Sparring Procedures and Commands - - Chief Instructor's Blog October 2012

NOTE:  Some clarifications and modifications were made to the table below in this blog February 2026 for clarity and consistency.

In formal sparring a referee controls the exchange to keep the students safe. Set commands and an order is used for students to know what to expect and to be able to respond accurately. The order of the commands in sparring is similar to other commands in the Club when calling for techniques, a form, drills, etc in that the order is such so that at the end you are undoing what you did at the start.

When the Club first started, there was no bow as part of the procedure: Mr. Kim just placed people on the mat and called Sparring. The bow shows respect for the realm and to the referee. The Final bow is an indication the “match” is over and it is alright to leave the realm; bowing is not part of the “match”. Until “Finish” is called, the match is still on.

Procedure and Commands:

The table below lists the commands by the referee, the action by the referee, the expected students’ response, and comments regarding that commands or the desired actions.

Regards,
Kelly

"Boards don't hit back." ~ Bruce Lee, (1940 –1973) American-born Chinese Hong Kong martial artist, actor, and founder of Jeet Kune Do

Evolution of the Front Kick - - Chief Instructor's Blog September 2012

In July’s blog, I discussed the evolution of the attack punch and last month, I discussed the evolution of the Cat Stance. This month I will discuss the evolution of the front kick.


Beginner

As with all techniques, the beginning is focused on the mechanics. The key mechanical aspects are:

• Feet start approximately shoulder width apart in a Natural Stance; Legs slightly bent

• Arms bent at approximately a 90 degree angle with closed fists (palms inward) in front of shoulder and stay in this position throughout kick

• Head up/chin level throughout kick

• Eyes/gaze will be forward, to the horizon, throughout kick

• Back stays straight and upright throughout kick

• Kicking knee rises up as far as possible

        o Weight bearing leg should remain bent for stability

• Foot flex; with ball of foot extended and toes pulled back

• Knee drops down and the ball of the foot pushes out towards the intended target

         o Target height for basics is belt height (goal)

• Leg extended and knee locked at impact

• Retract knee up to as high as possible (should be close to initial knee up position)

• Set foot back on ground to initial starting position

For the very beginner, there is not much power, and the focus is to ensure the stance, body alignment, motion and targeting are all correct.

Intermediate

Once the mechanics are fairly solid, speed and power are added to the technique. At this point, Green Belts and Beginning Blue Belts should:

• Focus on form, increasing speed and decreasing reaction time while maintaining mechanics

• Focus on form, adding force while maintaining mechanics

• Throw kick from shin to belt height accurately


More Advanced Blue Belts and Brown Belts should

• Throw kick from shin to chest height accurately

• Shorten the distance to the target working on generating force in a shorter distance

• Be grounded and remain grounded throughout the kick

• Have consistent force throughout technique

• Have minimal upper body motion

• Project proficient force with intent to go through target

• Be able to use the kick in various practical applications

Advanced

Interim Black Belts and Black Belts should be grounded all the time and start projecting more energy and utilizing less mechanical force in their techniques. In particular, advanced students should:

• Have a kick that can be performed inches from target and still cause damage

• Have a stance that is rooted to the ground

• Have energy that flows from ground through legs to center creating strong base

• Be able to penetrate past the and through the physical target

• Have a kick that shatters the target

The modifications and adjustments must be consciously and deliberately applied to hyung, self-defense, and sparring. This takes time and focus. In addition, this is the part of the constant relearning of the art form. This is why it takes time to master a technique – mastering the technique means you can apply it through all the aspects of the art form, not just basics.

Regards,
Kelly

"It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop." – Confucius (551–479 BC) Chinese teacher, editor, politician, and philosopher of the Spring and Autumn Period of Chinese history.

Evolution of the Cat Stance Attack - - Chief Instructor's Blog August 2012

NOTE: Some clarifications and modifications were made to this blog January 2026 for clarity and consistency.

Last month I discussed the evolution of the attack punch. This month I will discuss the evolution of the formal cat stance attack.


Beginner

As with all techniques, the beginning is focused on the mechanics. The key mechanical aspects for a left Cat Stance Attack are:

• Prep for hands will utilize the "beach ball" approach

• Hips and shoulders are allowed to twist during stance transition, but must return to a square position with stance locked into hip prior to the strike.

