Techniques and Targets Part 1- - Chief Instructor's Blog November 2012

Note: This two part series describes effective targets and scenarios for some of the Han Moo Kwan Tae Kwon Do techniques. This first part describes various upper body techniques, most effective targets, when you would use them, and which forms each technique is practiced in.


The information presented here is to help students understand further the art form and the tactics on which Han Moo Kwan is based. Neither the instructors nor the Han Moo Kwan Association assumes any responsibility for the use or misuse of the information contained herein. The information herein should not be misused. The information is provided so students will have knowledge and can ensure their practice is safe in the dojang and to ensure any responses to an attack are appropriate and justifiable.

While the information herein describes specific targets, it should be noted that any strike or kick can cause damage either by the strike itself or what occurs after the strike (such as an opponent falling and hitting their head). Han Moo Kwan Tae Kwon Do is a serious art form which can have deadly results if used improperly or with the intent of being deadly. The information herein is to support the knowledge of the Han Moo Kwan martial artists to use the art form only in self-defense and only if avoidance or escape is not an option. Neither the author nor the Han Moo Kwan Association assumes any responsibility for the use or misuse of the information contained within this blog.

Upper Body Attack Techniques

Listed below are 10 upper body techniques (strikes and blocks) taught and practiced as part of Han Moo Kwan Tae Kwon Do basics and hyung. In a sparring or self-defense situation, the strike (or block) and location depends on range and opponent’s position. Blocks should be performed to do damage, not just deflect and evade. By practicing blocking to damage (“block to break”), you have an opportunity to end the attack with a “defensive” block as opposed to an offensive strike. This list and details presented here describe locations assuming both the student and opponent are standing. Alternative locations could be considered if one or both were not standing (on your knees, on the ground, etc).

Punch

This punch strikes with the first two knuckles. This is a strong attack and effective against the temple, throat, nose, center of the jaw/ chin, lower edge of the jaw, sternum, solar plexus, abdomen, lower abdomen, floating ribs, ribs, upper back, center of the back, lower back, kidneys, groin, upper arm, radius bone, and back of the hand. A closed fist punch to the head should only be considered by students who have had sufficient training and have conditioned their hands over time. The punch can be executed from different stances and in different directions (e.g., forward, downward, upward, etc.). Forward Punch and Attack Punch are basic Han Moo Kwan techniques. Attack Punch is used in Kibon Hyung, Kibon One, and Kibon Two, among other forms.

Spear Hand

Spear Hand strikes with the tips of the fingers which are held tightly together. Spear Hand is typically used as a counter to an attack (target location depends on range and opponent’s position.) Spear Hand is utilized primarily to strike soft tissue areas of the body: xiphiod process (point directly below the sternum); suprasternal notch (large, visible dip where the clavicles join the sternum), side of the neck (carotid artery), carotid bulb, groin, eyes, armpit, and kidneys. Strike is linear from hip for maximum force. Arms stay close to body to support use of entire body for strike. Spear Hand is a short, close-in strike so it’s hard to detect and difficult to stop. Spear Hand can be executed from different stances and in different directions (forward, upward, and downward). A variation of spear hand is the extended spear hand (with guard to protect the nerve bundle in the arm pit). Extended Spear Hand is practiced in Pyung Ahn 2 and Pyung Ahn 3.

Knife Hand

Knife Hand strikes with the outer edge of the hand. Knife Hand is effective against the temple, throat, bridge of nose, upper lip, lower edge of the jaw, center of the jaw/ chin, side of the neck (carotid artery), back of the neck, collarbone, third cervical vertebrae, sternum, floating ribs, solar plexus, upper arm, back of the hand, groin, kidneys, and joints (e.g., wrists, elbows, and knees, etc.). Knife hand is effective for small areas such as the neck because you can strike without hitting other areas first. Since the edge of the hand is narrow, the concentrated force from the strike can cause severe damage when applied correctly and to effective targets. According to Mr. Kim, Knife Hand has one and a half times the force of the fist. Knife Hand can be executed from different stances and in different directions (e.g., outward, downward, inward, forward, etc.). Forward knife hand is part of the Cat Stance Attack technique. Double Downward Knife Hand is practiced in Pyung Ahn 1. Outward Knife Hand is practiced in Pyung Ahn 2. Basic inward Knife Hand is practiced in Shipsu. Knife Hand can also be used as a block.

Low Block

Low Block is used as a counter to an attack toward the lower section of the body. Low Block uses the outer edge of the arm to deflect kicks and punches towards the lower portion of one’s body (groin to knee). Low Block can be used against any strike which has an upward thrust that starts low. Low Block can be executed from different stances and in different directions (e.g., inward and outward, etc.). Low Block followed by Side Medium Block can pin kicks and torque opponent’s hip. Low block is used in Kibon Hyung, Kibon 2, Pyung Ahn 1, Pyung Ahn 3, and Pyung Ahn 5. Inward Low Block is practiced in the following Hyung: Shipsu, Mepojan 1, Mepojan 2. Applications could include: counter to a same side blocked punch, a punch to the groin, and Front Kicks. Inward Low Block followed by a Medium Block can pin kicks and torque opponent’s hip. Inward augmented Low Block is practiced in the following hyung: Shipsu, Mepojan 1, and Mepojan 2. Applications could include: Counter to a same side blocked punch, a punch towards the groin, and Front Kicks. The block should be thrown with sufficient force to break the attacking limb, or at least throw the opponent off balance sufficiently to disrupt any possible combination.

