Luther unleashed

Please reference this Tang Soo Do form with the form I posted from Shotokan. You will see that it clearly derived from the Shotokan form sir. I’m always open for these topics but please help me to understand the same for the WTF forms. Thanks. Tang Soo Do “Pyong Ahn Cho Dan

That is only one type of walking stance for punches and blocks. There is also a lower stance prevalent in later forms identical to the Shotokan one. Nice try. I like the nice try at the end there lol. I simply took the most basic form from Each. The patterns are not the same, the techniques are not the same, the stances are not the same, yes in some forms a traditional front stance which is prevalent in most traditional martial arts is present. I would prefer if you presented me with some type of facts showing how these patterns and techniques are the same.

Brian started up a very good thread looking at similarities and differences: https://www.karateforums.com/tkd-forms-a-running-comparison-vt47646.html Thanks, I checked it out, I actually see I posted on it. In reading my last post it appears my view has not really changed on the matter. I have conversed with you on a few occasions about the history of things and it is clear you know more than me about it because that isn’t an area that excites me to understand. Judging by the history one may say that it comes from something, but from what I see whether it originally came from a particular style or not it has clearly deviated from that system a great deal. Applications that can be used, even the muscles being used are very different. In fact Tae Kwon Do in my experience has always focused much less on applications in general as it is. Just more spouting off on these topics lol.

Heian form 1 Taeguek form 1 https://youtu.be/EsHoF3xKpBs Very different!

I think you would be well adviced to go over the Shotokan Katas again, because the Kukkiwon copied and pasted them as well. I've never studied the Kukkiwon poomse so maybe I don't know. Can you give an example? With the Chang Hon forms there are direct comparisons, e.g. Heian Nidan and Won Hyo. Can you give an example of a Kukkiwon form which matches a Shotokan kata? All Heian forms are present in the tageuk coloured patterns, just like the ITF. They switched move orders and techniques, that's all. If there's a knee in the Shotokan Kata, there might be a front kick instead, and vice versa. Just because there is a high block or low block in a form does not make it the same as a Shotokan form. I have studied Taegeuk forms and I am a 2nd dan in a Tang Soo Do based System (recently promoted) which are directly taken from the Shotokan Heian forms. I can’t se ANYTHING the same with WTF forms and would feel extremely confident saying they are NOT the same, not because there are small differences as you mentioned, but because there are only small similarities.

I don’t get o to history much but I do like a good conversation on effective and not effective. Forms and applications are good to know, because as I have always said “there are good techniques and nice techniques”. Meaning, many arm locks/wrist locks and so on are often nicer then punching someone in the face. Recently I have been working on much more self defense then usual, and I find many things very interesting but complex. A police officer can’t punch a guy in the face in most cases and has to restrain a person. This is a good time to use a “nice technique”! Not that it has to actually be nice or gentle, it’s just an analogy which depicts punching somebody as less nice. The fact is there is some use to complex moves BUT I have always been taught that striking is the way to go and firmly believe this. Using an inside block to perform an arm bar IS more difficult then using it to strike them with a hammer fist. Is much easier to perform and complete regardless of how strong the opponent is. To me sparring is absolutely the most life like relation to a fight. I say this as a person who fought a good deal as a young man. I was involved in streetfights almost weekly as a teen, as I was very troubled. This is what drew me to martial arts, the idea of learning to control my temper to stay away from fights but at any rate, there’s nothing like a guy swinging at you, not a controlled drill, but unrehearsed. Many systems call sparring the “sport” component, and the way they are all taught to move and bounce the same exact way would make me inclined to believe and agree with that, however I was fortunate to never have anybody tell me I had to move a certain way. So, for me sparring is like a fight where we don’t hit as hard. Anyways everybody has their opinions, mine is that while forms can be used as a good component in self defense... it is most effective when used as a strike and not a control technique.

