Taekwondo

Recently someone mentioned that there were about 400 9th degree grandmasters, but I don't know if he was referring just to the US or the world.

The exact number will be never known because there is no central accounting facility, given the different versions of TKD across the world.

YSL

Donnie Yen knows several types of Martial Art styles. Depends on how you look at it. His base is in Wushu which encompasses several different styles in and of itself. Aside from that he is well trained in Judo, Brazilian Jujitsu, Muay Thai, Wing Chun, MMA, Kickboxing, and other styles to varying degrees. Watching him spar it looks like he is well trained in Jeet Kune Do or Jun Fan Gong Fu but his experience is vast enough that he may have simply been emphasizing the same movements in those styles without knowing much about them.

It might depend on how well you know your instructor, and what nationality he/she is (different cultures have different customs). Is this a gift from just one person, or from a group? Some options could include a large plaque expressing thanks with all the student's names, or a nice quality katana on a stand with an inscription on a small plaque attached to its base, or a photo album with a collection of student pictures and hand written messages saying something about each person's experiences with that instructor over the years (even contacting as many former students as possible). A video message is another idea, with any short clips of events that the students or parents might have. If the instructor has other interests or hobbies, something to go along with that activity might be nice.

In the Korean language, the term Jung shin (정신) means "Spirit." Some people in the field of Taekwondo have interpreted this in general to mean having a "Healthy Spirit." Others have attributed it to the specific teaching of a set of rules of conduct for daily life, known as "tenets." Specifically, within the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) founded by General Hong-Hi Choi, the standard 5 tenets are "Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self Control, and Indomitable Spirit." These same tenets are often shared and taught in other Taekwondo schools and organizations that are not directly affiliated with the ITF, and the exact number or wording of the tenets might vary.

The term "Jungshin" has also been used by some schools as a name for their specific branch or curriculum, for teaching the art of Taekwondo - - most commonly one of ITF affiliation. There is a group of ITF affiliated schools in South Africa who claim this term which their website states was founded in 2004. Another group in New Zealand uses the term Jungshin while claiming to teach the "ITF style" but are also under the heading of the International Taekwondo Foundation of New Zealand (ITFNZ). For these two groups, it seems to be a catchphrase to represent a philosophy of teaching morality as the core principles of both Taekwon-Do instruction and way of life.

(see related links below)

Although some people find it difficult to see the importance of poomse, they are very important. First of all, they are designed to simulate the fighting of multiple enemies. Second, they are a great way to practice when you are alone. Third, they help you improve your concentration. Finally, they bring rigidity and precision to your movements

Albert Cheeks was a student of the late Ki Whang Kim. He was known in the 70's as one of the greatest fighters of traditional taekwondo. He was on the first team to go to Korean and fight for the USA in 1973. He brought home the bronze medal. He has fought and beaten some of the best fighters on the east coast and Midwest of America in the 70's. When asking the elders about him when he was active the usual response was: "that was one guy you didn't want to fight."

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Muhammed Kahrimanovic of Germany broke 11 wooden boards using his hand on 20 September 2008. Each board was each 300 mm x 250 mm x 18 mm and were not separated by spacers.

