Date: Wed, 09 May 2007 02:58:38 -0700 From: the_dojang-request@martialartsresource.net Subject: The_Dojang digest, Vol 14 #141 - 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 1994-2007: Ray Terry and Martial Arts Resource The Internet's premier discussion forum devoted to Korean Martial Arts. 2,200 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. Koryo monks (Ray) 2. article: traditional crafts (Jye nigma) 3. tae kyon demo (Jye nigma) 4. Re: KOOK SUL - High belts hurting lower belts in sparring (Jye nigma) 5. Funeral message to TKD Masters in Alaska (Dan Scholten) 6. Master Dan things to do for summer program (Dan Scholten) --__--__-- Message: 1 To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net (The_Dojang) Date: Mon, 7 May 2007 07:43:39 -0700 (PDT) From: rterry@idiom.com (Ray) Subject: [The_Dojang] Koryo monks Reply-To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net Forwarding... Dear colleagues, Apologies for the late posting, and for any cross-posting... and also for plugging my own lecture! Please find below details about the contents, venue and time of the lecture. The Eminent Koryo Monk announcement The Royal Asiatic Society will hold its first semi-monthly Lecture-Meeting of May this coming Tuesday the 8th, at 7:30 pm, in the 2nd-floor Resident’s Lounge of the Somerset Palace Residence (downtown, near Anguk Station, west of Exit #6; north of Jogye-sa Temple. All in English, open to the public (small donation requested from non-members, w5,000 recommended), as always; more info: 763-9483 and www.raskb.com (includes location-map). abstract, bio Some years ago, John Kieschnick wrote a book called The Eminent Monk, in which he discussed the representation of Chinese monks in biographic and hagiographic literature, and what such images tell us about religious ideals and reality. China of course has a much more extensive literature on this subject than Korea, at least in terms of written or published documents; however, Korea has a virtually unexplored wealth of unique source materials, namely inscriptions on stone. Especially in the Koryŏ period, dozens of huge stone monuments were erected to commemorate the deeds of eminent monks. In this lecture, I will look at the life of an eminent Koryŏ monk as it appears in such stele inscriptions. On the basis of one representative example, I will sketch what the typical life of a monk looked like, from his birth to his final nirvana and beyond. Besides factual information about his monastic career, the inscriptions also contain stories about miracles, beliefs and practices that add some color to the life and times of medieval Korean monks. Buddhism was one of the main religions of Koryŏ, but a look at the ideal (and some not so ideal) monks can tell a lot of what kind society Koryŏ actually was. Sem Vermeersch lectures on Korean culture and religion at Keimyung University. He graduated from SOAS, University of London, with a PhD in history, and specializes in the history of the Koryŏ period. He is particularly interested in the history of Korean Buddhism. His book, entitled “The Power of the Buddhas: The Politics of Buddhism during the Koryŏ Dynasty,” is being prepared for publication. --__--__-- Message: 2 Date: Mon, 7 May 2007 10:26:58 -0700 (PDT) From: Jye nigma To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net Subject: [The_Dojang] article: traditional crafts Reply-To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net TRADITIONAL CRAFTS Han Byung-sam One of the best ways to understand ancient Korean civilization is to examine the tools and crafts that have been discovered in archeological digs around the peninsula A large number of relics from the Paleolithic, Neolithic and Bronze ages have been recovered. These artifacts provide scholars with valuable insights into life in ancient Korea and crafts from later periods reflect everyday life and values. Metalcraft Korea's metalcraft culture dates back to the Bronze Age in the 6th or 5th centuries B.C. A wide variety of bronze relics have been recovered around the country Of note are the Liaoning-type bronze swords first made in China in the 7th or 8th century B.C. and introduced to Korea in the fifth or sixth century These swords were fitted with separately molded blades and hilts. By the 4th or 3rd century B.C, another bronze sword modeled after the Liaoning-type was developed in Korea. The most common of the bronze age artifacts found in Korea this "slender bronze sword'1 was later introduced to Japan. In recent years, an increasing number of bronze implements have been excavated, the majority from stone cists. Among the major finds are bronze swords and sword hilts made separately to be joined together. The hilts are generally bamboo-shaped, and some have decorated pommels. Few hilts or decorated pommels have been reported from the early age of the "slender bronze swords," however. On occasion, iron swords from the early iron period (ca 300 B.C-0) have been found together with "slender bronze sword" hilts and decorated pommels. Bronze spearheads have been reported from the latter part of the "slender bronze sword" period, although it is difficult to trace their origin. Bronze dagger-axes consisting of a long wooden handle attached at right angles to a blade were important weapons during the Chinese Shang (ca.16th century B.C.