oomyungdoeperson

Yes, I had read that discussion before you posted the link. As for what sources, I suppose I am interested in what part of your body and to what extent each style develops, as well as how well it will prepare me for out of school situations. I have to say, I am experiencing a conflict. One one side, there is what I hear, that Oom Yung Doe is a cult, it lacks value as a martial art, and is soley existing to take away my money. On the other hand, there is what I see. An instructor who has at least well above average abilities, and who has practiced Oom Yung Doe for 16 years, I myself grew from being slightly fat to trim and being on my way to becoming well developed. I have seen people have physical problems corrected, or helped (i.e. the way of walking that favors one foot removed, and a more balanced body). So I can not believe Oom Yung Doe is completely without value. I have yet to see other martial arts schools, but from what my peers have mentioned (I believe I should state I am 14) of their experiences with other schools, I am strongly questioning the quality of other schools in my area.

But wouldn't it allow more time for the defender to realize what you are doing and perform a block?

My instructor was not the one who stated that other martial arts didn't chamber their kicks, but he asked my peers (who went to TKD and other martial arts in the area) to demonstrate a round kick, and it came right from the ground. I asked a friend of mine who goes to Martial Arts World do demonstrate a few kicks, and they came from the ground as well. I'm sure you can understand why I drew this conclusion. I would appreciate it if someone could provide me with an unbiased, comprehensive source on martial arts as well. Book and website recommendations would be something I'd be very grateful for.

Hey's not really impatient, he just expects us to pay attention the first time... I'm not certain as to what other schools are within the area but there is a Black Dragon Kung Fu school somewhere... I believe I will do a little more research into other martial arts, but if you could provide me with an unbiased reference source I would appreciate it very much. Also, has anyone found any websites other then the three main ones and links coming off of them as evidence? I can't seem to find any. As of yet, I haven't bought equipment other than a uniform top and bottom, and I don't know what you mean by long term, but i had a choice between 3, 6, and 11 months, so I took the eleven month course. It amounted to a sum of $900, but I don't know how that compares with other schools. I do feel my instructor respects us, as if we don't want to get hit he won't hit us.

Its alright, I don't feel attacked. I believe I will ask my instructor Monday, and have already told a few of my peers to check these websites out and google "Chung Moo Doe". Most of the articles I found were old, and what I experience there doesn't seem abusive though. In response to everyones' advice, I believe I will watch a few lessons from other schools in my area. Also, it was mentioned that the cult thing didn't start until black belt training, and I'm considering going into a higher-level training, so... I'll look for signs in that. I am one of the higher belts in my class, there were more when I signed up but they... disappeared. It is a teen level class, so I'm fairly certain that some tested for adult (most were 17-18 as it was). Also, I asked some people who stopped going, but they seemed eager to return, and left relatively unwillingly. Just so you know, I haven't been horribly tortured, nor do I have to pay my testing fees/lesson fees in cash. I am not forced to hang out with fellow students, in fact, we don't even have movie night and crap like that like the major martial arts school in our area, Martial Arts World, does. And I asked a friend to show me some kicks (she trains there) and they did come from the floor, so that is where I'm basing that comment on. I will however keep a watchful eye to signs of cult behavior, and am pretty willing to answer questions about Oom Yung Doe, unless an instructor or someone tells me to stop. So, from what I've read versus what I've seen, Oom Yung Doe seems pretty reformed. And might I mention, my instructor has been training for 16 years, and seems like a nice person. Contrary to articles posted, we are not beaten if we ask a movement to be explained more thourghly, though my instructor dislikes repeating himself. But if their are any former students, and anyone who has done research beyond the internet, I'd really apprechiate your imput. And anyone else who has something that would help me decide. My personal experience and "*-dar" or whatever seem to indicate this as innocent, though everyone else (people who are high-level in other martial arts) seem to think otherwise. I do believe it might have reformed, but I will bring up my concerns the next chance I get. I will answer questions about Oom Yung Doe to the best of my ability. Sorry scottnshelly, you most have posted while I was writing this. To my knowledge, Oom Yung Doe does not have an underlying agenda, though research indicates that something involving money may have happened. It is vauge though. I did a background search on my instrutor (free) and nothing appeared. Interestingly enough, though, when I did a google search on his name, nothing outside Oom Yung Doe related sites appeared... Oom Yung Doe does not claim to cure AIDS or anything, though many testamonials (even from those under a black belt level, where most sites state brainwashing appears) suggest that it helps with physical problems, and I have witnessed some adult students (sem-elderly) experience benifits, such as sucessfully balancing their hips and body. I may have mentioned before that my instructor (Todd Facello) is (I believe...) a registered chiropractor, and his goal for the next 5 years is to become a registered acupuncturist. Also, he is co-owner of the school I practice at.

I am hesitant to try Tae Kwon Doe, as some of my peers in Oom Yung Doe (lower belts) have had experience with it, and say it lacked certain aspects that Oom Yung Doe had... I believe the example often stated is TKD kicks from the ground, wheras the majority of OYD kicks start from picking up the knee first, allowing a variety of diffirent kicks from that position. I haven't read much about a cult recently, it seems to have occured in the past to. I am considering questioning my Instructor in this, but would appreciate it if more infromation could be given, and more modern sources. As for the jump kick... I believe it involves shifting your weight in shuch a way that slows the descent of your fall...

Alright, I know I'm setting myself up to be burned here... I practice Oom Yung Doe. I have for approximately 1 1/2- 2 years. I recently (like 20 min. ago) was researching it because I wanted to to start Myspace group for it. To my suprise, I found a conspiracy site featuring it, along with a 90s case discussing tax fraud. I really have benifited from Oom Yung Doe. I feel more confident, become more physically capable and mentally disciplined. Also, my school grades have been raised. I haven't tried martial arts prior to this one, however I did check out other school and my area, and frankly, Martial Arts World was a little... eh... didn't seem serious. I've heard people describe the environment as being harsh and brainwashing, but my instructor seems nice. He's not all crazy, and has a life outside of Oom Yung Doe. Most instructors have regular jobs, and he (an Assistant Head Instructor) is a registered Chiropracter and Acupressurist (still studying Acupunture). I admit I have been hit several times, but nothing big. Slight Chungs by the instructor, nothing that makes me double-over or anything. Also, my fellow students are normal, healthy teens. Is Oom Yung Doe as evil as other Martial Arts seem to regard it? I mean, it has been featured on several "Our Community" news sites.... So yes, please help me. I really like Oom Yung Doe, and feel like it has helped me, but I admit I am a little bit hesitant at considering other martial arts... What do you all think?