Taekwondo can be defined as a Asian Martial Art or a sport. It comes from Korea, and was developed in post WWII as a culmination of older combative skills and philosophy which have some roots extending back to the original settling of the Korean Peninsula and development of the first three kingdoms (57BC - 100AD). However, Taekwondo as it is today did not take shape until the period of "Kwan" (school) development from 1944 (the opening of the Chung Do Kwan by Grandmaster Won Kuk Lee) to 1972 (the establishment of the Kukkiwon - World Taekwondo Headquarters in Seoul Korea). http://www.kukkiwon.or.kr/english/introduce/introduce03.jsp?div=03 Many Korean Masters were instrumental in the development of Taekwondo as a complete Martial Art, but there was also a desire to spread Korean Taekwondo world wide. To do this, Competitions were devised using rules unique to the Korean Martial Art. While Judo and Karate had already established games with rules that promoted their systems of combat as a sport, Taekwondo needed to revise the rules to enhance the aspect of kicking as a primary weapon of self defense. In 1963 the first National Taekwondo Competition was held in Seoul, Korea, and the first foreigner to compete in that tournament was an American Serviceman and Taekwondo Black Belt by the name of Edward Sell (currently 9th Degree Black Belt - Founder of the United States Chung Do Kwan Association: USCDKA). http://www.uscdka.com/about-uscdka.html As the Martial Art of Taekwondo spread world wide, so did the interest in tournaments. Early Taekwondo competitions were run similar to former Karate tournaments in what is often called "stop point" matches. This is where the two fighters attempt to strike valid scoring areas of the opponent's body with legal techniques, and the fight is stopped temporarily to vote on, and award points or penalties. Typically, in these type of tournaments, four judges are positioned, standing one in each corner of a ring (ring size varies depending on tournament size - usually about 15' x 15' or up to the 8 meter x 8 meter of the Olympic rings). Each corner judge holds a red flag in one hand and a white (or blue) flag in the other hand (or a single wooden stick with a red flag at one end and a white flag at the other). One fighter is designated as the red fighter (usually by a small, rectangular piece of red cloth looped through their belt in the back. A center referee starts and ends each round, and helps to manage the safety and enforce the rules by moving about the ring during the match. Upon the proper execution of a legitimate technique to a valid target, any one of the corner judges may yell "point," and the Center Referee would stop the match. The Ref would then call for judges score, and each judge would raise the color of flag, or indicate "no point" by waving their arms low, or "no see" by crossing their hands in front of their eyes to indicate they were not at a vantage point to see the impact. The Center Ref also has a single vote and may suspend the fight if he/she sees a point or a violation of the rules. As Taekwondo tournaments have progressed, many have moved away from the "stop-point" method, and adopted a "continuous match" system. This is the type that is used in the Olympic Taekwondo rules. Taekwondo, as a sport, made its Olympic debut as a demonstration sport at the 1988 games in Seoul, Korea. Taekwondo was accepted as a full medal Olympic sport in the 2000 games in Sydney, Australia. The continuous matches of Olympic Competition provides for three - 3 minute rounds, with a 1 minute rest between each round. The Center Referee gives commands in the Korean Language, and the corner judges are seated with either score sheets to record points as they see them, or electronic push buttons to record points by majority consensus within a brief time span. Under these rules, the center referee does not vote on points, but can invalidate a point due to a violation, and can penalize with "kyeong-go" (warning - two warnings = 1 deduction), or "Gemjeom" (Deduction = 1 minus point). The Center Ref also suspends the match for safety reasons, injuries, or to perform an "8 count" (in Korean language) after an extreme hit, to give the fighter a chance to recover. If not recovered by "Yeodeol" (eight), the ref will automatically count to 10, and the fighter looses by K.O. Some local tournaments, especially those run for fun and family participation, require no contact among lower ranks and children, and only light impact for high rank and Black Belt adults. "Light contact" or "no contact" does not mean that the techniques lack power, it just means that the full power is stopped at a point prior to impact. Olympic rules for children allow medium contact to the body when a chest protector is worn, but no contact to the head. Adult Olympic rules allow "full contact" to body and head which is typically self-monitored to mean a knock-out is possible, but not attempting to kill an opponent - - which full contact Taekwondo can do, even when padding is worn. Olympic rules require the use of some safety equipment (chest protector, headgear, shin pads, forearm guards, mouthguard, and groin protector), but rules change from time to time. Foot and fist pads might be required, especially as the punching to the face in Olympic rules is being considered. Some Taekwondo tournaments allow punching to the face, while others only allow kicks to the face, with punching and kicking to the body. Oddly enough, more injuries occur from a wild punch to the face, then a controlled kick. Also, Taekwondo rules are designed to promote the kicking skills, and not allow the matches to convert into a boxing bout, or Karate type of fight. Usually, fighters are not allowed to strike below the waist (top of the hip bones), or to the spine in the center of the back. The back of the head is NOT a legal target, thus kicks there should not be scored. A punch or kick to the body must cause a "trembling shock" to displace the person in order to show sufficient power. "No contact" tournaments will score when the technique comes within a 3 - 6 inch proximity of the target if it is well executed and controlled. In Taekwondo matches, there are typically no foot sweeps, flips, throws, grabbing, holding, or pushing allowed. For Olympic competition rules (forms or sparring), the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) was created in 1973, and currently serves as a sport governing body with member nations around the world. http://www.wtf.org/wtf_eng/site/about_wtf/history.html You can not become a Member of the WTF as it is only open to National Governing Bodies (NGB) for sports. You can join the NGB in your native country to be eligible for Olympic and Jr. Olympic competition. You can also join independently run organizations (some authorized with proper credentials and some are not). The US Chung Do Kwan descended from the first Taekwondo Kwan in Korea; the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) descended from General Choi Hong Hi's Oh Do Kwan, The American Taekwondo Association (ATA), or a large list of other organizations who often hold their own tournaments with rule variations. One should note that the "sport" of Taekwondo is played by rules which involves a portion of the Taekwondo curriculum. Sport Taekwondo is not the same thing as the complete Martial Art of Taekwondo which is for self defense, fitness, character development, and a philosophical way of life to enhance the body, mind, and spirit of the student.