I used to train with my family, that’s 4 kids and my wife and myself. I couldn't afford the car payment price of training. At the time and my instructor knew that. He offered to let us pay what we could until we could pay the full amount. We offered to clean up the place after classes, and we did that for a long time. We mopped the floors every night, we cleaned bathrooms, seating area, vacuumed and even painted when needed. We also didn’t pay ANY testing fees. He was very good to us and I appreciate what he did to this day. Obviously he wasn’t about money first and it lead to me teaching today carrying on the Arts. That is kit to say you have to do that for somebody, but I asked him how I could ever repay him one day, and he said “if you have a student in the future that is having a hard time, do it for them”! I do it from time to time and always will be open to doing it. Working with families that is.

I think you would be well adviced to go over the Shotokan Katas again, because the Kukkiwon copied and pasted them as well. When I studied WTF Tae Kwon Do, I was given the option when testing to pay extra to be recognized by Kukkiwon. Some may question my ranks validity but At the time I didn't care and was broke so I didn't. I cared about what I was learning and "I" recognized it so what was the difference? Anyways I earned a green belt. If your referring to KKW forms as in WTF forms I can't imagine any similarities, but I'm not. 3rd dan either. I too am curious what your referring too. Never been the best with history, but I have practiced a pretty broad range of arts/systems.

Yeah, just weird as I spend a great deal of time online and never knew there were people that had different meanings to the word. On any forum/Facebook and so on I see it used when somebody is acting tough.

Typically that term is used across the board for people who talk tough over the internet. People that are disrespectful and inflammatory through text. Example: Daniel son says "I dont want any trouble, it's just the internet." Johnny says "too bad punk, I'll send you home on a body bag." A "keyboard warrior"!

Typically it's about two years to black belt. At this point should be considered respectable to teach. At least the school I came out of viewed black belts as the standard of minimum requirement to teach. Some schools may feel you need to be a 3rd degree or 4th degree who knows but I personally think any black belt should be able to teach. Whether somebody is or is not a good teacher has very little to do with the exact rank they are but I think the minimum standard should always be that you have gone through all of the colored belts, that's just my opinion. I started teaching at yellow belt but I did not teach on my own until black. There are a lot of schools that teach Korean martial arts that incorporate this heart into their school and it tends to do pretty well. And I stopped at orange belt because I was training heavy and other arts and it was a bit much for my knees because of the incredibly low stances you had to perform. Recently however I have thought about taking it back up but only time will tell

The problem I have is when a person thinks a place is a McDojo because they mix styles. With the prominence of mixed martial arts and the freedom that comes with it, it's amazing we look down on this. For most though I think they seem to feel it's a place that is after money. I use the term when I see a video like somebody posted above with the game music and the guys kicking eahother repeatedly. I have never had the privilege of training in one system because of moving so much, however I feel now that I'm the privileged one, as it's put me in a position to be open minded. So in short, no way do I feel that a place is a McDojo because they blend arts. Making up moves as we go... now that's a different ballgame but If an instructor has experience in 3 arts and teaches those things how is that wrong? Obviously a general statement from myself based on some of the things I see written, and nobody in particular.

See but even that is very subjective, saying that those 3 styles practitioners would look different. This is mainly because I can show you 3 different Tamg soo Do organizations that teach differently, and the same for Tae Kwon Do. Shotokan in particular seems to be pretty close across the board from what I have seen, but either way I agree that your statement about the older stuff being more the same. As time went on though, people separated (mostly through federations) and styles took turns and became different working themselves. This is why I believe differently then most traditional guys, I feel sticking with one style is not so important, because even many styles aren't the same as it is. I study primarily Tang Soo Do, but mix training in different styles and techniques often. It's because of this I feel I have a decently open mind about styles and can speak subjectivity about them... most of the time anyways.

I think that many of my ideas and beliefs are against the grain so to speak. I often feel very strange having such different ideas then so many others. In the end though I am ok with it because as long as I'm content where I'm at and what I do works for me and my students as being a teacher, then I will be ok with different in some regard. In the end, I suppose it's just a matter of me being less likely to follow in others footsteps as I find incredible peace in being a complete individual who follows his heart. Nothing but respect for the bunch of you! I enjoy your input and knowledge in martial arts, please forgive me for being a sore thumb as that's what it feels like sometimes. I must like the workout of swimming against the tide or something lol.

