Message from my 2nd Teacher

I began training in Kyokushin karate in 1969.  These are my first two teachers.  On the left, Joe Deguzman and on the right Armando Carandang.  I was wearing a green uniform for outside summer classes.
These men began training in their homeland the Phillipines.  They were both Navy men who were stationed in New London.
Mr. Carandang was also a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and Shorinji Kenpo as well as very experienced in Arnis De Mano (Phillipine stick fighting).  Often times we would meet him at his apartment and venture down to his basement for training.  One day when we arrived he had us dress in his new kendo armor.

This was to protect us from his full power blows during sparring.  He would swing our heavy bag away from himself and as it came towards him, he would fold it in half with his side kick.  

I have stayed in touch with him although he is currently living outside Washington, D.C.

I invited him to my eight dan graduation and I wanted to share a note from him.  Thank you Sir for helping me become the Black Belt and the man I am today.
We walk on the shoulders of our teachers.


From:  Armando Carandang
To:  Mike Bogdanski

Dear Mike

I deeply regret that I'll unable to attend your promotion due to distance and my recuperation.

I am extremely fortunate to have you as a student for more than forty one years.  You are an outstanding Martial Art student, a superb sensei and above all else a good and loyal friend.  Your dedication to the Martial Art are always in the highest caliber. You have met every challenge with distinction and can look back with justifiable pride on Martial Art.

Lita and I wish you and your family every success and happiness for the future.

Sincerely and with warmest regard,

Armando Carandang

Hyung Training

Hyung (Forms)

Forms are a fundamental and elemental part of our training. Ancient people had a deep interest in the development of forms as well as a profound understanding of them. Below is a quote from the Moo Yei Do Bo Tong Ji, which is the oldest documentation of Korean Martial Arts (300 Years), the author is unknown:
“Performing with hands and feet and conditioning the body is the beginning of the study of the art of Soo Bahk. In actual combat, form does not seem in an obvious way to be a necessary part of the martial arts. However practicing forms perfects the ability to perform hand and foot techniques freely. This is fundamental to making the best use of one’s body at all times.”
Basic to all martial arts is this: After the basic movements are learned they are applied to and transformed into forms. As established, traditional and clearly defined sets of steps, jumps, blocks, kicks and punches, each of the forms in our art has a unity and purposed. The elements which make up the character or personality of a form are as follows:

1. Form Sequence
2. Power Control
3. Tension and Relaxation
4. Speed and Rhythm Control
5. Direction of Movements
6. Spirit or Attitude
7. Power of Technique
8. Understanding Form Technique
9. Distinctive Features of the Form
10. Perfect Finish
11. Precision of Movements
12. Intentness

Promoted To 8th Dan

You can't imagine the feeling you get at this kind of promotion.
Here I am being presented my certificate to Pahl Dan by Grandmaster Estioko of Sacramento, California.  Grandmaster is the second American to be awarded Dan rank in Tang Soo Do.  I will post again later about his journey.

This was an amazing weekend.  Getting ready to run the Nationals,  Senior Master training with Kwan Jang Nim Estioko.  Promoted to 8th Dan with my long time friend and Tang Soo brother Wesley "Chipper" Jenkins.  An accomplishment of a lifetime!

I want to thank all my teachers.  I believe we stand on the shoulders of all of our teachers.
I will have to post some photos and comments about their teaching and my learning.
I want thank my wife for supporting me in this pursuit.
I especially want to thank my student, business partner and training partner Master Kristin Duethorn for her constant push to be a great Black Belt, which in turn forces me to be a great teacher.  Our workouts over the years have been rigorous and plentiful and together we have sought true Tang Soo Do and Moo Do training.

When I began training in martial arts, somewhere around green belt, a friend asked me how high a Black Belt I hoped to achieve.  After a little thought I said 3rd degree Black.  He asked how I came to that?  I responded, that is how high my teacher is.  One thing I have learned is that we can all do better than we think we can.

Writing this has brought on many more thoughts of things I would like to write about.  I will need to be more consistent with my blogging.

Thanks for the journey and the memories!


MB

Grandmaster

World Dang Soo Do Union (http://wdsdu.com/)

My instructor is Great Grandmaster- Kwan Jang Nim Song Ki Kim.

He has dedicated his life to the teaching of the traditional Korean Martial Art of Tang Soo Do.

· He has over 50 years experience of Tang Soo Do. (Dan #312)

· He started teaching in 1956.

· He was an Instructor of the Korean military army brigade at Osan, Korea in 1957.

· He founded the Tang Soo Do School at Osan US Air Force base(K-55) in Korea in March 1958.

· He founded the Tang Soo Do Regional headquarters at Kyoung Ki province of Korea in January 31, 1960.

· Over a thousand of his former students have become top Masters and Grand Masters around the world.

· He is currently the World Dang Soo Do Union President.

He was instructor to Chuck Norris.

(and a great golfer)

Yuk Ro Hyung

Dham Doi Ship E Ro (Tan Tui)

by Master B Corrales
 

12 Road Tan Tui, or Dham Doi Ship E Ro in Korean, is a set of basic Chang Quan (long fist/boxing) combinations with a unique emphasis on kicks. Hwang Kee, founder of Hwa Soo Do, Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan, and Soo Bahk Do, learned these exercises while he was in China training under his instructor Yang, Yuk Jin (Yang Chu Chin in Chinese). The History of Moo Duk Kwan, an autobiography of Hwang Kee, notes his training in China included Seh Bop (Postures), Bo Bup (Steps), Ryun Bup (Conditioning) and two sets of forms: Dham Doi Ship E Ro and Tae Kuk Kwon (Tai Chi Chuan). A future article will be written on these other disciplines.


