Date: Sat, 24 Jun 2006 12:59:17 -0700 From: the_dojang-request@martialartsresource.net Subject: The_Dojang digest, Vol 13 #271 - 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. 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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. RE: NEW SLANT ON DAN CERTIFICATION (David P. Zapencki) 2. Ban the UFC (Frank Clay) 3. history of hapkido (Jye nigma) 4. video clip: group class (Jye nigma) 5. RE: history of hapkido (Rick Clark) 6. window decals (Jye nigma) 7. article: korean sword (Jye nigma) --__--__-- Message: 1 From: "David P. Zapencki" To: Subject: RE: [The_Dojang] NEW SLANT ON DAN CERTIFICATION Date: Sat, 24 Jun 2006 07:25:33 -0500 Reply-To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net Kukkiwon now has a look-up for Dan/Poom at the bottom of their main page; the only draw back is that you must have the person's date of birth for the search to work. I think that they should allow the search without the DOB requirement so that people could verify a person's Dan claim more easily. -----Original Message----- From: sidtkd@aol.com [mailto:sidtkd@aol.com] Sent: Friday, June 23, 2006 7:07 AM To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net Subject: [The_Dojang] NEW SLANT ON DAN CERTIFICATION As if all the ranting I've done in the past weren't enough, there is now a "master" in Queens New York that takes fees for kukkiwon certification, doesn't deliver the dan certificates and himself doesn't hold a kukkiwon dan Is enough enough??????" Sid Rubinfeld ________________________________________________________________________ Check out AOL.com today. Breaking news, video search, pictures, email and IM. All on demand. Always Free. _______________________________________________ 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: 2 From: "Frank Clay" To: Date: Sat, 24 Jun 2006 11:03:24 -0400 Subject: [The_Dojang] Ban the UFC Reply-To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net I've been watching this thread a bit and I have to say that I disagree. Maybe there are concussions that come out of it but these people know going into it what the risks are. There are waivers and other documents that must be signed. Once you start regulating one thing, where will it stop? It could easily move to everything else. What about the fatalities that have taken place in WTF style tournaments? They are rare, but they have happened... do we bad TKD? Or when people get accidentally drilled by baseballs, do we ban baseball? Life is an inherently risky exercise. I don't think the answer lies in regulating everything. Not that I'm a follower of libertarianism but there comes a point when we the people must accept responsibility for our actions instead of pushing them off on some faceless body somewhere. Frank --__--__-- Message: 3 Date: Sat, 24 Jun 2006 09:36:35 -0700 (PDT) From: Jye nigma To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net Subject: [The_Dojang] history of hapkido Reply-To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net So I was on the internet and stumbled across this history of hapkido....any truth to this? First it says hapkido began with monks then it goes on to say that the hapkido founder began his training under Japanese master, so my thing is there is something wrong with the story....check it out: Hapkido is a complete self defense system, it incorporates the redirection of force found in Aikido and Jujitsu, the devastating joint locks and throws found in Chinese systems, and the kicking technique of Tae Kwon Do. Hapkido incorporates both "hard" and "soft" techniques. History Hapkido began in Korea through Buddhism. The techniques were initially handed down through the hierarchy of monks to ruling families and other royal officials as a means of self-protection and personal safety. Unlike many other martial arts styles, Hapkido was not generally known, or practiced. A monk grandmaster named Su-san, taught Hapkido to Korean monks. These techniques were used in the Im Jin Wae Ran invasion. This early predecessor to Hapkido flourished through many dynasties but eventually lost its popularity when Buddhism was replaced by Confucianism in Korea. Because Confucianism respects scholarly discipline over physical force, Hapkido disappeared almost entirely, passed down only through individual masters, monks, and, occasionally, royal families as a secret self-defense. More recently, Hapkido was reintroduced by the father of Hapkido, Yong Sool Choi (1904-1986). His parents died when he was still very young. Young Sool Choi began his studies at the age of nine. He was practising under Japanese Daito Ryu Aiki jujutsu Grand Master Takeda, Sokaku for nearly 40 years. Ueshiba, Morihei, the founder of Aikido, was also a student of Takeda. Hapkido and Aikido both have significant similarities to Daito Ryu Aiki jujutsu, so it would seem that Hapkido's link to it is real, regardless of how and where Choi was trained. Choi returned to Korea after Takeda's death and began studying Korean arts. Ji, Han Jae, began studying under Choi and eventually started his own school, where he taught what he called Hapkido, after the grandmaster's school. Along the way, Hapkido adopted various techniques from Tang Soo Do, Tae Kyon, and other Korean