Chung Do Kwon

[IcemanSK]

I have a black belt certificate in Chung Do Kwon Tae Kwon Do. One thing I have never been able to understand though is how does a Chung Do Kwon school or style differ from others? Apparently it is not the curriculum. I have browsed websites of other Chung Do Kwon schools and the curriculum varies from school to school. Is it certain traditional aspects of the school?

*Technically* The Chung Do Kwan* like all other Kwans (except Moo Duk Kwan), support the Kukkiwon, and promulgate Kukki Tae Kwon Do...It was not so in the day... Chung Do Kwan was known for being a very powerful school...I.E. Very strong kicking, punching, and blocking skills.

So *technically* all Chung Do Kwan schools should have the same, or a very similar curriculum to all others, being united through the Kukkiwon. Again, *technically* the Kwans are not even supposed to issue certification, but rather support Kukkiwon certification, and exist solely in the position of a "social club"...

*Note: I used the romanization Kwan versus Kwon. The hangul (Korean character) is the same (관), however it is generally accepted that KWON refers to FIST (拳) where as KWAN refers to a school or institute (館).

FWIW,

--josh

The current KKW president (GM UHM, Woon Kyu) is also president of the Chung Do Kwan. The Chung Do Kwan still issues Dan rank to this day. With the way that the KKW is going, perhaps the Kwans dan certifications will replace the KKW certs.

[tenshinka]

Yes. I'm aware of what the kwans "do"...I was simply stating what is *supposed* to be going on

[IcemanSK]

Yes. I'm aware of what the kwans "do"...I was simply stating what is *supposed* to be going on

No disrespect intended in my statement. Many folks may not know that many, if not all, Kwans do this. I also pointed out that the head of the KKW is also a Kwan head as the perfect of example that what is "supposed to" happen is really meaningless.

GM Uhm will retire at the end of the year. The practice of Kwans giving dan rank will continue under the next president as well....whoever that will be.

[tenshinka]

No disrespect intended in my statement. Many folks may not know that many, if not all, Kwans do this. I also pointed out that the head of the KKW is also a Kwan head as the perfect of example that what is "supposed to" happen is really meaningless.

GM Uhm will retire at the end of the year. The practice of Kwans giving dan rank will continue under the next president as well....whoever that will be.

Well considering it never really stopped...

I find it interesting that the entire reason the Kukkiwon was established, is all but entirely ignored...The kwans are still seperate, and still issueing their own certifications...They still often practice their old Kong Soo Do/ Tang Soo Do material along with the Taegeuk forms, and many have simply kepts the Palgwe...Cant say I blame them...but as a casual observer all I can say is "interesting".

[IcemanSK]

No disrespect intended in my statement. Many folks may not know that many, if not all, Kwans do this. I also pointed out that the head of the KKW is also a Kwan head as the perfect of example that what is "supposed to" happen is really meaningless.

GM Uhm will retire at the end of the year. The practice of Kwans giving dan rank will continue under the next president as well....whoever that will be.

Well considering it never really stopped...

I find it interesting that the entire reason the Kukkiwon was established, is all but entirely ignored...The kwans are still seperate, and still issueing their own certifications...They still often practice their old Kong Soo Do/ Tang Soo Do material along with the Taegeuk forms, and many have simply kepts the Palgwe...Cant say I blame them...but as a casual observer all I can say is "interesting".

I think it's a great way to continue lineage even as the KKW gives out rank. The KKW is quite impersonal. Recognition by the Kwan gives a feeling of connection. IMO.

This is quite off the OP, however.

[bushido_man96]

I think the only reason the Kukki exists is to provide dan ranking certification for Olympic competition purposes, along with training officials, and setting up the competition requirements.

[tenshinka]

Frankly, I have always thought the whole "unification" of the kwans, and the current unification efforts between Kukki TKD, and ITF as a poor political move, without much thinking of the "martial" aspects involved.

My of the Kwans had unique, and now hard to find material (much of which is now only being practiced in the Pa Sa Ryu, Chayon Ryu, and by old MDK people...

Its like taking Coca-Cola, Sprite, Dr. Pepper, Pepsi, and Mountain Dew (all of which have their own unique flavors and merit), and then deciding to mix them all into one soft drink...Its just nonsensical.

[joesteph]

Frankly, I have always thought the whole "unification" of the kwans, and the current unification efforts between Kukki TKD, and ITF as a poor political move, without much thinking of the "martial" aspects involved.

As I understand it, there was a Korean government pressure to make all act as or become one as a "national unity" political move. I know that the Moo Duk Kwan actually sued all the way up to the Korean Supreme Court just to stay alive.

[tenshinka]

Frankly, I have always thought the whole "unification" of the kwans, and the current unification efforts between Kukki TKD, and ITF as a poor political move, without much thinking of the "martial" aspects involved.

As I understand it, there was a Korean government pressure to make all act as or become one as a "national unity" political move. I know that the Moo Duk Kwan actually sued all the way up to the Korean Supreme Court just to stay alive.

You betcha Joe!

It was trying to create a strong central movement, for political purposes (and to have something similar to what the Japanese had, I believe). General Choi used all of his political might to strong arm everyone into joining the KTA, thus almost everyone did...With the exception of Moo Duk Kwan, and thus the Daehan Soo Bahk Do Hoi...If you dont have a copy yet, get a copy of GM Hwang Kee's 50th Anniversary History of the Moo Duk Kwan...its a great read, from the "other side" of the story

[joesteph]

If you dont have a copy yet, get a copy of GM Hwang Kee's 50th Anniversary History of the Moo Duk Kwan...its a great read, from the "other side" of the story

I'd been thinking about getting this book, Josh, and when I saw your recommendation I just opened up another window online and ordered it from the Federation.