High Block

High Block uses the outer edge of the arm to protect ones head and neck from overhead strikes (clubs, sticks, arms, etc.). An effective High Block can stop or deflect an opponent’s attack. A forceful High Block will break the opponent’s arm. While the basic High Block is executed in Attack Stance in an upward, forward direction protecting the head from a forward blow, High Block can be executed from different stances and in different directions High Block is used in Kibon 4 and Shipsu. High Block can also be used as an attack against the throat, upper lip, lower edge of the jaw, center of the jaw/ chin, side of the neck (carotid artery), and back of the neck.

Hammer Fist

This punch strikes with a bottom of the fist. This is a strong attack and effective against the top of the head, temple, bridge of the nose, lower edge of the jaw, sternum, collarbone, ears, base of the neck, base of the skull, ribs, floating ribs, solar plexus, upper arm, back of the hand, abdomen, lower abdomen, groin, upper back, center of the back, lower back, kidneys, and joints (e.g., wrists, elbows, and knees, etc.). Hammer Fist can be executed from different stances and in different directions (e.g., outward, downward, inward, etc.). Downward Hammer Fist is used in Pyung Ahn 1. Outward Hammer Fist is used in Pyung Ahn 2, Pyung Ahn 3, Pyung Ahn 5 and in a combination in Pyung Ahn 5. Double Downward Hammer Fist to side of the body is used in Shipsu. Single Downward Hammer Fist to the side of the body is used in No Pe Hyung.

Ridge Hand

This strike is with the inner-edge of the hand (thumb’s edge). It is performed similar to an outward and inward Knife Hand, except the opposite edge of the hand is used. The ridge hand is effective against targets such as the temple, throat, eyes, side of the neck/carotid artery, bridge of nose, upper lip, center of the jaw/ chin, lower edge of the jaw, groin, floating ribs, lower back, and kidneys. It is also used in specialized techniques where the rounded edge of the knuckle can penetrate sensitive areas. Ridge Hand can be executed from different stances and in different directions (e.g., inward, upward, outward, etc.). Outward Ridge Hand is used in Pyung Ahn 4. A short outward ridge hand is practiced in Shipsu. Double Upward Ridge Hand is practiced in No Pe Hyung.

Backhand

Backhand is with the back of the fist delivered in a snapping motion of the arm, leading with the elbow. This attack is effective against the top of the head, temple, nose, orbital bones, solar plexus, ribs, abdomen, lower abdomen, floating ribs, groin, kidneys, and the lower back. The elbow remains slightly bent. Used when close to your opponent, as a counter attack following an arm block with the same side fist, or an attack following a kick. Backhand can be executed from different stances and in different directions (e.g., downward, upward, outward, etc.). Outward Backhand is used in Pyung Ahn 3.

Palm Strike

This strike is executed using the heel of the palm in a straight forward direction. This is primarily used for offensive attacks. Palm Strikes are effective against the back of the head, nose, temple, orbital bones, chin, center of the jaw/ chin, lower edge of the jaw, ears, sternum, solar plexus, ribs, floating ribs, groin, abdomen, lower abdomen, upper back, center of the back, lower back, and kidneys. Palm Strike is used when close to your opponent, in combination with other attacks and kicks, or as an initial attack Palm Strike can be executed from different stances and in different directions (e.g., forward, upward, downward, etc.). Double Upward Palm Strike is used in Pyung Ahn 4 and Combination Spilt Double Palm Strike in Shipsu.

Elbow Strike

This strike is applied with the area near the elbow, in a thrusting motion or using the pointed end of the elbow in a downward motion or backward motion. It is strong and effective when applied at close range. The elbow strike in a forward thrusting motion is effective against nose, temple, center of the jaw/ chin, sternum, solar plexus, ribs, floating ribs, abdomen, lower abdomen, kidneys, upper back center of the back, lower back, and groin. The elbow strike using the pointed end is effective against top of the head, sternum, collar bone, radius bone, solar plexus, ribs, floating ribs, abdomen, lower abdomen, kidneys, upper back center of the back, lower back, and groin. Elbow Strike can be executed from different stances and in different directions (downward, outward, inward). Inward Elbow Strike into open palm (in a thrusting motion) is used in Pyung Ahn 4 and Pyung Ahn 5.

In Part II, the most effective targets for the Han Moo Kwan kicks will be described.

Regards,

Kelly

"It is necessary to develop a strategy that utilizes all the physical conditions and elements that are directly at hand. The best strategy relies on an unlimited set of responses." ~ Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969), founder of Aikido, from his book “The Art of Peace”

References:

1. Korean Karate Free Fighting Techniques, Sihak Henry Cho, 1968
2. Hand-to-Hand Combat, Joe Begala, 1965
3. Karate-Do Kyohan, The Master Text by Gichin Funakoshi
4. Bunkai-Jutsu by Iain Abernethy
5. The Essence of Okinawan Karate-Do: (Shorin-Ryu) by Shoshin Nagamine
6. The Bible of Karate Bubishi by Patrick McCarthy

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

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 - - Chief Instructor's Blog August 2012

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


Beginner

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

• 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

• 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:

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

• Be grounded and remain grounded throughout the technique

• 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 use the Cat Stance 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 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

• 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