kwans (schools). Today, government organizations, military academies, and special military units all contain Hapkido practitioners, totaling over one million in Korea alone. In the United States of America, Germany, Canada, Spain, Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, China, and France, there exists a solid foundation of Hapkido schools. --------------------------------- Yahoo! Groups gets better. Check out the new email design. Plus there’s much more to come. --__--__-- Message: 4 Date: Sat, 24 Jun 2006 10:14:46 -0700 (PDT) From: Jye nigma To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net, itf-taekwondo@yahoogroups.com Subject: [The_Dojang] video clip: group class Reply-To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net http://shotokan.com/index.php?page=groupClass --------------------------------- Do you Yahoo!? Everyone is raving about the all-new Yahoo! Mail Beta. --__--__-- Message: 5 Date: Sat, 24 Jun 2006 14:20:21 -0400 From: "Rick Clark" Subject: RE: [The_Dojang] history of hapkido To: Reply-To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net Hi Jye, >From: Jye nigma [mailto:kingjye@yahoo.com] >So I was on the internet and stumbled across this history of >hapkido....any truth to this? First it says hapkido began with >monks then it goes on to say that the hapkido founder began >his training under Japanese master, so my thing is there is >something wrong with the story....check it out: Any and I repeat *any* history of martial arts in Korea is probably laced with half truths if not just plain lies. If the history is given by a person who has an interest in that particular art you might want to consider that they have a vested interest in the history they present. I would be much more comfortable with some Judo instructor who has no connection with Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, or any other Korean art who did scholarly research and presented their findings with ALL of their sources cited. > > Hapkido is a complete self defense system, it incorporates the redirection of force found in Aikido and Jujitsu, the >devastating joint locks and throws found in Chinese systems, and the kicking technique of Tae Kwon Do. Hapkido incorporates >both "hard" and "soft" techniques. History Hapkido began in Korea through Buddhism. The techniques were initially >handed down through the hierarchy of monks to ruling families and other royal officials as a means of self-protection and >personal safety. Really? Where do they get this information? What records or sources are given? More than likely it was something like: "My instructor told me that Hapkido was really old and the monks way back when . . . . . . " When I read history of something I would like to have the source of the information. occasionally, royal families as a secret self-defense. Sure I believe this. . . . Can you really believe that some royal would have a warrior/monk teach them self-defense? Put their royal person in danger of being hurt or having some lower status person put their hand on them, or for that matter the royal put their hand on them? What a nice story to tell your students - yes - you are learning the ancient royal art taught only to the Kings and oh by they way, will you be paying for your lessons with cash, check, credit card, or we can get a direct withdrawal from your bank account? Don't you feel special? >Along the way, Hapkido adopted various techniques from Tang Soo Do, Tae Kyon, and other Korean kwans > (schools). Translation: We saw some cool kicks and techniques the guy down the street was teaching and we thought we would add them to our ancient system because we were missing this important part of the art. Back then they did not have the advantage of seeing the guy down the street and seeing the really cool techniques - I am sure they would have added them if they had seen them. Anyway we can still call our art ancient and royal because. . . . . Sorry to rant, Rick Clark --__--__-- Message: 6 Date: Sat, 24 Jun 2006 12:19:00 -0700 (PDT) From: Jye nigma To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net Subject: [The_Dojang] window decals Reply-To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net Here is a company for window decals and more. http://www.windowsigns.com/ --------------------------------- Yahoo! Sports Fantasy Football ’06 - Go with the leader. Start your league today! --__--__-- Message: 7 Date: Sat, 24 Jun 2006 11:28:29 -0700 (PDT) From: Jye nigma To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net Subject: [The_Dojang] article: korean sword Reply-To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net taken from: http://ourworld.cs.com/kuksoolcl/koreanswordsmanship.htm KOREAN SWORDSMANSHIP From: Black Belt Magazine, March, 1999 --by Jane Hallander The Korean martial arts are often thought to be composed of mostly kicking and punching techniques. Taekwondo, tang soo do and hapkido immediately come to mind. Westerners often forget that other prominent Korean fighting styles teach much more than kicking and punching--and they are thriving. One of these arts, Kuk Sool Won™ is said to encompass much of Korea's martial arts history, including more weapons techniques than you could shake a stick at. One of the preferred weapons of Kuk Sool practitioners is the sword, a fighting implement that has played a crucial role in Korea's history. That's because no country that is squeezed between two superpowers like China and Japan could have hoped to repel armed invaders and maintained its sovereignty with just its people's empty hands. This forced Korean society to develop along martial lines, and those have always seemed to focus on the sword. --------------------------------- CUTTING THROUGH HISTORY The sword, which Koreans call a gum (also spelled geom or kum), was so special to the nation's martial arts that during the Three Kingdom period (57 B.C.