Tae Kwon Do Times TruePDF-March 2018

March 2018
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GM Lim
Chae-Kwan
The Practice and
Study of Forms
Doce Pares
Basic Concepts
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to Paul Nye
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website: www.taekwondotimes.com
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Contents
March 2018 / Volume 38 No. 2 / Issue Number 222
Publisher & CEO

Features
Woojin Jung
12 Greg Brundage - Silk Road TKD Quest VIII
Managing Editor
Dom Franco The author’s travels on the Silk Road take him to Georgia.
Business Managers 16 Robert Cutrell - Coffman’s Martial Arts Academy:
William Satkamp
Barb Satkamp “Stretching the Limits” in Illinois!
Graphic Designer Rigorous tests including straddle splits
Carolin Long characterize this Illinois school.
Vice Presidents 19 Susan O’Connor-Yoga for the Martial Artist
Dr. He-Young
Kimm Traditional types of Yoga can enrich the martial artist’s
Dr. George Vitale
John Lee life by deepening spiritual and mental capacity.
Ken MacKenzie
21 Erica Linthorst-TKD Tournament
Columnists
Bohdi Sanders
World:Avalanche of Changes
Guy Edward Larke
Terry Wisniewski
Changes to poomsae are expected to go into effect this year.
Rondy Mckee
Dr. Tae Yun Kim
Karen Eden
23 Michael De Alba-The Practice and Study
Noly Caluag
Kathrin Sumpter
of Martial Arts Forms (Part One)
Robert Cutrell
John Johnson It is important to show the true value and the many
Lead Corespondent powerful applications of the moves involved in forms.
Guy Edward Larke
Contributors 32 Brenda Dobson, Russ Dobson, and Janna Guerdet

Luis Maravi
Maurice Elmalem
Donivan Blair
- Continuing the Tae Kwon Do Tradition
Park Jung Hwan
David Higgs
Kathrin Sumpter
Grandmaster Robert Sledge takes the reins of Martial
Suzanne Louden
Mark Buckwalter
Kang Shin Chul
Arts America and continues its traditional instruction.
Kayla Fisher
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Jessen Noviello
41 Kathrin J. Sumpter - Cacoy Doce Pares
Brittany Mosier
David Ippen
Rahim Mastafa
Eskrima Basic Concepts (Part One)
Jane Dillon
Rodger Pyle
Trina Pellegrini
This article introduces bowing in/out, grip, ready
Timothy Harrison
Neil Farber
Gm John Pellegrini
position, chambers and range concepts in CDP.
Dr. Leo Chung
Harish Anand
Dave Scott
49 Todd Miller - Interview with Grandmaster Lim Chae-Kwan
Erica Linthorst
Oscar Gutiérrez-Junco
John Godwin
GM Kwan’s goal is to unify Hapkido technology by
Scott Yates
returning to the teachings of Choi Young-Sul.
General Advisors Guy Edward Larke Michelle Kim Sung Yong Ji Dojang Operations Lisa Warner International
Jhoon Rhee Rick Rojeck General Education Song Son Yu Mike Menters International Correspondents Africa:
South America:
Jin Suk Yang Tiger Kim Alexander Choi Martial Art Tech. Marshall Pereir Department Asia: Robin Rafferty
Jose Luis Giarone
Hee Il Cho Kwang Sik Myung Byungchul Kim Jae Kyung Kim Alex Suh Kwang Jo Choi Chang sup Kim Argentina:
Australia:
Woon Chick Park Public Relations Yong Bum Kim Scott Greca Donald C. Kimm David Moon Young J. Lee Ricardo Desimone
Tam Fook Chee
Chuck Sereff Jung Oh Hwang Event Coordinator Barry Harmon Marketing Director Jin Suk Yang (WTF) Europe:
Soo Nam Park Taek Sung Cho Jun Pyo Choi Jamie Serio Scott Warner Yong Son Ri (ITF) Bum Ju Lee
Founded in 1980 by Chung E. Kim
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53 Gayle Jones - Pursuit of My Black Belt

Training in Tae Kwon Do has allowed this sextuagenarian
to overcome physical and mental barriers.
56 Steven Ronai - Tae Kwon Do Supervillain
Jane Kim brings her acting skills and her Tae Kwon Do black
belt to bear in her portrayal of the Bride of Nine Spiders.
61 Dario Arnese - Are You a Good Instructor?
A good instructor attracts students, caters to their needs,
understands learning styles and has good class structure.
Columns
18 Woman of the Times/ Duped by a Purse
22 Sensei Bully Ryu Corner/ Readers Write In
29 Warrior Wisdom/ Fudoshin - The
Immovable Mind of the True Warrior
39 Joy of Breaking/ Why are WE not the SAME?
47 Business/ Pass Sport
54 The Way Word/ Competing with our Hollywood Image
59 Mudo Knowledge/ Elucidating and Validating
Individual Tae Kwon Do Practice
63 One Step at a Time/ Burnout
Departments
6 Publisher’s Page
7 Guest Opinion
8 News
66 Martial Arts Directory
TAEKWONDO TIMES, is published bi-monthly, (January, March, May, July, September, and November) by Tri-Mount Publications, Inc., Corporate Headquarters, circulation and fulfillment offices located at 1510 Mt. Vernon Rd SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403 (319-396-
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DISCLAIMER—TRI MOUNT PUBLICATIONS does not guarantee, warranty, or endorse any product or service advertised in this magazine. The publisher also does not guarantee the safety or effectiveness of any product, service or martial art technique illustrated in
this magazine. The sole purpose and distribution of some products/services may be illegal in some areas and we do not assume responsibility thereof. State and local laws must be investigated by the purchaser prior to purchase and usage of products/services and martial art
techniques. Because of the special nature of some products/services and techniques, a physician should be consulted before application.
From the Publisher / Jung WooJin
Uniting The World Through Tae Kwon Do
In 1991 I had an idea that maybe martial
arts could bridge the gap between enemies.
Sixteen years later, 19 martial artists from
North Korea landed in the USA.
The cultural team from North Korea toured
five US cities. The following year the New York
Philharmonic Orchestra traveled to Pyongyang,
North Korea, and played the US national
anthem for the first time in that country.
In 2011 another Goodwill Tour visited
the US from North Korea. On a Sunday
afternoon in New York’s Central Park,
CNN filmed them as they shared Tae
Kwon Do basics with US citizens.
In 2018 IOC President Thomas Bach
worked very hard to bring a cultural team
with 500 members from North Korea
to the Olympics in South Korea.
We hope all these cultural exchanges will help
promote peace on the Korean pennisula.
On February 22 at 10 PM (Korean local time)
the Korean Broadcast System (KBS) will air the
special “Peace Through Tae Kwon Do.” This
special will air during the Winter Olympics.
It can be viewed at kbsworld.kbs.co.kr
6 March 2018 / taekwondotimes.com

Guest Opinion
Depth versus Breadth in Teaching Self-Defense
By Joel Kupfersmid, PhD
When asked his secrete to winning, Hall of Fame front grabs, and low kicks. When on the ground,
football coach Vince Lombardi said he focuses one needs to learn to defend punches. That’s it!
on doing a few plays very well rather than many Recently, I did a similar study addressing chokes
plays executed with moderate proficiency. This in street fights. Three chokes accounted for 96%
exemplifies the depth/breadth distinction. of those used in real fights. The rear naked choke
Only a limited number of techniques in martial occurred in 56% of the videos, the guillotine in
arts can be thoroughly practiced and mastered. 28%, and in 12% a two-hand grab to the neck
For self-defense I opt for depth, teaching the occurred from the front or from behind. Most
minimum number of techniques that can chokes happened with both fighters standing.
successfully be applied to the maximum number About 20% occurred when fighters were on the
of likely attacks. This strategy follows that ground. In female-to-female fights, there were
of Gichin Funakoshi, the father of modern no chokes. Instead, hair pulling was used.
Karate. In the early 1900s Karate masters, Viewing over 200 videos of real fights, I’ve seen
including Funakoshi, knew only four or five only two throws: a hip wheel and a double
katas. In his first book he wrote: “The old reap (i.e., football tackle). Not seen are locks,
masters used to keep a narrow field but plough bars, bear hugs, lapel grabs, or attacks from the
a deep furrow. Present-day students have a side. Again, this is good news! In real fights
broad field but only plough a shallow furrow.” you are likely to be choked in only one of three
From my observations, readings, and watching ways. Only a handful of techniques need to
videos, instructors typically teach defenses for a be learned to counter these attacks. I plan on
multitude of attacks. If 20 attacks are practiced, presenting defenses against front chokes and
students learn 20 different defenses. In real back chokes in future articles in this magazine.
fights, with your heart racing and adrenaline My message is two-fold. First, martial arts
pumping, remembering which moves go with needs to rid itself from teaching tradition
which attack is difficult. Indecision of action for tradition’s sake. Self-defense instruction
can be the difference between life and death. should take an empirical approach—study
Years ago I investigated real attacks using what actually happens in real life. Second,
YouTube videos. For 50 streets fight, 78% of first teaching self-defense should focus on a limited
strikes were punches, typically with the right number of attacks, eliminating defenses to
hand, and almost always directed at the face. non-existent assaults. This will allow sufficient
Front grabs to the upper chest occurred 10% practice time to gain considerable proficiency in
of the time, and kicks were 8% of first strikes. techniques that matter if attacked in real life.
Three-fourth of kicks were below the knee, with
none to the face. For half the fights at least
one participant went to the ground. When on Dr. Kupfersmid is a psychologist with black belts
the ground, the person was always punched, in Kwanmukan Karate, Jiu-Jitsu, and weapons.
never kicked, locked, barred, or choked. He teaches self-defense at Kent State University
and has authored Self-Defense for Women
This is good news! When standing, one needs to & Men of Small Stature: 5 Second Fight.
learn techniques to counter punches to the face,
taekwondotimes.com / March 2018 7

Martial Art News
Visit taekwondotimes.com daily for all the latest breaking news…
Legends Show Up for Book

Inclusion Ceremony
WASHINGTON, D.C.:From Martial Arts Pioneers to Fighting
Champions, some of the biggest names in the martial arts
industry gathered in Washington D.C. this summer. Ceremonies
for the Who’s Who in Martial Arts book inclusion, presented by
The American Martial Arts Alliance (AMAA) were held at the
Gaylord on the inner-harbor, with about 265 in attendance.
“This is the legends edition of Who’s Who in the Martial Arts,”
says event promoter and Grandmaster Jessie Bowen of the
AMAA, who was looking for a way to educate upcoming
martial arts practitioners about the top leaders of the industry.
Receiving the Pioneer Legends award was Grandmaster Jhoon Rhee,
who is considered a founding father of Tae Kwon Do in America.
Grandmaster Rhee received three standing ovations for his lifetime
of dedication to the world of martial arts. Rhee has instructed Bruce
Lee, as well as many well-known dignitaries, world champions
and celebrities for the last several decades. Five other grandmasters
were also inducted as “Pioneer Legends,” including Pat Burleson,
Leo Fong, David Praim, Allen Steen and Dr. Maung Gyi.
On the cover of this years Who’s Who book are fighting champions Joe Corley, Jeff
Smith, Bill “Superfoot” Wallace and Bill Clark. All four martial artists are ground-
breaking fighters who helped to solidify martial arts in America. The book is divided
up into five sections: Pioneer Legends in the Martial Arts, Lifetime Achievements in
the Martial Arts, Champion Legends in the Martial Arts, Grandmaster and Master
Legends in the Martial Arts, and Black Belt Legends in the Martial Arts.
Forty-six martial artists were inducted for Lifetime Achievement, including Tae Kwon Do
Times columnist Karen Eden. Forty-eight were inducted in the Champion Legends category,
128 in the “Grandmasters and Master Legends” category, and 26 in the “Black Belt Legends”
category, for a total of 253 inductees. Close to 700
martial artists are said to have applied for induction.
The ceremonies were attended by martial artists from all
over the world, including Canada, Europe and the Middle
East. “We hope to continue adding new additions to Who’s
Who in the Martial Arts,” says Grandmaster Jessie Bowen.
It has been his desire, along with his own instructor and
staff, to open up the communication between martial
artists around the world so that they can discover how
rich and varied the martial arts industry really is.
Martial artists interested in applying for induction in 2018
can do so by contacting GM Jessie Bowen of the AMAA.

