MichiganTKD

So again I will ask the question, and I'm not trying to be rude: Seeing as how they all practice locks, throws, kicking, circular motion, obsolete (in my opinion) weapons, and ki development, what is the difference between Kuk Sool Won, Hapkido, and Hwa Rang Do? They all seem to have the same root.

On the flip side, black might be warmer in winter since it does absorb light and heat better. So there is a tradeoff.

And that's why I don't practice KSW. I recognize its right to exist, and I don't claim Tae Kwon Do as the best style. It works for me. But to me, Tae Kwon Do is defined as the various Heads, with similar backgrounds, putting aside their differences and working for Tae Kwon Do. KSW was formed by one man picking and choosing what techniques from Tae Kwon Do, aikido, jujitsiu etc. he wanted to use. This is combined with, to me, questionable claims as to how and where these techniques came about. Same with Joo Bang Lee, Hwa Rang Do Kwan Jang. Lee tried to tie his style to a history it had little if anything to do with. Hwa Rang Do did not exist until the 1960's. The Hwa Rang warriors certainly did not practice a martial art called Hwa Rang Do. And for the record, I realize that Tae Kwon Do did not come directly from Tae Kyon, although in some aspects there are similarities. Some of the original Kwan heads did practice Tae Kyon (Lee, Choi, Hwang-maybe).

I never mention KSW or the others because they are not relevant to what I teach. I've never said don't practice them. And yes, I do teach Tae Kwon Do as a Way of Life (Do remember?), not just as a fighting style. By the way, interesting tag line. One aspect of true martial art, or martial way if you will, is humility and no need to brag. I find it interesting that someone bragging about the medals they have won in competition is lecturing me about being a representative about the style they practice. You just keep on practicing your obsolete fringe Korean style.

I call'em like I see'em. What exactly is the difference between KSW, Hapkido, and Hwa Rang Do. They all have questionable histories, they all wear silly looking uniforms (although, to be fair, Hapkido's uniform is a little less silly), and they all seem to use the same techniques. So I don't understand what separates them. The definition of "Do", if you recall, is a Way or Path of Life. Since KSW does not have "Do" in it, it seems to imply that it is just a set of rather outdated fighting techniques, most of which were ripped off from other styles. Let's see: Tae Kwon Do kicking, aikido throwing, jujitsiu locking. Add in some weapons you're never going to use in real life and you have one original style.

I wasn't talking about Sun Hang Do, I was talking about Kuk Sool Won. By the way, those uniforms can't be comfortable. I think it's a contest between Kuk Sool Won and Hwa Rang Do over who has the sillier uniforms.

I wasn't talking about Sun Hang Do, I was talking about Kuk Sool Won. By the way, those uniforms can't be comfortable. I think it's a contest between Kuk Sool Won and Hwa Rang Do over who has the sillier uniforms.

I have done a little practice in Aikido. I respect aikido and find it fascinating. However, Tae Kwon Do and aikido are separate. If I teach an aikido technique to students I label it as such. Even if I fully studied aikido and earned a Dan ranking in it, I still keep TKD and aikido separate, because the mechanics and philosophies are different. I certainly would never combine Tae Kwon Do and aikido into one art because it is impossible. I introduce aikido techniques as such and say this is an aikido response to such and such attack. Calling it a new art because you are combining two or more styles that may or may not be complementary is presumptous and panders to the Western (American) desire to have it all. Jack of all trades, master of none. By the way, to me a "fighting style" is exactly that-a system designed to teach a set of techniques that may or may not be grounded in a philosophical/moral code. Quick rule: if it ends in "Do" it is a martial art. Otherwise it is a fighting style. One more thing: I respect KSW as an activity that people have a right to practice. I never said don't practice it. But let's be honest. When am I ever going to use a fan or most of the weapons KSW teaches. Their techniques may have been useful 300 years ago, but seem a bit outdated now. The techniques that traditional TKD teaches will always be useful. As well as having a solid moral/philosophical code. Hence Tae Kwon DO.

"Sun Hang Do" is what I refer to as a martial art buffet. Instead of dedicating himself to one art and truly understanding it, the guy invariably studied some tae Kwon Do, some karate, some aikido, some kung fu, and some weapons to look more impressive. The end result is a self proclaimed "new style" that offers a sample of various established styles but does not go in depth into anything in particular. Much like a buffet. And yes, I see it all the time. All these "Masters" think they're creating something original when they are not. I'm skeptical because I've earned the right to be.

Because all these "new" martial arts are essentially the same. How many times can you reinvent the wheel? Hapkido is Hwarangdo is Kuk Sool Won. Sun Hang Do sounds like some no-name Instructor's latest take on combining aikido and Tae Kwon Do. Besides, anything this "Sun Hang Do" does I probably already do.

Good point. An Instructor with any real talent and credibility would be able to beat you any day of the week, whether it's sparring, forms, kicking, self defense etc. That's why the're the instructor. When the day comes that you are better than the Instructor in ANY aspect of Tae Kwon Do or whatever, it is time to move on, for they have nothing more to offer you. Not to say you shouldn't try to be better, but your Instructor should always be better.

People should see us a Holy People-btroadman Why should Christians be seen as holy? As I said, they are NOT special. And if you are worried about being able to practice MA as a Christian, it strikes me as belonging to a very constricting set of beliefs. Why should you care whether the Bible allows MA practice? You know what happens to lemmings? They eventually follow their leader off a cliff and get killed.