I hear what you're saying, I'm not sure if you're saying that this is something that I am into because it definitely isn't, like I said I trained in martial arts that don't offer any rank so not really the issue for me. I think the black belt is just a good stopping point if you were going to have one that's all. I don't see belts as carrying the same weight as a lot of people do because I trained in many styles I've seen such a huge variation in the standard so it means less to me personally. Also training in styles that have no belt system whatsoever I recognize the high level of skill and understanding one can have without a single belt . You are definitely right though, I have seen instructors who are very knowledgeable on the surface meeting with the traditions and patterns and so on and so forth but really lacking any in-depth understanding, me on the other hand I feel I have a much more in-depth understanding than the average person who six out martial arts and learns in this manner. Belts can be used as a nice symbol but in the end they are just a marker and everybody holds a different Idea of how to use them. Edit: just to give you an example when I trained in Tong Che Bahk Do, I armed the black belt alongside other students. Because of my background and being much closer to the chief instructor I was on a very different level and was teaching black belts Texas before I was even one myself. In general I think it works is a good defining marker but that's only in general and sometimes it just isn't going to give you a true concept of the abilities of the person wearing it. I taught this art, an held a higher standard then many teachers I saw teaching it WRONG. It wasn't the way it was taught to them. They went on to earn 2nd Dan and I didn't have the ability for reasons that are too long to explain but him closing was one of them. If rank is all that matters I suppose some will choose to go learn from the 2nd or 3rd Dan, rather then the first but I assure you that doesn't always add up the way they assume it does. My point is that I'm not Belt chasing, simply finding a good point to try new, and add to my skills in a different way. Belt chasing isn't a very good career option, style curiosity is more plausible.Changing curriculum is something I have experience in and yes it is fun and motivating to start a new journey. It also carries with it a new set of problems as not belonging to any particular style (completely) can put a person in a lone Wolf situation. Learning many styles is rewarding but by default can make a person knowledgeable, that ironically isn't always a popular position to be in. As having different styles (experience) under one's belt gives that person more options to draw from. In today's world, it is more possible than ever to be a white belt in one style and to be able to defeat the Black belt instructor, due to holding multiple belts in other styles, of course possessing valuable knowledge and experience. A little off topic but... Must admit that I have learned more from my defeats and the bullies that picked on me, as they showed me my weakness. Not all martial artist appreciate their defeats as I do. Sure, being beaten up buy thugs, or tuff guys isn't what many people want to remember. Yet thugs and tuff guys all come from different styles and or backgrounds. The variety of my defeats defies definition. Learning many types of combat can be addictive, for some. So if I had a choice to be a Tenth degree black belt or hold Ten black belts in ten different styles, my answer would be; neither. Expressing myself, with techniques that works for me and not abiding to others that worked for them, make sense. I will and can learn something from everyone, with or without style or belts, of course experienced advice saves alot of time and pain in the long run. My advice is to be "NOT" like me. Rather: Pick one style and stick with it. Be the best you can be at that style. Stick with your CI through thick and thin. Promote and teach this style and pass it on. Put your family first, work second and MA last. I suppose the thing that stands out most in this is the lone wolf thing. I disagree. It's probably different in different parts of the country or even in different countries but the acceptance of blending of arts and things like that is it an all-time high. I don't think that makes you a lone wolf. When my instructor mixed things up and taught Kung Fu, he had Moo Duk Kwan Tang soo Do instructors at the testing table. At times he probably did not even know what he was looking at what the support was there because authenticity is not always mean sticking to one style, at least it doesn't mean it anymore. Chuck Norris was in a video I saw ones talking about how learning more styles is better and it struck me because I realized how American it is that we just love to combine things. Not all Americans of course it's just a broad generalization that I think fits more people than not these days. Of course this was back in the 80s, but still. As for sticking with your instructor I'm a firm believer or of never committing to a person in that manner. Not for your path. I have done it, and although I'm thankful for what I learned in my particular brand of TSD, when thins changed and he eventually packed it up and left, I had no other options. in this way you will only be safe if you picked an extremely popular lineage in your area or in Arts like taekwondo but in reality you could move and all of that could change as far as what is popular in the area and reasonable for you to continue training. I moved as a kid A LOT, and sticking to one thing wasn't so easy, it also wasn't something I cared much about, because it wasn't even about seeking out different styles as much as it was finding a place I was interested in. Whether it was the same or whether was different was not the biggest importance to me growing up, it was that I liked the instructor and the place and that's all. This is how I found Tong Che Bahk Do. It is a highbred martial art that many would look down upon because it is blended but as I said these days it's going that way more. I do not care what Skyler was, I watched through the window and saw the presence of the master instructor and the way he talked and I knew right away I was joining. He could have said it any Marshall her name and I would not have cared the least. In the end when I'm trying to say it's not that I chase different styles but more so that because of my circumstances have a learn to enjoy switching. I'm not saying everybody should switch or that everybody should not but I'm just pointing out that there are many positives that I see in switching because I have lived a life of doing it. it sounds wrong the way I have sad because in reality I'm just saying that I have grown to appreciate different. Over the last few years me moving on with circumstantial because I own a black belt and ran with it to a new place. But I am simply finding the positives in it and realizing there are ways it can be better.