-A.D. 668), swordsmen were honored and respected by the populace. Many of the country's generals and leaders were skilled practitioners. Korea's first metal swords are described in writings from the Paekche dynasty (18 B.C.-A.D. 668), a ruling power in ancient Korea that had substantial contact with Japan. It was at that time, some scholars argue, that steel and bronze swords found their way from Korea to Japan to feed the island nation's thirst for metal fighting implements. Over the centuries sword-making techniques were perfected in Korea, and many martial arts families passed the knowledge down from generation to generation. The modern-day descendent of one such family, Grandmaster Suh In Hyuk, was lucky enough to learn some of those ancient sword-making and sword-wielding skills. He went on to found the traditional Korean martial art known as Kuk Sool Won ™, which is now one of the most popular systems in the world. Many Kuk Sool instructors and practitioners have learned some of those sword skills from Grandmaster Suh and created their own weapons in the image of traditional Korean blades. One such person is KJN Barry Harmon, a Houston, Texas-based instructor who started his Kuk Sool training during the 1970s while stationed in Korea. One of Grandmaster Suh's first American students, Kwan Jang Nym Harmon has become one of the highest-ranked Kuk Sool instructors in the world--and an avid fan of swordsmanship. He routinely demonstrates advanced sword techniques at Kuk Sool exhibitions and is renowned for his historical and technical knowledge of the favorite weapon of the martial arts world. --------------------------------- The Japanese sword-drawing method, as demonstrated by Kwan Jang Nym Barry Harmon, differed from the Korean method. The sword was drawn from a cutting-edge-up position ((1). It was raised overhead (2), where the swordsman's second hand was applied to the handle (3). Finally the sword was moved diagonally downward to cut (4). --------------------------------- The Korean sword-drawing method often started with the practitioner in a kneeling position. KJN Barry Harmon prepares to unlock the blade with his right thumb (1). As the blade exits the sheath, he makes an upward offensive or defensive move (2). With both hands gripping the handle, KJN Harmon is then ready to fight (3). To demonstrate the effectiveness of the upward cut shown above, KJN Barry Harmon (left) slices through a pine board. --------------------------------- Even when Korean swordsmen carried their weapon behind their back, they were able to access it quickly. KJN Barry Harmon pulls the sword from its sheath (1) and raises it overhead (2). He then grips it with both hands (3) and slices downward (4). --------------------------------- Although the single-edged sword was the most commonly seen weapon, Koreans also used double-edged blades of varying lengths. --------------------------------- Unique Look Unlike in Japan or China, where swords were crafted according to a set pattern and shape based upon their intended use, each Korean blade evolved as a mirror image of the swordsman who would own it. Many Korean martial artists made their own swords, thus creating blades of all sizes and shapes. The weapons varied so much that it seemed as though there was never a standard pattern for them. Swords ranged from short knife-like blades to the more common long weapons. One famous Korean admiral, Yi Sun-shin, who lived in the late 1500s, had perhaps the longest of all: a 77-inch, 12 pound giant of a weapon. A common design in Korea was the double-edged straight sword; it was similar to the Chinese straight sword but with a thicker, heavier blade. Two other frequently seen designs were the curved single-edged blade and the straight single-edged blade, which could be wide like Chinese swords or narrow like Japanese swords. Obviously, modern claims that all Korean swords belong to the straight-sword category or that they were merely replicas of Japanese swords are incorrect. Several significant differences between Japanese and Korean sword techniques can help an observer determine whether the martial artist is teaching Japanese methods and calling them Korean, or actually teaching Korean swordsmanship. "Because of Korea's long history, there were many different types of techniques," KJN Harmon says. "As a rule, Korean swords were designed to be carried in the swordsman's hand, rather than in his belt as the Japanese carried their sword. Korean swordsmen carried their sword with the cutting edge facing down, rather than facing up like the Japanese. Japanese fightere were more interested in drawing the sword