-1027 B.C.) and Zhou (1027-221 B.C.) periods and seemed to have inspired Korean imitations at a later date. Animal-shaped bronze buckles showing a strong influence from the bronze culture of northern Eurasia have been discovered in North Kyongsang Province. The buckles consisted of a round or oval ring attached to a bar sticking out from the breast of the animal ornament. Metalcraft reached a new level of sophistication during the Three Kingdoms period (1st century B.C-7th century A.D.) as evidenced by the relics recovered from tombs dating to that period. Only fragmentary objects remain from most Koguryo and Paekche tombs because their stone or brick chambers were vulnerable to pillage, but the Silla tombs, great stone mounds, have produced a wealth of archeological evidence Koguryo metalcraft was influenced by Chinese metalcraft as well as the unique character of the Koguryo people accustomed to a severe climate and nomadic lifestyle. Paekche artisans, on the other hand, produced works characterized by moderation and elegance, reflecting their kingdom's mild climate and fertile land. The Tomb of Paekche King Munyong (r .501-523), discovered in 198L is a rich archaeological treasure of more than 3,000 burial objects including personal ornaments in gold and silver, weapons, a variety of vessels, and bronze mirrors. Many of these objects reflect a strong Chinese influence, and the gold ornaments used in royal head-dresses, earrings, silver bracelets, necklaces, and the like are more refined than those made in Koguryo or Silla Most of the extant metalware of any importance comes from Silla tombs. Silla artisans created many art objects of great delicacy and elegance. In Silla tombs, a wooden coffin was placed in a pit or wooden chamber and boulders were piled over it to form a mound which was then covered with earth. Since the wooden coffin and chamber decomposed as time passed and the boulders and earth mound collapsed around them, it was impossible to make additional burials or re-enter the tomb. Thus, the contents of Silla tombs were relatively well preserved. The gold crowns discovered in Silla tombs represent the finest in Silla metalcraft. One such crown, National Treasure No. 87, dating back to the 5th or 6th century, is composed of two parts an inner and an outer crown. A forked gold piece symbolizing the feathers of a bird stems from the inner crown and slants slightly backwards. Across the front of the outer crown are upright tree-shaped ornaments, and at the back are row antler-shaped uprights. A string of pendants hangs from each side near the front of the crown. The inner part of the crown is decorated in an open latticework of various patterns The crown is further festooned with gold beads and comma-shaped pieces of jade, fitted with intricately carved gold caps, attached with gold wire. Gold girdles were almost always found together with Silla gold crc,wns. The openwork links were fastened to a leather or cloth belt with tiny nails to form a girdle from which ornamental pendants were hung. Earrings, pendants and rings were also buried in the tombs. Most of the necklaces are of jade or gold with a few exceptions, such as the crystal necklace from Kumnyong-chong Tomb. The bracelets are round and have sawtooth designs on the outside. Some are solid and others are hollow. The Kaya Kingdom, a federation of six tribal states along the lower Naktong River on the southeastern tip of the Korean peninsula (A D. 421-562), developed its own culture that is just nc,w being uncovered. A beautiful example of Kaya metalcraft is National Treasure No. 138, a crown cut from a thin sheet of gold. Four floral uprights stand at equal intervals around the wide headband, and the crown itself is decorated with round gold spangles. Comma-shaped pieces of jade are attached at equal intervals around the headband. Metalcraft flourished with the introduction of Buddhism to Korea in A.D.372 as ritual implements, such a temple bell$ gongs, incense burners, water sprinklers, sarira cases and the like were in great demand. The oldest extant bell is the bronze bell at Sangwon-sa Temple cast in 725 during the reign of King Songdok. The largest bell, measuring 3.33 meters, was also cast at that time and is named for King Songdok. Silla and Koryo bells are characterized by: dragop-shaped hooks and sound pipes at the top of the bells; decorated bands around the shoulder and bottom of the bells; four panels of nipple-like protuberances just below the shoulder; and relief decorations and striking points on either side of the bells. During the Koryo period, many Buddhist bells were smaller than those of Silla. The diameter of the mouth of the bell was relatively large, and the designs degenerated from those of the Silla period. Choson period bells are distinguished by a horizontal band around the middle of the bell and no bands at the shoulder or bottom. Silla craftsmanship is exemplified by the ornate gold and gilt-bronze cases used to house sarira, the calcified remains of holy persons after cremation. These cases, or reliquaries, were enshrined in pagodas as the object of religious worship during the Silla period and were also common during the Koryo and Choson periods. Often the sarEra cases resembled small houses with miniature railings, ornate roof decorations, and tiny figures standing guard or playing musical instruments on the veranda. Any discussion of traditional metalcraft would not be complete without mentioning the development of metal printing as early as 1240 in the Koryo period, 200 years before Gutenberg's