I hear what you're saying, I'm not sure if you're saying that this is something that I am into because it definitely isn't, like I said I trained in martial arts that don't offer any rank so not really the issue for me. I think the black belt is just a good stopping point if you were going to have one that's all. I don't see belts as carrying the same weight as a lot of people do because I trained in many styles I've seen such a huge variation in the standard so it means less to me personally. Also training in styles that have no belt system whatsoever I recognize the high level of skill and understanding one can have without a single belt . You are definitely right though, I have seen instructors who are very knowledgeable on the surface meeting with the traditions and patterns and so on and so forth but really lacking any in-depth understanding, me on the other hand I feel I have a much more in-depth understanding than the average person who six out martial arts and learns in this manner. Belts can be used as a nice symbol but in the end they are just a marker and everybody holds a different Idea of how to use them. Edit: just to give you an example when I trained in Tong Che Bahk Do, I armed the black belt alongside other students. Because of my background and being much closer to the chief instructor I was on a very different level and was teaching black belts Texas before I was even one myself. In general I think it works is a good defining marker but that's only in general and sometimes it just isn't going to give you a true concept of the abilities of the person wearing it. I taught this art, an held a higher standard then many teachers I saw teaching it WRONG. It wasn't the way it was taught to them. They went on to earn 2nd Dan and I didn't have the ability for reasons that are too long to explain but him closing was one of them. If rank is all that matters I suppose some will choose to go learn from the 2nd or 3rd Dan, rather then the first but I assure you that doesn't always add up the way they assume it does. My point is that I'm not Belt chasing, simply finding a good point to try new, and add to my skills in a different way.