Memorandum of Understanding
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A Grand Lesson
In 1955, a 35-year-old two-star South Korean General named Hong Hi Choi coined the term
“Taekwon-Do.” About ten years later, he would form the International Taekwon-Do Federation
(ITF) that would serve as a launching platform for
millions to practice the most popular martial art in
the world. Before his death in 2002, seven men were
promoted to the highest rank of 9th degree black
belt. The second of those men is Kwang S. Hwang.
Getting the opportunity to meet a first generation martial
artist is unusual. The opportunity to catch a seminar is
even more rare. On November 2,2017, the students at
Master Thomas Gordon’s dojang in Crestview, Florida,
were able to learn directly from Grandmaster KS Hwang
(K-9-1). During the seminar the students were taught
fundamentals of Tae Kwon Do with the principles of
the generation of power as embodied in all the color belt patterns.
Grandmaster Hwang started his martial arts training at age 11. He
was one of the Tae Kwon Do instructors dispatched to Vietnam during
the war. While in Vietnam, he received commendation medals from
Korea and Vietnam. In 1971 he was service company commander
of the 26th Infantry Division, which was also known as “the
Taekwon-Do Division.” After leaving his military career, he
moved to the USA and opened a martial art school. Today
he travels around the world teaching Tae Kwon Do.
For information on seminars, please contact Master
Jade Hwang at [email protected]
Submit your news to
[email protected]
Martial Art News
Visit taekwondotimes.com daily for all the latest breaking news…
The International
Conference of Taekwondo
The International Association for Taekwondo Research (IATR)
and the Taekwondo Promotion Foundation (TPF) held the first
International Conference of Taekwondo at the Taekwondowon
(Taekwondo Park) in Muju, South Korea, on December 1, 2017.
The theme of the conference was “Promoting Diplomacy through
the Taekwondowon.” Accordingly, the IATR and TPF chose seven
presenters whose backgrounds were ideal to propose new solutions to
how the TPF and the Taekwondowon (Taekwondo Park) could further
diplomacy efforts through the martial art and sport of Tae Kwon Do.
The opening and welcoming addresses were given respectfully by Dr. Jong-
Kook Song (IATR President) and Dr. Sung Tae Kim (TPF President). Dr. George
Vitale, who represented the United States National Committee on North Korea
and is the TaeKwonDo Times vice president, gave the keynote speech next. Dr. Vitale
spoke on his work with the American and North Korean governments to promote
peace through the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) demonstration teams.
Dr. Jung Sup Kim of Kyung Hee University’s Department of Korean Language
and Literature then gave the main speech of the conference. He spoke extensively
on the efforts and successes of the King Sejong Institutes to teach Korean culture
and language around the world. Dr. Kim stated that Tae Kwon Do should be
included in the King Sejong Institutes’ curricula. He stated that more Tae Kwon
Do experts should be dispatched from Korea for this purpose. Moreover, he claimed
that a unique Tae Kwon Do curriculum needs to be created to realize this idea.
Panelists gave ten-minute presentations on Tae Kwon
Do diplomacy. Dr. Hoi Sik Jang (Director, TPF Foreign
Relations Department), Dong Won Kim (Professor,
Gangneung Wonju National University), Dr. Yoon Kyu
Choi (Researcher, the Jeonbuk Institute), and Master
Achutam Lamichhane (Principal, Harati Shikshya Mandir
School in Nepal) discussed the past successes of Tae Kwon
Do diplomacy and shared their ideas for future efforts. In
particular, the WT’s work with refugees was highlighted.
There were approximately 200 audience
members at the conference, including
Korean professors, students from local universities, foreign nationals studying
Tae Kwon Do in Korea, and ITF organizational leaders. During the hour-
long question-and-answer session that followed the panelists’ presentations, all
audience members had the opportunity to ask questions. All presenters provided
papers on which their presentations were based. These were published in the
conference’s proceedings and are available on the IATR website (www.jiatr.org).
Photos: Yong-chul Ju (http://nmju.tistory.com)
Two Grandmasters Team Up in Sweden
Grandmaster Magnus Degeus from Sweden
and Grandmaster Dr. Ibraham Ahmed from
the United States teamed up for a successful
workshop presentation in Sweden. GM Degeus
taught several self-defense arts. Grandmaster
Dr. Ibraham Ahmed taught the Jo staff
fighting form and then a certification course
for martial artists to teach community self-
defense—a course that should be viewed
as ”teach as if you are teaching your
grandmother.” Many of the techniques
are from Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido.
The course teaches the acronym S.A.F.E.
(Secure yourself, Avoid trouble; Flee, if possible; Engage, if neccessary), such as:
“Don’t walk or jog early in the morning or late at night when the streets are deserted.”
“When out at night, try to have a friend walk with you.”
“Carry only the money you’ll need on a particular day.”
The course also teaches the use of use of everyday items as self-defense tools. Some
examples are a pen, cell phone, flashlight, umbrella, belt, and plastic water bottle.
Students are also educated regarding general laws of self-defense, such
as the right to self-defense, use of reasonable force, etc.
It was a great learning day for attendees from all over Sweden, Germany, and USA.
Grandmaster Dr. Ahmed is the 10th dan President of the World Martial Arts
College (established in 1970) that provides training, workshops, certification to
martial artists of all styles around the world, assisting them with their growth
and success. He additionally is 9th dan Tae Kwon Do President of the US Tae
Kwon Do Han Moo Kwan Association (with affiliation to
the World Tae Kwon Do Federation Kukkiwon and the
Korea Tae Kwon Do Han Moo Kwan Association).
Grandmaster Magnus Degéus is from Kristianstad, Sweden,
and, along with Andreas Olofsson, founded the Urban
Combat Hapkido Federation (UCHF) in 1996 in Sweden.
It is an open system which encourages the students to seek
knowledge and skills from everywhere they can. All students
are free to integrate previous knowledge in their training
and to learn from each other as well as the instructor.
UCHF is represented in Sweden, Germany, Ireland, Belgium,
England and Italy. Due to Grand Master Magnus and his friend
co-founder Olofsson’s previous martial arts backgrounds, the
system has been praised for being easy to understand and learn
for beginners but can be very complicated and hard to master
at higher levels, taking many years of dedication and practice. Submit your news to
[email protected]
Silk Road TKD Quest-Part VIII
By Gregory Brundage
July 18, 2016 – Tbilisi, Georgia is perhaps a bigger responsibility than one might
think. “Before I was just a competitor, and for me
fighting no problem. Being a trainer is a lot more
complicated, but I enjoy the challenge,” he said.
Fortunately, size isn’t everything, as their WTF
team has proven again and again in international
competition. The week before my interview they
were in the Luxumburg Open Championship
— a G1 ranked tournament and won one gold
medal and two bronzes. In February 2016 in
the Ukraine they’d won two gold medals, and
in March they were in Bela Rousse, where
they won three gold and two silver medals.
Being a part of the European Taekwondo
Federation, their competition is extremely
This afternoon I was fortunate to have the tough, with teams like Great Britain (2nd in
opportunity to meet with a legend of WTF overall Olympic medal count with 27 gold
Taekwondo in Georgia—trainer Ioseb Osidze medals), and Germany (5th in medal count,
and at least part of their national team. and so on) to contend with. But that doesn’t
I started the interview by asking about his slow Head Trainer Osidze down one little bit,
own Tae Kwon Do background and found as he’s used to beating the odds and taking on
out National Team Trainer Osidze had a very all the competition (this, by the way, neatly
impressive Tae Kwon Do career indeed: summarizes the whole history of Georgia).
• 2009 Iran Fighter (gold) During our interview I found they have 45
• 2010 Korea (gold) official trainers around Georgia with some
1,500 registered students in the Georgian
• 2010 Egypt Alexandria (silver) World Taekwondo federation, which was
• 2013 Turkey Open International founded in 1993. The junior national team has
tournament (gold) about 15 regular competitors, while the adult
… which is especially impressive, considering team has around six regular competitors.
that Georgia’s entire population is less than When I asked about some of their brightest
five million people, while Istanbul alone stars, Head Trainer Osidze mentioned Meskhi
has a population of some 14 million people, Tornike, Paksashvili Badri, Kyrakosyan Arshak,
and Iran, I’ve been told, has at least a Gamkhitashvili Giga, Kavtaradze Beka,
million people practicing Tae Kwon Do. Geldiashvili Luka and Toronjadze Lika.
Between 2005–2014 Ioseb Osidze was the The President of the Georgian WTF Sulkhan
Georgian number one gold Babuadze was very helpful
medal winner. Until 2009 in setting up this interview
Head Trainer Osidze was on very short notice, and
the captain of the national General Secretary Avtandil
team, but these days he’s Mikadze very helpful
“just” the trainer, which in communications.

Kwon Do people! The team is very excited to
be joined by such great international talent.
The day I showed up at the national training
center was a busy one for the team, as that
morning they’d had a TV film crew doing
a special on their team, and right after our
interview they had to leave for another
international competition. The life of a WTF
National Team is a busy one, and they all had to
go and make final preparations for their travel.
An entire book could be written about the During my time in Georgia I also visited many
martial arts career of General Secretary Avtandil of the cultural and historic centers, including
Mikadze, who holds a 5th dan in Jiu-Jitsu, 5th Georgia’s totally picturesque former capital,
dan in Hapkido and a 5th dan in Tae Kwon called Mtskheta (briefly described in Part 7 of
Do. He started his martial arts training in this series), the Georgian National Museum,
1970 with Greco-Roman wrestling and then in the awesome 4th-century castle Narikala
1995 started his training in Asian martial arts, Fortress, and gazed upon the fair face of Kartlis
making him a national icon in the Georgian Deda, the most famous woman in Georgia,
and European constellation of martial arts. He also known as the “Mother of Georgia.”
started the Georgian Jiu Jitsu Federation in Being 20 meters tall, made of aluminum and
1991 and earned his 2nd dan in 1996. “Sensei standing quite near Narikala Fortress high
Mikadze” is the official representative for the atop a hill overlooking Tbilisi, the Mother of
World Elite Black Belt Society (W.E.B.B.S.), Georgia is hard to miss. Designed by sculptor
former president of the Georgian Taekwondo and Tbilisi native Elguja Amashukeli in 1958
Federation and president of the East European to celebrate Tbilisi’s 1,500th birthday, Kartlis
Jujitsu Community for the country of Georgia. Deda symbolizes Georgian hospitality. She’s
The Federation President Sulkhan Babuadze is holding a cup of wine in one hand to greet
a 3rd dan who started Tae Kwon Do in 1993, her friends and guests while in the other hand
the same year Tae Kwon Do was founded in she holds a sword for those who might not
Georgia. He started as a sportsman and then be so well intentioned upon arrival and have
became a trainer, and now he’s the federation
president. During his time as federation
president, Tae Kwon Do has grown enormously
in popularity in Georgia, and the skill level
has improved dramatically. I was told that
it’s largely due to his inspired leadership.
A bright light that recently joined the Georgian
team in Tbilisi is Maria Merkouri, a WTF Best
Referee Award Recipient 2014 and licensed
Georgian International Referee. Originally from
Greece, Maria holds training seminars and camps
for referees and coaches all around Georgia, some devious plan to infringe upon Georgia’s
awarding certificates to successful attendees. God-given, and hard-fought-for liberty.
She’s also seeking Georgian citizenship, so great
is her love for Georgia and especially her Tae For me visiting Georgia was quite fantastic,
especially given that it was the first time I’ve
been in a Western country in the last 15 years.
Georgia isn’t just Europe. It’s in some ways the Susanna, sister of the Patriarch of Jerusalem.
best of ancient Europe married to the modern Christianity was officially declared the state
world in unusual and fantastic ways, like the religion by King Mirian III in 327, and in
beautiful Freedom Bridge that joins the Old 334 he commissioned the building of the first
City and the new. But to even try to tell this Christian church where now stands Vetitskhoveli
story one must start at the beginning, which Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of the
in terms of Georgian history, was sometimes Living Pillar, which is located in Mtskheta.
around the 8th millennium BC, with the Their National Museum’s large collection of
brilliantly preserved artifacts one can see in the Byzantium art includes many well-preserved
archaeology collection of their national museum. frescos which bring to life the ancientness
For the “martially minded” the national and piety of this nation and its culture. So
museum’s collection of ancient weapons reflects influential was Eastern Orthodox Christianity
the whole history of the evolution of human war on their history in some ways their National
technology from stone knives and axes, mace Museum is like a cathedral. Strong Greek and
heads and axes made of horn, bronze, iron and Roman influences on early history can be seen
steel swords, and armor, and through all the museums I
shields from the beginnings of visited on this trip in Georgia,
history right up to the late 1800s, Azerbaijan and Turkey.
when guns became the dominant Probably my favorite display at
“peacemaker” of the age. the National Museum wasn’t a
For fans of Greek and Roman weapon, but rather the rather
art and culture, Georgia is a large four-wheeled ancient
treasure trove. Between the 1st wooden carts from the first half of
century BC and 7th Century the 2nd millennium BC, found in
AD parts of Georgia were the Sabidakhcha Burial Mound.
part of what later became the Though undoubtedly primarily
Eastern Roman Empire, which used by farmers to transport
lasted vastly longer—to the grain and vegetables to markets,
tune of a thousand years— the cart could have been used for
than the Western Roman transporting the whole family
Empire, though territory and all one’s most valued worldly
in the Caucasus was batted possessions to safer places in time
back and forth in a series of of war. If objects could talk, those
conflicts called the Roman Persian Wars. old carts would have some amazing tales to tell.
A sign at the entrance of the museum states The owner of this particular cart so loved it he
that the chroniclers of ancient Greek, Roman, had it buried with him, some 4,000 years ago.
Byzantium, Arabic, Turkic, Persian and Narikala Fortress floats atop the current capital
Armenian nations all acknowledged the fame city of Tbilisi, and at night its undulating walls
of Georgia’s excellent warriors. Georgia’s are bathed in a golden light. It’s easy to find one’s
outstanding martial valor and skill almost way around the old town of Tbilisi because one
always won against vastly superior numbers. can always orient one’s self by that ancient castle.
Their warriors are legends in the region. Built in the 4th century, this grand monument
Georgia was one of the first countries in was destroyed and rebuilt many times yet has
history to adopt Christianity. This conversion the look and feel of the ages upon it. The view
is attributed to St. Nina of Cappadocia, the down upon the city from the fortress is one of
only daughter of Roman General Zabulon, who the best. After a tour of Narikala one evening,
was a relative of St. George the martyr and I walked back through the Old Town center

They have their own peaceful rhythm in harmony
with the surrounding nature, and vibrations of
the whole Silk Road still resonate through the
streets, ancient buildings and friendly people.
In their National Museum I saw some of
the oldest human skulls dating back some
1.8 million years and witnessed some of the
earliest development of tools, arts, weapons,
musical instruments and Christianity. In
addition, I at least briefly met some of their
young Tae Kwon Do superstars and their
illustrious Head Coach and Trainer Ioseb
Osidze and got to photograph them training.
Tbilisian society is, like the Silk Road city it
has been for the past 1,500 years or so, very
pluralistic. In Tbilisi one can find Jewish
quarters with a splendid ancient synagogue and
Muslim quarters with a magnificent old mosque.
Walking the streets today, one finds people of
many faiths and no faith openly expressing their
cultures and interacting in natural and peaceful
and was reminded what a popular international ways. Indeed, Georgia in general and Tbilisi in
tourist spot this is, as one will hear languages particular are models of pluralistic harmony.
from a hundred countries with all enjoying the
beautiful evenings in outdoor cafes, restaurants Georgia is unquestionably one of the friendliest
and other drinking spots. For centuries people places on earth offering free visas to people
from all over the continent have come here from over a hundred countries. That in itself
to relax and soak up the atmosphere of this tells a lot about this free and open country.
picturesque capital city, and also visit the Black Before closing this story, I must say a huge
Sea resorts, which are not far away. Some of the thanks to Avto Mikadze affectionately
black sands on the Black Sea beaches are known known as “Tako,” the fantastic translator
to be magnetized, and many believe help relieve that helped enormously during my visit to
arthritis and other physical ailments. The Tae the WTF headquarters in Tbilisi Georgia.
Kwon Do and other sports federations in Georgia Finally, I will bid Kartlis Deda, the Mother
often hold summer camps at Black Sea resorts, of Georgia a fond farewell as she still stands
as they are really great places to visit and get aloof watching silently high above her city,
terrific cross-training benefits, including of course and simultaneously I wonder if perhaps she’s
those challenging kicks and punches in the sea. saying some wordless but powerful prayer for
I spent a week in Georgia, and it was really a peace and freedom that can be understood by
beautiful time. It’s easy to get to know people all her people in that fair and beautiful land.
in Tbilisi, as they have a traditional way of life
that is a lot easier going and more relaxed than
Contact: [email protected]
most capital cities. It’s easy to make Georgian
and international friends there because it just
doesn’t move at the hyper-pace that seems to Gregory Brundage is a retired journalist and
pervade more and more of the modern world. currently works as a teacher in Beijing.

By Grandmaster Robert Cutrell
In the small town of Anna in Southern panel to start their testing. Next came hours
Illinois (population 4,269), Master Heather of outstanding basics, forms, self-defense,
Coffman of Coffman’s Martial Arts Academy weapons, and board-breaking requirements.
is demonstrating that “old school” traditional During the testing, the room was full of family
martial arts is alive and doing very well! In members who came to support those testing,
spite of the small population of Anna, Illinois, and many parents were out on the floor helping
Coffman’s Martial Arts Academy has continued to hold boards, pads, and supporting those
to grow and produce outstanding students. testing any way they could. “We have so
Master Coffman, under the direction and much amazing support from the families
mentorship of ChunJiDo International of our students,” said Master Coffman.
Council of Elders member “They are always eager to help with
Grandmaster Thomas Black and whatever is needed. Our program
ChunJiDo International Founder, is designed not only to gain skills
Grandmaster Robert Cutrell, in martial arts but to also gain life
who combined have over 100 skills. It is more important to me
years in the martial arts, teaches and the parents of my students to
a curriculum even the savviest see the students become more caring
martial artist would appreciate. and compassionate individuals than
At a recent black belt testing it is to see how high they can kick
Master Coffman’s black belt- or how many boards they break.”
recommended test candidates were Needless to say, the test candidates
put through a grueling pre-test were definitely exhausted but had
“warmup” which included literally to demonstrate one last skillset that
hundreds of pushups, squats, and is one of the highlights of training
other extremely physically demanding at Coffman’s Martial Arts Academy—
requirements in order to qualify and the straddle-splits! Those who have
receive permission from the examination
been in the martial arts for any length of
time understand how difficult increasing your
flexibility can be and how much dedicated
effort it takes. Specifically in Tae Kwon Do,
increased flexibility is a crucial part of successful
training. Seeing the advertisements in martial
arts magazines showing someone doing the splits
between two chairs brings envy and excitement
to the dedicated practitioner in hopes that
someday they may be able to accomplish this
seemingly superhuman feat. Well, at Coffman’s
Martial Arts Academy, everyone gets in on testament to the dedication and commitment
the action! Each student from white belt and it takes to reach the higher levels of martial
up is encouraged to “stretch their limits” and arts training, especially in a system that
learn how to do the straddle-splits. Under the demands the best from each student, and
watchful eye of the examination panel and challenges them to “stretch the limits” to
those in the audience, the black belt candidates, achieve all they are capable of achieving.
along with the rest of the students, got the
opportunity to showcase their flexibility and
Photos-Dan Isaac Photography
demonstrate the straddle splits between chairs.
When the testing was completed, everyone
enjoyed a ChunJiDo self-defense presentation Grandmaster Robert Cutrell is the founder
by ChunJiDo Grandmaster Robert Cutrell and of the art of ChunJiDo and the ChunJiDo
his assistant, Master Michael Dockery. After International martial arts organization with
deliberation by the test panel, the candidates affiliates in five continents and over 30 countries.
received their black belts. The smiles on the A multiple hall of fame inductee, GM Cutrell
faces of the successful new black belts and the was prominently featured in 2008 in a stamp
appreciation by all those treasury album published by the Chinese
in attendance government in commemoration of the martial
were a arts during the Beijing Olympics. GM Cutrell
specializes in advanced self-defense training
and has an extensive knowledge of
traditional martial arts principles
and application. In addition to
sponsoring international training
camps in Evansville, Indiana,
his hometown, Grandmaster
Cutrell has conducted seminars
across the United States,
Canada, and Europe.