Since the 12 Set Tan Tui (彈腿)–as they are more commonly known in the martial arts community–were foundational to Hwang Kee’s martial arts career, it’s safe to assume that Tan Tui greatly influenced the Moo Duk Kwan system in a large way, particularly in his study of Soo Bahk found in the Kwon Bup (拳法) section of the Moo Yei Do Bo Tong Ji (武藝圖譜通志). You can quickly identify pieces and even entire sets of Tan Tui exercises in standard Moo Duk Kwan combinations, such as the Sam Kwan Kong Kyuk (Triple Fist Attack).

Any student of Hwang Kee’s famous Yuk Ro forms, will find many correlations with Tan Tui. Yuk Ro, meaning 6 roads, came from the Moo Yei Do Bo Tong Ji and is one line of text each. Some techniques are further explained in the notes section but overall, little guidance is given to the true nature of Yuk Ro. It seems clear, however, that each “road” is a single technique rather than an entire form. Hwang Kee then extrapolated the information and created a signature technique in each Yuk Ro form that shaped the character of the form. It’s safe to say that Hwang Kee then gleaned other techniques to compose the form from his previous training, including 12 Road Tan Tui. Individual movements and combinations can be found in both 12 Road Tan Tui and Yuk Ro forms.

Tan Tui Explained
Tan Tui (彈腿) is commonly translated to “spring legs” or “springing legs” because of the double meaning of spring. The correct meaning for “spring” in this case refers to water. A better translation is likely “pond”. Tan Tui is a foundational exercise in almost all Chang Quan (long fist/boxing) systems in Northern China and came from the Hui Muslim community. Though many variations exist, two main branches are practiced today: 10 Road Tan Tui and 12 Road Tan Tui. 12 Road Tan Tui is what Hwang Kee practiced.

The signature technique of Tan Tui is the “yoke punch”, which Soo Bahk Do practitioners call “Hwa Kuk Jang Kap Kwon”–translated Seize and Smash Long Back Fist. A yoke was a wooden bar that would “yoke” a team of oxen to pull a wagon. The yoked oxen moved as a single unit because of the yoke. In like manner, both arms work and move together in a yoke punch.

The yoke punch differs from a Hwa Kuk Jang Kap Kwon in that the front hand strikes with the front of the fist, rather than the back of the fist. A yoke punch is a straight punch with the chest turned sideways for maximum expansion and reach. The back hand acts as a back fist to the rear, though the back hand is only practiced in the forms as you learn Chang Quan (long fist/boxing) theory. In application, it’s a single handed strike with your body turned. It is quite effective and has defensive characteristics while moving offensively.

A Moo Duk Kwan practitioner will benefit greatly from the study of Tan Tui as it will give him/her a greater understanding of the Moo Duk Kwan system by learning the foundation on which it was built. Some of the more classical movements in Soo Bahk Do begin to be demystified as you study both the motions and applications of Tan Tui. Below is an example of some of the Tan Tui roads, modified to better complement the Moo Duk Kwan’s interpretation of Yuk Ro while still staying true to the spirit of Tan Tui.

Video Training
Below are what I consider the best YouTube versions of Tan Tui out there. The first video is the solo practice whereas the second is the two-person version. In the future, I will be posting my interpretation of Tan Tui based on the unique technique found within the Moo Duk Kwan.

References:

• Video Tutorial
• Wikipedia

My Own Training

Check out our VLOG

To help educate and maybe entertain you we have decided to post more of our own training in a video log with what we do each week to advance our training and keep up our skills


Kwan Jang Nim

정신 소리지르 - Ki Hap

정신 소리지르





Ki Hap: More than just a yell

Kwan Jhang Nim Charles Ferraro



The Korean word Ki Hap means to concentrate or focus the life force. You may have heard Ki Hap referred to as a "spirited shout". The spirit shout is, in fact, an important tool for learning to develop Ki Hap, but like so many aspects of modern day training the outward physical trappings of Ki Hap practice have become confused with the internal function itself by those who don’t have a clue as to what a Ki Hap is. The fact is, Tang Soo Do masters are capable of focusing their spirit through their weapons (hands and feet) without shouting. Some masters are capable of projecting and focusing the life force without even moving, much less shouting.

There is an old Okinawan story about a 19th century marital arts master who was challenged to a duel by another karate adept. They met at dawn in a field outside the village where they lived. Each man expected a fight to the death. As the master approached the field, the other man readied himself and assumed his fighting stance. The master, however, approached the scene standing relaxed with his hands at his sides. As the master came within fighting range, the challenger suddenly felt ill, and his knees nearly buckled. He quickly excused himself for a moment and sat down to regain his composure. After several minutes, the master asked him if he was ready to get on with it. The man decided that he was and got up to take his stance, but as soon as he looked into the master’s calm face and firm gaze, he felt ill again and had to sit to keep from falling. "Sir, I withdraw my challenge and apologize", he said. "I can see I am no match for you, and fighting would surely cost me my life."

This story may sound far fetched but when the Ki Hap is developed to its purest and highest form it is much more than a yell, rather it is a force capable of completely crushing an enemy without throwing as much as a single blow.

I have personally sparred with partners who were technically superior to me, but I could sense that they had inferior Ki Hap development and I was able through my will to dominate them and to render them totally helpless. Early in my martial arts career I have also been on the other side of the stick when I knew I was facing an opponent who had superior Ki Hap development and he was able to dominate me as easily as I did others later on.

In order to develop your Ki Hap you must work on the following attributes:

You must find your heart
You must develop an understanding of your Tangien (area two inches below the navel.
You should develop your "breath power" (control).
You should develop your "spiritual focus".
You should practice your hyung seriously.

Finding your heart means developing a specific mental attitude. In Tang Soo Do we refer to this attitude as "indomitable spirit", and it simply means to refuse to accept defeat. Of course, refusing to back down from a challenge or threat isn’t easy. We are accustomed to going through life avoiding conflicts, and seeking the path of least resistance. Always looking for the easy way. But sometimes you simply just have to fight, either figuratively or literally. Having heart is something we all have within us. We simply have to dig down deep and drag it out. Severe training and extremely hard challenges can serve as tools for developing this quality. But, no tool will work unless the student truly commits to conquering the challenge. He / She must throw their entire spirit into the effort. Survival isn’t enough; he/ she must triumph!

