JWLuiza

here is some TSD discussion regarding So Hu Yun. Best,

Thanks for the info. That helps to clarify things a little bit. It is kind of cool, there is more to the Korean styles out there than I realized, and I like to think that I am fairly knowledgable on the subject. If I ever get the chance, I would love to check out a TSD school, just to see what the similarities and differences between the two are. I do have one book on TSD so far, and I loved it. It has a system of forms, but it has been so long since I read it, that I don't remember which forms they are. I do know that one of the higer ranked forms is called the "Tiger" form. Most TSD schools don't have a "Tiger" form, but they DO characterize forms by their animal compatriot... These were first discussed in GM Hwang Kee's TSD volume 1 and 2. The names (except for Wan Shu) really don't reflect animals... But it can help in your own personal interpretation of the form. best,

Hey Scott James, How was korea? Our TSD school does backfist, but according to original TSD publications it IS a hammerfist. Next time we catch up (are you back from Korea) I'll show you my new copy of Hwang Kee's volume.

I learned them in Tang Soo Do. They are vary similar to the Shotokan forms, as Fosgate said. He has a good link to check out these forms. Very true Laurie, we even number them in the Japanese order, not the Okinawan order. I just received an early edition of the Tang Soo Do (Soo Bahk Do) by Hwang Kee and there are a few more differences that my school has since abandoned for a more "shotokan" style performance. P.S. Laurie, I hope the job situation fixes itself soon!

Exactly. There is also some rumors that the Soo Bahk Do MDK is imposing legal actions against schools who are not part of the federation for using the chil sun, yuk ro, and hwa sun patterns since they are trademarked (or copyrighted?!?). The MDK beleives only MDK schools should be able to teach these forms.

Actually, MDK WAS Tang Soo Do. Some MDK instructors joined the TKD movement and taught MDK-style Tang Soo Do under the nom de guerre of TKD. Moo Duk Kwan TSD evolved into Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan.

You are welcome. Interestingly, Wikipedia has a decent entry on Tang Soo Do, check it out!

The Moo Duk Kwan (School of Martial Virtue) pre-existed Tae Kwon Do. The founder of the Kwan called his art Tang Soo Do, the korean pronounciation of Kara-te. During the Korean push to form a national art, the Moo Duk Kwan chose to not fall under the Tae Kwon Do umbrella, remaining a seperate entity. TSD MDK schools at the time (like some other Kwans) were using Shotokan or Okinawan based forms. Some Moo Duk Kwan schools splintered from TSD MDK and joined the TKD organization. Hence, there are TKD MDK schools. These schools either use the Shotokan OR TKD forms. But they retain some heritage to the TSD MDK. They may or may not focus on realistic sparring. Those who remained with the TSD nomenclature mostly do the Shotokan or Okinawan based forms (except for schools associated with Kim Ki Whang who also do some chuan fa influenced forms) and almost look like korean shotokan. Unless you are part of the Soo Bakh Do Federation you no longer do Moo Duk Kwan... your style is based on TSD MDK prior to the changes made in the Moo Duk Kwan syllabus.

https://www.tkasudo.com We have a location at Longwood Rec Center in Olney, we're cheap and have no contracts. Monday nights (not sure of the time). That's where I started 15 years ago!

Congratulations on your fat loss! BMI does not work for athletic individuals because it does not account for muscle vs. fat content. As suggested above, a body fat analysis would be more productive.

I can't wait to watch the fights... the rest of the show is weak.

I've had my tokaido satin belt for 8 years and I just got my first very small ratty string, and only near the not is white. But I also have the super thick style, so others have had theirs for half as long and have twice the fray...

Well, I know two of our blackbelts think it was a good idea... They are married and expecting their first child! Of course they were a bit older than teenagers when it started

Actually, Robinson Karate on paper is exactly what one should look for. They even encourage you to look around. GREAT attitude! Best

You are free labor. You pay them for lessons which pays for the building and they are abusing you to clean the dojo. (At least that is one way to look at it). You pay them to provide teaching and they use you for that as well... You are in a martial arts dojo/jang not a HS group or a fraternity/sorority. Your black belt should be based on your martial arts, not community service. We have no requirements outside of skill, but still have the involvement and volunteers. Or maybe I'm spoiled.

A good BJJ school will KICK YOUR KEISTER into shape. You will become a machine. TKD is a good workout as well, but BJJ is a better core workout so you will see changes faster. Good luck.

Due to a very intelligent guy whose first name is Elmar, I always consider MY jump to actually be MY OPPONENT flying as I throw him. In Empi at the end there is a grab (I think to the top collar and inside thigh) to a jump spin. THe bunkai has the kata performer staying on the ground. Thanks Elmar Schlesmeier!

We use a junior system. You can even get a junior 2nd degree. However, at 16 you test for shodan again, this time senior. You don't get a black belt number until senior as well. Advancement is necessary, but on AVERAGE, a young child isn't the same as an adult in terms of understanding. Some aspects of black belt, in MY school, are not relative, but absolute.

Practice.... To get deeper and longer, progressively increase the distance. I'm 6'7" and my stances get my head deeper than some 6' folk. It looks good when a tall person can do that. Perfection and speed is key. Don't sacrifice for speed, figure out where the balance point is. Good luck.

You can find 14oz Pro Force gis for around $60 at martialartssupermarket.com (I got a tokaido and pro force from there) Let me know what you decide!

For those looking for value pricing on your gis look up on google karate supermarket (it is either martialartssupermarket.com or karatesupermarket.com) for some good prices on uniforms. I got a good deal on a tokaido and a 14oz Pro Force. (The 14oz and the regular 12 oz heavy weight are REALLY affordable)

Laurie... STOP hurting yourself or I'll.... Oh... nevermind. Heal quickly and well. Good luck.

Hey! Welcome. It is better to have loved for a fleeting moment than never at all. Congratulations on finding a great hobby!

Picking a martial art is not forever... go for it!!! I think caveat emptor applies. See if you can find a reference for training in the area...

In some cases, invariably in the early stages, excess training and diffuse training without focus will delay progress. Drill what you know and get taught... build your base of knowledge before you get the info from multipe sources. I do applaud your conviction though, don't burn yourself out.