Woman of the Times
Duped By a Purse
By Karen Eden
People who know me know that I love purses. of glued. But sewing takes longer and requires
You have to carry one every day, and I have more expertise. Therefore, you are paying for
never been a woman who can carry the same the durability and thus the longevity of the real
one over and over. So when I saw a very high- version. Those cute little knockoffs will work
end designer purse for a little over $200, I in a pinch, but they never go the long haul.
knew that it was a steal. The store was very You know those Karate stories about students
reputable, so I had no problem believing it coming up to us instructors who say they’ve
was the real deal too. Of course I went home trained in their basement to videotapes are
with that cute little purse that very day! true stories. Most of them will ask that you
A couple of months went by, and I noticed grant them their video or DVD rank as well
the lining of the purse was starting to unravel. instead of starting them over as a white belt.
“It must be a fluke,” I thought to myself. I I was once told, “I can kick and punch just
took the purse back to the department store, as good as anyone in your class.” I declined
and they exchanged it for free. A couple more this prospective student, but evidently another
months went by, and again the lining of the instructor granted his request, and he got his
exchanged purse also started to unravel. red-belt entry into the school down the road.
Just as I was debating how to handle this Wanna know why I didn’t take him? Because
issue, I received a letter from the store where I I don’t care how good his technique may have
had purchased the purse. It read:“We’re sorry looked on the outside. He would have eventually
to inform you that we have misrepresented ripped on the inside, and this is one instructor
an item you have recently bought.” As I who isn’t going to get duped by another fake.
continued to read, I couldn’t believe it. The
store had been duped into buying fake designer Anybody can kick and punch, but to get
purses. The knockoffs were that good. your head and your heart to line up with
your technique takes longer and requires
It’s true. Even I couldn’t tell that the purse was more sweat and training. This is what gives a
a knock-off, and I’ve always considered myself a martial artist durability and thus longevity.
resident expert when it comes to designer purses.
But to think that this reputable department Meanwhile, the department store had no
store had been duped was jaw-dropping to problem taking back my knockoff purse and
me! “We are extremely embarrassed that we returning my money. I still shake my head today.
have been misled,” the letter concluded. “That really was a nice-looking purse!” I think
to myself. But it wasn’t the real thing. And
But now that I think back, I should have no matter what anybody says, there are some
known that a real designer such as that one things in life that need to be the real deal.
would have been about three times as
much as what I had paid. And then Master Karen Eden is a 6th-degree black belt
there’s the lining. I have learned a long in Tang Soo Do. She is also a radio personality
time ago that it doesn’t matter how and television journalist who has appeared
good a purse looks on the outside; on CNN, with feature reports airing
the inside will always give it away. nationally on Fox News. Master Eden has
authored four books and has appeared in
High-end purses do not tear on the two major Hollywood productions. She
inside because they are sewn instead can be reached at [email protected].

What Type of Yoga is Best for the Martial Artist?
By Susan Griego O’Connor
While Yoga has many benefits when practiced Raja Yoga – The “Royal Yoga” liberates the
regularly, many people do not understand the individual through the practice of meditation and
importance of practicing Yoga to suit the needs requires diligent, focused concentration. It is the
of the individual. A one-size-fits-all approach same as your martial arts practice each time you
does not work with Yoga, primarily because review your form (poomsae). Each articulation of
Yoga is meant to be malleable and suited to the the foot or hand is slowed down in the thought
individual nature of process to accomplish
the practitioner. As you the desired precision
will see, not all Yoga is and speed. Without the
the same. In addition, complete attention to
you may be surprised detail, your poomsae
to find out your martial will lack the definitive
arts practice has many striking acuity which
things in common with the advanced martial
the ancient tradition of artist is known for.
Yoga. More importantly, This focused attention
by learning about the coupled with diligent
traditional types of Yoga effort is Raja Yoga.
and integrating it into Jnana Yoga – The
your martial arts, you ”Yoga of Wisdom”
will learn how Yoga can aims at liberating the
be a catalyst for self- practitioner through
awareness and happiness concerted awareness.
in all of your endeavors, This concerted
not just martial arts. awareness guides
The ancient text of Yoga, the practitioner to a
the Rig Veda, dates higher understanding
Yoga to as far back as of what is real and
6000 BCE. With this unreal. For the
long tradition of Yoga, purposes of Yoga, there
we may surmise Yoga is no finite definition.
as being shrouded in What is real to each
dogmatic tradition. individual may vary,
However, nothing is but it is still rooted
farther from the truth; in higher awareness.
in fact, the goal of Through the steadfast
Yoga—self-realization application of martial
(moksha)—dispels arts, you gain a higher
the idea of one method of training being the awareness to the appropriate application of the
“correct” method. Since each individual can art. Think of the difference between Daniel and
awaken their true self through many different Johnny in the movie Karate Kid. Jnana Yoga
methods, Yoga meets the practitioner on helps the martial artist distinguish what is the
the path and carves a deeper understanding correct and incorrect application of the fight.
of the practice through the ideals, mindset Karma Yoga – The “Yoga of Action” focuses
and preparedness of the practitioner. on our day-to-day actions and the application
of selfless service through the relinquishment arts. This merging of spirit and physical world
of the ego. The student who cleans the dojang is at the heart of Yoga and martial arts.
floor and readily acknowledges his role in the Hatha Yoga – The “forceful Yoga” is what
upkeep of his school is practicing Karma Yoga. most Westerners consider when they think of
Many people frequently misunderstand this Yoga. Hatha yoga requires the force between
style of Yoga, believing it is a tit-for-tat way gravity and the physical body. This force
of life. In fact, Karma Yoga has more to do may be applied simply when in sukhasana
with our own actions than that of others. (happy pose) seated comfortably and using
Bhakti Yoga – The “Yoga of Devotion” gravity as the force or when in a standing
liberates the practitioner through the virabhadrasana (warrior pose) and using the
cultivation of love and steadfast actions aimed force of the muscles to maintain the pose.
toward the Divine. While the practice may In this same way, the martial artist is able to
center on religious entities, the practice of practice Hatha Yoga each time she practices
Bhakti Yoga is more commonly practiced kicks or punches, as long as the attention to
in the understanding of universal love. This the breath and focus of the mind are in sync.
understanding applies to the martial artist By distinguishing between the traditional
when she applies her love for martial arts in types of Yoga and applying them consciously
a communal effort to keep her neighborhood to your practice and life, the martial artist
safe and protect those who need help. Bhakti can attain the goal of Yoga while at the same
Yoga flourishes in the community and is upheld time improving their martial arts practice.
by those who aim to do good for others. As an adjunct to martial arts and everyday
Tantra Yoga – The “Yoga of Expansion and life, Yoga begins to deepen our spiritual and
Continuity” rests on the idea of transcending the mental capacity. It is this spiritual and mental
ordinary world through ritual and the awareness capacity that eventually aids us in attaining self-
of the creative force or female energy in all of us. awareness and happiness in everything we do.
Furthermore, Tantra Yoga teaches how opposite
forces can actually be the same. The martial
artist experiences this realization when they walk
softly and strike fiercely or when they mind their
temper and act in compassionate ways to bring
a resolution to an argument. In addition, the
ritualistic manner in which you tie your belt is
an application of Tantra Yoga, and speaks to the
awareness of the student’s becoming a master
with the steadfast application of principles.
Japa Yoga – The “Yoga of sound” uses empowered
sounds to focus the mind and liberate the
soul. In martial arts, the student uses Ki, or
internal energy, to “join” (hap) her physical
actions. This sound is a direct reflection of the
attitudes of the Yoga practitioner, since Yoga
defined is “join” or “union.” This understanding Susan Griego O’Connor (AKA SuDevi) is a 2nd
of the nature of sound bringing the physical degree black belt and master Yoga instructor. To
and the spiritual worlds together is part of the be featured in future articles or to ask specific
practice of both Yoga and martial arts. Japa questions relating to Yoga and martial arts, contact
Yoga, then, helps the student become a “martial SuDevi on Facebook or www.sudevi.guru.
artist,” not just someone who practices martial

TKD Tournament World: Avalanche of Changes
By Erica Linthorst, 6th dan & World Poomsae Champion
Since the earliest rumblings a few years back Forms/Divisions
about changes to standards/requirements/ Beegak forms 1, 2, 3 are introduced to
rules for both sparring (kyorugi) and cadet, junior and under 30 divisions
poomsae competition, many of these
have become our current reality. -Cadets will be required to know
Taegeuk 6—Pyongwon, Beegak 1
This article only references poomsae, yet there is a
lot to say. As most readers are aware, the portion -Juniors will be required to know
of vast Tae Kwon Do history and experience Taegeuk 6- Sipjin, Beegak 1, 2
is reduced to the sole Olympic demonstration -Under 30s will be required to know
of sparring. However, just as language alters Koryo-Hansu, Beegak 1, 2, 3
over time, those who have been practicing -Under 40, Under 50, Over 50 must
some form of traditional TKD may not know know Koryo-Hansu and perform any
that many initiatives on the highest level to Beegak form if s/he wants to compete
demonstrate poomsae in the Olympic arena have
Explanation: “Beegak” means ‘“lying kicks.”
been in the works for quite some time. To do
Beegak 1 is a new poomsae, focusing on sparring
so, there are many IOC barriers to overcome
techniques. Beegak 2 is Kukkiwon’s poomsae
and requirements to be met. To that end, these
(also spelled “Bigak”) focusing on breaking
percolating ideas and recommendations have
techniques. Beegak 3 is Kukkiwon’s “Nareusya”
been not only brewing but testing in small
poomsae, focusing on aerobic techniques.”
batches that have now reached public media
via YouTube and videos through other sources. *Under 60, Under 65, Over 65 divisions are
These adaptations and changes to tradition are combined into the Over 50 division *
designed to develop more completely the standard Scoring
curricula and challenge sport TKD athletes
to improve their performance (language). Total number of points 100
Accuracy points are deducted
To date, these are some of the current
from 100
changes that are expected to go into
effect in 2018 (in the case of the USA, Execution of Technical 90
after the US Open in late January). Movement
Presentation 10
Scoring methods Object of Scoring Deduction points Scoring Timing

Accuracy wrong movement -3 instant
Execution of technical section of poomsae -1,-2,-3,-4,-5 instant
movement
Presentation whole poomsae -1,-2,-3,-4,-5,-6 after completion
There are additional refinements and one can only is now upon us, but that the trickle down to the
hope that all masters, instructors, coaches, and competitors is swift, accurate, and complete.
referees who are involved in training, analyzing, This article does not attempt to cover all details
and judging tournaments in the very near future and refinements but only to inform the public
are not only themselves knowledgeable, well- to what will be expected of them and what
informed, and well-prepared for the future that they can expect to witness in the future.

Sensie Bully Ryu Corner
Hey, kids. This is Sensie Bully Ryu. I am except my
a tiger who fights against bullies!!!! older brother.
Kids, if you are being bullied, let me know I was sent to
and I will try and help you. Just contact me at the emergency
[email protected] or sensieryu@ room, as I was
yahoo.com with your question or problem bullied by some
or if you just want to share a story. I am boys in middle
here to listen. (Adults are welcome too.) school. I also
bear some small
Brenda C.: I love your column. It is awesome! permanent scars on my face and mentally in
Bullying has been going on longer than people my mind from being bullied on the school bus
really know. I’m 57 years old, will be 58 next the very same school year. I never told anybody,
week, and I was severely bullied in the 7th but my big brother he told me to take a martial
grade. I was so terrified to go to the bathroom arts class. He was taking Tae Kwon Do. It really
at school, I wouldn’t go because I was afraid helped me with all the bullying both physically
of being cornered alone by these 2 girls that and mentally. After I started the classes I never
bullied me all the time. I was just a shy, little looked back again. Thanks for writing your
girl, and they fed off that. At the skating rink, column and helping bring out bullying to the for
they even took my shoes, put them in a sink, front as many people I am sure still hold it inside
and filled them with water, then came and and either are afraid to share with others because
attacked me while I was on roller skates! 2 big they think it makes them look weak or a coward
girls on one little girl. I still have scars from it. I for not standing up for themselves or just simply
should have told some one, but I didn’t because don’t won’t to share their stories now because they
of fear from the bullies who threaten me. What are adults. P.S. I follow your page onFacebook .
should I have done in that situation ? I hid
what was being done to me from everybody. Sensie Ryu: Robert, here’s my big roar on that.
Thanks for sharing your story with us and others
Sensie Ryu: Brenda, here’s my big roar on that. and following me on Facebook. You are right.
Thanks for sharing your story. It will help many A lot of adults hold all of this bullying inside
who do the same as you did—hide the truth and won’t share with anybody. I have found
inside what I call the “fake smile syndrome.” most 1) are afraid other adults, such as friends,
I did the same thing. What you should have family, co-workers, etc., will laugh and make
done is 1)Report the bullying to the school. fun of them for not standing up to their bullies.
Why, you ask ? So the school has it on record 2) don’t won’t to re-live that painful memory in
of all the bullying. 2) You should have told their life and many other reasons—too many
your parents, teacher, pastor, etc. and let the to list. They don’t understand by sharing their
adults help you. Thanks for telling your story stories, they are helping others who may be going
from your childhood. as I know we have many through what they have been through. They
more people holding all this inside them and are also in the process of sharing their stories,
need to let it out. Not only are you helping helping themselves heal and letting go of that bad
others, but you are helping yourself to heal. memory they have carried with them all their
Robert G.: Love your column. It’s something lives. And you did the right thing telling your
new and different from other martial arts big brother and joining the Tae Kwon Do class. I
magazines I have read. Here’s my story that would recommend everyone who is being bullied
happen to me in school. I am now in my 50s and join a martial arts program. You can’t lose!
want to tell my story I have kept from everybody Again thanks for sharing your story, Robert.
The Practice and Study of Martial
Arts Forms (Part One)
By Grand Master Michael De Alba
to show the true value and the many powerful
applications of the moves involved in the forms
they practice and teach. We owe this to ourselves
and to our more advanced and loyal students.
You see, man is a part of nature and must
learn to become one with nature. Martial arts
in general—and practicing martial arts forms
in particular—are a well-defined path for this
purpose. Whether they be called “kata” in
Japanese, “hyung” in Korean or “sig” in Chinese,
they all roughly translate to mean “form, pattern,
base or structure.” There is good reason for this.
Forms provide the foundation from which all
else is built upon. Forms contain key elements of
structured building blocks and are multi-layered.
They constantly reinforce and further expand the
foundational structure needed in the martial arts.
In nature, the highest mountain has a wide
and strong base, and the tallest tree has strong
and deep roots. This is the support mechanism
in nature’s architectural design, and as we
One of the key areas of study in the traditional mentioned before, man is one with nature.
or classical martial arts is the practice of All of nature functions with a balanced form,
forms. We have short forms, long forms, soft harmony (Um-Yang) and natural order, for
forms, hard forms, internal forms, weapons without it there would be chaos and disorder,
forms, free-flowing forms and so much and these are too destructive and cannot last.
more. Many times we hear that in today’s Eventually, the natural order will take over.
world, why do we continue to practice or In terms of athletics, all sports have a foundation
even find a need to practice classical forms in and forms at their core. Something as simple
the martial arts? This is not a new question, as running must have proper form if one wants
and if answered correctly and thoroughly, to take it to higher levels. Without proper
the answer will pretty much be the same. breathing, balance, correct use of arms and
To answer “Just do them” or “You will learn their knees, various cadence and rhythms, the runner
real value later” can be correct answers to the is inferior and will not stand up to one who
young and eager student, but many times it is possesses this higher training. These are all
not enough. Most times, the new student is not components of form. If one wants to jump or
ready for more yet wants more. Truthfully, there perform acrobatic flips and such, correct and
is so much more, and if you are fortunate, you proper form is essential. All serious athletic
will learn from your teachers as well as discover endeavors contain a good base and correct form.
on your own just how much more. Consequently, When talking about martial arts, we can think
it is important for the teacher to have more in terms of fighting, and so what are these
elaborate and detailed answers and also to begin components? They are striking, throwing,