In order to develop a strong sense of Ki Hap, you must find your own heart. Make never giving up a habit. Always attack a challenge; never avoid or simply endure it. This is true whether you are facing a live opponent or a gut wrenching personal challenge.

Understanding your tangien (one point) is an essential ingredient in Ki Hap development. This is a spot that is located approximately 3 inches below your navel. This point is the physical center of our bodies. We tend to associate intuition and strong emotion with our gut. We’ve all felt fear, shock and grief gnawing there. Who hasn’t had a strong gut feeling about something or someone.

By focusing attention on their abdomens, Tang Soo Do practitioners are better able to tune out conscious thought, thereby freeing their minds to recognize the sensations produced by very subtle physical and emotional changes in their opponents. There is nothing mystical about this ability, it is a natural extension of a Tang Soo Doist’s ability to read his opponents. In order to fully develop an understanding of your tangien your must develop the following 3 attributes:

Learn to maintain your one point.
You must learn to relax.
You must learn to sink your awareness (weight) to its lowest point.

Maintaining your one point means putting strength in your lower abdomen and generate power for all your techniques from there. All movement must come from your one point.
It is important to learn how to relax. Learning to relax is harder than it sounds. Stress from everyday activities accumulates in our bodies, eroding our sense of tangien. Relaxation at key points in each technique aides the speed and flexibility that is necessary for generating true power.
Finally learning to sink your weight to the lower part of your body is extremely important in developing your understanding of your tangien. When you can maintain your one point and keep yourself relaxed your will get a sense of your weight sinking to the tangien. You will feel rooted but agile. You will feel powerful, yet calm. Any fluid naturally settles to the lowest point in a container. Your body is mostly water, and when relaxed, the weight of all parts of your body will naturally settle to their underside. In this state, you are very stable and therefore, very rooted and powerful.

Development of "Breath Power" (control) involves using your breathing to coordinate the contraction of your muscles so you can use your physical strength most effectively. Breath control works with understanding of the tangien to provide the Tang Soo Do practitioner with extraordinary strength. To develop breath control, relax and breathe deeply into the abdomen, not the chest.

There are two important rules for breathing in combat:

Never empty your lungs completely. Breath is strength; always maintain a reservoir of it.
Don’t puff or snort. In sparring or combat don’t expose your rhythm to your opponent. Don’t let you opponent get your timing. Keep your breathing silent.


Developing Spiritual Focus is yet another element in Ki Hap cultivation. This is the glue that holds all the other facets together. It is the focus that literally defines the Ki Hap’s "focused life force". It is "spiritual focus" that directs the Tang Soo Do practitioner’s mind during conflict, giving him or her the tactical advantage over a less refined fighter. It is his/ her spiritual focus that fuses the Tang Soo Do practitioner’s will. In order to develop the attribute of spiritual focus one must focus their entire being in achieving their objective. This level of commitment must be physical, as well as, mental. For a Tang Soo Doist that means putting every bit of speed and every ounce of strength possible into each strike.

For the Tang Soo Do practitioner spiritual focus is a critical ingredient of the Ki Hap. It is the focus that concentrates Ki, the energy produced by the life force. Also important in the cultivation of spiritual focus is the "spirit shout" or the actual yell that accompanies the Ki Hap. A pathetic trait in many modern dojangs is the feeble, patronizing grunts that students pass of as spirited shouts.

The spirit shout is one of the most valuable tools for developing spiritual focus and subsequently Ki Hap. A well trained Tang Soo Doist will explode with a deafening roar at the crucial point of focus, the point of impact with his/ her target. The shout will erupt from their abdomen, and it will help them to focus that simultaneous burst from all their muscles, essential for generating the crushing force they desire. The spirit shout is a tool. It is an audible device the Tang Soo Doist uses to coordinate and focus his physical, mental and spiritual energies.

Finally, in order to properly develop strong spiritual focus practitioners must develop their eye focus. Practitioners who understand the use of the Ki Hap will keep their gaze large. They will rest their gaze on the portal of their opponent’s spirit, their eyes. As for the mechanic of vision, you can still see your opponent’s feet while pointing your eyes at his, and with your spirit focused, you can tell a feint from a real attack even before he starts it. So keep your gaze broad. Your face and eyes must be relaxed but firmly committed. If you go into battle truly committed to die for the opportunity to kill your enemy his spirit will read it in your eyes and he will be crushed. This is the essence of spiritual focus and the heart of the Ki Hap.

Serious Hyung Practice is the purest form of Ki Hap training. I am not referring to flashy competition forms. I am talking about good old fashion, traditional and classical hyung training. Proper hyung training provides a vehicle for practicing all the essential elements for developing Ki Hap. It emphasizes the proper stances and correct movements that build proper understanding of the tangien. A qualified instructor will always stress moving from your one point, relaxing at key points and lowering your center of gravity. Breathing in hyung always centers in the tangien. It is properly coordinated with techniques. Therefore, breath control grows with each time your practice. But most importantly, hyungs is absolutely the best exercise for developing focus. It emphasizes coordinating and focusing physical energy in each technique and teaches the student to concentrate his mental energy and focus it into the physical movements. Properly disciplined traditional hyung training even conditions the practitioner to commit and focus his or her spirit through commanding the directions in which he points his eyes.

If you want to develop a strong sense of Ki Hap, if you want to learn to destroy attackers utterly and completely, if you want to defeat an enemy with a single glance, you’ll practice hyung with utmost seriousness. Through many years of arduous hyung practice the seasoned martial artist arrives at the understanding that the Ki Hap is much more than a yell but until you arrive at this point I would suggest you continue to yell as loud and spirited as you can.