There are many ways to lose a match in Taekwondo competition. First is to be disqualified for not meeting the requirements or not having the required gear, and showing up in the ring on time when your name is called.

The next way to lose would be by a knockout (for tournaments where contact is allowed, such as in Olympic Taekwondo for adults). The athlete could also lose the match based on a major violation, or series of violations (a total of 4 points deduction) for illegal techniques or disallowed conduct on the part of the athlete or coach. The match could be ended if the Referee (upon consulting with the judges) determines that it is a mismatch, and one opponent is clearly dominating the other. Also, a fighter or their coach could forfeit the match and withdraw from competition.

A fighter could lose if they are injured by a legal attack and cannot continue, or if they cause injury by using an illegal attack whereby their opponent can not continue. If the match is played through to the end of the final round, the contestant with the most points wins. In case of a tie, the winner is determined by a 4th "sudden death" round where the first opponent to score a point wins. If there are no points scored in the sudden death round, the judging officials vote based on a number of criteria relating to aggressive match management, advanced techniques, and number of techniques thrown. The referee breaks any tie in voting.

Many independent Taekwondo organizations and federations have their own tournament rules that may vary, and World Taekwondo Federation competition rules may be modified with approval for smaller WTF recognized events.

From the most recent update of WTF competition rules as of October 7, 2010:

Article 16 Decisions

1 케이오승

1 Win by Knock-out (KO)

2 주심직권승

2 Win by Referee Stops Contest (RSC)

3 최종점수승

3 Win by final score (PTF)

4 점수차승

4 Win by point gap (PTG)

Explanation: Win by point gap: In case of 12 points difference between two athletes at the time of the completion of 2nd round and/or at any time during the 3rd round, the referee shall stop the contest and shall declare the winner by point gap.

5 써든데스승

5 Win by Sudden Death (SDP)

6 우세승

6 Win by Superiority (SUP)

7 기권승

7 Win by withdrawal (WDR)

8 실격승

8 Win by disqualification (DSQ)

9 반칙승

9 Win by referee's punitive declaration (PUN)

Two women

I don't know who came up with "two women." Do san is the second pattern in ITF Taekwondo. The name of the pattern, Do-San, is a pseudonym of the patriot Ahn Chang-Ho (1876 - 1938). The 24 movements represent his entire life which he devoted to furthering education in Korea and the Korean independence movement. Good site: The (Shamelessly) Unofficial Taekwondo Resource on paperwindow.com/tkd/

In ITF Taekwondo a red belt with a black stripe considered 1st geup is the belt received before obtaining the 1st Dan black belt. For other arts I do not know the meaning but for this one "Red signifies danger, warning the student of his own capability for damage and other students of his skill. "

Some people spend quite a lot and some people don't spend much at all. For example, depending on your school, you might receive a free uniform when you enroll, or you might buy a fancy uniform on the Internet. Tuition costs vary. One school near Portland, Oregon charges $79.95 per month. Sparring gear is available at different price points. Sometimes you can find it used on Craigslist. Expect to pay between $60.00 and$260.00 for a complete set of gear. Belt test fees vary from school to school, somewhere between $15.00 and $40.00. Belt test are conducted at regular intervals, but this also varies from school to school from every three months to every six months. You may or may not purchase supplemental training materials such as books or videos. These might be available at your local library. You may choose to enter the local tournaments. Entrance fees might be $50.00.

To kick higher you should do exercises that open up your hips. Such exercises are scissors and just working on your splits.

Taekwondo is predominantly a kicking art, thus the stretching you should be taught are sufficient to gain flexibility. What is required (and often lacking in students) is dedicated, and consistent stretching on a daily basis. You should go through every position for stretching the legs and hips, and hold each position for at least 30 seconds. Don't bounce, or move too quickly as the muscles will automatically contract in defense, and you might injure yourself. Stretching has "discomfort" which must be tolerated for brief periods, and relaxing your muscles helps. However, you should never feel "pain" or a "burning" sensation. This indicates tearing and injury.