• Back straight

• Head up, chin level

• Front knee points in the forward direction, knee above ankle

• All body weight will be on rear leg; no weight on the leading foot

• Exact placement and angle of weight bearing foot will be dependent upon body type

• Left Knife Hand is forward motion strike, from the body (center)

• Right Knife Hand is downward motion (palm upward) across the body

• Elbows remain pointed downward and close to the body throughout the strike

For the very beginner, there is not much power, and the focus is to ensure the stance, body alignment, the motion and targeting are all correct.

Intermediate

Once the mechanics are fairly solid, speed and power are added to the technique. At this point, Green Belts and Beginning Blue Belts should:

• Start to shorten time between movement in stance and strike

• Focus on form, increasing speed and decreasing reaction time while maintaining mechanics

• Focus on form, adding force while maintaining mechanics

• Start to be able to transition quickly from cat stance to cat stance quickly and smoothly (moving left to right, front to back, etc.)

More Advanced Blue Belts and Brown Belts should:

• Shortened time between movement in stance and strike 

• Shorten the distance to the target working on generating force in a shorter distance

• Be grounded and remain grounded throughout the technique as much as possible

• Forward projection to the strike with both hands

• Have power come from hips; driven by hip through elbow; arm is natural extension of the body

• Have consistent force throughout technique

• Have minimal upper body motion to generate power

• Project proficient force with intent to go through object striking

• Be able to transition quickly from cat stance to cat stance quickly and smoothly (moving left to right, front to back, etc.)

• Be able to use the Cat Stance Attack in various practical applications

Advanced

Interim Black Belts and First-Degree Black Belts should be grounded all the time and start projecting more energy and utilizing less mechanical force in their techniques. In particular, advanced students should:

• Have a minimal prep (beach ball is fairly non-existent) and minimal upper body twist

• Shorten the distance to the target working on generating energy in a shorter distance

• Have a stance that is rooted to the ground always

• Have energy that flows from ground through legs to center creating strong base

• Be able to penetrate past the knife hand itself and shatter the target

• Use both hands to augment energy in a forward direction

• Demonstrate linear energy

As stated in the previous blog, the modifications and adjustments must be consciously and deliberately applied to hyung, self-defense, and sparring. Each step and progression of the technique is part of the journey. In each phase you will discover something new about the art form and how you demonstrate it and apply it. Enjoy the process.

Regards,
Kelly

“Karate cannot be quickly learned. Like a slow moving bull, it eventually travels a thousand leagues. If one trains diligently for one or two hours every day, then in three or four years one will see a change in physique. Those who train in this fashion will discover the deeper principles of karate. “ ~ Anko Itosu (1831 – 1915), Okinawan Karate Master, From Ten Precepts of Karate

Evolution of the Attack Punch - - Chief Instructor's Blog July 2012

In several blogs, I have discussed how martial arts techniques and the artist itself evolve (e.g., Learning Forms (Hyung) July 2008, Evolution of the Martial Artist January 2011, Evolution of Learning Hyung Part I August 2011, and Evolution of Learning Hyung Part II September 2011)


So what might this look like for a specific technique? In this blog, I will discuss the attack punch and describe how techniques might evolve as a student progresses in the art form. In future blogs, I will discuss other techniques.

Beginner

 

As with all techniques, the beginning is focused on the mechanics. The key mechanical aspects are:

• Hips and shoulders remain square throughout the punch; back straight
• Punching fist moves forward to sternum level, wrist flat, rotating fist 180 degrees just prior to impact; first two knuckles pointed at target
• Arm stays in contact with side of body throughout motion
• Opposite fist comes back in reciprocal position at the hip (fist upward) 
• Remain set in Attack Stance prior to impact

             - Stance is approximately twice as wide as it is long, both knees and feet pointed forward
             -  Rear leg is locked
             -  Front knee bent approximately 35 degrees from horizontal and above the ankle
             -  Body weight evenly distributed on both feet

• Punching arm elbow should remain slightly bent at impact

For the very beginner, there is not much power, and the focus is to ensure the stance, body alignment, the motion and targeting are all correct.