weapons play and other pugilistic applications. They are a path to harmonizing with oneself
So again, why do we need forms, especially and nature as well as the core concept of all
today when fighting sports such as mixed fighting techniques. They are great for solo
martial arts (MMA/UFC) are so popular practice but can also be performed with an
and seemingly focused on the actual fighting attacking partner. Forms contain the seeds of
techniques themselves? There are no forms the simple techniques and the more advanced
there, right? Wrong, once again. Without and secret techniques. Forms start as defensive
proper training and correct form, none of moves to attacks such as grabs, pushes, punches
the techniques we see can be effective. These and kicks, and so on, but later you will
fighters may not practice traditional martial discover the many offensive applications and
arts forms as such, but for sure, whether they advanced counter for counter moves as well.
know it or not, they practice elements of forms Here in the US, the application of traditional
training during their fighting training. In order forms is commonly known as “kata bunkai”
to be able to possess higher levels of fighting which is a Japanese term roughly meaning
skills, one must have correct techniques in “forms application.” In the martial art of
both the standing and ground fighting areas. Modern Farang Mu Sul® the Korean term
So, let’s return to our original answer to “why “hyung bunhae” is used, which has a similar
practice forms?” I’m sure we have all heard a meaning. In Modern Farang Mu Sul® virtually
version of the statements, “Just do it” or “You’ll everything we do in training has fighting
understand more later.” These are valid answers, applications and multiple meanings.
as long as the teacher understands the deeper All techniques have three basic
meanings of the forms and is willing to share applications, which are to
them. Unfortunately, these answers are used
many times as a cop-out or to cover up the 1- Escape or free oneself
person’s lack of knowledge, and in some cases the 2- Hurt or cause pain
person’s unwillingness to share their knowledge. 3- Destroy or neutralize the opponent.
It is true that many of the deeper applications
These same escape/hurt/destroy concepts
of the forms involve dangerous and even life-
translate to the self-defense applications found
threatening applications, and are guarded for
in the forms as well (hyung bunhae).
only the most dedicated, well-balanced and
trustworthy students. But this is not a reason As far as developing oneself, forms practice
to give even the most novice student something obviously helps to develop balance, stamina,
more to work with other than “Just do it.” This rhythm and fluidity of movement, as well
may have been fine hundreds of years ago, as teach us how to stimulate and circulate
but it is met with much more resistance and our internal energy. They help to develop
skepticism today. There is so much more to show the mind in terms of memorizing all of the
about the forms we practice without having intricate combinations, stimulate creativity
to delve into the more deadly applications. As and to unify mind, body and spirit.
with any aspect of our fighting techniques, The physical and fighting technique applications
there are always several applications to them, are as simple as strong stances, and powerful
ranging from more basic and intermediate strikes such as punches, kicks, elbow and knee
applications, which do not necessarily need to strikes. On more advanced levels, you will
be so dangerous as the advanced applications. find joint locks, throws, pressure point attacks,
So why then do we still continue to manipulation of energy and weapon applications.
practice classical martial arts forms, and Here we will begin to see the escape, hurt and
what are their applications? These are two destroy applications of all FMS Techniques.
separate questions with similar answers.

When learning classical martial arts forms, 5. Think in terms of basic weapon
one of the first and most obvious applications applications, such as bladed and impact-
of the movements tend to be focused on the oriented weapons, and so on.
striking and impact--oriented applications, such 6. Think in terms of basic stopping,
as blocks and counter strikes, and so on. This evading and escaping all the above.
is fine, but we must remember that this is only
the beginning, and that there is so much more. 7. Think in terms of basic healing and
These same moves contain much more powerful restorative aspects of all the above.
applications. There are many subtleties not easily Once we learn the basics of any form, we usually
recognized by the untrained eye. There lies great repeat and repeat it until we perform it without
power in these “hidden moves.” In the Korean thinking. That’s fine, but this is only the chapter
martial art of Modern Farang Mu Sul®, we use cover page of the most amazing book on life.
the following structure for understanding the After this initial learning process we need to
application of both short and long forms: think about what it all means and search out
1. Think in terms of basic concepts, lines and deeper and more powerful applications to the
angles, balance, footwork and timing. movements we just learned. They are right there
staring at our face, and we need to learn to
2. Think in terms of basic blocks / parries, unlock the code to the secrets contained therein.
strikes, punches, kicks and so on.
3. Think in terms of basic trapping, joint
locks, takedowns and throws, and so on. There is a reason martial arts forms have
been around for hundreds and even
4. Think in terms of basic pressure points, thousands of years and are still here today.
disruption of energy, breaking and so on. It is incumbent on us modern-day students
and teachers to truly learn them and pass
them along to the future generations.
Reverse Punch
Form Movement Example
One of the most common techniques found in traditional martial arts
forms is the reverse punch, executed from a horse stance. Here GM De Alba
steps into a classical horse stance and executes a reverse punch.

Empty Hand – Self Defense Application
One of the many applications of this traditional move is as follows. Opponent
moves in to grab GM De Alba’s left wrist, GM De Alba secures opponent
wrist, steps into horse stance and executes an arm pit arm bar
Weapons
For an example of weapons application of this same movement, we use the long staff to
illustrate this application of the traditional reverse punch. Opponent attacks with downward
long staff strike to the head, GM De Alba deflects the blow, simultaneously striking
opponent’s hand, using the counter leverage of the punching and rear elbow strike counter
actions, he projects the staff across opponent’s throat, to execute a back sweep throw.
Horse Stance
Form
GM De Alba steps out with left foot, crossing wrists, he pulls
fists to waist, assuming a classical horse Stance

Empty Hand
Opponent moves in to grab GM De Alba’s left wrist, GM De Alba secures opponent
wrist, steps into horse stance, using the cross wrists action he applies pressure under
opponents elbow, he re-grabs the wrists and using the action of pulling his hands
to the waist, he executes an over the shoulder arm bar, and shoulder throw.
Weapons
For weapons applications, opponent attacks with downward long staff strike to the head,
GM De Alba deflects strike, simultaneously attacking opponent hand, following up
by slipping to the rear and placing the staff across opponents neck, using the action of
pulling his hands to the waist, he then does a two- hand rear choke, and followup
Debi Jase – Defense Stance

Form
GM De Alba steps back with left foot, circles hands, bending both
knees he steps into Debi Jase - Defense Stance

Empty Hand
For empty hand application, opponent
moves in to grab GM De Alba’s right
wrist, GM De Alba uses the circling
hands motion to secure and re-grab
opponent’s wrist, he lowers his
weight, solidifies the stance
and executes and outside wrist
lock, and take down throw
Weapons
For a weapons example, the opponent attacks with high forehand knife slash, GM De Alba
uses the circling hands motion to deflect the attack and simultaneously counter slash opponent’s
attacking wrist, trapping the arm, and continues the motion into a slash to the opponent’s neck.
Assisting Grandmaster Michael De Alba is Head Instructor Brandon De Alba.

All photos taken by Sifu John Nash
Grandmaster Michael De Alba is the founder of the For more information:

De Alba System of Modern Farang Mu Sul ®. He was
Modern Farang Mu Sul ® - International
named one of the “Movers and Shakers of Korean
PO Box 21
Martial Arts” by TaeKwonDo Times magazine
Fulton, Ca. 95439
and “One of the Top 20 Masters of Korean Martial
Arts” by Black Belt magazine. He has been studying Phone: (415) 661-9657
martial arts for over 50 years. He has produced a E-mail: [email protected]
series of videos dealing with various aspects of Modern
Web site: www.farangmusul.com
Farang Mu Sul ® ® training available to the public.
He currently lives and teaches in Santa Rosa, CA. Derived and licensed by WHRDA

Warrior Wisdom
Fudoshin – The Immovable
Mind of the True Warrior
By Shihan Bohdi Sanders, Ph.D.
Winning is not the decisive factor in being a they do not have the skills to stand against a
warrior. Of course, we all like to win. I have trained warrior. They are simply blowhards.
never met anyone who enjoys losing at anything, Warriors don’t need to impress others; they have
much less when it comes to important issues. no need to go around acting tough. The guys
That said, winning or losing does not change who talk tough, threaten, and try to intimidate
who you truly are. If you are a warrior, you people are not true warriors, and are usually
will still be a warrior after all is said and done, the ones that you don’t really have to worry
whether you are victorious or go down fighting. about. They are the pretenders, trying with all
I have been teaching martial arts philosophy and their being to convince others that they are
the warrior lifestyle for over 25 years.During something that they are not—a real warrior.
this time, I have seen many people who are Fighting is not what makes a warrior; living by
now imitating what I have been doing on social the code of the warrior makes you a warrior.
media but doing so by simply making up silly Being ready, willing and able to end a fight is a
quotes which have very little value
or wisdom. Most of those quotes
play on people’s emotions, and
are not truly warrior wisdom.
For example, I have seen the quote
“Warriors are not the ones who
always win; they are the ones
who always fight.” This quote is
not only inaccurate, but is a false
teaching that can actually harm
those naïve enough to believe it.
Warriors do not “always” fight. In
fact, a true warrior is much more
likely to walk away from a fight
than some hot-headed, want-to-
be tough guy who is trying to
impress the feebleminded fools
who are moved by such nonsense.
The guys who always fight are
people who are have unresolved
personal issues or who are simply
morons who are trying to prove
how tough they are. These
people are not warriors; they
are idiots. They don’t have the
courage to walk away from a fight
because of their fragile egos, and

part of being a warrior, but that is just a small your enemy without resorting to fighting.
part of the warrior lifestyle. If you don’t have I can personally attest to this fact, having
good character, honor and integrity, you are not both walked away from fights, and in my
a warrior, period. You may be a fighter, a soldier, earlier years, having been very quick to fight.
or a trained thug, but you are not a true warrior. The art of winning without fighting is a
Warriors live their life by their own code. They higher art and much harder to perfect.
do not live to impress the simple-minded fools Subduing your enemy without fighting gives
who are impressed by tough talk, scowling you a greater sense of victory, and can leave
faces, or external appearances. They hold your enemy befuddled and perplexed as to
themselves to a higher standard—the way of why he feels dejected and defeated after all
the warrior. True warriors have no problem is said and done. Most of the guys that you
walking away from a fight. In fact, they had defeat in this way don’t even realize that they
much rather de-escalate a situation than have been defeated until reality hits them
simply destroy some loud-mouthed poser. square in the face hours or days later.
Walking away from a fight doesn’t make you The warrior, on the other hand, continues to
a coward. It takes more self-discipline and feel a deep satisfaction, knowing that he (or
control to walk away from a fight, when you she) has defeated another enemy, completely
have both the will and the skill to destroy achieved his objective in that volatile situation,
the other guy than it does to get physical. and done so in such a skillful way that his
I have done both over the years. I can tell enemy never knew what hit him. Of course,
you that walking away is harder at first, this is not to be confused with walking
but it does get easier with experience. away out of a sense of fear or cowardice.
But after the fact, when you know that you Those are two totally different situations.
could have killed or crippled this person, you In the first situation, the warrior is ready,
feel a deep sense of satisfaction, knowing that willing, and able to fight, has the confidence
you had the courage and the discipline to do the that he can take care of this situation physically
right thing. You won without having to fight, if he is forced to, but chooses a higher level
which is the highest, and most satisfying, type of of response to the situation. The coward does
victory. Sun Tzu, the great Chinese general who not walk away because he is de-escalating the
penned The Art of War, taught, “The supreme situation, but rather because he is scared and
art of war is to subdue the enemy without does not know what else to do. These two
fighting.” The term “supreme” means superior to responses are as different as night and day.
all others. It is the best victory you can achieve. True warriors do not always fight, but they do
When you are faced with a bad situation— always do their best to live up to their code
whether it is a physical confrontation or of honor and ethics. They will fight if the
something else—winning comes down to one circumstances require such a response, but
thing, and one thing only: achieving your only if they have no other options. They never
ultimate objective. The warrior’s ultimate fight because of shallow, egotistical reasons; the
objective is not to look cool or to make real warrior is above such immature actions.
others think he is the toughest guy around. The warrior conducts himself (or herself)
His (or her) ultimate objective is to live with with a calm confidence, knowing that he is
honor and integrity and to be victorious prepared to meet the challenge with whatever
by living up to his or her own code. response is necessary to achieve his goals.
This may or may not include getting physical There is never any guarantee of winning. Life
with someone, but unless you have no choice, is full of uncertainties. You can always expect
it is always better to subdue and defeat

the unexpected, and you must be prepared absolutes such as “The warrior always fights.”
to respond to whatever comes your way. That misguided philosophy is for those who are
Living the warrior lifestyle requires that you uninitiated in the true ways of the warrior.
look at life from a different perspective than the Never be satisfied by taking the well-traveled,
vast majority of people. There is much more to easy path. You will never find the deeper
being a warrior than knowing how to fight. That wisdom on the road traveled by the majority.
is just the tip of the iceberg. The real substance Wisdom must be actively sought; it is not
of the warrior comes from deep within, in his found on the path of fools and naïves.
unshakable spirit and immovable mind. You must travel well beyond those paths if you
The Japanese term fudoshin literally means want to truly live the warrior lifestyle. Only then
“immovable mind” or “immovable heart.” It will you find true balance in your spirit, mind
is the philosophical and mental dimension and body, and develop the immovable mind of
of the Japanese martial arts which is only the true warrior. Warriors are not the ones that
found in the most advanced martial artists, always win, but the ones who live by the code.
those who understand the truth of Sun Tzu’s
teachings on the supreme art of war.
Shihan Bohdi Sanders is an award-winning,
There is so much more to the martial arts bestselling author on martial arts and warrior
and the warrior lifestyle than learning the philosophy. Look for his newest book, BUSHIDO:
skills of physical combat. Self-defense is all The Way of the Warrior, on Amazon.com and on
encompassing. The warrior lifestyle must his website, TheWisdomWarrior.com. Dr. Sanders
consist of the balancing of the spirit, mind and can be contacted at: [email protected].
body. Warriors rarely confine themselves to

