Date: Wed, 16 May 2007 02:58:25 -0700 From: the_dojang-request@martialartsresource.net Subject: The_Dojang digest, Vol 14 #148 - 8 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. young chuck norris (Jye nigma) 2. RE: MMA by the unqualified (Joseph Cheavens) 3. Re: Re: Unfairness in the dojang (Joseph Cheavens) 4. Korean tea (Ray) 5. Islam, Hijabs & Taekwondo (The_Dojang) 6. Deadline is May 31 (The_Dojang) 7. Grandmaster Michael Amodeo (Jye nigma) 8. say what??? (Ray) --__--__-- Message: 1 Date: Tue, 15 May 2007 10:04:58 -0700 (PDT) From: Jye nigma To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net Subject: [The_Dojang] young chuck norris Reply-To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net Enjoy!!! http://www.use.com/8824 Jye --------------------------------- We won't tell. Get more on shows you hate to love (and love to hate): Yahoo! TV's Guilty Pleasures list. --__--__-- Message: 2 From: "Joseph Cheavens" To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net Subject: RE: [The_Dojang] MMA by the unqualified Date: Tue, 15 May 2007 09:45:50 -0500 Reply-To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net JC, Excellent reply. I don't think that everyone with a stand up TMA background that is offering some grappling is trying to cash in on the popularity of the UFC. I suspect many are, but I think others may be trying to address what they see as a gaping hole in a curriculum based entirely on stand up striking. However, whether they are trying to cash in on MMA's popularity or are trying to adjust their curriculum to provide a more rounded skill set to their students. I think the key that you hit on is what qualifications do they have to teach grappling (or, kicking and punching if they come from a grappling art). I don't think attendance at a couple of seminars and/or watching some videos would qualify someone to teach, and if that is the case with Doug's dojang, he is getting burned and should find another school. That the instructor seems to be more interested in doing business than in teaching, as seems evident by his putting class on hold so that he can take phone calls, makes me suspect that he is teaching what the folks over on Bullshido have termed "crappling" (i.e. low level grappling skills learned via VHS or maybe a few seminars).  In my very humble opinion, if one was to add grappling to one's curriculum, it should be taught by someone qualified to teach and should be in a seperate class. Currently, I am studying under Relson Gracie black belt. I have been doing so for about eight months now and would never dream of trying to introduce GJJ directly into my TKD curriculum if I were to start teaching again. I would consider offering a seperate GJJ class, though, if I opened my own dojang and could find someone qualified to teach it, and then strongly encourage my TKD students to cross train.   I have some friends who own a dojang that have begun offering grappling classes taught by a Gracie-Barra blue belt (he gets to take the TKD classes for free in exchange for teaching 2x a week) and have instituted a new requirement for chodan that the student must have at least 3 months of grappling, either in their classes or cross trained elsewhere. While I have some concerns about having a blue belt teaching classes and would hope that they'd at least try and bring in some senior instructors for some seminars, at least they aren't trying to teach grappling themselves and haven't watered down their TKD curriculum by adding grappling to those classes. Joe Cheavens -------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Gladewater SooBahkDo" Reply-To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net Subject: [The_Dojang] MMA by the unqualified Date: Mon, 14 May 2007 09:32:16 -0500 Dugy01 You have hit the nail on the head. This is happening all over the country. Prior to 1993 when the UFC began. Instructor taught as they learned from there instructor. Knowledge was passed down from Instructor to student, and although some people read books and bought video's to expand their training it was not nearly to the extent we see today. The UFC on spike TV has created an explosion of those instructors that want to offer MMA, but have not had qualified instruction in BJJ, GJJ, Wrestling, Muay Thai, Boxing, or even full contact. Most are instructors that have studied one particular traditional martial art such as (Hapkido, TKD, SBD, TSD, etc.) and want to cash in on the popularity of the UFC and Pride. Do to the popularity of MMA on TV they feel that they need to meet the demand and they go to a few seminars, or buy a few videos and begin teaching. Before I continue however, let me say that this is not always the case but it seems to be the norm at this time in history. For