Intermediate

 

Once the mechanics are fairly solid, speed and power are added to the technique. At this point, Green Belts and Beginning Blue Belts should:

• Shorten time between movement in stance and punch
• Focus on form, increasing speed and decreasing reaction time while maintaining mechanics
• Focus on form, adding force while maintaining mechanics
• Be able to transition quickly from and to an attack punch quickly and smoothly.
• Throw techniques upward, downward, and in a reverse attack stance

More Advanced Blue Belts and Brown Belts should

• Shorten the distance to the target working on generating force in a shorter distance
• Be grounded and remain grounded throughout the technique 
• Have power come from hips; driven by hip through elbow; arm is natural extension of the body
• Have consistent force throughout technique
• Have minimal upper body motion to generate power
• Project proficient force with intent to go through object striking
• Be able to use the attack punch in various practical applications

Advanced

 

Interim Black Belts and Black Belts should be grounded all the time and start projecting more energy and utilizing less mechanical force in their techniques. In particular, advanced students should:

• Shorten the distance to the target working on generating energy in a shorter distance
• Have a stance that is rooted to the ground
• Have energy that flows from ground through legs to center creating strong base
• Be able to penetrate past the physical fist itself and shatter the target
• Be forward/linear energy; not breakable by a rotation maneuver at the fist
• Use the punch to set an intention (create a wall)

The modifications and adjustments must be consciously and deliberately applied to hyung, self-defense, and sparring. This takes time and focus. In addition, this is the part of the constant relearning of the art form. This is why it takes time to master a technique – mastering the technique means you can apply it through all the aspects of the art form, not just basics.

Regards,

 

Kelly

"The intelligent man is one who has successfully fulfilled many accomplishments, and is yet willing to learn more." ~ Ed Parker (1931-1990), founder of American Kenpo

 

History of Belts and Rankings - Chief Instructor's Blog June 2012

Similar with testing (as discussed in the previous blog), ranks and belt colors can vary with each martial arts club and school.

Before discussing the differences, I will first describe the history of the ranking and belt system.

According to tkdtutor.com [1], the black belt and a ranking system was introduced by Jigero Kano, the founder of Judo after researching and discovering there was no set system in martial arts. The first black belts were worn in 1886. Initially there were two colors: white belts for students below the rank of first Dan (first degree) and black belts for those students with ranks first Dan and above. Okinawan karate did not originally train with special uniforms or belts. Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan karate, who brought karate from Okinawa to Japan in the 1920s adopted the belt/ ranking system and a modified uniform from Judo. According to tkdtutor.com [1], this was to encourage the Japanese to accept karate. Almost all martial arts followed suit and adopted a ranking and belt system.

Initially, Shotokan only used three belt colors: white, brown, and black as shown in Figure 1. Today, you will see various belt colors and ranks in Shotokan as well as other martial arts. Figure 1 shows what a typical US school ranking system may look like, as well as the standard in World Tae Kwon Do (WTF), the original Han Moo Kwan (HMK) and today’s HMK’s ranking and belt colors.

Figure 1. Belt Ranks and Colors

For the most part, various colors were introduced for instructors to indicate a student’s level, other students understand that level so they can train with them appropriately. And students understood their ranking and get feedback on the intermediate improvements from beginner to a first degree black belt.

There are benefits to the various colors, but also some drawbacks. Some schools out there introduce so many colors and strips that they are portioned about every 0.5 point. One wonders if this type of incremental improvement is really to motivate the students (especially kids) or is it to gain the fees they change to test for that next rank.

When the Sunnyvale Han Moo Kwan Club was created almost 40 years ago, the founders (who had Judo, Aikido, and a background in Shotokan) strived to find a balance. They wanted enough colors to give students and instructor a visual on the skill of a student without needing to specify each 0.5 or 1.0 point. They came up with four colors (white, blue, brown, and black) and two stripes (white with a blue stripe and brown with a black stripe for interim black).

This belt system stayed in place until approximately 1997. Brian Rainie, who was the acting Chief Instructor at this time, proposed the introduction of the green belt. The white belt with a blue tip appeared to be de-motivating for students and most students quit if they received such a ranking. In addition, he believed the range of the blue belt was too large and another color would help define the skill set between 8.5 and 3.5 better than just one color. The Club agreed and adopted this new color.

While belt colors do help signify to the student, other students, and instructor, a student’s skill level, students should not focus so much on what color belt they are wearing but recognize every day they come to class and everyday they practice, they are learning and growing as a martial artist physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Regards,
Kelly

When you are content to be simply yourself and don't compare or compete, everybody will respect you.” ~ Lao-Tzu (6th century BC), philosopher of ancient China, and best known as the author of the Tao Te Ching

References
1. Hartman, R. (2012). TKDTutor [Online]. Available: TKDTutor.com [May 28, 2012]
2. Redmond, Roc (2012), 24fightingchickens [Online]. Available: 24fightingchickens.com Karate Ranks: The Basics [May 28, 2012].
3. http://www.taekwondo-network.com/Kukkiwon.html

Why We Test and Why We Test the Way We Do - Chief Instructor's Blog May 2012

Every martial arts club and school approaches testing differently. Some places formally test and others do not. For those clubs or schools that do not formally test, one night the Chief Instructor will just walk in and hand someone a new belt or rank and that is it. Other places test every couple months. These places usually charge for testing so the more often a person tests, the more money the school collects. I have heard as much as $5000 to test for a Black Belt.

