bushido_man96

I would stay on your sensei about having him not bring them. An accident sounds eminent.

In Western Martial arts, most weapons training began with the long sword or quarterstaff, and then moved into other weapons. However, they may be easy to learn, but difficult to master.

This is interesting. You do both the WTF and ITF forms at black belt level? If you say so (I'm not sure which are WTF and which are ITF, but our school is 'officially' WTF, so I suppose that the required ones are the WTF ones right?) That is what I would think. I do Gae-baek as a my 2nd degree form. Is that the same form you mention, Gae-bak, just a different spelling? That is the one that caught my eye.

I think that the reason they are starting with this committee is to try to figure out what they will do with the technical apects of each style. As for rank and such, I imagine that everyone would retain their rank, but they may have to learn some new stuff. I don't imagine that the old form sets would be thrown out, but who knows? I think that would cause an uproar, for sure. The ITF I am referring to is the Interantional Taekwon-do Federation. I know there are others, but I don't know what the intitials stand for. Isn't one a Tang Soo Do organization?

In the end, if you are not happy with your orgainzation, you can always change.

Sign up for the lesser extension, and see if you get any better. Hopefully, you do, and this will all be an afterthough! Winter is just rough at times. See how it goes as it gets closer to spring.

I think this mainly has to do with most practitioners' "traditonal outlook." I don't think training in light sport shoes would be much more difficult, and they are light enough to kick someone with, I think.

In order to compete Olympically in TKD, you first have to win state qualifiers. If you place in the top 2 (I think) in a state qualifier, then you are eligible for national competitons, I believe. I don't know what you have to place nationaly to make the National Team, though. I think once you make the National Team, you are then invited to train at the Oympic Trainin Center. Then, you are pretty much on their training schedule. However, they pay for your competition fees, and travel fees, for national and international events (including the Olympics). However, you have to stay on the team. The AAU also does something similar, although they can't get you into the Olympics. However, they do have a National Team as well, that will compete internationally. However, I don't know if there is an age requirement, or not. The AAU does hold the Junior Olympics, but I don't know if they have a National team for adults. Check their website to find out for sure. I hope this helps!

The University of Bridgeport, in Bridgeport, CT, is the first American college to offer a bachelor's degree in MA. They have a curriculum set up for the students, who have to obtain 120 credit hours in order to graduate. They can study Karate, Taekwondo, or Tai-Chi at the university, and have a balance of liberal arts courses along with courses on Eastern religion, philosophy, and cultutal history as well. Also required are 12 credit hours in either Korean, Japanese, or Mandarin Chinese languages. What do you think? I think it would be interesting. I am not sure I would seriously consider attending a school like that before I had another bachelor's degree, but it would be something to hang on the dojang wall. More certification oppurtunities.

I read that GM Bong Soo Han, Hapkido practitioner, passes away this year. I have met him once, at a Certification Camp while I was in the ATA. He was a guest of GM H. U. Lee at the time. They actually set at the table I was eating breakfast at that morning. I am sure the MA world will miss him.

I have read that the ITF and WTF are working on a merger of sorts. They have formed a Taekwondo Integration Coordination Committee, and will deal with technical and administrative aspects of the two bodies, for now. What do you think? How will this go?

When you do the two spinning heel kicks, are those done without setting the foot down between kicks?

This is interesting. You do both the WTF and ITF forms at black belt level? I have heard of this before. I think the AAU does the same thing, but they only allow ITF, WTF, and Tang Soo Do forms, I think. I think it is a pretty good idea for competitions.

As mentioned by glockmeister, distance would be a good thing. Keeping everyone where you can see them would be great as well, but if there are too many around you, you won't be able to see them all. I would say that if you feel a threat, be the one to punch first.

This may be the case. I have never heard of any boxers, kickboxers, or wrestlers use the term, though. It may also relate to open tournaments, with all styles welcome, and using time in training to equate a skill level, i.e., the black belt 'equivalent.'

Congrats!

In order to improve the non-spinning kick combinations, I would start out by using the wall or a rail for balance, and perform them first slowly, at about belt level. Do about a 5 second count for each kick. This will build some muscle memory and strength. Then, start to pick up the speed. Gradually, work up the height, and then, move away from the wall. For the spins, start slow, and make sure to spot your target each time.

Dan Gun, Won Hyo, Toi Gye, and Choong Moo are all Taekwondo forms. It doesn't sound like forms that would be found in Japanese Karate. These forms may have some similarities to some Shotokan forms, however, they are pretty much relegated to Korean styles.

I think that you can be very explosive from a boxing stance. Explosion is all about how you train. Another thing about the boxer stance is that it is highly mobile. A very good advantage to use.

That's good advise, cross. I may have to start playing around with more open hand techniques in my self-defense training.

In our school, all black belts, regardless of age, are expected to be able to recall all of the previous material, and be able to perform it, and they are expected to help out anyone who asks them for help. If they do not, then they are scolded by the head instructor, and usually spend time either reviewing old material, or being re-taught the material by a lower rank that knows it.

I think that is what I would call it.

These are different organizations of styles. The ITF is the International Taekwondo Federation, the WTF is the World Taekwondo Federation, and so on. There should be schools of each of these in Canada. Schools are affiliated to the organizations, and their students are recognized internationally within schools of their respective organizations. These two organizations also hold national and international competitions for their members. At this time, the WTF is the governing body for Olympic Taekwondo.

I have never heard that term before. Very interesting. How did you come across it? Welcome to KF, by the way!

Congratulations!