example: I began training in 1979 in a small Kung Fu school in my local town. I stayed about 9 months. I then moved to a TKD School (WTF) and trained about 3 years. Then as a teenager with a car and a job. I got to choose what I wanted to do with out my parents involvment, so I left the TKD school and joined a Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan school now affiliated with the Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Federation Inc. That was 1983, I recieved my Cho Dan in 1989, and then my E-Dan in 1992. I wanted to teach, so my instructor recommended me to test which I did and was awarded a Kyo Sa teaching certificate. I opend my first school in August 1992. I taught 2 days per week, and trained at my instructors schools 3 days per week. I was about that time that a man stopped in my school to visit. He was a 2nd degree black belt student of Pro. Wally Jay founder of the small circle Jui-Jitsu style. He had moved to Texas from Hawaii. We began to train together privately but after 7 years he moved. I had maintained my Moo Duk Kwan training and was now a 3rd dan. I began to teach a few of my more senior students some of the ground techniques from Small Circle Jui-Jitsu as seminars or clinics. I did not tell many people about my cross training becasue it was not as excepted as it is today. I had seen the UFC but it was not showing on spike TV and interest in that kind of training was not as sought after at least in my town. Then in 2000 I tested for Master instructor in the Moo Duk Kwan and Sa Bom certification. I continued to teach Moo Duk Kwan as traditionally as I knew how, and expose my senior students to Jui-Jitsu on a limited bases. Remember I had been training in Jui-Jitsu now for 8 years but had never even recieved the first belt. To me I did not feel qualified to teach anything but Tang Soo Do (now refered to as Soo Bahk Do) Moo Duk Kwan. In 2005 I tested for 5 dan in the Moo Duk Kwan. I passed that 8 day test but still crossed training in Jui-jitsu began to seek out my original instructor. I found him in January 2006. He was no longer with the Wally Jay organization, but agreed to meet with me and evaluate my jui-jitsu. I had some self taught flaws but quickly fixed them and in May 2006 was awarded my Black Belt in Jui-Jitsu. You would think that I would be happy, but I felt that the standards between the Jui-Jitsu test and the Moo Duk Kwan test were not even close so I began to search for legitamate instruction in Jui-Jitsu. I joined the Gracie jui-Jitsu Academy and began training dirrectly under Rener Gracie. I train with him for a week about every 3 months, and in addition make seminars with UFC fighters when ever I can. I tell you all this because you need to have instruction from someone that has legitamate affiliation with a legitate organization known for its instruction and cretiability. I now teach a large school and have two sets of classes. My Moo Duk Kwan class which is very traditional and offeres very little in the way of ground fighting or MMA. Then I have my GJJ class that is all GJJ and MMA. I believe teaching MMA or ground fighting in a traditional class cheepens it. That is not to say MMA or ground fighting is bad becasue it is not. It just has its place Check this instructors history in Hapkido, Then check his history in the grappling arts (Jui-Jitsu, Judo, Wrestling, Sambo etc.) Remeber that to be a good student in a traditional martial art, respect for instructor in a must. For MMA it seems that respect is not as important but crediablity should be. In the town where I live, I know all of the legitamate schools and instructors, most of which are TKD or Karate but they offer several programs like F.I.G.H.T or womens self-defense. The legitamate ones don't offer MMA or JJ. However there are a few that offer Jui-Jitsu and MMA with claims of rank, but in reality they are people that want the credit and the money but have not earned either. Of Course this is just my opinion JC _________________________________________________________________ Make every IM count. Download Messenger and join the i’m Initiative now. It’s free. http://im.live.com/messenger/im/home/?source=TAGHM_MAY07 _______________________________________________ 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 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Like the way Microsoft Office Outlook works? You’ll love Windows Live Hotmail. --__--__-- Message: 3 From: "Joseph Cheavens" To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net Subject: Re: [The_Dojang] Re: Unfairness in the dojang Date: Tue, 15 May 2007 09:49:45 -0500 Reply-To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net There is also the national or international association that certifies instructors