and cutting the enemy in one powerful action, whereas Korean swordsmen use their drawing stroke as a more defensive upward stroke which was done with one hand." The basic grip also differs. When drawing the sword, Korean swordsmen positioned their rear hand approximately three fingers' distance from the top of the scabbard, while Japanese swordsmen grabbed near the top of the case. In both types of swordsmanship, the rear hand (usually the left) steadied the scabbard and the thumb unlocked the blade from its sheath. Traditionally when drawing the sword in a two-handed fashion, Korean stylists placed their right hand next to the sword guard, with their left hand tight against their right. Japanese swordsmen had a more open grip with space between their hands. However, Harmon explains, as the sword grew in length over the years, the Koreans also started using a more open grip for better control, and that gripping method is still frequently used. While traveling, Korean swordsmen sometimes carried the weapon strapped across their back. While riding horseback they often strapped it to the back of their waist. Unfortunately the Japanese o0ccupation of Korean (1910-1945) witnessed a huge decline in the practice of Korean sword skills and sword making. Many treasured weapons and traditions that had been passed down for generations were destroyed by the Japanese. Those few weapons that survived the occupation were controlled by law, and even now in Korea, a special permit is needed to own one. --------------------------------- Sword Types The swords that were used in Korea fall into eight categories: - The Weol do ahd a long, broad blade connected to a thick staff-like handle. It was reserved for generals and high-ranking statesmen. This weapon was called a kwan do in China, where it was also used by generals. The weol do was primarily used by men or horseback. From a secure position on a galloping horse, the sielder could easily slash his way through even the most tightly packed formation of soldiers. --The san soo do was a straight sword with a 50-inch-long blade, with the actual lcutting edge approximately 39 inches long. It was one of the most common Korean military swords and laid the foundation for many modern weapons. --Ssang gum means "double swords" and refers to a set of matched blaes. Its smaller brother was the wae gum, a set of mid-sized swords that were larger than daggers but shorter than the full sized ssang gum. The wae gum were popular within Korea's royal palace and court, since they could be easily concealed within a robe. --While the average soldier might use a san soo do or ssang gum, those who relied entirely upon their sword for battlefield defense preferred the ah do. Strictly a military weapon, it had a groove running the length of its 39 inch long blade for added strength. Both edges were sharpened near the tip, and the main cutting edge was sharpened its entire length. --The hyup do weighed approximately 5 pounds and measured some 51 inches in length. Its curved single-edged blade was suitable only for the strongest of men. --The je dok gum was another military sword that gained popularity in Korea during Japan's first invasion attempt in 1592. At the time China was an ally of Korea, and some scholars argue that the Chinese warriors who helped the Koreans ward off the Japanese took the je dok gum back to China, where it influenced the development of Chinese swords. The last notable military sword was the yeoh do. It had a slightly curved 39-inch-long blade and a 35-inch-long handle. As such, the bearer of this blade certainly had enough leverage to cut through just about any object. Four types of swords were available to Koreans who were not in the military. The name of each one described a weapon and a set of techniques peculiar to it: Jeong gum refers to a sword that was used with a linear motion; yeok gum refers to a sword that was used in an inverted position (with the cutting edge up); jang ssang gum refers to a set of long swords that were used together; and dan ssang gum refers to a set of short swords that were used together. --------------------------------- Preparation for Training Prior to actually training with the sword, kuk sool students prepare by learning five basic principles that apply to all martial techniques. These five principles, called ja se, help students develop control, calmness and effectiveness. Without such training, swordsmanship can never be mastered. Although ja se literally translates as "posture" or "stance," it actually defines the martial artist's position in relation to the events around him. It can include a series of defensive and offensive movements relating to the situation, or it can be training in meditation and ki (internal energy) development. The term can also refer to each movement within a hyung (form). Essentially, ja se means that each body position-external and internal-has a definite purpose at the moment it is used. The first component of ja se is the eyes, which should focus the spirit outward. The second is the spirit, which should reflect calmness and quiet. The third is the body, which should be kept low, smooth, soft and supple. The fourth is the feet, which should move slowly and precisely. The fifth is the hands, which should