Great responses guys. I'm going to address in order. Tempest, I appreciate what your saying. A few years back we added a Jiu Jitsu program to our school. I tried it and ended up honestly not showing up those nights. Was only a few times a month but it really wasn't for me. Then when I had my dojo I hired a jiu Jitsu guy. Of course I had an open invitation to train free. I really enjoyed watching their classes, but it's not for me, and I know that for a fact. I find it boring to participate in as well as having a serious case of claustrophobia and having a sweaty guy on me does little to bring about a happy face. As for different, I understand Kung Fu is striking just like Kickboxing or Karate, but it's very different for me and I think that's what I enjoy. Quite honestly I'd be very inclined to use direct strikes in a kickboxing or Karate type manner in a fight. Highly unlikely Kung Fu. I find it's an excellent cross training method as it helps with strengthening, and helps me sometimes see different ways of approaching, but it ultimately helps me with what I do and not something new. I practiced Haidong Gumdo for some time. Great cross training, fun and broke up the monotony but not something I'd use. I guess all I'm saying is even though it seems like I'm doing the same to me it's very different. Wresting? I may go there however lol. Sensei8, and Wastelander, always appreciate your input. Wastlander pretty much touched on our Facebook relationship. He posts a good deal of videos and he's very good at what he does. His passion shows. I know exactly where he trains and who his instructor is, from things I see that is not personally. He's exceptional. He seems to really enjoy forms and applications and I have always loved that. The thought had crossed my mind honestly, but I recently joined a Kung Fu place in Phoenix and I'm trying it out. Sadly it may or may not work out. The curriculum for first degree black belt (sash) is actually a style I have done before, not really sure if that's a venture I'm into right now BUT the positive is it's a southern style of Kung Fu, which means a main characteristic is low stances and lots of hands. This is ideal since I'm struggling to get my back healthy again. I have had a difficult time motivating myself so I need class right now. High kicks are difficult. Work toward a black sash in something I can already perform? Maybe if it strikes me enough. Wastelander is also twice as far. Still though, I'll keep it in mind and thanks Noah for the invitation. To sum it up I can address Alan Armstrong as well as Sensei8 on the topic of degrees vs black belts. I had a response and then saw Noah's post. Similarly I was going to say it's all very broad and generalized. All rank isn't the same. You know, I have practiced a few arts that got me know here with rank. Literally. I train Hung Gar Kung Fu, some schools use sashes, some don't. I have nothing to show you, except to show you. It should be understood that I feel rank isn't quit as important as some, because similarly my Jeet Kune Do or Kickboxing techniques have to show themselves. No black belts. As to the challenging thought about what's better, higher rank or more styles, An instructor told me that "it's not what you know, it's how well you know it"! That sounds like it's defending your stances, but I challenge you to think it's also defending mine. What I mean is if I practice my first degree Tang Soo Do material for years, and although I practice another style often, my Tang Soo Do will still grow. I might not learn new forms with instruction, or new techniques from those forms, BUT I delve deeper often and learn more from Bassai Dae, or Naihanchi then I knew before. I still get better and grow. Is black belt the beginning? I suppose so, but if you train and learn and explore 1st Dan material for 10 years are you a beginner? I challenge the thought that learning more always means "better" weather its in a new style as you see me doing, or in a new curriculum same art as many others do. Don't misunderstand. I enjoy TSD and if I found somebody to take me at same rank and allow me to continue, I would. But I'd still take my time as I want more. I enjoy the cultural differences, I enjoy Kung Fu poetry and Tang Soo Do self defense/Kicks. I'm not saying I'm against going farther, I'm just saying it's less important to me. I worded it as a challenging thought and I should have been more graceful in my wording. Thanks for the responses guys, I appreciate all of them.

