ITF Compared to HMK (Part II of II) - Chief Instructor's Blog May 2016

Note:  This is the second installment of a two part series describing the key differences between International Tae Kwon Do Federation (ITF) and Han Moo Kwan (HMK).  The first part described how ITF came to be and two of five areas where we differ.  In this second part, I will describe the other three areas (sparring, forms, and ranking).

1.      Sparring differences/rules

In order to objectively judge competition and for safety reasons, techniques and permitted striking areas are limited in ITF.  According to the International Taekwondo Federation Tournament Rules (Ref. 1), the following are permitted areas (targets):

T33. Target Area

• Head at the front, sides and top of the head but not at the back.
• Trunk of the body from shoulder to navel vertically and from a line drawn from the armpit vertically down to the waist on each side (that is frontal area only, excluding the back).

Note, the rules talk about legal hand and legal foot attacks, but no details could be found on what was legal specifically in Ref. 1, but there are specifics on what results in warnings, deductions of points or disqualifications:

T 36. Minus Points/Fouls

• Heavy contact.
• Attacking a fallen opponent.
• Leg sweeping.
• Holding/grabbing.
• Intentional attack to a target other than mentioned in art. T33.

 

T37. Warnings

• Pretending to have scored a point by raising one or both arms.
• Stepping completely out of the ring (both feet).
• Falling down, whether intentional or not (it means any part of the body, other than the feet, touching the ground).
• Faking a blow, pretending to be injured to gain an advantage.
• Intentionally avoiding sparring.
• Adjusting equipment during the bout without the consent of the Centre Referee.
• Unintentional attack to a target other than mentioned in art. T33.
• Pushing with the hands, shoulders or body.

 

T 38. Disqualification

• Misconduct against officials or ignoring instructions.
• Uncontrolled or excessive contact.
• Receiving three (3) minus points/fouls directly given by the Centre Referee.
• Being under influence of alcoholic beverages or drugs.
• Loss of temper.
• Insulting an opponent, coach and or official.
• Biting, scratching.
• Attacking with the knee, elbow or forehead. Causing a KO.

As noted in the blog in November 2015 and repeated here for convenience:

When we spar in HMK, we do limit the permitted area (targets) to some extent and have a couple prohibited acts (more in intermediates class than advanced class until students demonstrate the control required).  Those permitted areas (targets) are in place to ensure the safety of our students.  For safety reasons, we do not allow lower ranked students to strike towards the head until they show control.  Due to the weakness of the knees/groin, we do not permit students to strike each other’s knees or groin but do practice knees as targets in a slow, controlled manner as well as pinning/trapping the knee.  In addition, at the Intermediates level we limit attacking fallen opponents and grabbing opponents.

For advanced students as we practice combat (separate from sparring) which promotes continuing an assault until the opponent is disabled (or the referee determines sufficient damage has occurred) we also allow strikes to the head, attacking fallen opponents, grabbing if it is safe and effective, etc. 

From a HMK perspective where the focus on self-defense and sparring is a form of self-defense (for more information on my views of sparring versus self-defense, please read my October 2009 blog, “Sparring vs Self Defense”, www.hanmookwan-svl-chiefinstructor.blogspot.com/2009_10_01_archive.html), limitation of techniques, target areas, etc. limit’s a person’s effectiveness to defend themselves.  So, for any reason other than safety, if you are training for self-defense purposes, I believe you should minimize any limitations of techniques (weapons) or permitted areas (targets).

2.      Forms (Hyung)

ITF currently has 24 forms and is said to be symbolic of the 24 hours in a day. The names of these patterns typically refer either to events in Korean history or to important people in Korean history. Elements of the patterns may also be historical references, such as the number of moves, the diagram, and the way the pattern ends, and so on. (Ref. 2).