be swift, agile and precise. By first learning proper ja se, sword practitioners developtheir ability to control their body and weapon. This, in turn, develops the physical reflexes and mental attitude. Ancient Korean warriors were required to learn ja se before they were allowed to make decisions regarding the life or death of an enemy, Harmon says. The next step in learning the kuk sool sword arts is jung shin (also spelled jeong shin). Jung shin includes concentra-tion of mind and spirit, but it is far more than that. It is also an accumulation of proper training in etiquette and manners. By combining all the esoteric teachings of jung shin, kuk sool practitioners are able to channel their concentration and wisdom into a never-give-up attitude, which is essential to mastering traditional swordsmanship. Many experts believe that jung shin is so important that it can enable a martial artist to defeat an opponent who has superior technique. The next component of sword mastery is meditation. Designed to help the mind and body become one with the weapon, it is practiced before, during or after sword training. The theory is that the effectiveness of any weapon is increased if the practitioner's mind and body are not separate from the weapon. In addition to developing the student's ki, which can ultimately be transferred into the sword, meditation improves the ability to grip the sword and move it smoothly. --------------------------------- Sword Techniques Once the student has been physically and mentally prepared, Harmon explains, he proceeds to stage three, the sword techniques themselves. In kuk sool, those techniques are called gum sool. The first sword principle taught in kuk sool-the one that forms the basis for all sword training-is jeong gum. As mentioned above, the term means "straight sword," but it does not refer to the shape of the blade. Instead, it defines the action and movements made by the swordsman. Jeong gum techniques include straight-line slicing, chopping and thrusting act ions. They are not taught until a kuk sool student reaches black-belt level. The Korean sword can be wielded with one or two hands. When two are used, the intent is to generate as much striking power as possible. Two-handed techniques include straight slices that can be angular, horizontal, downward or upward. Power comes from the swordsman's muscles and from a knowledge of the angles at which the joints function. This helps the body function as one unit and moves the limbs at the correct angles at which the muscles operate most efficiently. Two-handed sword techniques can include spinning and cutting actions that require the swordsman to turn the weapon at great speed. In ancient Korea, these techniques were useful for cutting the neck of several enemies at once while protecting the swordsman's own head. Low slicing motions directed at the opponent's ankle are also popular jeong gum techniques. In the days of actual battles with bladed weapons, it was sometimes easier to attack an enemy's foundation than to attack his upper body. Low cuts may be either two-handed or one-handed, depending on the swordsman's body position at that instant. If performed with one hand, power must be generated from the wieIder's joints and transferred to the blade. Korean sword techniques also include one- and two-handed stabs. Kuk sool's jeong gum form teaches both options. A single-handed straight stab was useful when the swordsman's free hand was used to block an enemy's attack. The scabbard was sometimes used to augment the block. Inverted sword techniques, called yeok gum in Korean, are in a class by themselves. Taught after the jeong gum principles, they involve the use of the sword with the sharp edge facing up. In olden days, yeok gum was a valuable method of close-range fighting that began as a defensive action but couId be converted to an offensive technique. The movements are circular and make use of the swordsman's wrist, elbow and shoulder to produce cutting power. Athough a few double-handed yeok gum techniques are practiced, most require the use of only a single hand to wield the sword. The cuts are primarily poking (to the rear or downward) and slicing techniques. Since the movements are circular and cover a large area, they don't require the accuracy and precision that jeong gum techniques do. --------------------------------- Benefits AIthough the sword is not a practical weapon in the modern worId, the forms and techniques do have practical martial arts applications. For instance, sword forms teach physical precision- and mental concentration-traits that a martial artist can apply to other aspects of his training. In the past the sword was primarily a weapon of death. Nowadays, it is an instrument with which a martial artist can prepare himself to meet the challenges he will encounter in life. ___________________________________________________________________________________ Jye Nigma "Blessed be the LORD my strength which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight" psalms 144:1 --------------------------------- Yahoo! Sports Fantasy Football ’06 - Go with the leader. Start your league today! --__--__-- _______________________________________________ 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