&RQWLQXLQJWKH7DH.ZRQ'R7UDGLWLRQ
By Brenda Dobson, Russ Dobson, and Janna Guerdet
In 2014 when Grandmaster Tae Kwon Do journey. His
Robert Sledge bought son, Kenny Sledge, had
the Tae Kwon Do school, started training earlier, and
Martial Arts America, GM Sledge was frequently
from Grandmaster Don encouraged to start training
Wells and his wife, Master with his son by other adult
Bonnie Wells, he knew students who were training
he had big shoes to fill. with their families. Kenny
Located in Ankeny, Iowa, continued his Tae Kwon
a city with a population of Do training and achieved
more than 46,000, Martial the rank of 3rd dan.
Arts America has one
full-time location, a Tiny %ODFNEHOWEHJLQQLQJV
Tigers program for four- GM Sledge tested for his
to six-year-old children, black belt in February 1989.
and ten branch locations, making it the largest Within a year of earning his black belt, he took
central Iowa Tae Kwon Do school. The school over a branch, a moment he describes as a “White
has close ties to Grandmaster Woojin Jung, Belt Time”—scary, exciting, awakening, and
who moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, from Korea expanding because it was the start of something
over 30 years ago in order to teach Tae Kwon new. He continued to teach and participate
Do in the U.S. GM Jung believes Martial Arts in seminars, demonstrations, parades, and
America has the world’s largest black belt class. tournaments as he trained and tested for higher
Two classes are held each week to accommodate ranks. He developed a database that generates
100+ brown and black belt students. ring assignments based on age and rank of the
competitors for the Martial Arts America annual
Martial Arts America is a traditional Tae Kwon
invitational tournament. He worked hard to
Do school with deep roots back to 1985 when
pay back everything Tae Kwon Do had given
GM Wells opened the branch school. GM
him both in the dojang and in his work life.
Sledge has been a part of that history and growth
As GM Sledge wrote in one of his papers for
since September 1986 when he began his own
a higher dan test, “My work
has been greatly influenced
over the years. Taking on
challenges, doing things that
no one else wanted to do,
and taking on responsibilities
to make a difference for my
fellow employees all can be tied
back to being a black belt.”
7UDQVLWLRQIURP
LQVWUXFWRUWRRZQHU
In 2014 GM Sledge retired
from the City of Ankeny’s
Public Works after 35 years
and bought the Tae Kwon Do
school, Martial Arts America.
In his words, he “became a white belt again.”
Now it was his turn to lead, coordinate and
direct a school with a rich history and tradition.
Under his management, Martial Arts America
continues to be a traditional Tae Kwon Do
school that respects and honors the legacy left
in his care by GM Don Wells and his wife,
GM Bonnie Wells, and a school that is still
closely affiliated with GM Jung. GM Don
Wells continues to be involved with the school,
and GM Sledge welcomes his participation.
GM Bonnie Wells reflects on the beginning of Outreach and recruiting new students are
the school and passing their legacy on to GM always priorities for the school. Martial Arts
Sledge: “Twenty-one years ago GM Wells and America has something to offer for students from
I decided to name our new school ‘Martial four years old and up. GM Sledge maintains
Arts America.’ We had already trained many the focus on families at the school and takes
students, who were counting on having a place great pride in the number of students who
to train for years to come, and what mattered are training with immediate family members.
the most to me was our responsibility to them This philosophy is reflected in Joanna Larsen’s
to provide that place. Seventeen years and many comment, “My kids have loved doing Tae Kwon
students later, as we looked toward retirement, Do for the past (almost) two years. I love having
that same loyalty to our students was number an activity for them to do together, encourage
one in determining how Martial Arts America one another and push each other to work hard.
could continue without us. It was apparent to They have persevered when it’s gotten tough and
us that Master Sledge was the man for the job, have steadily moved up in rank to brown, looking
and fortunately, he was up for the challenge.” forward to being black belts. The homeschool
(daytime) class has been great, an activity
during the day so we can be home at night.”
Jeri Cain also shared her thoughts about
the emphasis on family: “I wanted to get
some exercise and learn some self-defense. I
found both and so much more. This is a
family and community that give incredible
support. I started very late in life, so it is
never too late to begin. My daughters and
granddaughter have trained with me, and
it is a wonderful bonding experience.”
GM Sledge sets high expectations for students
inside and outside of the dojang. He leads
by example with his active participation in
the fundraising events, such as the annual
fun run and board breaking event sponsored
by the Martial Artists for Children and
Community, a 501c3 non-profit organization
closely affiliated with Martial Arts America.
A highlight of each board breaking event
is when GM Sledge breaks 100 boards, a
tradition established by GM Don Wells.
This focus is also &KDQJLQJOLYHV
very important to It is a common
GM Bonnie Wells, occurrence for
who shared her parents of Martial
thoughts about Arts America
GM Sledge and students to share
the family friendly stories about how
environment he Tae Kwon Do
promotes: “We are made a visible
so proud of him. difference in their
He works hard children’s lives.
each and every day Billie Moffet
to make Martial recently shared
Arts America the great school that it continues the impact of Tae Kwon Do on her daughter,
to be. These days I walk through those beloved Jaydan: “Tae Kwon Do has been such a unique
doors with four grandchildren. What a blessing experience for my daughter, Jaydan. She is very
it is to share my Tae Kwon Do family with my shy, nervous to interact with those she does not
children and their children, knowing, with or know, and normally reluctant to try new things,
without me, they are always in good hands.” so when she told me she wanted to try Tae Kwon
This feeling about being with family was Do, I was surprised, to say the least. After a few
expressed by Master Jim Douglas (Douglas months, I started noticing little changes in her,
Karate) when he talked about the annual like how she carried herself out in public, how she
Martial Arts America Invitational Tournament: responded with more confidence to people who
“Master Sledge, the students and instructors at began conversations with her, even those she did
Martial Arts America are a great family. They not know. One of the biggest changes was that
warmly greet guests and take the time to make if she couldn’t conquer a technique on the first
you feel welcome. We have not missed their try, she would try again and again. She doesn’t
yearly tournament in so long I can’t remember. give up, she believes she can do it and she does
Every student from our school looks forward it—I love that and am so grateful! She has always
to it every year. This past October we took 45 been a sweet, polite, respectful woman, but
students, and everyone came away with the best Tae Kwon Do has given her the self-confidence
experience we could have hoped for. Martial and self-respect that are important to succeed
Arts America is truly a ‘family’ environment.” in daily life and help her reach her potential.”
Jaydan recently earned her brown
belt and now attends black belt
classes in Ankeny, giving her mother
the opportunity to observe GM
Sledge as the instructor. “As a mom,
I am amazed and humbled at the
amount of patience and genuine
respect shown to each student. It is
not uncommon to see GM Sledge
stop and help Jaydan (or anyone
else) during class with a form she/
he may be struggling with. He
will often demonstrate the form
right beside her so she can see it
being done. He, as well as other
black belts, stay after class to help brown belts independently, and the past few years has spent
practice forms or board breaks. It is evident considerable time learning and teaching several
that he wants everyone to succeed. GM Sledge new forms for 4th dan to 8th dan black belts.
is the kind of leader who leads by example.” In December 2016, GM Sledge tested for his
8th dan with two of the adult students, GM
%XLOGLQJIRUWKHIXWXUH Bonnie Wells and GM Frank Cross, who had
In addition to supporting the traditional encouraged him to start training with his son.
school structure, GM Sledge expanded the
Martial Arts America maintains a unique
use of technology by orchestrating the update
relationship with another traditional Tae
of the school’s website and enhancing the
Kwon Do school in Louisville, Kentucky—
school’s Facebook presence. The Facebook
Mission Martial Arts. Mission Martial
page features school announcements and
Arts is part of the Jung’s Tae Kwon Do
many photos from each test, generating many
network of schools. Their black belts travel
“shares” outside of the Tae Kwon Do family.
to Ankeny, Iowa, to test, and several times a
In the past year, a new mobile application
year Martial Arts America black belts travel to
for documenting class attendance debuted,
Kentucky to help with their color belt test.
and more exciting features are planned.
Owner and lead instructor at Mission Martial
GM Sledge also plans for growth through class
Arts, Kevin Manwell, reflected on how his
offerings. He schedules a class specifically for
experience at Martial Arts America influences his
brown belt students every other month. This
school operations today: “I still remember my
class provides the opportunity for a little slower
first class like it was yesterday. It was September
pace with targeted instruction on techniques
of 2006, and I was terrified of making a fool of
and forms. He expects assistance from any black
myself. My oldest daughter had finally talked
belts attending the class. A black belt-only class
me into joining after seeing her younger siblings
is also scheduled every other month to focus on
earn their yellow belts. ‘Just one session,’ I had
techniques, instruction, tournament leadership,
told her. Now, years later and hundreds of miles
and higher level forms. The past few years, he
away, my entire family and I have the privilege
has brought in experts in Tae Kwon Do and
of leading weekly Tae Kwon Do classes that are
other martial arts disciplines to conduct training
patterned after that very first session with GM
in weapons, sparring, and defense techniques.
Sledge. What we learned from his class and all of
Over the past two years GM Sledge encouraged our instructors and black belt leaders at Martial
the 4th dans and higher to sign up to lead a Arts America has changed us forever. Those early
black belt lessons still
class. This give back.
serves two You don’t
functions, as forget how
it builds their someone
confidence makes you
and skills feel welcome
and allows as a new
GM Sledge student. How
to train. Of they care
course, he about you
continues just as much
to train as their senior
students.
When they

take time to patiently instruct and GM Sledge is a martial artist who
encourage you at every step along the lives the tenets of Tae Kwon Do. He
way, it leaves an impact. That’s why works hard to ensure that each student
going back to Martial Arts America has the opportunity to not only learn
still feels like home. It’s why we do Tae Kwon Do but also to improve
what we do today with our school.” as a person and achieve things in
During the January 2018 black belt life that they had never imagined.
seminar, GM Sledge shared his belief His rank and his integrity merit the
that “everyone can improve, no greatest of respect from his students,
matter their rank.” He also reminded as stated by Russ Dobson: “To show
the black belts to demonstrate the respect to GM Sledge as a person
attitude of a black belt in every kick, is an honor, and to respect his Tae
every punch, every class and every Kwon Do rank is a great privilege.”
demonstration. He summarized his teaching Martial Arts America remains the largest Tae
philosophy in this way: “I will never apologize Kwon Do school in central Iowa, with the
for repetition. No matter how many times in reputation of having the largest black belt class
30 years you have explained a basic move, you and being the “tough school” in the area, a school
must keep repeating it and demonstrating it until where students have to work hard to progress
you find the words that students understand.” through belt promotions and rank. In his
review of the school on a social media platform,
/HDGLQJZLWKDKXPEOHKHDUW Brian Brewer said, “Great school based on
GM Sledge is tall in stature and has a big heart. authentic fundamental Tae Kwon Do teaching
When asked for a few words to describe the methods. This is a school that is focused on
first few years of owning the school, he replied, teaching all students martial arts skills to better
“Surprising, because of all the little things you their lives and the lives of those around them.
have to keep doing all the time and enlightening, Instructors are authentic and genuinely take
because I assumed that after the first year interest in the success of their students, both in
everything would run like clockwork.” He paused the classroom and outside in the real world.”
and then added, “Gratitude. Everyone is 100%
behind the school, and that means a lot.” GM 7DH.ZRQ'RLVDMRXUQH\
Sledge is generous with his expressions of thanks It is clear that the Tae Kwon Do tradition
to the many students who teach, hold boards, continues in central Iowa at Martial Arts
judge, organize test applications, and lead tests. America under the leadership of GM Sledge.
He often states, “Without all of you black belts, He lives what he preaches, and constantly
we wouldn’t have the school that we have.” works on bettering himself. He is humble
The best part of owning the school for GM enough to admit what he doesn’t yet know
Sledge is the people. “When I was teaching and hopes to improve, asking for help to learn
a branch, I touched 7 to 24 lives a week. along the way. He has matured through his
Now I touch 50 to 200 lives each week.” Tae Kwon Do journey from white belt student
to instructor and then to school owner. His
GM Sledge leads by example and often joins recent promotion to Grandmaster marks yet
students on the mat for push-ups. His students another step in his journey and offers growth
will tell you that he can make counting to 10 last opportunities in Tae Kwon Do leadership. The
a very long time during a single push-up. He students of Martial Arts America are so proud
also continues the tradition of celebrating student of him and stand ready to assist and support
birthdays by doing push-ups equal to their age. him as he expands our knowledge of Tae Kwon
Do, martial arts, and our school heritage.

2WKHUVFKRROUHYLHZVIURPVRFLDOPHGLD
Great classes, wonderful people to meet, learn Great instructors, great classmates, great
new things every class. This is the best decision I value—I could not be happier with my
ever made by joining Martial Arts America. experience at Martial Arts America.
Sondra Martin Amy Shockey Forbes
Very knowledgeable teachers, variety of Wonderful family. You get out what
class times to fit busy schedules. you put in. Can’t beat hard work.
Maggie Boege Isaac Cyr
Great place to exercise. Family friendly. It’s a great traditional-based Tae Kwon Do school!
Help can always be found here. All are welcome, regardless of age or skill level.
Timothy Butler David Green
: K\,7UDLQDW0DUWLDO$UWV$PHULFD
By Chris McKone
Many years ago I embarked on a journey when met GM Sledge. That was in 2016, almost 40
I first walked into a dojang and started classes years since that demo in 1975 and almost 25
in Tae Kwon Do. A demo team had performed years since my first time in class. Once the
at my high school, and about 16 years later seed was planted, there was no turning back.
the opportunity arrived and thus started the While there are certainly many schools teaching
wonderful journey. Unfortunately, I quit after a martial arts, Martial Arts of America has been
few years and moved on in a different direction. the home for me. At a recent color belt test GM
While regretful, a 25-year pause in the journey Wells asked me about my prior training and if
ended when talking to a friend who mentioned I noticed any differences. While thinking about
he and his daughter were taking Tae Kwon Do the question, it became apparent to me that he
classes at a nearby school in Ankeny. Since my was getting me to think about it while he already
family had recently moved to Ankeny and the knew the answer. After all, how different could
desire never fully left, I started researching the they be if the core principles were being taught in
possibility of resuming the journey. Thus, I the traditional manner? Yes, there is the martial
arrived one evening at Martial Arts of America art side, but more importantly, in my opinion,
at what turned out to be the main school and is the aspect of the development of the person.

The tenets of Tae Kwon Do have been passed While my journey continues at Martial Arts
down to us by the pioneers and are not mere of America, the family atmosphere and great
words but actions encouraged and expected on a kindred spirit are to be valued and embraced.
daily basis. Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self- Yes, often a senior black belt will correct me or
Control and Indomitable Spirit are all important, discipline me, but it is in the hope of making the
but I sense courtesy and integrity were student better and it is always followed
the first two for a reason. What with encouragement and praise,
better core principles to instill much like we treat our own
in a young person to children. We all need the
enhance their qualities “kick in the rear” as well
as a human being, as the praise or we
courtesy and would not improve.
integrity. How nice There will be
society would be mistakes and
if more people failures along
were honest the way, but
and respectful the journey
in dealing never ends. It
with each is filled with
other. This wonderful
is taught surprises
at Martial as you
Arts of grow and
America mature,
along just like
with self- all natural
defense, things,
forms and both
sparring. conflicting
Another and
quick harmonious
example can but always
be found in developing.
the phrases Never quit
found on the growing and
back of school remember
T-shirts many of that there will
the students wear always be black
during the warmer belts at Martial
months of the year: Arts America to help
“Do not mistake you along the journey.
kindness for weakness,” When asked why I train
“A black belt is a white belt at Martial Arts of America,
who would not quit.” Even I reply, “Why not? I cannot
the shirts emphasize kindness, imagine a better group of people
perseverance and indomitable spirit, to experience the journey with.”
all great values for building character and people
we would like to surround ourselves with.

The Joy of Breaking
Why are WE not the SAME?
By Master Wiz
The human body has not had any significant
morphological changes in hundreds of thousands
of years. Other than exceptions caused by injuries
or birth defects, our skeletal and muscular
systems are all the same, although with some
specific differences due to gender. Kinesiology
is the study of how the body moves and sports
biomechanics is the application of scientific
laws of mechanics and engineering applied to
human movement in order improve athletic
performance. Kinesiology started in the early
1900s, and biomechanics developed as branch
of it in the 1920s in the former Soviet Union.
Since then, virtually all high profile sports have
used these studies to improve their athletes’
performance. Records show athletes are jumping
higher, throwing farther and running faster than
ever before. When a breakthrough occurs and
can be proven scientifically, everyone in that sport
acknowledges the new knowledge and changes
their methods. The easiest example is the shift
in the various high jump methods. Most people
do not know that
As I travel the world and work with martial it wasn’t until 1968
artists of all styles, levels and experience, I am that the current
always amazed at the variances in how we do method of flipping
something as common as a side kick. No matter backwards over the
who you talk to, even if they are in the same bar became the way
style, there is usually no agreement on how a everyone performs
technique should be performed. Each person the event. Until
has some anecdotal reference, personal belief then, some dove
or story on how and why a technique should over, others hurdled
be performed a specific way. Usually, they are the bar, etc. This
doing it a certain way because that is what their change came as a
master, some champion or other high-ranking result of a change in
person said. They never tell me they are doing the landing material
it that way because of a beneficial skeletal and knowledge of
alignment or maximum muscle recruitment. biomechanics.
If we ever want martial arts to be taken
seriously and instructors to be thought of as To a certain respect,
professional, we must think and talk and teach martial artists have
like other professionals in the field of athletics. also improved
their abilities in

certain areas, but it tends to be
on an individual basis rather than
on an industry level. The usual
way this happens is a martial
arts instructor, looking to give
their athletes an advantage,
consults with someone with
some experience in kinesiology
and then attempts to incorporate
the advice into their current
training methods. The two main
issues with this success is: what
is the level of expertise of the
person supplying the advice,
and second, the openness of the use sterilization techniques because their mentor’s
martial arts instructor to abandoning traditional mentor’s mentor didn’t use it, so why should they?
methods in favor of proven scientific methods.
Take the time to watch the Olympics and realize
In my experience, the issues that affect most that there are millions of dollars on the line
martial arts instructors have with adopting for top athletes. Note how every athlete in an
modern methods of training and executing event is wearing the same style of clothing made
techniques are loyalty and ego. Martial arts of the same material. Note how they all have
instructors are loyal to their art, their master the same method of performing the activity
and the traditions and methods they were taught down to the finest detail, like runners holding
as they earned their way through the belts. their hands in blades to reduce wind drag. In
To change any aspect (no matter how logical), order to have any chance to be recognized as
feels like they are betraying their heritage and one of the best in the world, all athletes and
insulting their master. The other issue is that trainers use applied science (kinesiology and
if they change something based on newly biomechanics), and since everyone’s body is
gained knowledge, martial arts instructors built the same and moves the same, this is why
worry that it sends a message to their athletes they all look the same when they compete.
that they have been teaching things wrong
Now ask yourself, why if there are 100s of
and that they are not good instructors.
theories and methods on how to perform a
Martial arts instructors, organizations and side kick, why don’t we look the same?
federations should be actively looking for ways
Images courtesy of Bigstock
to improve the performance and safety of their
athletes. This includes intentionally accessing
high caliber experts in the fields of kinesiology Master Terry Wisniewski is a 7th-degree black
and sports biomechanics. Martial arts instructors belt in ITF Tae Kwon Do, founder of Tien Lung
should focus on their athletes and not their Tae Kwon Do. He is a full-time professional Tae
own egos when it comes to changing the way Kwon Do instructor with three
they train their athletes and how techniques schools. He has trained
are performed. If a better or safer method world champions in
has been proven to be available, martial arts patterns, self-defense
instructors should happily and proudly adopt it. and power breaking.
Changing methods to stay current with scientific
knowledge is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign
of professionalism. Imagine a doctor refusing to