“The names of the patterns are derived from the most illustrious people to have been produced by nearly five thousand years of Korean history. A proper understanding of the patterns leads inevitably to the realization that Taekwon-Do is a martial art to be used only for self-defence and only in the cause of justice” (Ref. 3).  Unlike WTF and similar to HMK, ITF forms are intended to be another means to practice techniques whose purpose is self-defense.  In Choi’s words, “I created a wide variety of techniques that can be used in almost any situation. (Ref. 3)”

As noted in the blog in November 2015 and repeated here for convenience:

HMK teaches 15 forms (hyung).  The history and genesis of the forms is from Okinawan and Shotokan Karate.  To learn more of the origins of the HMK forms, refer to my three part blog series Origins of HMK Forms - Part I, II and III posted in Feb 2010 (www.hanmookwan-svl-chiefinstructor.blogspot.com/2010_02_01_archive.html), March 2010 (www.hanmookwan-svl-chiefinstructor.blogspot.com/2010_03_01_archive.html), and Apr 2010 (www.hanmookwan-svl-chiefinstructor.blogspot.com/2010_04_01_archive.html), respectively. 

3.      Ranking

As noted in the blog in November 2015 and repeated here for convenience:

 Until the late 1800’s, there were no belts at all worn as part of martial arts uniforms, then there was black, then black and white and then additional colors were added.  One reason for adding colors was to encourage students (mainly children who tend to require more constant feedback to assess their abilities).

ITF appears to have a standard of 11 ranks (belts) (including stripes): White Belt, White Belt Yellow Stripe, Yellow Belt, Yellow Belt Green Stripe, Green Belt, Green Belt Blue Stripe, Blue Belt, Blue Belt/Red Stripe, Red Belt, Red Belt/Black Stripe, and Black Belt (up to 9^th degree).  Each belt color is symbolic and represents continued growth and maturity.   Interesting note on the ITF Wikipedia page (Ref. 3), each belt has a minimum enrollment time requirement. If you add up the minimum time, then it would take at a minimum of 43 months before one could become a black belt.  The process and promotion to black belt is also standardized, and qualified instructors may test up to one half of his/her holding degree  (e.g., 4th degree may grade students up to 2nd degree and a 6^th degree may grade students up to 3^rd degree).  However, promotion to 7th degree or above must be done by the ITF's Master Promotion Committee. 

As noted in the blog in November 2015 and repeated here for convenience:

HMK has six (6) ranks (five different belt colors and one which has a stripe).  When the Sunnyvale HMK Club was founded, the founders were adamant that we limit the number of ranks/belt 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 so students understood their ranking and receive feedback on the intermediate improvements from beginner to a first degree black belt.  Also, rankings provide an indication of various levels of skills which helps students to understand who are the upper rank students are to take any queues from.   

In addition, HMK Club has no minimum requirement for time in a rank before they are eligible to be promoted to the next rank.  We do, however, have a minimum time in the dojang under a certified instructor before we allow one to test each session.  In addition, Club Members testing at any rank of black belt must be judged by two black belts (interim or above) of higher [point score] rank under the guidance of the Chief Instructor.

As noted in the blog in November 2015 and repeated here for convenience:

 For more details on the history of belts and rankings please read the June 2012 blog, “History of Belts and Rankings”, www.hanmookwan-svl-chiefinstructor.blogspot.com/2012_06_01_archive.html.

While HMK is different than both ITF and WTF, it is closer to ITF in philosophy.  While ITF does advocate that part of learning the art is a sport, the philosophy of ITF is structured around learning self-defense for self-protection purposes only. 

Regards,

Kelly

“If we consider ourselves as one with Taekwon-Do, we will respect it as we respect our own bodies and Taekwon-Do will never be used in a dishonourable way.” ~ Choi Hong Hi (1918-2002), South Korean army general and founder of International Tae Kwon Do Federation (ITF).