Bible. During the Choson period, ornamental knives were a popular accessory used for decoration and occasional use. Men hung knives from their belts, and women carried them in their purses or wore them hanging from woven strings attached to their gowns. Originally these knives were intended for personal protection, especially for the protection of a woman's chastity The knife handles and sheaths were generally made of wood, ox-bone, coral, gold or silver, and the blades were made of steel hardened by heating and pounding. A silk cord with decorative knots was generally attached to the sheath for decoration. Silla craftsmanship is exemplified by the ornate gold and gilt-bronze cases used to house sarira, the calcified remains of holy persons after cremation. These cases, or reliquaries, were enshrined in pagodas as the object of religious worship during the Silla period and were also common during the Koryo and Choson periods. Often the sarEra cases resembled small houses with miniature railings, ornate roof decorations, and tiny figures standing guard or playing musical instruments on the veranda. Any discussion of traditional metalcraft would not be complete without mentioning the development of metal printing as early as 1240 in the Koryo period, 200 years before Gutenberg's Bible. During the Choson period, ornamental knives were a popular accessory used for decoration and occasional use. Men hung knives from their belts, and women carried them in their purses or wore them hanging from woven strings attached to their gowns. Originally these knives were intended for personal protection, especially for the protection of a woman's chastity The knife handles and sheaths were generally made of wood, ox-bone, coral, gold or silver, and the blades were made of steel hardened by heating and pounding. A silk cord with decorative knots was generally attached to the sheath for decoration. Glass and Curved Jade Silla tombs have produced a number of beautiful examples of glass and curved jade pieces. Glass, jade, agate, crystal, and pure gold were made into curved ornaments to be hung on gold crown$ pendants and necklaces. Several glass vessels have been excavated from the major Silla tombs. In the past, all glasswares were believed to be imported, but research may prove that these glass pieces were made in Korea as glass workshop sites and other evidence indicates that there were some domestic glass-producing operations Woodcraft Korean furniture is unique for its simple, sensitive designs, compact forms, and practicality, all emanating from the Korean custom of sitting and sleeping on the floor. Choson woodcraftsmen were famous for their attention to detail and the blending of practicality and beauty. The use of glue and nails was avoided whenever possible by fitting carefully cut parts together. The natural grain and texture of the wood was considered an important decorative element. Wood was polished with oils to maximize the natural grain of the wood. Paint was not used. Metal hinges and ornaments were used on chests and other wooden furniture as a means of structural reinforcement and decoration. White bronze, bronze, copper, and iron were most frequently used for hinges, padlocks and decorations. Iron ornaments blackened with perilla oil and soot were favored for their simplicity and practicality. Lacquerware Lacquerware inlaid with mother-of-pearl dates back to the Silla period, and Chinese accounts refer to a highly developed lacquerware culture during the Koryo period. During the Koryo Kingdom, a special lacquerware studio was established in 1272 to produce mother-of-pearl inlaid cases to hold the woodblock-printed manuscripts of the Tripitaka Koreana, the collection of Buddhist texts Koryo lacquerware was generally decorated with dainty mother-of-pearl chrysanthemums and other floral patterns. Tin or bronze wire was used to depict the vines, and sometimes pieces of thinly sliced turtle shell, tinted yellow or red, were used for variety. Toward the end of the Koryo period, lacquerware designs became bolder, larger and less dainty. A variety of larger patterns depicting peonies, grapes, phoenix and bamboo took the place of the delicate floral patterns of the earlier period. Hwagak The term bwagak refers to a uniquely Korean woodcraft in which ox horn is applied to chests, boxes and small accessories. The origins of this craft are uncertain but it has been traced back to the development of mother-of-pearl in the Koryo period and has long been popular, especially for decorating women's quarters. In hwagak ox horns are boiled to remove their inner cartilage, thinly sliced and ironed flat. The slices of horn are then polished until translucent. Bright pigments mixed with glue made from ox hide are applied to the slices of horn which are then glued onto the wooden surface sainted side down. These traditional crafts have played an important role in Korea's culture, reflecting the Korean people's sense of form, aesthetics and workmanship. With Korea's opening to the West in the late 19th century, however, there have been radical changes in lifestyle and values, and as a result, the demand for traditional crafts has declined dramatically. In response to the decline in traditional crafts, the National Assembly passed the Law for the Production of Cultural Properties in 1%2. Under this law, many traditional handicrafts, as well as music, folk art and dances, were designated Intangible Cultural Assets. At