Ki Hap - 정신 소리지르

정신 소리지르


Ki Hap: More than just a yell

Kwan Jhang Nim Charles Ferraro
Reprinted from Mi Guk Kwan Kwan News - Volume #7 / Issue #5 - Spring 2002



The Korean word Ki Hap means to concentrate or focus the life force. You may have heard Ki Hap referred to as a "spirited shout". The spirit shout is, in fact, an important tool for learning to develop Ki Hap, but like so many aspects of modern day training the outward physical trappings of Ki Hap practice have become confused with the internal function itself by those who don’t have a clue as to what a Ki Hap is. The fact is, Tang Soo Do masters are capable of focusing their spirit through their weapons (hands and feet) without shouting. Some masters are capable of projecting and focusing the life force without even moving, much less shouting.

There is an old Okinawan story about a 19th century martial arts master who was challenged to a duel by another karate adept. They met at dawn in a field outside the village where they lived. Each man expected a fight to the death. As the master approached the field, the other man readied himself and assumed his fighting stance. The master, however, approached the scene standing relaxed with his hands at his sides. As the master came within fighting range, the challenger suddenly felt ill, and his knees nearly buckled. He quickly excused himself for a moment and sat down to regain his composure. After several minutes, the master asked him if he was ready to get on with it. The man decided that he was and got up to take his stance, but as soon as he looked into the master’s calm face and firm gaze, he felt ill again and had to sit to keep from falling. "Sir, I withdraw my challenge and apologize", he said. "I can see I am no match for you, and fighting would surely cost me my life."

This story may sound far fetched but when the Ki Hap is developed to its purest and highest form it is much more than a yell, rather it is a force capable of completely crushing an enemy without throwing as much as a single blow.

I have personally sparred with partners who were technically superior to me, but I could sense that they had inferior Ki Hap development and I was able through my will to dominate them and to render them totally helpless. Early in my martial arts career I have also been on the other side of the stick when I knew I was facing an opponent who had superior Ki Hap development and he was able to dominate me as easily as I did others later on.

In order to develop your Ki Hap you must work on the following attributes:

You must find your heart
You must develop an understanding of your Tangien (area two inches below the navel.
You should develop your "breath power" (control).
You should develop your "spiritual focus".
You should practice your hyung seriously.

Finding your heart means developing a specific mental attitude. In Tang Soo Do we refer to this attitude as "indomitable spirit", and it simply means to refuse to accept defeat. Of course, refusing to back down from a challenge or threat isn’t easy. We are accustomed to going through life avoiding conflicts, and seeking the path of least resistance. Always looking for the easy way. But sometimes you simply just have to fight, either figuratively or literally. Having heart is something we all have within us. We simply have to dig down deep and drag it out. Severe training and extremely hard challenges can serve as tools for developing this quality. But, no tool will work unless the student truly commits to conquering the challenge. He / She must throw their entire spirit into the effort. Survival isn’t enough; he/ she must triumph!

In order to develop a strong sense of Ki Hap, you must find your own heart. Make never giving up a habit. Always attack a challenge; never avoid or simply endure it. This is true whether you are facing a live opponent or a gut wrenching personal challenge.

Understanding your tangien (one point) is an essential ingredient in Ki Hap development. This is a spot that is located approximately 3 inches below your navel. This point is the physical center of our bodies. We tend to associate intuition and strong emotion with our gut. We’ve all felt fear, shock and grief gnawing there. Who hasn’t had a strong gut feeling about something or someone.

By focusing attention on their abdomens, Tang Soo Do practitioners are better able to tune out conscious thought, thereby freeing their minds to recognize the sensations produced by very subtle physical and emotional changes in their opponents. There is nothing mystical about this ability, it is a natural extension of a Tang Soo Doist’s ability to read his opponents. In order to fully develop an understanding of your tangien your must develop the following 3 attributes:

Learn to maintain your one point.
You must learn to relax.
You must learn to sink your awareness (weight) to its lowest point.

Maintaining your one point means putting strength in your lower abdomen and generate power for all your techniques from there. All movement must come from your one point.
It is important to learn how to relax. Learning to relax is harder than it sounds. Stress from everyday activities accumulates in our bodies, eroding our sense of tangien. Relaxation at key points in each technique aides the speed and flexibility that is necessary for generating true power.
Finally learning to sink your weight to the lower part of your body is extremely important in developing your understanding of your tangien. When you can maintain your one point and keep yourself relaxed your will get a sense of your weight sinking to the tangien. You will feel rooted but agile. You will feel powerful, yet calm. Any fluid naturally settles to the lowest point in a container. Your body is mostly water, and when relaxed, the weight of all parts of your body will naturally settle to their underside. In this state, you are very stable and therefore, very rooted and powerful.

Development of "Breath Power" (control) involves using your breathing to coordinate the contraction of your muscles so you can use your physical strength most effectively. Breath control works with understanding of the tangien to provide the Tang Soo Do practitioner with extraordinary strength. To develop breath control, relax and breathe deeply into the abdomen, not the chest.

There are two important rules for breathing in combat:

Never empty your lungs completely. Breath is strength; always maintain a reservoir of it.
Don’t puff or snort. In sparring or combat don’t expose your rhythm to your opponent. Don’t let you opponent get your timing. Keep your breathing silent.


Developing Spiritual Focus is yet another element in Ki Hap cultivation. This is the glue that holds all the other facets together. It is the focus that literally defines the Ki Hap’s "focused life force". It is "spiritual focus" that directs the Tang Soo Do practitioner’s mind during conflict, giving him or her the tactical advantage over a less refined fighter. It is his/ her spiritual focus that fuses the Tang Soo Do practitioner’s will. In order to develop the attribute of spiritual focus one must focus their entire being in achieving their objective. This level of commitment must be physical, as well as, mental. For a Tang Soo Doist that means putting every bit of speed and every ounce of strength possible into each strike.