Muscles should be warmed up with calisthenics before beginning, and basic stretching before going through a half-hour of full stretching every day. Every fourth day, do an hour of stretching by going through every position twice, and holding for longer periods of time.

Remember that it is not absolutely required to kick high to be an expert at Taekwondo. As long as you can kick quickly, accurately, and with enough force to do damage to the knee, groin, or even the abdomen, you will be effective with Taekwondo. If you are pushing yourself to be the best, flexibility for kicks are more for reach than height. However, if you want to kick head level, stand on one leg, and put your other leg on a sturdy, stable object high enough to feel the stretch to a slight discomfort. Each week, you will be able to rest the foot at a higher level while standing on one leg. Do both front hip, and side hip stretches.

To receive a belt, you need to do an exam and your master needs to evaluate whether or not you know the "field survey". If so, you will receive a belt. The first one is yellow.

This is a question that might be asked as an essay requirement, or oral response for a promotion test. Researching the subject is a good idea, but it is important to fully understand this from your own perspective, and experiences so you can put it into your own words instead of just quoting what someone says on an internet forum.

Leadership in Taekwondo occurs on three main levels.

First, there is the "Sunbaenim" which is any senior student or higher rank that serves as a help and inspiration to lower belt students. Even a yellow belt can be a leader to a white belt by being a good example of what a yellow belt should be, and then encouraging, and helping the white belt to reach the next step. Advanced students are often class leaders long before they are qualified or certified to teach. The 1st grade ("Il geup") color belt student is senior ("sunbaenim") to all the other color belt students who are junior ("hubaenim"). It is important to remember that in your own quest for learning Taekwondo, someone (often other than your main teacher) cared about you enough to help you along the way, so it is reciprocal for the senior students to do the same for the newer students coming up behind them.

The second level of leadership in Taekwondo is the Instructor. Whether you are a 1st Degree Assistant Instructor ("Jogyonim") or a 2nd or 3rd Degree fully certified Instructor (Gyosanim), your position is that of a roll model. It is important at this stage to be a connection between the color belts and the Masters so that you can answer questions, help students improve, and give them a living example of what it means to be a high quality, dedicated and honorable student. Color belt students are often afraid to approach the senior Master, so the beginner Black Belts can determine if there is a serious problem, and help guide the student to open communication with the Master Instructor. Also, sometimes negative talk and complaints among students can get out of hand in the locker room and other areas, rather than being handled properly. The younger Black Belts can stay abreast of this kind of destructive behavior with private consultations, and communication with the Master Instructor.

Young Black Belts and beginner instructors can establish friendships with students, but must be careful not to try to be "buddies" with students where the student fails to look at the Black Belt leader as an individual of higher education to be respected, and followed in guidance, both inside the Dojang (school), and out. Black Belts must be careful not to try to be "cool" by doing childish or foolish behavior just to be popular with the students, and get them to like you. Students should learn to like and respect their leaders because of the nature of their character, and their dedication to the art.

The third level of leadership is that of the Master and Grandmaster. A Master is the head of the Dojang, and is responsible for the education of all students, Black Belts, and Instructors under his/her charge. The Grandmaster is the head of an organization, or one who is a Master in charge of other Masters at several schools. Masters are among the highest trained experts of the Martial Art, and embody the core principles, and philosophies of Taekwondo in their everyday life. As leaders, Masters are responsible for preserving the integrity of the art, keeping the structure of training intact, and ensuring that the art is passed on as accurately and completely as possible. Masters are not only leaders in Taekwondo, but in the community, and inspire other Black Belts, color belt students, and the youth of the community to be a positive member of society.

Leadership means leading others. It is a great privilege and responsibility, therefore should not be taken lightly, nor should it be undertaken without sufficient training, and the highest level of care and concern for those you lead. A leader takes pride in knowing that they are leading others correctly, and is humble to not view leadership as a right of authoritarian dictatorship. The 16th President of the United States is quoted as saying "No man is good enough to govern another man without that other's consent." A Master of slaves governs without consent. A Master of Taekwondo leads with consent, and respect based on the student's true appreciation of the value of that leader's knowledge, and personal devotion to the art, and to their students.

It is where you can use hand and foot techniques to score points on the 2 scoring regions, these change in different clubs and countries.