CACOY DOCE PARES ESKRIMA
BASIC CONCEPTS - PART ONE By Kathrin J. Sumpter
As in all of the martial arts, well-tuned basic skills are a began revolutionizing the use of the stick. He incorporated
cornerstone of success. I find myself being hypervigilant traditional strikes with hooking strikes, butts, and thrusts
about foundational basics so I don’t become complacent. and also developed a system of curving and circular
I don’t want to be on “auto-pilot” in my training, and it strikes. These were used with traps, locks, throws and
takes a frontal lobe, on-purpose effort on my part to pay disarms. SGM also integrated concepts of Pangamot,
attention to those fundamentals I learned in my first year Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, and Aikido into his combat system.
of training. I remind myself and my students that speed This integration yielded his highly effective and devastating
comes. Be a stickler with your own technical accuracy. joint lock system of “Eskrido” as part of the art.
Cacoy Doce Pares (CDP) has unique features that
differentiate it from other stickfighting arts. When I keep Senior Grand Master Anthony Kleeman (Sr.GMAK),
my basics well-tuned, my overall performance is at its longtime student, friend and colleague of SGM Cacoy,
peak, and I’m more than prepared to learn new material recalls some of his personal experience with the founder’s
and more advanced concepts. philosophy on basic concepts.
“SGM Cacoy was always very strict on little things that

sometimes seemed to be just details. But, time and again
in sparring, those seemingly little details always showed
up as weaknesses that could be exploited.”
Sr. GMAK goes on to describe his view of basics when

it comes to structural integrity.
SGM Cacoy, b. August 8, 1919 - d. February 5, 2016 “A foundation is what any system’s structure
must be built on. No foundation, no system.
The art of Cacoy Doce Pares was created by Circiaco
“Cacoy” Canete in Cebu, Philippines. Supreme Grand Speaking from my own experience, this statement truly
Master Cacoy (SGM Cacoy) began stickfighting with his dovetails with Sr. GMAK’s teaching style. It’s become a
father and uncles at the age of seven. He expanded his staple in my own school, proving that one can never spend
training to include many arts, from Aikido to boxing, from too much time on basic concepts.
Judo and Jiu-Jitsu to Shorin-ryu Karate and wrestling. It
was in Cebu in 1932 that the Doce Pares Association In this issue, we’ll showcase concepts including bowing
was formed, and several years later with World War II in/out, grip, ready position, chambers and range concepts.
looming, SGM Cacoy joined the U.S. Army Forces Far Subsequent issues will include striking, blocking,
East. It was the beginning of an illustrious career that block-catch-control-counter, disarms and follow
lasted until his discharge in 1947. In that same year, the throughs. We’ll show fun, easy partner and solo drills that
Doce Pares Association reorganized, and SGM Cacoy cater to perfecting technical accuracy./ March 2018 41
taekwondotimes.com
CACOY DOCE PARES - Basic Concepts, Part One
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CACOY DOCE PARES - TARGETING CHART

PHOTO BY MOLLY OMANN

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Back Row: James Vanwert (SSG, US Army),
Jesse York (SPC, US Army, V Corps),
Jeremiah Omann (PFC, US Army, 4th Infantry Div.),
Mark Lorenzana (SGT. USMC - RVN (0311) E, 2/9, 3rd MAR Div.),
Joseph Pastran (SFC, US Army, 7th SFGA (18-DELTA)

Front Row: Kristin Higgins, Fenrir Humphrey, Kathrin Sumpter,
Samuel Manders, Dan Walkowski, Jenny Schaefer
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VODVKXSWRWKHULEV
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WRWKHKLSIHPRUDOPXVFOHV Visit CDP Headquarters on Facebook at
WRWKHNQHH ĂĐŽǇŽĐĞWĂƌĞƐtŽƌůĚ&ĞĚĞƌĂƚŝŽŶ
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WRWKHH\H\RXUSDOPGRZQ ǁǁǁ͘ĚŽĐĞƉĂƌĞƐĨŝŐŚƚŝŶŐĂƌƚƐ͘ĐŽŵ
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Contact Sequim Doce Pares (in Sequim, WA - USA)
ƐĞƋƵŝŵŵĂƌƚŝĂůĂƌƚƐΛŽůǇƉĞŶ͘ĐŽŵ
Guro Kathrin J. Sumpter is a correspondent, columnist and contributor for the TaeKwonDo Times. She is a 4th grade black belt in
Cacoy
42 Doce2018
March Pares/ and is a student and teacher under Sr. GM Anthony Kleeman and Guro Gail Sumpter. Photos/layout by Kathrin Sumpter.
taekwondotimes.com
BOWING IN - You can bow in with a single stick or with double sticks. Your instructor will usually dictate what
they want. You’ll also bow to your partner on various drills and you’ll bow in and out of forms. You’ll bow out of

class and in and out of the studio. The verbal commands are “Salutation. Yukbo.” \XFNER
^ƚĞƉϭ͗ZĞĂĚǇ
Stand ready with feet shoulder
width apart and weight is 50/50.
Left foot steps to the right...
Notice Sam’s left hand is flat over

the stick including his thumb.
^ƚĞƉϮ͗͞^ĂůƵƚĂƚŝŽŶ͟
Stand at attention, feet together.
Notice Jenny’s sticks are 90O vertical and horizontal.
^ƚĞƉϯ͗͞zƵŬďŽ͟
Bow with your
face down.
^ƚĞƉϰ͗ĂĐŬƚŽZĞĂĚǇ
Left foot steps out. Feet shoulder
width apart and weight is 50/50.
GRIP - Dan demonstrates the proper grip. It’s a closed fist with about a fist-length “punyo” or butt-end of the
stick. A proper grip offers up a most effective strike and also helps retain control over your weapon, making a
disarm much more difficult.
You don’t have to
white-knuckle it. It’s
just an on-purpose,
closed fist.
The punyo end of your

stick is for close-range
techniques, joint locks A common mistake is a compromised grip with the
and disarms. With thumb or index finger. Not only does it offer up the
two sticks, make sure appendage as a target, but it also presents the enemy
the punyos are even. an easy catch-control. A poor grip is an enormous
disadvantagetaekwondotimes.com
in every phase of CDP stickfighting.
/ March 2018 43
READY POSITION - This stance is used when squaring off with a partner or practicing solo drills. It’s also used
as a stance before beginning a form.
These fighters are ready. Ready Position is not
Notice Sam and Dan are passive. Sam’s stick is
in a front stance with resting on his shoulder.
their shoulders over their His weapon-free hand is
hips, over their knees, flailing at his side,
over their feet. Their not only rendering it
structures are solid. Their useless but also making
sticks are at a 90O vertical it a target. His feet are
angle and away from even and his knees are
their bodies. Their locked. Dan shows a
weapon-free hands are in reflexive structure that’s
check ready for use. not much better.
CHAMBERS - Good chambers foster muscle memory and offer up the most effective strikes. Poor chambers not
only compromise the power of your strikes but also keep things subjective. In other words, when you’re
engaged with your partner in what can become complicated double-stick drills (also known as “pinkey” or
“siniwali” drills), a poor chamber doesn’t allow you to feel which stick should strike next. If you have correct,
purposeful chambers, the next stick to strike feels natural.
- CLOSED CHAMBERS - SEMI CHAMBERS
Mark and Kristin demonstrate a correct closed chamber Fen and Dan demonstrate a correct semi-chamber on
on the right and left side. The sticks don’t rest on their the right and the left sides. Again, both sticks are poised
bodies and both sticks are poised to strike. The lower stick to strike, and the footwork is correct, based on which
(the non-dominant stick) is not tucked under the armpit. side the chamber is on. The sticks are parallel with each
It is also poised to strike. Notice the correct footwork. other, and our fighters offer good structure.
Their feet switch based on what side the chamber is on.
You may see this with A common problem

beginners. Neither stick with the semi-
is poised to strike. The chamber is most
dominant stick is resting obvious here. Fen’s
on the shoulder. The sticks are crossed and
non-dominant stick is Dan’s are in a “V.”
at a 90O horizontal position Sometimes, students
at the waist almost as will anchor their
if they were bowing. knuckles together in
Kristin’s feet are just an effort to find
about even and her knees are locked. This is a good parallel sticks. Not a good method to employ. Also,
demonstration
44 March 2018of poor form.
/ taekwondotimes.com Fen’s wonky footwork doesn’t help with correct form.
CHAMBERS, Cont. -
- OPEN CHAMBER
Jenny and Joe showcase Jenny and Joe

correct open chambers. demonstrate a
Their sticks aren’t resting common problem.
on their bodies. Both Their sticks are in front
sticks are poised to strike. of their bodies. This is
Their elbows are in check. truly subjective form.
Their knees are bent, and Their knees are locked,
they’re showing good, and there is no
purposeful stances. purposeful stance.
RANGE - for DOUBLE-STICK DRILLS

Gauging stick intersection is a reliable method in determining range for double-stick partner drills. When your sticks
meet at a 45O angle and make an “X” in the middle, you’ve found a good, working range.
Mark and Jesse demonstrate good range. Their sticks meet in the middle at a 45 O angle, making an “X.” This will
guarantee that they are truly striking each other’s sticks, making for a successful partnership. Also, you can clearly
see that the high strikes aim for the head and the low strikes target the knee. When targeting is accurate, all
practitioners benefit. Mark and Jesse are similar in height. Train often with many different partners of all shapes,
sizes, reach, etc., and you’ll quickly learn to accomodate range.
ηϯ
Conversely, poor range causes bad partnerships. Targeting is weak, and you’ll find yourselves missing strikes. You’ll
tag each other’s hands and you’ll run out of partners to train with. As in Photo #3, Mark overcompensates by reaching
out to strike Jesse’s stick. Jesse’s stick is at a 90O angle and therefore is merely on the receiving end of a strike rather
than exchanging a strike with his partner. taekwondotimes.com / March 2018 45
RANGES - Dan demonstrates and verbally describes the five ranges. Kristin stands stationary, simulating an
overhead strike. Students are required to verbally state the ranges which are shown in quotation marks.
- OUT OF RANGE
“Out of range.”
Dan demonstrates Out of Range by slashing his weapon side to side

without connecting.
- LONG RANGE
“Tip of the stick to the hand.”
Moving in with a step-drag with his

right foot, Dan closes the gap enough
to demonstrate long range. With this
footwork, he retains his structure
- MEDIUM RANGE
“Hand to the body.”
Again, by moving in with his right foot and keeping his

structure, Dan further closes the gap to demonstrate
medium range.
- CLOSE RANGE or PUNYO RANGE

“Punyo technique.”
Another step-drag with his right foot.

Dan opts to showcase a lock with the
punyo end of his stick. He can also
show a strike. Notice the catch-control
Dan retains on Kristin’s weapon hand.
- GRAPPLING RANGE
“Ground technique.”
Dan demonstrates grappling range by maintaining the lock on Kristin’s

neck, executing a sweep and using the crook of his stick and forearm
to secure the choke. Again, notice Dan continues to retain control
46 March 2018 / taekwondotimes.com over Kristin’s weapon hand, anchoring it to his body.
Business
A Student Who Says Active, Stays
By Master Rondy McKee
When I present retention seminars around the At the beginning of the year, every student can
world, I notice many schools share the same pick up a Pass Sport. Ours have been printed to
issues with retention as students promote into resemble a real passport and there is an option
their higher ranks. It is extremely difficult to for the vinyl protective cover. There is a nominal
retain students as they enter past their first year. fee for the Pass Sport. If we simply handed them
The novelty of their new activity has long worn out, they would have no value and students
off. They have been might not take care of
through a full year of them. Since they pay for
your events and are their Pass Sport, they
either familiar with the take responsibility for it.
or had missed them Just like a real passport,
all together. They have there is a fee to replace it.
probably earned a few The first page has an area
belts, but there are many that is filled out by the
more to go before they student for identification
can even think about purposes. There is a
black belt. And it starts place for them to include
to get really difficult. their photo. Polaroid
Fun and games have cameras are available at
evolved into hard work the school if they wish
and perseverance. The to purchase a photo, or
students are expected to they may add the ID
continue to learn new photo on their own.
curriculum, all while
trying to remember previously learned material. All our annual events are printed into the inside
Simply coming to classes two nights a week pages of the Pass Sport. The goal of the program
and going through the motions is not enough is to get students involved in a variety of events
motivation for many to keep going forward. throughout the year and to reward their efforts
at the banquet. Listing the various events in
I advise school owners and instructors to the Pass Sport can remind and plant the seeds
get their students involved. Students need to for attending events throughout the year.
find their “niche.” Maybe it is competition,
perhaps performing in demos or helping out Stamps (my personal ID stamp) are used to
in the office. Some will never find their own mark attendance or completion within the
interests because they never venture out to try. pages of the Pass Sport. Each stamp counts
as 10 points. We issue stamps as follows:
So we use a fun system to get students
involved and reward them for their efforts. It • Posts/check-ins on social media
a system in which everyone can participate • Attending special events
because if offers so many variations. • Referrals
• Participation in special guests’ seminars
The program is called the Pass Sport, and it • Camp attendance
tallies points earned throughout the year—
• Tournaments
with an awards banquet at the end.
• Testing for rank/judging The event is extremely profitable for the school
• Awards and an excellent retention tool for the students.
It instills pride among our families, enhances
• Demonstrations event involvement throughout the year and
• Team involvement motivates everyone for the year to come.
• Certifications Of course each school can tailor a Pass Sport
• Attendance awards system ideal for their own needs. However, if a
school would like to follow our example, you may
• Extra credit
contact me for a free copy of the layout we use.
[email protected], comments: Pass Sport.
The Pass Sport is tweaked each year as we add
or change events. It also has blank spaces to
Master Rondy is a 7th-degree black belt
allow for special guests and seminars that were
Kukkiwon/WTF Taekwondo, 6th-degree black
added after the annual schedule was organized.
belt Korean Hapkido Federation, 2nd degree
in kickboxing, a WTF International Poomsae
The Banquet Referee, and the only non-Asian member of the
Korean Tigers Professional Martial Arts Team.
Award categories can include: “Competitor of the
Year,” “Instructor of the Year,” “Most Dedicated”
or whatever fits your student base. Since we
have ample space, we hold our ceremony at our
school with rented round banquet tables and
chairs. If a school does not have room, a rental
hall or restaurant can be used. Another option
I have found is to use a local nightclub during a
weeknight. Most clubs are not open during the
week or have very little regular business. They will
often offer free use of their space, knowing that
they will make some income from the bar sales.
Our banquet includes a catered buffet dinner
with wait staff to fill drinks and to clear tales.
Tickets are sold for the event, with a discount if
a family purchases an entire table. You will find
that when a student is receiving a big award,
they will have many relatives attend as guests.
Details that make the ceremony special include
a limo ride for the recipients. We have our
guests park in the back parking lot. Then the
winner will enjoy a short limo ride from the
back to the front door, where they are greeted
by the paparazzi and red-carpet entry. A photo
backdrop is located inside with a photographer
for posing with awards and family photos.
The evening is complete with a master of
ceremonies, an Inspirational keynote speaker, a
year review slideshow to play on a giant screen
and the awarding of the giant trophies.
Interview with Grandmaster Lim Chae-Kwan
by Chief Master Todd Miller
The reason for this is that there are a total
3680 techniques in Hapkido technology.
Nobody knew all the techniques of Choi
Young-Sul, so I learned advanced techniques
from the age of 14 directly from Choi
and I learned from various teachers for 42
years from age 14 to learn as much of the
Hapkido of Choi Young-Sul that I could.
For many years, I have constantly learned
new skills from various teachers. Therefore,
I have specially advanced technology
from 1st dan to 9th dan stage technology
to share in Jin Mu Hapkido.
After many years of deep study into the
Hapkido that Choi Young-Sul taught, I
TM: What is your training history? opened the Jin Mu Kwan in 2007, and
Who were some of your teachers? now I am teaching Jin Mu Hapkido.
GM Lim: I was born on February 15, 1962, Accomplishments:
the eldest son of my family. I came to Daegu 1. Korea Classical Martial Arts
to study in elementary school in Jin Ju from Association President
age 11-13. I wanted to become a Tae Kwon
2. Korea Hapkido Master 4th Dan (Under
Do expert. I started learning Hapkido while
Korea Hapkido Founder Choi, Young Sul)
in middle school. I trained with Founder
Choi Young-Sul for eight years, and finally, 3. World Japan Iaido Association 6th
on 8/15/83, Choi Young-Sul promoted me to Dan (Japan, Komei Sekiguchi).
4th dan master of Hapkido. After this I joined 4. Korea Taekwondo Master 4th Dan.
the army for my military service. I have had a
5. Tukong Mu Sool Master 6th Dan
total of seven teachers in Hapkido and Iaido.
6. Korea Hapkido Grandmaster 9th Dan.
First of all, I learned the most important
skills from Hapkido founder Choi
Young-Sul, my first teacher. Second,
I learned the skill of kicking with
GM Jun Jeong-Pil. Third, I learned
advanced wrist technology from GM
Lee Jae-Young. Fourth, I learned the
technology of clothing grab defense
from GM Lee Young-Hee. Fifth, I
learned special offensive techniques
for joint locking and throwing from
GM Chae Hung-Jun. Sixth, I learned
special self-protection techniques from
GM Kim Young-Jae. Seventh, I learned
Iaido from GM Lim Hyun-Soo.
taekwondotimes.com / November 2017 49