For the Tang Soo Do practitioner spiritual focus is a critical ingredient of the Ki Hap. It is the focus that concentrates Ki, the energy produced by the life force. Also important in the cultivation of spiritual focus is the "spirit shout" or the actual yell that accompanies the Ki Hap. A pathetic trait in many modern dojangs is the feeble, patronizing grunts that students pass of as spirited shouts.

The spirit shout is one of the most valuable tools for developing spiritual focus and subsequently Ki Hap. A well trained Tang Soo Doist will explode with a deafening roar at the crucial point of focus, the point of impact with his/ her target. The shout will erupt from their abdomen, and it will help them to focus that simultaneous burst from all their muscles, essential for generating the crushing force they desire. The spirit shout is a tool. It is an audible device the Tang Soo Doist uses to coordinate and focus his physical, mental and spiritual energies.

Finally, in order to properly develop strong spiritual focus practitioners must develop their eye focus. Practitioners who understand the use of the Ki Hap will keep their gaze large. They will rest their gaze on the portal of their opponent’s spirit, their eyes. As for the mechanic of vision, you can still see your opponent’s feet while pointing your eyes at his, and with your spirit focused, you can tell a feint from a real attack even before he starts it. So keep your gaze broad. Your face and eyes must be relaxed but firmly committed. If you go into battle truly committed to die for the opportunity to kill your enemy his spirit will read it in your eyes and he will be crushed. This is the essence of spiritual focus and the heart of the Ki Hap.

Serious Hyung Practice is the purest form of Ki Hap training. I am not referring to flashy competition forms. I am talking about good old fashion, traditional and classical hyung training. Proper hyung training provides a vehicle for practicing all the essential elements for developing Ki Hap. It emphasizes the proper stances and correct movements that build proper understanding of the tangien. A qualified instructor will always stress moving from your one point, relaxing at key points and lowering your center of gravity. Breathing in hyung always centers in the tangien. It is properly coordinated with techniques. Therefore, breath control grows with each time your practice. But most importantly, hyungs is absolutely the best exercise for developing focus. It emphasizes coordinating and focusing physical energy in each technique and teaches the student to concentrate his mental energy and focus it into the physical movements. Properly disciplined traditional hyung training even conditions the practitioner to commit and focus his or her spirit through commanding the directions in which he points his eyes.

If you want to develop a strong sense of Ki Hap, if you want to learn to destroy attackers utterly and completely, if you want to defeat an enemy with a single glance, you’ll practice hyung with utmost seriousness. Through many years of arduous hyung practice the seasoned martial artist arrives at the understanding that the Ki Hap is much more than a yell but until you arrive at this point I would suggest you continue to yell as loud and spirited as you can.

Red Alert

Condition Red

Jeff Cooper is the father of American pistol craft. He has designed a color
code system for combat awareness. Even though they have been designed for
combat shooters, the awareness levels for the martial artist is the same.

Basically these describe your mental state.

White = Completely relaxed. You are most likely unaware of your
surroundings. If attacked in this state you will die.

Yellow = Relaxed alertness. You are aware of your surroundings and what is
going on all around you. You are not paranoid, just alert. While you are
not expecting trouble it won't sneak up on you. When you are armed you
should be in "yellow." You can live in "yellow."

Orange = Specific alertness. You have noticed a potential situation and now put
your everyday thoughts aside and concentrate on the problem
at hand. You may have to shoot someone. Your pistol is holstered.

Red = A fight is probable. You decide upon the "mental trigger" that will
indicate you are to shoot (...if he turns toward me, ...if I see a gun,
Etc.) you are ready to take action. The pistol is most likely in your
hand but can be holstered depending upon circumstances.

A more in depth explanation is in the below-mentioned sources.
They have been discussed in several books.

The Modern Technique of the Pistol by Greg Morrison (ISBN) 0962134236), and
The Tactical Pistol, by Gabe Suarez (ISBN 0873648641). Cooper wrote the
forwards to both of them. They are also discussed on video in the Armed
Defense series, a four tape set from Quad Productions, Reno, NV. The tapes
from Quad productions can be ordered online at: http://www.snowcrest.net/
quad/

Grandmaster Visit

Here is a link from Grandmaster's visit while I was teaching class.

What a privilege to have him here!

MB

Unsu

An amazing demo of the TSD form Unsu by Master Pumarejo

Grandmasters

We are pictured here with Grandmaster Estioko and Grandmaster Kim. We are very excited to have Grandmaster Kim coming next week. He is a ninth degree Black Belt and the senior TSD Grandmaster in the world.

I will write more about the visit next week.


MB

My You Tube Stuff

10 Things To Do To Become A Better Black Belt

Advice from Ultimate Black Belt Test Coach Tom Callos:

1: Get and stay in great shape (of course); this comes from doing a variety of things, including consistent and sensible exercise/practice, proper nutrition, and maintaining a positive mental attitude.

2: Practice your martial art, whatever it is made up of, in a way that is congruent with your body, capabilities, and goals; hone your skills to the nearest point of perfection that you can muster.

3: Become familiar with the top 10 killers of adult males, females, teens, and children --and include these issues in your understanding, practice, and/or teaching of self-defense. If you are a particularly serious practitioner, then include the top 10 to 20 issues sited to cause people the most unhealthy stress and/or fear.

4: Study (learn more about) Eastern/Western history and philosophy, as without an understanding of the beliefs, attitudes, and circumstances of the people who originated the practices, methodology, and philosophies of the martial arts, you might never truly understand the full mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual components of your practice.

5:Practice meditation.

6: Learn as much about peace education and practices as you know about punching, kicking, and grappling. To have any kind of balance as a martial artist you will want to know as much about peace as you know about that which is not peace.

7: Take your practice of the martial arts “out of the dojo and into the world.” If you should (and you have the right to, of course) decide that your brand of martial arts only requires you to be a “martial artist” on the mat and/or in the ring, then how you take your practice into the world may not matter to you. But if your practice transcends the purely physical aspects of training and if you define your martial arts as being about “life,” then learning to take what you practice on the mat and apply it to other things is, well, a more complete and holistic approach.

