Kill Jill

You should also try searching under 'Gumdo', rather than 'Kumdo', as this is a more accurate transcription of the Korean pronunciation. Kendo, the Japanese art, has parallels, but it is not exactly the same. It also depends on which branch of Gumdo the school follows. As you know, there are many variations on a theme when it comes to martial arts.

Hi guys, Thanks for the commentary on the Masters. I think it's really interesting because these are pivotal Korean instructors who did a lot for the sport globally. Any more anecdotes would still be appreciated! WHITEMATT, for example, what did Grandmaster Soon Ho SAY TO YOU about his brother????!!!! Can you remember??? Even the small details are significant! It seems that these Masters have an open attitude when dealing with others. This sense of character, I would like to hear more of. I once studied Judo under a Japanese ex-olympic champ, and I have to admit that he was a really cold type of personality. No questions, no showing initiative (the students that is) - a really formal traditional style of instruction. About the 'Eternal Grandmaster' title, yes, this was a special honorary title given to him in recognition for his role in spreading TKD globally - I guess, yeah, the idea is that his spirit will live on forever. Actually, what do you think about such special titles? What do you think about 10th Dans? Yeah, some of you may not know that there ARE 10th Dans out there. What do you think people need to achieve to prove themself worthy of these?

Yeah, I can see that it's maybe not the best question...And, hmm, maybe there are too many forums to follow on this site - although today I finished trawling through every single thread in the name of research! Perhaps, let me rephrase it to ask who believes in the fundamentals of ki and oriental philosophy when you train in TKD? I think there are a lot of individuals/groups who don't accept the original tenets of TKDs philosophy, and are just all out for combat sport with the sole aim of attempting to deliver the nastiest kick for nasty's sake. How do you feel? A sadist for nasty kicks? Or a purist for meditative thought? Do any of you have meditation as part of your class?

In Japan, it can be just like this - disco lights, rocky theme tune, bikini clad girls parading with score boards, competitors entering the mats wearing silk capes... Oh yeah, it really happens in Japan. I know the Koreans are a bit upset by such an interpretation. Me too.

It's interesting to read the discussion of the necessity to use a martial arts native terminology. I would agree that it's more a case of needing universal terminology that everyone practicing the sport should understand. Why should English always be the universal language? Also, you will notice that in many competitions, the referees use the Korean terms for awarding points, penalties, and declaring the winner. I think that learning the terminology for the moves you are doing is a part of the entire learning process. I can't say, however, that the terminology has enhanced my real understanding of TKD, but it's been useful in the context of providing universal terms when I train in different countries. Moreover, a word of caution about the websites that are supposed to give you 'Korean' terms. The romanized transcript of the Korean characters is often way out of the real pronunciation. I've heard many non-Korean TKD masters using Korean terminology which is so far off the mark - how many ways they write their title - sa bom/sabim/sabinum. This is NOT Korean! I wonder at the Korean masters who meet them - I really reckon they are laughing their socks off inside - quite embarrassing IMO. Your best bet, if you are in TKD for the long term, is to find a native Korean who can teach you the correct pronunciation. Becoming acquainted with a native Korean will also give you insight into the mannerisms of the people who created this sport. Ultimately that is necessary if you are someone who would like to understand the true essence of martial arts. (And can provide you with dignified pronunciation if you should ever become an instructor!)

Yeah, I'm here in Korea, and can often see a Taekyon tournament on the TV - although participation is small and there don't seem to be many Taekyon 'dojangs' here. A lot of the Taekyon participants are older than those who participate in the Taekwondo competitions. It looks a bit rudimentary, and seems more in keeping with traditional martial arts. The costume is an old style one - no relation to the doboks of today. There are a lot of kicks without any body protection. The idea is essentially to get your opponent to the floor - so it seems. I'm not really a big fan of it. Taekwondo and Hapkido are definitely much more dynamic and more wide-ranging in techniques.

From watching international tkd tournaments - as well as a variety of other sports, it's clear that some nationalities display certain traits of emotions. I'm doing some research at present, and am wondering about the following thread: If you are perhaps from an 'ethnic group' training in a tkd class in the States, how do you feel that your psychological approach to training differents from the other students in the class?

If you had a choice, would you have a preference for training under a Korean born instructor, or a Westerner?

Hi, I'm doing some research related to a previous posting of mine. I'm wondering if anyone here has ever met or trained under the following Koreans in the USA: Eternal Grandmaster Haeng Un Lee Grandmaster Soon Ho Lee Grandmaster Joon Rhee Grandmaster Bong Soo Han If so, what did you think? Any annecdotes or impressions would be greatly appreciated. Cheers,

A true 'master' would never spar out of anger. To be a master means to be self disciplined in understanding that tkd is not to be used for emotional gain.

Thanks for your replies. Yeah, I'm getting interested in following the strand of prominent Korean trainers who have relocated to the States. I'm now realising this would have to be an important part in any book about Korean tkd standards. I'm aware from researching the Internet that many people have cited a Grandmaster Rhee, for example, as a prominent Korean instructor in the States. Such names are not automatically recognised internationally by all practitioners, so I would be grateful if anyone could elaborate more on the 'big names' among instructors in the States. Also, do you think there is a tendency for Korean instructors to be lured to the more glitzy locations of LA, for example, or is there a random spread of Korean trainers across the States? Also, how do they compare with American born trainers? Thanks for any input

Hi Guys, I'm from the UK, but train in TKD and HKD in Korea. I'm considering writing a book about my experiences in TKD in Korea, but first need to do some (a lot, in fact!) research. Perhaps some of you out there could help? Q's: 1) Have any of you trained in Korea? If yes, where did you train, what was your training routine, and what did you think about your training experience there? If no, what is your perception about the standard of TKD training in Korea? 2) If you are a female TKD student, what do you feel about the position of women's TKD? (compared to men/your standard compared to other women/has TKD helped you gain confidence as a woman?) 3) Can you tell me about the workout procedure of a typical class, and the testing requirements for 1st dan black belt in your home country? If any of you can answer these questions, you can do so here, or e-mail me - You can also ask about how to go about training in TKD for any period of time in Korea (It's really quite simple to come here and train) Thanks, zohsan75@hotmail.com