By the way, Christians are no more holy than anybody else. They just like to think they are. Believing you are holy or are God's Chosen because some book lets you think you are is foolish and arrogant. We were all put on this earth the same way, and we all have to make it as best we can. Christians are no more special than Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus, and anyone else I may have missed

I agree, a light-moderate lifting regimen 3x per week, along with cardio training is ideal. Your muscles need the resistance to keep toned without overdoing it. Additionally, cardio helps build stamina. I vary the cardio between treadmill and elliptical, about 30 minutes at a time. I also intersperse it with heavy bag training so that my muscles keep acclimated to exploding outward, otherwise they just get used to contracting to lift the weights. There has to be a balance. One thing I do NOT recommend is training with wrist and ankle weights during bag training, forms, kicking practice etc. This is very hard on the joints and will cause long term damage down the road. The reason for this is because wrist and ankle weights increase the amount of time it takes for your limbs to stop after executing a technique. As a result, the kinetic energy produced by the kick, punch, or block is dissipated back into the limb instead of released instantaneously.in an explosive action. The result, over time, is slow breakdown of the joint.

Resistance is right! If you don't do Pilates regularly, and you do those resistance exercises, you abdominals, lumbar, and quadriceps are going to be in agony for a few days. Trust me, I know!

Pilates were developed back in the 20's by Joseph Pilates, who was way ahead of his time. Originally designed for dances, they are a series of exercises that work the core abdominal and back muscles. When I was first introduced to them, I personally thought they were kind of effeminate (read: gay) looking. Now I realize the value they have for martial artists and athletes, since we use our abdominal and back muscles quite a bit. Think about it: If our core muscles are weak. since they help control all the other muscles we use, our overall technique will be weak (kicking, punching, blocking etc.). Yes. doing forms and other exercises will help, but Pilates can also be very helpful, if you can get past the sometimes odd postures.

Same as Delta, I love beer. But all things in moderation. During the week, when I have work, school, and teaching commitments, my alcohol consumption is minimal to moderate. Maybe a glass every other night. During vacation or times when I can relax more, I will drink more because it doesn't interfere with anything. Not heavily though. What was fun at 22 is a pain at 35! When I meet with other Instructors after testings, it is really an excuse to drink and talk about Tae Kwon Do and life. Our Grandmaster has thrown us the occasional traditional Korean drinking party. Which is exactly what the name suggests I don't follow the line of martial artists not drinking alcohol. To each his own, but I'm not a monk. I know plenty of Instructors who drink.

Same as Delta, I love beer. But all things in moderation. During the work, when I have work, school, and teaching commitments, my alcohol consumption is minimal to moderate. Maybe a glass every other night. During vacation or times when I can relax more, I will drink more because it doesn't interfere with anything. When I meet with other Instructors after testings, it is really an excuse to drink and talk about Tae Kwon Do and life. Our Grandmaster has thrown us the occasional traditional Korean drinking party. Which is exactly what the name suggests I don't follow the line of martial artists not drinking alcohol. To each his own, but I'm not a monk. I know plenty of Instructors who drink.

My current record is three aerial breaks: scissors followed by roundhouse. I am working on scissors/roundhouse/hook kick for aerial quadruple break. Yeah, I know these these techniques are worthless for self defense, but damn they look good!

Favorite power technique: sliding side kick Favorite "other" kick: back sidekick or back roundhouse Favorite hand technique: wrist or "ox jaw" technique

It is better to lose students than your integrity. The worst that could happen, you close the class the class and transfer it to a different area. Testing can be a very tricky area, since many American students have a sense of entitlement about promotion. Many times they feel "I'm paying for class, therefore I should test." What I think you should do is tell them from the beginning how testings operate and how they stand a better chance of testing. In our organization, students are prohibited from asking to test. We tell them up front what is expected of them in order to test. Yes, they are paying to attend class, but testing guidelines are not open to negotiation. They must be able to perform form, basics, sparring etc. adequately, otherwise how can they legitimately think they should hold that rank? As the Instructor, it is your job to get them ready. This is not an easy job Sometimes you have to use your imagination in teaching. Now, as for the city, tell whoever is in charge that testing is run on certain guidelines dictated by your Instructor. Explain why this is so. Wouldn't the City be more proud to have students in its program that honestly hold real rank? This is a far better advertisement for the program than giving students ranks and belt to kleep them happy. If all else fails, there must be other locations willing to host your classes.

Something else that might have been missed. As martial arts practitioners, we are and should be held to a higher standard than your average street fighter. For example, if your average person on the street gets involved in a fight, punches a guy in the jaw, and breaks it, he will be held accountable. However, if a TKD BB defends himself in a fight by kicking the guy in the face with a high side kick or roundhouse, he is liable to be punished more severely because he is seen as being much more trained, able to (theoretically) inflict more damage, and much more obligated to control himself. Therefore, those of you who feel that as MA students you will do whatever is necessary to defend yourself should keep that in mind. Tae Kwon Do is not streetfighting. It is SELF defense.

Not only that, but I've also known black belts who were a little TOO friendly with certain female students (playing favorites, never yelling at them etc.). I don't know for sure if they were actually seeing each other, but it caused a lot of whispering behind the back. rumors, innuendo, and general distrust. This lack of professionalism can cause a LOT of problems and break peoples' concentration. Not to mention, make students miss the point of why we are there.

Bretty, Personally speaking, rather than feeling the need to study BJJ for grappling, karate or wing chun for close combat etc, what I like to do is practice how I would use Tae Kwon Do for close combat or if I were on the ground. And no, a TKD stylist is NOT helpless if you get him in close quarters or on the ground, contrary to what many non-TKD people think. In fact, our forms are full of techniques to use in close. And many techniques can be adapted for use at different angles or on the ground. Again, there is always a new way to look at existing techniques, whether hand or foot, and say "might it be possible to do this with it?"

Spookey, They were ITF Instructors first, and then switched to WTF after Gen. Choi left Korea. They did not stay with the ITF and also join WTF. If you remember, I said it was possible to leave one organization and join another. I know students who have done it. You cannot practice both organizations concurrently.