8: Define what it is, for you, to be a “martial artist.” Note that your definition will (should) change as you mature. Your definition will affect how you use what you learn how you use (or don’t use) the skills (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual) that you practice.

9: Use “events” or “projects” to create date-based goals. When you have to be ready for something, whether a competition, test, demonstration, or project, you have a reason to prepare and “get ready.” Preparing for an event, sort of your own personal “Olympics,” can be the catalyst for a lot of growth, change, and improvement.

10: Blog (write about) and make films of your journey. Trust me, down the road somewhere you’re going to look back at your writing and filmed experiences and appreciate the path you’ve taken. A solid record of your experiences as you train and grow will put your practice --and progress --into perspective.

Tom's Advice is all GOLD.
Check out thenewwaynetwork.ning.com to see more.

Flash Cards

Check this out - Flash cards to learn your TSD terminology


MB

Midnight Blue

Winds Of Change

Over the years we have constantly strived to improve our martial arts program. Some years it was adding new material, some years it was taking some out (because it was too much) but we have always worked on the concept of never ending improvement.

One thing that we have always stayed true to would be our base style of Tang Soo Do. Although we have integrated many martial arts systems into our curriculum, this Korean style of martial arts has given us guidance with the codes, tenets and philosophy. The character values of our Tang Soo Do has never failed us in making great Black Belts.

Over the years we have modified the traditional belt system in order to adapt to needs of younger students creating the tiny tiger, little dragon and children's curriculum and belt system.

We underwent another change. The traditional Tang Soo Do Belt philosophy has always been to wear a Midnight Blue belt in place of a Black Belt. Midnight Blue is worn as a symbol of the wearer's humility and reminds one that perfection cannot be attained.

The Tang Soo Do philosophy considers "black" as a color which does not get darker therefore symbolizing an ending or death, which contradicts the Tang Soo Do philosophy. When TSD came to this country some tournaments would not allow practitioners entry into Black Belt divisions and so the adopting of Black Belts (out of necessity) was born. It is our goal to return to the tradition of Midnight Blue. In the last few years we have begun training under Grandmaster Song Ki Kim, the oldest living Grandmaster in Tang Soo Do. He embodies the true art in many different ways and we want to follow his direction and philosophy.

Finally- the wearing of Midnight Blue belt more accurately reflects the spirit, attitude and direction we desire for the future of our school.

Master Bogdanski Master Duethorn
It has been a whole year since we made the switch.

UNSU- Cloud Hands

While on our trip to Korea my group of senior Dan members enjoyed a morning training with Grandmaster Estioko.
First I want to say the setting of overlooking the ocean on Jeju island was breathtaking. Second, having the opportunity to train with the Grandmaster was a privilege onto it’s own. Thirdly, learning a new form is still exciting to me even after fourty two years in martial arts.
Our form today is titled Unsu. Unsu translates as "cloud hands", a very advanced hyung also practiced in Japanese karate. It includes a 360 degree jump, spinning techniques on one leg, one finger attacks from a cat stance, kicks from the floor and several other techniques not seen in any other Tang Soo Do hyung.

The opening sequence of the form highlights the rise of the sun along the horizon, the finger spear represent thunderbolts from the heavens and the jump symbolizes a hurricane.
This form has many different techniques and strategies. One unique quality is employing examples of defense from the ground. You can learn to fight from a disadvantage, and how to fight in a way that helps you get back to your feet after being down. I believe this is a strategy all students should have practice in.
At the beginning of our training we bowed to the sun for its light and warmth that it provided to us. We were taught by Kwan Jang Nim to respect nature as it aids us, including the water, air and wind and how it graces our lives. We were also reminded to respect the power that nature employs on occasions as we anticipated the monsoon that was approaching the island. The day after the training session we just barely made it off the island to Busan before the airport was shut down. At the completion of the training we bowed to mother earth for the richness it provided for us.
As many other USG members trained in different groups on the beachfront I wondered if they were as awed as I was by this unique opportunity that had been presented to us. Thousands of mile from home, here in the heartland of Tang Soo Do we had the opportunity to do what many have dreamed of.
Smiling, sweating and learning, Kwan Jang Nim Estioko demonstrated that at no matter at what age you are, once you tie your belt on you can transform yourself to a spry and springy Dan member. He demonstrated all of the form for us, including dropping to the ground and the 360 degree kick. Wow! He sets a great example to all of us. Thanks for the great class sir!

By Mike Bogdanski, Chil Dan
Putnam, CT.

Filial Piety

This is a huge concept in Korea. This is the Japanese version.

The Warrior’s Filial Piety – Honoring Your Parents and Ancestors

Most cultures have a version of what is called filial piety which represents the concept of honoring your parents and ancestors; and in the martial arts culture your teacher, your sempai or those senior to you, as well as your kohai or those lower than you.

Basically, filial piety means to be good to one’s parents; to take care of one’s parents; to engage in good conduct not just towards parents but also outside the home so as to bring a good name to one’s parents and ancestors; to perform the duties of one’s job well so as to obtain the material means to support parents as well as carry out sacrifices to the ancestors; not be rebellious, show love, respect and support; display courtesy; ensure male heirs, uphold fraternity among brothers; wisely advise one’s parents, including dissuading them from moral unrighteousness; and display sorrow for their sickness and death.

This concept is carried on in the martial arts school, as a Sensei (One Who Walked Before) is seen as a father figure and the grandmaster is seen more like a grandfather.

Many schools today have drifted into the world of modern sport and yet classical arts that have been handed down for thousands of years are very deep in protocol and manners where a student can show respect and honor. Here are a few guidelines from my notes as to the correct way of behaving for the classical martial artist.

1. Always honor one’s family, and give without the expectation of receiving. Strive for family honor. It is a lifetime responsibility.