7. Occupation: Daegu Fire Station 119
Special Rescue Team Leader
8. And From 1997 to 2007 I worked as Chief
supervisor of the Jung Ki Hapkido Summer
Camp seminars for USA, Europe, etc.
TM: What were your impressions
of Choi Yong-Sul?
GM Lim: Choi Young-Sul was a very
reticent person. I could hardly believe my
eyes when founder Choi demonstrated his
Hapkido techniques. It was almost magical
how easy and deliberate his movement
was! Founder Choi had the eyes of a tiger
that could pierce right through you! His
Hapkido was as strong as electricity!
If I suddenly met Choi in class, I called to him
Young Sul. It takes 365 days a year and 10
to check my technique. He always came over
years of practice if you practice it once a day!
right away, and I showed him a demonstration
of the technique. Choi Young-Sul’s Hapkido Most importantly, he had scary and deadly
was very high-level martial arts technology. skills. I think what matters now is that our
For this reason I have studied diligently my future is more important than the past. How
whole life to become a skilled craftsman in we proceed is very important. You must keep
Hapkido. As a matter of fact, Hapkido has a this in mind. Choi Young-Sul’s legend is already
total of 3680 techniques, according to Choi known to everybody. I always respect him in
my heart, as he was my teacher.
TM: What was your
early training like with
Choi Yong-Sul?
GM Lim: First of all, I greeted
the opponent with my hands and
gave him immediate bows, and
he gave me a straight attack. He
gave me a continuous attack with
his fists. It was constant attack
and defend with Choi. It is the
best practice to train your eyes.
To look and see the intention of
your attacker, this is what Choi
Young-Sul was highly skilled at.
Second, my younger brother
and I worked for more than six
months conditioning our wrists.
My wrists were conditioned like
a leather peel. This is excellent for
saving your wrists from injury.

Third, Hapkido had no platform. However, TM: What are some of the challenges in
I received a certificate when I finished general for Hapkido going forward?
cleaning the finishing touches and developed GM Lim: We need to change it back to the
a curriculum with the key points of the true Choi Young-Sul style of Hapkido. It is
real Hapkido from founder Choi. important to unify Hapkido technology with
Fourth, the training hall of Choi had three one thing, the technology of Choi Young-
levels. The first floor was a basic training ground. Sul. In Jin Mu Hapkido we are trying hard
The second floor was a black belt training to promote Hapkido with a lot of publicity
hall. The third floor was for grandmasters and seminars and teaching in various areas.
only. On the third floor no one could sneak We are the future of Hapkido. It is up to us
a peek at anyone, as it was not allowed! to train, teach and share the wonderful art of
TM: What goals do you have for the Jin Hapkido with those who are interested in it.
Mu hapkido Association in the future? TM: What is your job outside of Hapkido?
GM Lim: Since I have learned Hapkido from How long have you been in this job?
childhood, Hapkido is the prop of my life. It will GM Lim: I have a total of 27 years as
lead to the development and dissemination of Jin a 119/911 firefighter since 1990. In my
Mu hapkido, the specialized spirit of the martial fireman-related activities my department
arts, which is the key to true martial arts practice. and I have also contributed to the saving
I am going to complete the publication of a book of lives in many types of rescues such as
in English for beginners in Hapkido. I will make mountain, high building and water rescues.
a beginner’s videotape from white belt
to first dan, beginning to end. And, of
course, we will travel around the world
to teach and nurture many students
through seminars and demonstrations.
TM: How has Hapkido
changed in Korea since your
early years of training?
GM Lim: The principle of Hapkido
is that the more you learn, the more
you want to study to learn more.
Hapkido posture is straight. The eyes
look straight, and the arms are gently
lowered. The legs are gently opened,
and the force or energy is flowing
at the tip of the hand. These are the
things I learned from Choi Young-Sul.
Now Hapkido is a complete jumble of
many things. There has been a moving
away from the true Hapkido from
founder Choi and his grandmasters.
It has been transformed considerably.
In other words, many things have
been added to and taken away
from the Hapkido Choi taught.

TM: You have a very interesting And the eagle is the king of the
logo! Could you explain the sky who sees the heart with
meaning of the eagle, fist piercing and strong eyes.
and the 119 in your logo? Both fists represent
GM Lim: First, a large circle defensive martial arts, not
represents space, and a small offensive martial arts.
circle represents a person. And the 119/911 is to defend
After all, it’s a big love the weak and helpless and
affair we all have with life. to promote world peace.
And the taegeuk symbol
means a mix of people
(mankind) under the sky.
This is the symbol of the national
flag of South Korea taegeuki (um/yang,
blue and red, equal and opposite).

Pursuit of My Black Belt
by Gayle Jones
“Whew, I survived my first test.” Oh, did I
tell you I tested in front of a panel of certified
grandmasters, and an audience of spectators?
The ladies and I are told to sit on the mats
at the back of the room and wait for the
other groups to complete their tests. We are
all called out onto the floor at the end of
testing, and best test trophies are awarded
to one participant in each testing group. My
name is called out. I don’t believe it! My
first martial arts test, and I receive this!!
That was several years ago. I’ve memorized and
performed ten Tae Kwon Do forms, dozens of
self-defense moves, worked with weapons and
broken boards; all things I never imagined doing
Well here I go! I just heard my name called. in retirement. Martial arts have strengthened
I answer, “Yes sir.” I run out to where she is me physically. Mentally, it has been a great
standing in the Phoenix dojang. I can’t believe challenge and has given me more confidence in
I’m standing here with several other ladies. All myself. I have new friends of all age groups. I’m
of us in hot pink uniforms with a white belt testing for my black belt this November. Yes, my
around our waists. A patch above our heart heart still pounds at testing. Yes, I ask myself
with Master Rondy’s White Tiger’s on it. once again, “What have you gotten yourself
into”. I’m now 66 years young, and I want you
I’m a Lady Tiger Martial Arts student at to know that if I can do it, SO CAN YOU!!
White Tiger, testing for my first yellow
stripe belt, 9th gup. I’m retired, 64-years
old, and wonder, “What on earth have you Apex, North Carolina
gotten yourself into!” I follow the instructor’s [Gayle tested for black belt and
directions—kick, punch, form, self-defense. is awaiting confirmation]

The Way Word
Health, Wellness, Recovery and
Recuperation through Martial Arts - Part One,
Competing With Our Hollywood Image
by Kathrin J. Sumpter
There are common threads amongst martial with a walker, Dianne showed tell-tale signs of
artists. One of them is a natural pull to give chemotherapy; hair loss and muted facial features.
back. I found the inclination shortly after When I called on her, her voice was surprisingly
earning my 1st dan, and that’s when I launched strong. “Are you going to throw me to the ground
a program called Free Martial Arts Lessons for because I have a bad hip, and I can’t allow anyone
Cancer Fighters/Survivors and Diabetics and/ to throw me to the ground.” I wanted to gasp and
or Dialysis Recipients. A mouthful to be sure, tell her, “Are you out of your mind? Of course,
but that was the name of the program. I crafted I’m not going to throw you to the ground!” But I
fliers and posted them all over town. I contacted heard the sincerity in her question and responded
the local newspapers and radio stations, and softly with the truth of the matter. “Absolutely
they kindly did public service announcements not. We keep our feet firmly planted in this class.
about the program. To my surprise, nearly We’re partners, and we take care of eachother.”
two months passed with no phone calls. So I
contacted the new cancer facility that changed On the drive home, I came to a realization.
the face of cancer care in my small town. Dianne did me a favor by asking that question. It
became clear that anyone aged 50+, their first and
They immediately scheduled me as a speaker many times their only exposure to martial arts is
for their Cancer Support Groups. I was to meet Enter the Dragon! Jumping, spinning sidekicks…
with the women’s group first, so I arrived in … brutal fights scenes that last a little too
my everyday-uniform a few minutes early with long. I had no doubt that Dianne’s question
my fliers and eskrima sticks in tow. I remember echoed what was on everyone’s mind that day,
walking into the facility and getting a lot of at least in some capacity. I knew then that I
looks. I could see that I was a bit of a spectacle was competing against our Hollywood image. I
being suited up. May look less like a uniform and understood that I needed to pound the pavement,
more like a costume to most, I thought. It was that fliers and ads wouldn’t cut it. My outreach
a terrific group of about ten women. I observed to the most vulnerable in my community
that they were all senior citizens and cohorts. I would require face time, demonstrations just
gave my spiel. I talked about proper breathing, like this. I would need to address safety issues
proper stretching and moving on purpose with from the jump. I was glad that Dianne had the
purpose. I demonstrated some of the techniques I fortitude to speak up and ask the question.
was teaching, and then I ended my pitch with the
sticks. There’s always one quick volunteer to help For whatever reason, many people don’t ask. It
learn and showcase this partner drill, and before was easy to get speaking engagements. Most
long, all the ladies had sticks in their hands fraternal and charitable organizations are
repping out easy open-chamber four counts. always on the look-out for speakers. And, their
memberships are typically made up of retirees
They were having fun, and I was thrilled. There’s who have the time to volunteer. I specifically
an undeniable power in wielding a weapon. I recall connecting with the local Elks Lodge
closed my presentation with Q&A, and Dianne and explaining that I wanted to present my
raised her hand. Early 60s, heavyset and aided program for cancer fighters/survivors and
diabetics and dialysis recipients. The person on
the other end of the phone retorted, “That’s
half our membership! Come on down!”
By the way, Dianne signed up for the
program. She stayed with it for almost
a year. The student roster quickly grew,
and I ran the program successfully for 5½
years. That was eleven years ago. Since
then, I’ve done many programs for people
with a variety of health circumstances.
I know the lay of the land now. I know how
to combat our “sibling” image. With that said,
I must say that I don’t mind our Hollywood
image. I’m often quite proud of it. It keeps
the mystery alive, the “it” factor that causes
people to stare and wonder when they see
you in uniform. The mysteries of martial
arts are a constant on my path. Revelations
always lead to unanswered questions. But
now I know what to do to reach out to
the most vulnerable in my community.
You’ve simply got to put the material out in front Kathrin J. Sumpter is a 5th dan in Tae Kwon Do
of them. It’s the only way they and a 4th dan in Cacoy Doce Pares Eskrima. She
can truly see the potential for operates her school, Sequim Martial Arts/
health, wellness, recovery Sequim Doce Pares, and is a correspondent
and recuperation and contributor to the TaeKwonDo
through martial Times magazine.
arts.

Tae Kwon Do Supervillain
By Steven Ronai
Movies based on Marvel comic books have Conservatory. Her first big role was in a Korean
dominated the box office, and now they threaten film which shot in New York and Canada. Her
to take over television as well. Netflix currently character had a lot of fight scenes. “I didn’t really
fields four shows in the genre. The heroes of each have that background,” said Kim, “so the director
show then came together for a joint adventure in asked me to take some classes, and that’s how
a mini-series called Marvels’s The Defenders. The I kind of got started in Tae Kwon Do.” Even
show leading after filming
directly into wrapped, she
the mini-series continued
was Iron Fist. to train. She
It was based on earned her black
a comic book belt, acquired
hero who not Kukkiwon
only practiced certification,
martial arts and began
but could also to instruct
channel chi others in the
energy directly art as well.
into his hand, Kim also
creating an continued to
explosive act, landing
weapon. guest roles
Although the on various
title of each television shows
episode is and having
derived from her film work
a Kung Fu showcased at
movement, the Tribeca Film
Iron Fist faced Festival in New
off against York. Despite
a Tae Kwon her experience,
Do-trained Kim found that
assailant in being involved
episode six, with a Marvel
“Immortal TV series was a
Emerges From whole different
the Cave.” world. Even
Jane Kim brought both her acting skills and the process of casting Kim as the villainous
her Tae Kwon Do black belt to bear when her Bride of Nine Spiders was veiled in secrecy.
character, the mysteriously named Bride of Information about her audition was limited
Nine Spiders, went toe to toe with Iron Fist. and tightly controlled. It wasn’t until she was
on the set about to film that Kim was told she
Martial Arts for the Movies
would be appearing on a Marvel series called
Kim attended NYU’s prestigious Tisch School
Marvel’s Iron Fist. On set she was also given
of the Arts and studied acting at the Stella Adler
the complete details of her character for the
first time. She would be playing the Bride of Near the end of the two-week period, Iron
Nine Spiders, a cold-hearted martial artist and Fist star Finn Jones entered the mix. Kim had
expert on spider venom who would be one of already mastered her techniques, but the flow
Iron Fist’s adversaries. Her character would be was very different when working with a new
one of the few villains on the show that came partner. More rehearsals were needed specifically
directly from the comic book. Making her look with Jones. He and Kim had to perfect not
authentic was important. Costume designers only the choreography but the dialogue as
began by sketching Kim to see how she would well. Kim had already practiced her lines while
look in the outfit they had in mind. Once the working with the stunt coordinator, but the
costume was physically rendered, several fittings focus at that time had been on getting the
were required to get it just right. Even when movements right. She now had to seamlessly
they were shooting the episode, keeping Kim’s blend those movements with the acting. “When
character and costume a secret was a priority. you’re doing [dialogue] with the actor in that
“Whenever I left my trailer, I had to be fully particular moment as the character, it becomes
robed,” said Kim. By that time, she knew the a lot more purposeful and it’s more exciting.”
full details of the project, but the rest of the Her fight scene with Iron Fist was short but
world would have to wait. While filming, memorable. It attracted a lot of attention on
the show was referred to simply as “Kick” to social media, with comic book fans weighing
throw off the paparazzi who prowled the set. in on both sides as to how well the show had
interpreted the Bride of Nine Spiders character.
Staging the Fight
Kim was taken aback by all the attention. Despite
It takes only six minutes to watch Kim’s fight
having had more screen time in other projects,
scene on Iron Fist, but it took two weeks of
her performances had never been analyzed to
preparation. Stunt coordinators showed her a
quite the same degree. She understands that
mockup of how the scene should look. They
the way the comic book is brought to life
asked Kim, “Can you do this? Are you able to
means a lot to longtime fans. “It’s Marvel.
do that?” With the fight now tailored to Kim’s
You don’t want to disappoint anyone.”
skill set, it was time to rehearse with the stunt
team. “The stunt coordinators were amazing. The Marvel Universe
It was fun to be able to push myself to do Fortunately, Kim worked with a director who
certain things and to really show the beauty cared deeply about the source material and had
of the martial arts and the choreography.”
an affinity for the martial arts genre as well. That
director was RZA (the stage name used by rapper
Robert Fitzgerald Diggs,) who initially gained
fame by working references to comic books and
Kung Fu movies into his rap music as a member
of the chart-topping Wu Tang Clan. A martial
artist himself, RZA even wrote and directed his
own Kung Fu epic for the big screen, The Man
With the Iron Fists. The 2012 film starring Lucy
Liu and Russell Crowe gave RZA just the right
background to direct an episode of Iron Fist,
the similarly titled but unrelated Netflix series.
According to Kim, RZA’s enthusiasm for comics
helped shape his directorial vision. “This [episode]
was supposed to be more like the 1970s theme
of comics, which was a little over the edge,” she
said. This approach created an episode that was
more fantastical than previous installments.
RZA provided an appropriate vehicle for the
Bride of Nine Spiders to leap off the comic
book page and make her live-action debut.
The Future
After 13 episodes headlining his own show,
Iron Fist appeared in the Defenders mini-series
with fellow Netflix superheroes Daredevil,
Jessica Jones, and Luke Cage (referred to as
Power Man in the comic books). Together they
took on a villain played by science fiction icon
Sigourney Weaver (who gained fame through
the Aliens film franchise). Ratings and reviews
suggest this won’t be the team’s final adventure.
Iron Fist itself has been picked up for a second
season. Kim hopes that means more screen
time for the Bride of Nine Spiders. She looks
forward to growing with the character and
having more opportunities to demonstrate her
martial arts ability in front of the camera.
Steven Ronai has a master’s degree from Stony

Brook University. He is a history teacher and
freelance writer based in New York. He has
trained in Jiu-Jitsu, Tae Kwon Do, and Tai
Chi. His articles on martial arts history and
cinema have appeared in Black Belt magazine.
He has also written articles about pop culture
for the Sequart Organization (sequart.org).