Our Club formally tests approximately every six months and this has been the standard from the beginning. Since we formally test all in one night, it is not practical for the Chief Instructor to test each person individually, although the Chief Instructor has the final say in every rank So, we utilize judges who are all active Black Belt club members who are in good standing to be judges.

The judges are expected to be in good standing so that they have been to the classes enough to be aware of who the students are and have observed them during class to have a better appreciation of what their skill level is beyond just what is demonstrated the night of the test.

By formally testing, we are able to give students both specific feedback on each basic techniques and the demonstrated forms but also general feedback (such as stances, focus, grounding, etc) on what they are doing well and areas to improve upon. The feedback the student receives on their test form is very important. It provides a roadmap on areas to concentrate on to improve in the art form. Many students find test night to be stressful. In this case, test night is also a great opportunity for students to demonstrate their ability to be focused and power up in a stressful situation. If you had to use your skill on the streets, you will want to be able to demonstrate and perform under stress.

At a cumulative whole, it also gives the Chief Instructor, Board Members in attendance, and Certified Instructors an opportunity to look at the Club holistically to see how well the art form and legacy of the art form is being maintained.

In addition, in my opinion by formally testing all one night, it provides camaraderie among the students as they prepare for the test and test day itself. This helps in the creation of the family and community that Mr. Kim and the founders wanted for the Club. Also, by holding the formal awards night and going out to dinner as a group, this reinforces that sense of family and gives an opportunity to talk about the history and the various experiences of the more senior club members.

Test night is a great opportunity to test under pressure, get specific feedback, and bond with other members of the club. Take full advantage of the upcoming test night.

Regards,
Kelly

“A goal is not always meant to be reached, it often serves simply as something to aim at.” ~ Bruce Lee, (1940 –1973) American-born Chinese Hong Kong martial artist, actor, and founder of Jeet Kune Do

The Importance Of Alignment and Breathing - - Chief Instructor's Blog April 2012

Correct body mechanics and alignment is a key attribute in the martial arts. The alignment of the bones and muscles will ensure you can project force and not collapse your stance or technique or that you’ll “bounce” off from the technique. The alignment also ensures if you are kicked or blocking a strike, that force imparted to you does not make you collapse. The correct alignment ensures your bones support your muscles and you do not hurt yourself when throwing techniques. Since alignment is so important, we do spend quite a bit of time in class to ensure your position and stances are correct. And keep in mind it is not just alignment as you move from one technique to another. Alignment and proper posture must be correct all the time.

So what does alignment have to do with breathing?

When you are properly aligned, you breathe more freely. Try doubling over and breathing – does not work so well.

So if aligned properly, your breathing will be smoother, deeper, and more natural. This type of breathing allows one to connect the mind and body. By focusing on smooth, deep breathing the mind can focus and turn inward to the body and not be distracted my outside influences.

Breath is connected to energy flow. If you are not breathing, your internal energy is not flowing. If breathing is choppy, so will your energy. Smooth, natural breath moves energy through the body.

So, if the body is aligned, the breath moves freely. If the breath moves freely, you are flowing energy. By flowing energy, you keep the mind calm and focused on the task. Flowing energy makes your techniques stronger and more effective.

It is that simple. Proper posture allows you to breathe freely. Freely breathing allows you to flow energy. Flowing energy makes your techniques stronger and you stay calm and focused.

This may not sound easy and I am not saying it is. It does take discipline to work on the alignment (especially during transitions) and getting it right and teaching your body to move a particular way to stay aligned. It takes some work to ensure breathing is deep and smooth. It takes some work, but the payoff is immense.

I challenge all of you to check in with your coach or me and really be particular with your posture and breathing. You will be amazed that by working on these two things how much better your overall skill will be.

Regards,
Kelly

"Breathing control gives man strength, vitality, inspiration, and magic powers."
~ Chuang Tzu, Chinese philosopher (369 CE – 286 BCE)