2. Second to one’s family, honor your teacher. They are to be treated like a father or mother who gave you the art of life. Give and sacrifice ‘without the expectation of receiving. It is a lifetime responsibility for one’s official teacher.

3. Treat your fellow students as a brother or sister. By giving and helping them to be better, in truth this will strengthen yourself.

4. Senior students, be humble. Treat junior students (kohai) as equals, thus, enabling you to have the respect and position of a senior.

5. Junior students, be respectful to your senior (Sempai). Their treatment of you as an equal is a sign that they are starting to understand deeper knowledge and are worthy of senior respect. This humbleness is to be respected. It is said, the stalk of rice with the most fruit bows the lowest.

6. Never consider yourself knowledgeable, regardless of time in training. We are only on a staircase that is very long and with no apparent end. The most advanced martial artist will empty their cup and become a white belt as any time.

7. Recognize that everyone will have strengths greater than yourself and weaknesses, regardless of their time in the art. Try to help their weaknesses. In time your weaknesses will be eventually strengthened. Never be afraid to admit you do not know.

8. Senior students are responsible to demonstrate the “code of ethics” in and out of class. This example shows that you yourself don’t consider your art separate from your everyday life, that it is part of everything. This demonstrates the strength of your art and makes good practitioners and teachers.

9. Rely on your teacher’s judgment as best as one can. Many times you may not agree with policies, or actions, but it is your responsibility to stand behind them and strive for better understanding as junior students do towards you. Remember one is just on a step or a path and possibly the next step will give you better understanding of the overall journey.

10. Remember teachers are human. They make mistakes and have human problems like anyone else. Realize that no one will be a perfect example. It is this kindness and understanding that makes you strong by respecting this humanness and appreciating their gains of self-perfection in one’s total-ness. ”

11. Be an example of courtesy, regardless of what step you are on in your growth. Courtesy in and out of class is a sign of strength. By giving courtesy, you get courtesy and respect. Use yes ma’am and no ma’am, yes sir and no sir, never calling a senior by their first name is an example of courtesy.

12. Empty your cup of tea. Allow criticism and suggestions by anyone. Students who often have less time in can offer suggestions or catch something that is very true and helpful, if you are open. Remembering that we are an equal human beings helps. Thinking we know a lot, means we know little.

13. Never openly criticize your teacher. Hold your doubts or criticisms to yourself and possibly your view will change later on the matter. Criticizing back to your teacher says you are their equal in knowledge. This is considered very poor code and essentially you need another teacher. In the old days this was dealt with very strictly, today these actions will simply result in a student being asked to leave.

14. Don’t think of criticism as personal. Criticism is only suggestions or sharing to gain better refinement from outside eyes. This is the reason to take classes in the first place. Teachers are no different and need criticism from their seniors to grow. Without self-examination created by suggestions or criticism, one is no better off than reading a book. We need other eyes to tell the real story.

15. Pride. Carry yourself earnestly; try your best even if it’s not up to your expectations. Disregard other people’s expectations of yourself. Doing your best for yourself gives you honor and pride.

16. Practice to contain one’s ego. Approach practice with a smile and from that you will get better at it. Containment of one’s ego is essential for proper energy and total-ness. Remember proper energy is sharing and not competitive unless you make it so.

17. The showing of too much power in any joint exercises shows you have low-level ego containment. Use of technique with kindness and appreciation is a sign of strength. To intimidate others is low level. Demonstrate containment; this is a sign of strength. It is a personal test to try not to get even when someone betters you. Compliment them. Do not feel degraded by being bettered. Appreciate this as being personally helpful. They are giving you something to work on for the future. Like iron wrapped in cotton, the true warrior is gentle unless needed to be rough.

18. Tenacity. It is your responsibility to try your best in all classes. Do not allow your self to just follow or stand idle. Practice yourself, regardless of your grasp or ability of the technique. It is your responsibility to not complain of tiredness or your ability to do the practice. Tenacity is the ability to keep trying with or without the teacher. By doing this you will always feel better when you leave, and you will gather honor and respect. Idleness means idle instruction in return. One reason you take instruction is to practice tenacity of learning.

19. Cleanliness. Refined cleanliness means refined mind. Clean clothes and body show by example the honor and ethics you hold.

20. Never ask for more knowledge or to be able to test for a new rank. Let the teachers decide when you are ready. To ask is a sign that you have down what has already been given you. Remember any knowledge has a lifetime of perfecting. By working hard on what you have is the first sign that you are getting ready for more and deserve it. (In modern organizations, and in a mastermind or coaching atmosphere, this asking for what’s next or for additional resources is common)

21. Always remember your teacher’s birthday, black belt testing, Christmas, etc. Give them some gift of appreciation from your heart no matter how small. This sign of thoughtfulness and respect allows a bond that makes the teacher feel appreciated, and usually they reciprocate by genuinely wanting to further your knowledge from this appreciation. A true Sensei is a teacher for life.

22. If you are far away from your teacher and you visit them or any other teachers, it is proper to bring them a small gift each time. This can be food for casual visits or presents suitable for more important visits. This is traditionally important. In Kojosho Kempo, the most precious gift of all is when your teacher bends over and picks up a stone off the ground and hands it to you in recognition of your achieving your highest level.

23. If you have had a falling out with your teacher, but want to reestablish your connection, it is most important to bring a gift upon your “first” contact and to give your humble apology, regardless of whether you feel it is totally deserved. A good teacher will always accept a good apology regardless if they feel they were wrong or you were wrong. “Saving face” most times does not allow the teacher the flexibility of the student. Traditionally a teacher must follow protocol which is not understood by the student until years later.

24. Anytime one invites the teacher over to their home or anywhere else, it is essential that there is always food and drink available. This shows good manners and respect.