the same time, an effort to locate and recognize artisans skilled in traditional crafts was launched. These "Living National Treasures" have since been provided with direct and indirect government support so as to sustain the artisans themselves and train young people to perpetuate these unique traditions for future generations. Glass and Curved Jade Silla tombs have produced a number of beautiful examples of glass and curved jade pieces. Glass, jade, agate, crystal, and pure gold were made into curved ornaments to be hung on gold crown$ pendants and necklaces. Several glass vessels have been excavated from the major Silla tombs. In the past, all glasswares were believed to be imported, but research may prove that these glass pieces were made in Korea as glass workshop sites and other evidence indicates that there were some domestic glass-producing operations Woodcraft Korean furniture is unique for its simple, sensitive designs, compact forms, and practicality, all emanating from the Korean custom of sitting and sleeping on the floor. Choson woodcraftsmen were famous for their attention to detail and the blending of practicality and beauty. The use of glue and nails was avoided whenever possible by fitting carefully cut parts together. The natural grain and texture of the wood was considered an important decorative element. Wood was polished with oils to maximize the natural grain of the wood. Paint was not used. Metal hinges and ornaments were used on chests and other wooden furniture as a means of structural reinforcement and decoration. White bronze, bronze, copper, and iron were most frequently used for hinges, padlocks and decorations. Iron ornaments blackened with perilla oil and soot were favored for their simplicity and practicality. Lacquerware Lacquerware inlaid with mother-of-pearl dates back to the Silla period, and Chinese accounts refer to a highly developed lacquerware culture during the Koryo period. During the Koryo Kingdom, a special lacquerware studio was established in 1272 to produce mother-of-pearl inlaid cases to hold the woodblock-printed manuscripts of the Tripitaka Koreana, the collection of Buddhist texts Koryo lacquerware was generally decorated with dainty mother-of-pearl chrysanthemums and other floral patterns. Tin or bronze wire was used to depict the vines, and sometimes pieces of thinly sliced turtle shell, tinted yellow or red, were used for variety. Toward the end of the Koryo period, lacquerware designs became bolder, larger and less dainty. A variety of larger patterns depicting peonies, grapes, phoenix and bamboo took the place of the delicate floral patterns of the earlier period. Hwagak The term bwagak refers to a uniquely Korean woodcraft in which ox horn is applied to chests, boxes and small accessories. The origins of this craft are uncertain but it has been traced back to the development of mother-of-pearl in the Koryo period and has long been popular, especially for decorating women's quarters. In hwagak ox horns are boiled to remove their inner cartilage, thinly sliced and ironed flat. The slices of horn are then polished until translucent. Bright pigments mixed with glue made from ox hide are applied to the slices of horn which are then glued onto the wooden surface sainted side down. These traditional crafts have played an important role in Korea's culture, reflecting the Korean people's sense of form, aesthetics and workmanship. With Korea's opening to the West in the late 19th century, however, there have been radical changes in lifestyle and values, and as a result, the demand for traditional crafts has declined dramatically. In response to the decline in traditional crafts, the National Assembly passed the Law for the Production of Cultural Properties in 1%2. Under this law, many traditional handicrafts, as well as music, folk art and dances, were designated Intangible Cultural Assets. At the same time, an effort to locate and recognize artisans skilled in traditional crafts was launched. These "Living National Treasures" have since been provided with direct and indirect government support so as to sustain the artisans themselves and train young people to perpetuate these unique traditions for future generations. --------------------------------- Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell? Check outnew cars at Yahoo! Autos. --__--__-- Message: 3 Date: Mon, 7 May 2007 10:53:18 -0700 (PDT) From: Jye nigma To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net Subject: [The_Dojang] tae kyon demo Reply-To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgNlhjtMMw4 --------------------------------- Finding fabulous fares is fun. Let Yahoo! FareChase search your favorite travel sites to find flight and hotel bargains. --__--__-- Message: 4 Date: Mon, 7 May 2007 13:44:27 -0700 (PDT) From: Jye nigma Subject: Re: [The_Dojang] KOOK SUL - High belts hurting lower belts in sparring To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net Reply-To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net Find a friend proficient in some form of martial arts and/or real fighting, bring them to your class to start as a white belt (without mentioning their other martial art). Then let them bet the slop out of the people who are beating the crap out of you. Then when sparring is over and they're wondering why this person went so hard on them, you take the floor and explain the problem you were having with them. Jye Anna Weltman