I have an addiction but it is also something that is somewhat unfortunate. I hold multiple black belts however nothing above 1st degree. Why you ask? Well, as an example I hold a 1st degree black belt in Tang Soo Do. The style or lineage is Moo Duk Kwan. My instructor only taught to 1st Dan. It happens to be a very difficult lineage to find in Arizona. I have considered going to another organization but a few I have checked into have said that I will need to start at white belt. I have no problem starting a white belt because I am not all about the belts however if I'm going to start a white belt I would rather not do it in a Nother form of The Same (TSD)! I would prefer to start something new. And this has become my addiction. Although I would love to move higher in rank I have grown to see the value of holding more then one black belt, and the value of knowledge in other arts. In my most previous school I also earn a black belt. After black belt the curriculum changed to Kung Fu, and again I have grown to really enjoy this change. Instead of advancing in that particular aren't the way it is I moved on to something totally different which really keeps me interested and offered me a different way to approach martial arts and techniques. I hold to first tan black belts and one black sash equivalent. I am training in a new art now and as I said I'm really enjoying constantly learning new. There is a very famous martial artist that did the same. The only difference is he seemed to keep it more in the karate family well I have gone from karate to kung fu, and things in between like Jeet Kune do and kickboxing. The famous martial artist goes by the name of Michael Jai white. He holds several black belts although over the last year's he has started gaining some rank in each one Beyond black belt. I have come to believe that three black belts is stronger than a 3rd Dan in one. Manny will argue because they will say their training is much more advanced but I will argue that my training is much more open minded and Rich with concepts. I would love to go beyond black belt at least in the main style I have taught which is Essentially Tang Soo Do, but my future looks grim in that regard sense as I stated above, it's difficult to find the appropriate lineage, TSD over many martial arts seems to be broken into so many different branches which makes it very heavy and politics and variations of techniques. It's a shame, but one thing I've learned is all styles and schools will except me as a white belt and this is the beauty in my newfound addiction. Clearly this topic can be spun off into a few others such as how effective One can be with many martial arts behind them compared to specializing in one. My main focus was just to talk about I suppose how fun and motivating it is to start a new journey. It's also a very strange feeling starting a new martial art as a white belt. It's very weird to have run my own school and to have been a black belt for years, and stand next to white belts as a white belt LOL. I never realized it would be so humbling but it is. What are some of your thoughts on the matter. Have any of you felt this appreciation for changing curriculum?

Yes, I am on a mission to find my place, the place I am fulfilled. Perhaps a curse as I seek more then money, and more then knowledge, I am seeking out purpose. I am trying to find truth. I'm getting all deep I know, but it's true. I'm not out for success, I want enlightenment. I'm taking a break from teaching and putting in some work on the mats as a white belt. First time in a long time and it is humbling.

Great to see you again, Lex! Thanks buddy. Been busy doing some soul searching if you will! Had so much to say that I couldn't say anything about a lot of topics on my mind. Things are heading in the direction I needed them to, so I'm peeking my head out of my cave haha. Thanks for the warm welcome.

I understand the frustration of the original post. I closed my location at the recreation center to take a break. I did it to do some soul searching. I need some time for me, it seems it's become more about making people happy, and less about my journey and what I need. Why? Because I hate to feel like I'm begging for students, I just want to teach. I depended on money and that's a problem, because I was always trying to make class so special, that I couldn't smell the coffee anymore. I understand the frustration. Today, literally today I decided I am a student and not a teacher. I am picking up some new training, and remembering what made me love what I do once again. Sometimes you need to step back and see things for how they are, because we're in a activity that many won't understand the way we do, and it's easy to get frustrated.

Sorry I missed that. I didn't realize in skimming that an 11 year old earning full rank was the issue. I agree, although in many schools 13 is when kids join the adults class. We had a 15 black belt in class. He had some mental issues but new what he was doing. He was much bigger than me as well, not sure if it went along with his disabilities or just lucky but he stood over me and I'm 6ft lol. On a side note he was dropped by our chief instructor in sparring as he was going to hard, he swept him and gave home a warning, pretty interesting and kept me respecting my instructors ability to lay me down if he needed haha. Really though My point is that size played a role for him. Sparring and holding equipment for partners was a pretty big part of our class, he just couldn't fit in a kids class. The question comes to mind, what is the right age? I have toyed with this myself. I like the idea of an adult black belt not being given until 18, and I'm pretty sure I will be sticking to this idea. Jr black belts start in the youth program at 8, so your looking at 10 or 11 earning a jr black belt. They don't learn much real self defense, they don't learn many applications, and they don't look like seasoned adults, most anyways. It's not the same to me. I ageee though, I WOULD NOT personally award an adult level, full curriculum Black Belt to an 11 year old. Also, if I am in a black belt class, an adult doesn't bow to adults, and children always call adults Mr/Mars so and so, even if the adult is a white belt and the child has a Jr black belt. Just more that makes it clear there is a difference. Picking an age is tough though because not all kids will become adults mentally right at 18. Some are ahead and some behind. My daughter is 15 and holds a 1st degree adult black belt (not awarded by me). I'm comfortable with it, at first it seemed weird but then again rank is a personal thing with a personal standard, to a degree.