These rules may seem a little much for the average civilian, but in the land of true warriors filled with alpha male types, it is important that we learn and teach methods of behavior in every way we can. In America, we teach our young men to honor the women of the organization by opening doors, standing when a lady leaves a table, etc. Chivalry is alive and well in the warrior’s house. Like a sheepdog caring for his herd and ever vigilant against wolves of all kinds, the senior and advance warriors take that position of protection any time they sense a threat. Likewise, the juniors help and defend the alpha seniors and make sure they always have their back, and through actions and deeds demonstrate their loyalty and dedication.

Terry Bryan, American Black Belt Academy

Korea Trip 2010

Today we are heading to the land of the morning calm- South Korea. Everyone who trains in martial arts dreams about training in the country of their art. This will be a reality for many American Tang Soo Do students.

I am very excited about the trip. I am a travel junkie and have been to many parts of the United States and overseas. The trip is scheduled to start out of JFK where we will meet several other association members that will travel with us to Korea.
A fourteen hour fight will get us into Seoul where we will pick up our west coast members and head to the DMZ. Lately there has been a lot of saber rattling from the north so we think the alert level will be very high. This first day we will also tour one of the five castles that are in Seoul. We plan to stay in Seoul before we head south to Song Tan, where Chuck Norris received his Black Belt.

In Song Tan we will train in ancient Korean weapons at Hwa seoung fortress and train with Grandmaster Song Ki Kim- highest ranking Tang Soo Do Black Belt in the world.
Stay tuned for more!

Ultimate Black Belt Test

This is from Master Instructor Tom Callos and his modern version of Black Belt testing. I believe Tom is the premier martial arts "thinker" and "doer" in modern history. I have studied his technology of martial arts progressivism and am amazed daily at how innovative and traditional his thinking can be. Well done Tom.

Physical

* 50,000 push ups
* 50,000 ab exercises
* 1000 rounds of sparring/rolling
* 1000 repetitions of a single kata
* 1000 miles of running, walking, swimming, and/or biking
* 20 hours with a professional boxing coach
* 20 hours of BJJ or judo training
* Completion of Body-for-Life diet/training program -or equivalent

Empathy Training

* 1 day blind
* 1 day deaf
* 1 day mute
* 1000 acts of kindness
* 50,000 acts through students and community
* Mend 3 relationships gone bad
* Fix three "wrongs" you've done in your life

Educational

* Profile 10 living heroes
* Interview a Master
* Set and achieve 10 personal victories
* Read 1 dozen books
* Write 1 chapter of a book compiled by all participants
* 52 on-line journal entries
* 15 minutes of formal daily meditation
* Begin and/or achieve teacher certification in at least 1 method of reality-based self-defense (RAD, SAFE, FAST DEFENSE, JYF, Etc.)


Community Activism

* 1 community-based environmental clean up project
* *Designing and giving minimum of 10 public self-defense seminars, lectures, and/or workshops with objective of teaching 1000 people.
* Participation in 3 UBBT events

Optional or alternative requirement suggestions

* 1000 prayers
* Buy nothing new for 1 year
* The reduction of disposable plastic use by 40% to 90%
* 100 pieces of art

A Lesson in Black Belt Testing

Team members, current and alumni; please allow me to remind/inform you of some of my beliefs/thoughts about our relationship and this “project.”

1. The black belt test is a sacred experience, but only if you treat it as such.

In my mind, when I say “black belt test” –it is a call to rise, it is to be treated with the utmost respect, it is a call to action. A black belt test is your own personal “Olympics” –and it calls you to train, to prepare, to rise to the occasion, and to evolve as an athlete and a person.

Do YOU have another event/thing in your life that asks so much of you? Perhaps you hear this call with parenting and/or with your significant other or with your career?

BUT, being that this is our life’s work, we would do well to hold the black belt test and the preparation for testing in the most sacred of places.

2. When it comes to your black belt test, require nothing. Nobody has to remind you.

Nobody has to wake you for training. No event, no obstacle, no injury, no bout of depression keeps you from preparing for the event.

You might miss a wedding, you might forget a birthday or an anniversary, but your training is who you are and how you work on yourself.

It’s your air, your survival mechanism; it is the outward manifestation of who you really are on the inside –and who you aspire to be. In your mind you hear the call to your test like an ever-present ringing in the ears.

You don’t sit at the dinner table, you don’t lift your feet into bed, you don’t breath, drink, stretch, or move without an acute awareness that you are testing for your black belt.

Very few people on this planet are bound by the code that you are. Very few people know how to apply themselves the way you are training yourself to do. Very few people treat their black belt test with the respect and reverence that you do –and this, my friends, is how you hone what it is you have given your life for.

3. You are part of a team. You may be a part of many teams, and some of them are very important to you, but in this endeavor you must cultivate an awareness of “team” in a way that warrants the most extraordinary care.

The fabric of the UBBT is woven on something intangible.

It is a recognition of our place in history –it is an understanding that collectively we stand to influence and change and improve the processes, the outcome, the culture, the direction, and the essence of “what is the martial arts.”

I am sitting at a table on my deck on The Big Island –and you are reading this in your own home or office –but we could just as easily be sitting next to each other.

This is the nature of the internet –and of a kind of connection, facilitated by our communication, that ignores distance and time differences.

Someday in the future I will be gone –and this body of work will be what I made of my life. This work will be what I did, what I worked on, and how I made my way. I might be remembered, for a time, as a very dedicated martial arts practitioner and teacher.

This is it.

This work, these messages, the call to treat our “test” and each other with a rare sort of respect, these ideas ---of peace, kindness, activism, environmentalism, anger management, leadership, purpose, intent, and mission ---this is what I/we will leave behind.

NOW is the time to recognize the opportunity we have to make change. We are not like Charles Barkley, who I heard declared he “was not a role model.” We are treating our position with the understanding that we are role models –and we are acting as if what we do –and how we go about it –will influence the quality of life in a million people who follow us.

All of this affects the solemnity of how I expect you to treat our relationship. TO treat it any other way would be far, far from “the ultimate.”

By treating our "black belt test" with this kind of respect, we make "being" a black belt something
worthwhile.
Posted by From the Desk of Tom Callos