in the various arts. If and instructor is engaging in questionable business or teaching practices, one can always bring it to the attention of the association. I think that is one of the reasons that students should look for schools that belong to reputable associations. Joe Cheavens -------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Thomas Gordon" Reply-To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net Subject: Re: [The_Dojang] Re: Unfairness in the dojang Date: Mon, 14 May 2007 10:20:27 -0500 (CDT) "Keep in mind, ours is an unregulated art and as such we have no place to complain to." Yes, we are regulated. No there isn't a professional licensing board but all businesses have laws against price gouging, city/county/state business licensing, etc. And there's the BBB and other business watchdogs. In fact, I'd venture to say we're TOO regulated. Anyone doubting that needs to open a business. Thomas Gordon Florida _______________________________________________ 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 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Catch suspicious messages before you open them—with Windows Live Hotmail. --__--__-- Message: 4 To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net (The_Dojang) Date: Tue, 15 May 2007 10:11:19 -0700 (PDT) From: rterry@idiom.com (Ray) Subject: [The_Dojang] Korean tea Reply-To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net Forwarding... Seoul Selection http://www.seoulselection.com/ have just published a small illustrated book about the Korean Way of Tea, which I have written with a friend who is a tea master. Anyone who happens to be in Seoul and have time to waste this coming Saturday May 19 between 4:00pm and 17:30 is welcome to come to Seoul Selection bookstore, where Korean tea will be served with traditional little accompanying delicacies, some kind of reading will be given, and copies will be signed if people buying them so desire. Brother Anthony Sogang University, Seoul http://hompi.sogang.ac.kr/anthony/ --__--__-- Message: 5 Date: Tue, 15 May 2007 10:12:44 -0700 From: The_Dojang To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net Subject: [The_Dojang] Islam, Hijabs & Taekwondo Reply-To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net Islam, Hijabs & Taekwondo Commonsense vs. Political Correctness or Anti-Muslim Rhetoric? Which is More Dangerous? washingtonpost.com What started as a minor dispute over karate headgear has degenerated into an international incident that could tear apart an Olympic sport. On Monday, amid pugnacious rancor, the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) upheld a ban on Muslim hijabs during sanctioned matches, fueling cries of religious intolerance. The fashion feud started at a tournament in Quebec last month when "five Muslim girls, ages eight to 13... were told they could not compete... unless they removed their headscarves." Though the official rules state that "[w]earing any item on the head other than the head protector shall not be permitted," the ultimatum sparked a flurry of outrage across Canada with protesters claiming unfair treatment and inconsistent application. Taekwondo officials, however, maintained that the policy exists for safety concerns, not discrimination, since the WTF recognizes no religion. However, the debate over "reasonable accommodation" of racial, cultural and religious minorities has become such a hot button issue north of the border that the International Taekwon-Do Federation (a smaller, independent body) issued a temporary ruling last week allowing the hijabs. It went on to state that "wearing the Muslim veil while practicing the sport is 'neither dangerous nor unfair.'" That statement raises doubts about the motives of yesterday's decision and further muddies an already perplexing quagmire. If, on one hand, hijabs pose any sort of threat then it is irresponsible for people, and especially parents, to fight for their inclusion. On the other hand, if they can be worn safely, is it really the best thing for Taekwondo to exclude those fine athletes who put their faith above their sport? What cannot be forgotton, though, is that sports, unlike life, exist in a vacuum, and the integrity of the rules, with very little exception, supersedes all else including the feelings of the players. It is unfair, specifically, to create pure fairness. At question is not just how, but whether a governing body can allow for differing standards, while still maintaining a level playing field. --__--__-- Message: 6 Date: Tue, 15 May 2007 17:46:29 -0700 From: The_Dojang To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net Subject: [The_Dojang] Deadline is May 31 Reply-To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net 2007 