wrote: My question is this: When practising sparring, how to prevent the higher belts from whopping the 'crap' out of the lower belts? Aren't they suposed to exercise some form of restraint when spar practising with lower belts? I've been bloodied and had the wind knocked out too many times now, but usually the same 4 red belts (there are 5 red belts in my class - 1 blue, 2 yellow and i'm a white) even though I've asked them to please be more lenient on me. The instructor does not incorporate much teaching about restraint, from what I've seen so far. What can I do? Can I ask the teacher to be stricter or is making teaching suggestions to the teacher a no-no? Thanks very much, Anna in Israel >_______________________________________________ >The_Dojang mailing list, 2,200 members >The_Dojang@martialartsresource.net >Copyright 1994-2007: Ray Terry and Martial Arts Resource >Standard disclaimers apply Subscribe or Unsubscribe: >http://the-dojang.net _______________________________________________ The_Dojang mailing list, 2,200 members The_Dojang@martialartsresource.net Copyright 1994-2007: Ray Terry and Martial Arts Resource Standard disclaimers apply Subscribe or Unsubscribe: http://the-dojang.net --------------------------------- Don't pick lemons. See all the new 2007 cars at Yahoo! Autos. --__--__-- Message: 5 Date: Tue, 08 May 2007 04:24:51 -0800 From: Dan Scholten To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net Subject: [The_Dojang] Funeral message to TKD Masters in Alaska Reply-To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net You may pass along this information to the other masters in Alaska. Master Martin's mother has passed on Sunday evening May 6th. The funeral will be at the Anchorage Baptist Temple Wednesday May 9th at 1PM with visitation at Noon. Please keep Chuck and his family in your prayers. Master Dan Scholten --__--__-- Message: 6 Date: Tue, 08 May 2007 04:58:56 -0800 From: Dan Scholten To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net Subject: [The_Dojang] Master Dan things to do for summer program Reply-To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net For the younger set you can do anything that will add variety and reward them for hard training and possibly get friends to join as well. We are rewarding students who achieve best kicking or fighting during the week to have first turn and using Play Station Two Mortal combat at the last 30 minutes of class on Friday's. They cannot use magic or weapons and must choose a recognized martial art style. During the fighting the students all join in identifying what type of kicks or techniques are being used, we have a wide screen TV in the training room that we use for training videos, and we video tape students to replay their forms and fighting. Occasionally we have pizza while watching their sparring matches or take their video to play at the restaurant so they and others can watch as well. Our summer program this year has included the purchase of a 40 foot commercial fishing Trawler, the Buddha Head. We will be able to fish for King Crab, Halibut, Cod, and Salmon. The students will help with cleaning and maintenance of the boat and earn the right to go on outings in the evenings and weekends this summer by maintaining perfect attendance in class. The students will learn about Marine Safety, Navigation, and fishing. The extra seafood will be donated to the local Senior Center and a Church soup kitchen as a public service performed by the students. The students are very excited about this since we purchased the boat last fall and we are waiting for the ice to go out and hope to launch some time late June. We have always tried to have students involved in public service and service to others, We will never award a black belt to anyone who is not committed to teaching others and personal training the rest of their life. If that means only 1 in a hundred or less that is fine. Other wise it is just a rank mill turning out paper and paper means nothing. They will never be there when you need them and never truly contribute. It is hoped that the boat will create more interest in the TKD program here and draw a lot more kids into the summer program since there is so little organized for them in the summer. With day light 24 hours soon kids are out side playing till 3am to 7 am with little or no supervision. We also organize hikes and like to pick mountains to plant TKD flags on to leave our mark here and there. We have also organized building model rockets and then video tape a group launching. This relates to improving language and math skills. TKD is not just kicks and punches but is the science of how to learn anything to improve life skills so they can take advantage of basic education and go on to higher learning skills. Of course there are TKD summer training camps, our NW Black Belt association has hosted one on the Oregon Coast for over 30 years and invites guest instructors to teach many topics and seminars. I hope this gives you some ideas Master Dan --__--__-- _______________________________________________ The_Dojang mailing list The_Dojang@martialartsresource.net http://martialartsresource.net/mailman/listinfo/the_dojang Subscribe or Unsubscribe: http://the-dojang.net Old digest issues @ ftp://ftp.martialartsresource.com/pub/the_dojang Copyright 1994-2007: Ray Terry and http://MartialArtsResource.com Standard disclaimers apply. Remember September 11. End of The_Dojang Digest