer or physical therapist help you perfect your technique. Keep in mind that strengthening workouts - even core strengthening - are just one part of a complete fitness program. Include aerobic exercise and flexibility training to round out your regimen. -----Original Message----- From: Richard Tomlinson [mailto:edandmikes@goes.com] Sent: Saturday, January 14, 2006 7:42 PM To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net Subject: [The_Dojang] Lower Back Problems What a great subject! I have found that by strengthening not only the abdominal area, the hip muscle groups and quads.... these support our bodies.... keeping the muscle groups which support not only the lower back, but remember, keeping our organs in place also.... it is all connected. Weakness in the muscle groups of the body will create problems... it goes for the body as a whole. One does not need to do a heavy weight lifting program or extreme aerobic kicking routine in order to strengthen one's body. It would be great to hear from the "older" Dojang folks as to what they have done to help with not only lower back pain, but their bodies in general to help their training. _______________________________________________ The_Dojang mailing list, 2,100 members The_Dojang@martialartsresource.net Copyright 1994-2006: Ray Terry and Martial Arts Resource Standard disclaimers apply http://martialartsresource.net/mailman/listinfo/the_dojang --__--__-- Message: 5 Subject: RE: [The_Dojang] Re: Learning/unlearning switching styles Date: Sun, 15 Jan 2006 16:34:14 -0000 From: To: Reply-To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net Hi all, as a staunch ITF goer it has been odd training with the WTF. I have a WTF rules comp coming up next month. So training with these guys feels a little odd. I am happy to report that I have learned a great deal. I will not however change the style that I am used to . my other point is that is by switching to another style it does keep you interested. Live long and prosper Peter -----Original Message----- From: Beungood8@aol.com [mailto:Beungood8@aol.com] Sent: 13 January 2006 15:54 To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net Subject: [The_Dojang] Re: Learning/unlearning switching styles Hi Mark I had a similar experience leaving one place and going to another. I was reluctant at first to try something different as we all get comfortable in our disciplines. But I trained with the new instructor and talked with him quite a bit about martial arts and then started training with him. I soon found I learned a different way of basic movement and some toher theories I hadn't been exposed to before and ways or solving problems in a different way. after awhile I found I had grown quite abit and got rid of the stagnation I had been feeling I had picked up along the way. As Just as in the way you grow when you teach , the same transformation happens when you switch focus of your training. I would give this Combat HaPKIDO GUY A THORUOGH "INTERVIEW"and find out who he has trained with other than Combat Hapkido and also wether his training was seminars or long term private instruction FWIW Stay safe, JAck In a message dated 1/13/2006 6:10:59 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, the_dojang-request@martialartsresource.net writes: Combat Hapkido. I met with the Master last night and I will try a class tonight. We discussed my motivation for training and I said I have two reasons. The "outer" reason is to lose 10 lbs (at least). The inner reason is to recover the joy of being a sincere student again. When asked if I wanted to test, and see if my skills were enough for some rank in CH, I said no, thanks, I want to start from the beginning. If I have any skill as a martial artist that will become apparent. More than likely I have a lot of un-learning to do before I can learn again. I am willing to let that happen. As for rank, that will come in time. I am in no hurry to be promoted. I hope to grow deep, deep roots in this new art over the next 5 - 7 years. Does anyone have similar experience moving from a Japanese art to a Korean one? Or with plateaus in training and moving past them? I'd appreciate your guidance. A virtual bow to all, Mark Andrews _______________________________________________ The_Dojang mailing list, 2,100 members The_Dojang@martialartsresource.net Copyright 1994-2006: 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. --__--__-- Message: 6 From: Ray Subject: Re: [The_Dojang] old Masters To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net Date: Sun, 15 Jan 2006 09:26:51 -0800 (PST) Reply-To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net > How much room do you have for storage, Sir? Good question, not sure. This hosting plan has increased default acct storage several times thru the years. But I'd be willing to try to increase it should that be needed. Or things could be hosted virtually (at various locations) with one central page/site giving all the various links and that page could then be linked to from anywhere. Maybe an 'old masters video wiki' setup. But as mentioned previously, we'd have to make sure copyright laws, etc. were adhered to. e.g. I would not want to see videos of Gm Ji there that were not approved by him ahead of time. Ray Terry rterry@idiom.com --__--__-- Message: 7 From: "Howard Spivey" To: Date: Sun, 15 Jan 2006 12:31:26 -0500 Subject: [The_Dojang] RE: Lower back pain Reply-To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net Just to add a little to Julie Howard's post about lower back pain, in which she recommends consulting a chiropractor, accupuncturist and / or massage therapist, I'd definitely agree with all of those alternatives. If you can find a well-informed, open-minded chriropractor who understands and applies alternative therapies, you will have found somebody very valuable indeed. I have been plagued with myofascial trigger points in the gluteus and adductor muscles for years, and the only medical professional who has been able to help me in the slightest is my chiropractor. He uses ultrasound treatments to break up the trigger points, and the relief has been huge. Well-informed massage therapists can also treat trigger points effectively, but many people find the deep-tissue massage needed for this a good deal more uncomfortable than ultrasound. Just based on my own personal experience, I'd really recommend that any time you have chronic pain, rule out trigger points first of all. They are very common, they can cause excruciating pain (I know this first hand), they are regularly mis-diagnosed by MDs because they "refer" pain to other areas of the body, and they do not respond to drugs or surgery - which, unfortunately, seem to be the only tools in the kit of many MDs in the US. --__--__-- _______________________________________________ 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 1994-2006: Ray Terry and http://MartialArtsResource.com Standard disclaimers apply. Remember September 11. End of The_Dojang Digest