Chris Canning Award of Excellence Nomination Deadline is May 31 The Chris Canning Award of Excellence is presented annually in memory and in tribute to Christopher James Canning, a former student and accomplished martial artist who passed away in 2001, at the age of 15 years old. The recipient of the award will receive a custom trophy and a $1,000 scholarship from the family of Chris Canning. Applications are being accepted for the 2007 award which will be presented at the opening cermony of the Junior Olympics in San Jose, Calif., on July 12. The deadline date for application submissions is May 31. View criteria and download application @ http://usa-taekwondo.us/624_1651.htm. --__--__-- Message: 7 Date: Tue, 15 May 2007 20:42:59 -0700 (PDT) From: Jye nigma To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net Subject: [The_Dojang] Grandmaster Michael Amodeo Reply-To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net One day I noticed a new TKD school in the area (http://www.gateway-martialarts.com) and decided to stop by. I met a man named Michael Amodeo- the owner of the school. He and his wife ran the school. We talked for a while and we noticed that we both had studied under the same instructor at one point. Well, I just came across their school's website today and found out that he passed away. Thought I'd share info about him: a tribute to inspiration: J. Michael Amodeo My dear friend Michael Amodeo died on May 20th, 2006. Michael was very rare: he walked his talk. Not many people do that, 'ya know? I admired his positive attitude & treasured his sense of humor. I adored pretty much everything about the man except his obsession with never being late. Show up tardy for a visit with Mickey? You'd swear you'd committed a felony. *Laugh* A favorite memory was during one of our phone visits. As usual, I was high-strung: ranting over some issue in my life. He stopped me dead in the middle of a soliloquy to share an important insight...leaving me baited with anticipation. Calmly he stated: you really need to breathe. I remember thinking I wanted to strangle him for not listening to my tirade. From that day forward my life improved because I'd hear his words during fits of anguish...breathe. At his funeral service I was struck by the wide variety of people in attendance: a tell-tale of his unique persona. Notably were the young karate students adorned in gees plus a host of skilled instructors & current-masters...all apprentices of his watchful eye. He was most recently awarded the level of 8th-Dan by the Tai Kwon Doe Association & honored with only their 801st certification as Grand Master. His life as one of Atlanta's most famed karate masters was pretty amazing. Karate was a source for renown but his marriage to Betty is what made him remarkable. The way they loved is without a doubt the most inspiring union I ever witnessed. Their relationship continues to give me hope that extraordinary love is possible for everyone. I had unusual difficulty with his passing. As I left his funeral it occurred to me exactly why that was. Michael'd done something special for me: I'd just realized it & never acknowledged what it meant. He'd first met & befriended me as a male...remained my dear companion as I became female - and wasn't remotely affected by my gender changing before his eyes. No other friend was able to do that. All he ever saw in me or anyone else he encountered...was the spirit beneath the flesh. Spent a joy-filled Saturday with Michael & Betty chowing on spaghetti and watching a video retrospective of his career in Tae Kwon Do plus a hilarious outtake of a recent reunion with his brothers. He gifted me a pinky ring he adorned most his adult life: I wear it today. As I left & we hugged he said: "If I don't see you again soon...I'll see you soon." His battle with cancer ended exactly three weeks later. Thanks, Michael - for being a dear friend through both genders. Don't forget to keep those angelic eyes on Betty until she's back by your side. I'll see 'ya soon. And I'll do my very best...not to be late. --------------------------------- Be a better Globetrotter. Get better travel answers from someone who knows. Yahoo! Answers - Check it out. --__--__-- Message: 8 To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net Date: Tue, 15 May 2007 20:59:25 -0700 (PDT) From: rterry@idiom.com (Ray) Subject: [The_Dojang] say what??? Reply-To: the_dojang@martialartsresource.net > He was most recently awarded the level of 8th-Dan by the Tai Kwon Doe > Association & honored with only their 801st certification as Grand Master. Ummm, smells just a bit off to me... Ray Terry rterry@idiom.com --__--__-- _______________________________________________ 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