Mudo Knowledge
Elucidating and Validating Individual
Tae Kwon Do Practice
By John A. Johnson, Ph.D.
The most complicated question to answer as differently ITF patterns were performed then.
a martial artist is “How is hurting people an Moreover, a close examination of how dissimilar
art?” The answer is obfuscated by the various ITF grand masters execute fundamental
definitions of what art is. Possibly the best way is movements also indicates large differences in
to just first define art as “a way of self-expression.” their interpretations of Tae Kwon Do movement,
Some artists express themselves with a brush or even though General Choi taught them directly.
through dance. We Taekwondo-in (Tae Kwon My main concern is the loss of culture and
Do practitioners) express ourselves by punching, knowledge due to the influence of Western
kicking, and throwing other likeminded people. sport on Eastern practices. Despite positive
The problem many have with art is that it changes like the new Kukki/WTF poomsae for
changes. Yet, two truisms must be acknowledged para-athletes and other groups, Tae Kwon Do’s
when understanding art: 1) people change traditions and knowledge must be preserved
with the times, and 2) a person’s art reflects because they have value beyond competition. In
their particular view of their time and place. particular, General Choi named patterns after
The first paintings were done on cave walls, important Korean historical figures, legends,
yet Michelangelo and van Gogh used canvas and events to ensure that Korean history and
and my college students today use computers culture were not eradicated. Yet, ironically,
to create their artwork. In the pugilistic arts, these were lost when the civilian, Western sport-
we see a huge range of diversity in expressive focused Kukki/WTF Tae Kwon Do replaced his
movement: while Tai Chi Chuan is slow, other militaristic, Eastern philosophy-focused Chang
martial arts are dynamic and fast, use weapons, Hon/ITF Tae Kwon Do in South Korea.
teach only weapons, or have a bit everything. Alternatively, new martial art styles or techniques
Loss of knowledge almost inevitably accompanies are valuable paths toward personal goals. It is
change in a martial art. Techniques are fallacious to discredit any new style or art just
discarded as preferences of one type or another for being “new” or for simply existing at all. If
are valued over another. For instance, Kukki/ art is an expression of self, then disrespecting an
WTF Tae Kwon Do changed its competition art is disrespecting the individuals who practice
rules so more points are awarded for kicks it. This type of behavior for Taekwondo-in
to the head. This was done, in part, to make contradicts our tenet of courtesy outright.
competitions more exciting and therefore No one cares much if a person drives down
appealing for television viewership. Likewise, the road in a Chevrolet, Honda, or Kia car.
biased judging led to athletes wearing electronic The vehicle gets them to where they are going.
scoring equipment, which decreased the need A person’s Tae Kwon Do practice similarly
for powerful kicks. These situations forced transports them to whatever goal they desire to
numerous and controversial changes in achieve. It matters not if they aim for Olympic
Olympic Tae Kwon Do competition that altered gold, self-confidence, improved health, a
athletes’ preferred techniques and strategies. combination of one of these aims, or something
While practitioners are hesitant to admit it, ITF completely different. If a person finds value
Tae Kwon Do has also changed. A quick look at in their practice, that is all that matters.
YouTube videos from the 1970s illustrates how

The value of a person’s Tae Kwon Do practice
thus lies not in what or why they practice, but
in the very fact that they practice. If practice in
of itself becomes the focus of our criticism, we
can disregard the prejudices of one instructor, a
style of Tae Kwon Do, or any martial art over
another. Instead of holding on to these illogical
and prejudicial beliefs, we can encourage and
evaluate the most important aspect of Tae Kwon
Do practice: the growth of the individual.
John A. Johnson (Ph.D.) is a professor of Kyung
Hee University in Yongin, Korea, with over
33 years of TKD experience. He publishes
academic articles and speaks at international
academic conferences on Tae Kwon Do
philosophy and pedagogy. He can be contacted
through www.jiatr.org or www.iactkd.com.

Are You a Good Instructor?
By Master Dario Arnese
When speaking to an individual for the first
time, it is important to find out what they
want from their training before you can help
them. The two main reasons usually given
are to learn self-defense or to get fit, although
parents often want to see an improvement in
their child’s discipline and concentration as well.
So how does a good instructor provide this?
As a qualified school teacher, I teach children
every day. It’s important to understand that all
children and adults are different and will learn in
different ways and at different paces. However,
in order to get the best out of them, one of the
most important, in my opinion, is when speaking
As martial artists, we are often critical on how we to an individual, a small group or even a whole
perform or train in class. Especially as instructors, class, clear simple instructions are necessary.
we all want to improve and do the best for our Using a friendly tone of voice and some humour
students, but what about the way we teach? will improve your instructor/student relationship
Regardless of the style you practice, how do we and will make the student feel more comfortable
ourselves know what makes a good instructor? and relaxed. Having an enthusiastic and well-
In order for us to be able to answer this very engaged class will boost everybody’s confidence
important question, we should start by asking our and self-esteem, and improve learning. These
own students why they wanted to study martial skills can easily be transferred to martial arts.
arts in the first place . . . and why with you? An aggressive tone of voice should never be used,
Whether we are professional or part-time, we even when you are having a bad day. Leave that
all charge a fee, so it is in fact a business in outside the dojang. People are coming to you for
the service industry, and we need to attract help, and the last thing an instructor should want
students and cater to their needs as best we can is to give the impression that they are a bully!
in order to be successful. How do we do this? Having seen instructors do this in the past, I can
definitely say this is the way to lose students!
The majority of people will come along first to
view a class to get a feel for it, so a good first Having a good class structure is also important.
impression is essential. Your own appearance is Simply standing at the front and “doing” a
crucial before they even pluck up the courage class and giving people a workout is not good
to speak to you, the instructor. Ask yourself enough. Anyone can do that! A good instructor
this question every time a new person walks in should know the class and try to make sure
through the door: “Would you or your child that the needs of as many individuals in that
want to be taught by this person?” This is the class are met. Therefore, the teaching element
first step in attracting new students. Wearing of the class is very important. Every instructor
a clean uniform, being well groomed, smelling should ask themselves what do I want them to
nice and having a friendly personality go a learn or improve upon in this lesson? How can I
long way in recruiting new students, but these implement and allow the student to achieve this?
do not make a good instructor. They merely People learn in different ways. Some are
open the door and give the instructor the audio learners, some are visual learners,
opportunity to show what they can do for them. some are kinesthetic learners, and some

are a combination of two or all three basics, it is usual to begin implementing those
types. So how do we teach them all? techniques through practical activities and drills.
Good instructors will always explain clearly In between activities, however, instructors should
what they want the student to do and why. They also be aware that students need to be properly
will demonstrate the activity, skill or technique hydrated. So quick water breaks are essential. In
first and then allow the students to practice Choi Kwang Do it is usual as the next part of
themselves. This applies to teaching children too the class to begin practicing defense drills. The
but using simpler language and demonstrating instructor here should always emphasize that
using a mirror image where possible. safety is paramount and that safety equipment
is a must. Before beginning, however, the
In Choi Kwang do it’s usual for a class to start instructor should remember that everybody
with a good stretching routine, with the person learns in different ways. All the different exercises
leading the stretching demonstrating and giving should be explained clearly and demonstrated
some explanation of how and why the stretching so everybody knows what they are doing.
is important. On completing the stretching, Constructive feedback during these exercises will
the instructor should now begin teaching or form a large part of the teaching element here
demonstrating basic techniques where good and improve the students’ skills and confidence.
practice is to use a focus mitt or shield as a The last part of the class is usually reserved for
teaching aid. This is followed by patterns and or equipment drills where students can practise
speed drills, again explaining or reinforcing an individual full-power techniques or all-out
understanding of those movements for the benefit multiple attacks. Here again it is important for
of the students and any assistant instructor to the instructor to watch students carefully and give
enhance their knowledge. Standing at the front positive feedback and motivation where necessary.
of the class with your arms folded looking bored
while explaining is definitely not advised, as it After reading this, how do you yourself
gives the wrong impression! The instructor should compare or rate yourself?
at this point also stipulate what is expected If you really want to know how good an
from the students by further motivating them instructor you are, look at the quality of your
to perform as best they can. Good instructors own students to begin with, assess your own
should also be aware of any injuries students qualities, skills and teaching, or simply get
may have. Alternative exercises can be suggested feedback from your own students by asking
and practised so students are not left out or feel simple questions, such as “What did you get out
under-valued. During this period of time it can of that lesson?” “What did you learn today?”
be a good idea to delegate some responsibilities “How could I have improved that lesson for you?”
to assistant instructors to allow them to gain Other ways to improve your skills are film
experience and give some students some one-on- yourself, get an experienced colleague to
one training, leaving you free to concentrate on observe you and get yourself some feedback
the main class, answer any questions and correct or go and watch other instructors teach and
any misconceptions or movements. After the see what you can use in your own class.

One Step At a Time
Burnout
By Master Noly Caluag
Day in, day out, you’ve been going to the this problem must be addressed. Students may
dojang working up a good sweat. To warm up, get hurt, lose interest, and even drop out.
you jump roped, did some calisthenics and The good news? Burnout is easily diagnosed
stretched. Then you worked on the heavy bag, and can be avoided, or minimized,
practiced your punches and kicks on the focus assuming, of course, that there are no
mitts, shields, and in the air. You are pumped physical or health limitations.
up and are getting faster and stronger. This has
been your routine for the last several months. Training your athletes at a high-intensity level for
a long period of time may cause burnout. If the
Then one day, as soon as you hit the purpose is to prepare for competition, you must
gym and tried to do some cardio, discuss your goals with your students. Even if you
something just doesn’t feel right. are not training for competition, the curriculum
You ignore it and try to stretch, but it doesn’t for your daily classes must be well planned.
feel the same way. Your body aches and you When you see the first signs of burnout in
cut the stretching time in half. As you kick your school, talk to your student and find
the bag, you notice that your kicks are not as out what the problem is. Encourage him or
strong, not nearly as high, and you’ve been her to try harder, by praise and motivation,
missing the target. The day’s session has barely rather than punishment and threats. If this
started and all of a sudden—you’re tired. is happening too frequently and to several
Burnout! This is the dreaded “B” word that every students, then the problem—unfortinately—
athlete may face regardless of gender and age. It may even be you and your program.
doesn’t even matter what activity or sport you Study your program well. Perhaps you can
practice, nobody is immune, and in the world shorten the classes. Identify the activity, which
of martial arts, this should not be taken lightly. may be too difficult, and modify it a little
So what exactly is burnout? Plain and bit. Give plenty of breaks to your students,
simple: burnout is physical, mental and and remember that it’s perfectly fine to
emotional fatigue to the point that you are switch things around just to break routine.
not accomplishing what you set out to do. If you are the owner, observe the classes and
You are losing interest and motivation. see how your students react to your instructors.
For the average Tae Kwon Do student, Get feedback from students, parents, and your
this could mean forgetting your Taegeuk instructors as well to see how you can improve
forms or not kicking high or strong enough. the program. If the problem is the instructor,
There simply isn’t enough energy. then do your best to have an open dialogue
You are losing your focus, and attending practice to see how to fix things. Remember, if the
isn’t exciting anymore. Things can get worse if instructor is having a bad day or gets stressed
you are training for competition and you suffer out, this will profoundly affect the students.
from burnout. You are unable to continue the Don’t make your school join every tournament.
same level of training. When you train with Choose only the major competitions so you
your teammates and aren’t giving it all, the can plan accordingly and not train hard
whole team’s morale can suffer. In contact sports, year round. Even if you are training for
you can get hurt if you are not focused. If you the Olympics, you can vary your training
are a gym owner, coach, instructor or trainer, to peak right on the tournament date.

You can be creative with the kind of During my regular classes, we usually have
tournaments you host or join. Think outside races and games for all the classes—even for the
of the box. In addition to sparring and adults. The bottom line is to make the classes
poomsae tournaments, we host flying side fun, while making sure the students learn.
kick, jumping front kick, and board-breaking If after exhausting (pun not intended)
tournaments to make things interesting for all your options, go ahead and give your
our students. That way both the training and student (or instructor) a break from practice
the tournaments encourage new and different for a day or two. Everybody needs a break
skills and appeal to many different students. every now and then. You do too. Don’t
When training, suggest watching an be afraid to take a well-deserved one!
inspirational movie or listening to an upbeat
song or soundtrack. We even listen to the Rocky
soundtrack during sparring sessions during Master Noly Caluag is a 5th-degree WTF black
training! Encourage socialization so there is belt and has organized over 40 tournaments in
bonding within the students. There is strength Guam. A Philippine Taekwondo Sports Hall
in numbers, and friends will uplift each other. of Famer, middleweight champion, and WTF
international referee, Master Noly has competed
In our dojang, I hold optional Saturday in a World TKD tournament, California Open,
classes for a small fee. There is free playtime Asian Championships and the Philippine National
after each class—even for the parents! I have Open. He has coached and trained national teams
a 6,000 foot dojang, and after each class the to the Oceania, WTF World Junior Championship
students play dodge ball, tetherball, and I and others. Currently, he is the founder and chief
also have rock climbing, cargo net climbing, instructor of Guam Taekwondo Center, and has
ping pong, badminton, and even air hockey. practiced Tae Kwon Do for almost 40 years.
These classes are fun and very popular!

Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do
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March 2018

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Publisher & CEO

Contributors 32 Brenda Dobson, Russ Dobson, and Janna Guerdet

53 Gayle Jones - Pursuit of My Black Belt

6 March 2018 / taekwondotimes.com

taekwondotimes.com / March 2018 7

Legends Show Up for Book

8 March 2018 / taekwondotimes.com

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Scoring methods Object of Scoring Deduction points Scoring Timing

taekwondotimes.com / March 2018 21

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26 March 2018 / taekwondotimes.com

Debi Jase – Defense Stance

taekwondotimes.com / March 2018 27

Assisting Grandmaster Michael De Alba is Head Instructor Brandon De Alba.

Grandmaster Michael De Alba is the founder of the For more information:

28 March 2018 / taekwondotimes.com

taekwondotimes.com / March 2018 29

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40 March 2018 / taekwondotimes.com

“SGM Cacoy was always very strict on little things that

Sr. GMAK goes on to describe his view of basics when

 ,·P KRQRUHG WRSRVH ZLWKP\ VWXGHQWV

Notice Sam’s left hand is flat over

Notice Jenny’s sticks are 90O vertical and horizontal.

The punyo end of your

You may see this with A common problem

Jenny and Joe showcase Jenny and Joe

RANGE - for DOUBLE-STICK DRILLS

Dan demonstrates Out of Range by slashing his weapon side to side

Moving in with a step-drag with his

Again, by moving in with his right foot and keeping his

- CLOSE RANGE or PUNYO RANGE

Another step-drag with his right foot.

Dan demonstrates grappling range by maintaining the lock on Kristin’s

taekwondotimes.com / November 2017 49

50 March 2018 / taekwondotimes.com

taekwondotimes.com / March 2018 51

52 March 2018 / taekwondotimes.com

taekwondotimes.com / March 2018 53

taekwondotimes.com / March 2018 55

Steven Ronai has a master’s degree from Stony

58 March 2018 / taekwondotimes.com

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