Hey long time no post, and I always cringe when I see this topic lol. The reason I cringe is because I know without question there will be many posts that say something like "it took me 13 years to earn my black belt" or "a black belt means ______". Fact is, black belt means in most arts and in most schools, being proficient in the basics. I do understand that this is not how many Americans view it, because as stated in these threads, western martial arts are different. To be proficient in the basics should not take 10 years, it's just not that serious. That's my opinion. Also, I have personally awarded black belts to 7 year olds. Yup, that's right. They were awarded a black belt in the "ninjas" program for 6 and 7 year olds. Now please understand it's a child belt, and represents a proficient level of basic child material, I don't do it for money, I have awarded 2 not 200. They wear it for a while and move on to the youth karate program, as a white belt. A child black belt doesn't mean the same thing so it shouldn't mean something so heavy and become offensive, at least in most cases. If you are awarding a black belt in shotokan or Tang Soo Do to a 7 yr old it's redicuous imho but we're all entitled to our own. As matsushinshii stated he doesn't teach kids, and that he would have to change the material. That's exactly the point. The material for even youth karate isn't the same. They learn much more on the surface, it's not an adult black belt and it's that simple. I started at 7 years old which was about 1984. I joined a local Karate joint in Chicago, that stuck with me. I'm thankful for those that teach kids as I do, because my journey could have started much later, or not at all! The most important thing a youth black belt possesses is the biggest thing missing from many adult black belts, in my opinion, it's humility and true lack of ego. These are far more important then any techniques. I'm frustrated as a martial artist lately because I see so much bull and attitudes that are hard to watch. Traditional martial arts are changing, but I don't have to. Respect first, fighting is a last resort, train how you like and I'll do the same. We're all humans and have the choice and right to take what we feel is useful from martial arts, so judge less, and train how you want more. You know I'm back when a novel has been written

I think it depends on what the person is looking for but obviously they should have some type of credentials and background but good is in the eye of the beholder. Good at what? Good at teaching? Good at performing the technics themselves? I think a little bit of everything but if you are looking for Hollidge and an instructor can effectively give you that knowledge and I think that makes them pretty good. I always cringe a little bit when people say " I judge the instructor by how the students look". I have run programs at several locations outside of my main location at the rec center and now I am only at the rec center. Something that myself and my family have noticed for a long time, practically since we open the doors is that my students at that location tend to have a more difficult time looking crisp. I never ever teach any differently no matter where I'm at, when I was doing the afterschool program I was the exact same teacher or when I ran my dojo I was the exact same teacher, I have never been able to affectively say why my students at that one location have always fall and watch below any other location I have taught but it makes me cringe when somebody says they will judge me based on how my students look. I have never been able to affectively say why my students at that one location have always fall and watch below any other location I have taught but it makes me cringe when somebody says they will judge me based on how my students look To me even a black belt only means you are very proficient in the basics and ready to move on to more in-depth training yet the curriculum itself does not demand that everybody look like Bruce lee, and if martial arts is going to be able to reach everybody in all walks of life than the standard must simply be for them to execute techniques and have the knowledge weather pretty or not, because certainly we are not only awarding rank to the gifted or the talented are we? By the way I took a vacation mentally to do some soul-searching and refresh my mind, my first post in a while glad to be back.

The biggest issue in trying to point out differences is that there are a good deal of differences between the different TKD styles, and TSD styles within themselves. It's hard to be braud in this area. My TSD looks a good deal different then a popular variation like "world TSD federation" for example, as my lineage I was able to trace down after not knowing actually, to Moo Duk Kwan. This is why my "version" of TSD was so similar to Soo Bahk Do. One example of this would be the front snap kick, mine is done similar to an MMA push kick, so again, hard to be general in the differences between TSD and TKD.