References:

1. ITF World Junior & Senior Tournament Rules – Rules and Regulations, January 2013, www.tkd-itf.org/competition/#rules-regulations.  Retrieved 10 April 2016.
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Taekwon-Do_Federation. Retrieved 10 April 2016.
3. "Taekwon-Do" (The Korean Art of Self Defence) by Choi, Hong Hi, 1999

ITF Compared to HMK (Part I of II) - Chief Instructor's Blog April 2016

In a two part blog in October and November 2015, I shared my thoughts on how Han Moo Kwan (HMK) was different from World Tae Kwon Do Federation (WTF).  Starting in this blog and concluding in next month’s I will attempt to share how HMK is different another large TKD association: International Tae Kwan Do Federation (ITF).  In the first part of this blog, I will provide a brief overview of how ITF came to be, name the key areas where ITF and HMK are different, and describe the first two areas where we differ. 

General Choi Hong Hi was also the founder of one of the original kwans Oh-Do-Kwan and was quite active in collaborating with other founders of the other kwans to unify Tae Kwon Do thorough a newly formed Korea Taekwondo Association (KTA).  Choi was the first President of the KTA.  In 1965, Choi (who was Korea’s country's first ambassador to Malaysia) was appointed by the Korean government to lead a goodwill mission to West Germany, Italy, Turkey, United-Arab Republic, Malaysia, and Singapore.  This trip was significant in that, for the first time in Korean history, it declared Taekwondo as the national martial art of Korea.  Choi returned to Korea and stay briefly to start an international branch of the KTA, but was not successful.  On March 22, 1966, General Choi Hong Hi formed the ITF in Seoul, Korea, with the consent of nine countries.  You can read more about the history and details of ITF on their website (Ref. 1) or on the HMK website (Ref. 2).

 The key differences between HMK and ITF are:

 

1. Focus
2. Style
3. Sparring differences/rules
4. Forms (Hyung)
5. Ranking

Focus

Similarly to WTF, I believe much of the differences between ITF and HMK, stem from the difference in their focuses.

Similarly to WTF, one of ITF’s goals was to spread the art form internationally and a great way to exhibit and demonstrate is to hold competitions.  However, ITF is different than WTF in that ITF continues to focus on hands and feet and their competitions include free-sparring, pre-arranged sparring, patterns (hyung), and team patterns.   ITF also focuses on breaking techniques and self-defense. 

The current ITF competition rules, ITF World Junior & Senior Tournament Rules – Rules and Regulations, (Ref. 3) is 21 pages in length covering various topics including but not limited to: Dress, Ring Size, Division of Competition, Point Awards, Warnings, and Disqualifications. 

Based on the competition rules, it appears ITF is focused on speed, precision, and control (but not power).  And while those that learn ITF do also learn self-defense, because they limit the techniques for competition I contend it also limits the effectiveness of the style for self-defense purposes, although maybe less so than WTF since their limitations (targets area and uses of techniques) appear to be less than WTF’s.  In additional, since ITF schools focus on competition and spreading the art form, those schools rarely if ever, teach and practice the energy side.  More on that subject when I go over sparring differences/rules in Part II of this blog.

As noted in the blog in October 2015 and repeated here for convenience, HMK continues to focus on an art form for adults who are more interested in learning and training for self-defense purposes.  In my opinion, competitions have many rules that could be counter to training for self-defense purposes and the two different focuses tend to not mix well.  Because the HMK Club’s focus is on self-defense, we only limit a few techniques or targets for safety reasons.  In addition, in HMK the energy side is taught and considered a critical skill to be able to demonstrate to progress in the art form.  You can read more about what sets HMK apart from other schools on the HMK Association About Us webpage (Ref. 2).  In fact, HMK Club members would probably not do well in competitions – mainly due to the rules. 

Style

ITF teaches and expects their students to use a wave movement for the development of power by generating a maximum of speed and mass through relaxation, breathing, and hip movements.  This concept, called the Theory of Power, was introduced by Choi as both a scientific explanation on where the power comes from and as a way to explain how to develop (more) power in the techniques.

HMK is very linear and expects students to be grounded for the entire technique and transition, and never “relax”.  From our perspective this wave movement would result in being vulnerable at the peak of the wave.  In HMK we teach students to develop more power through cultivating internal and external energy versus body movement. By doing so, physical size and strength have little to do with generation of power.

In part II of this blog, I will discuss the other three areas where HMK differs from ITF.

Regards,

Kelly

"To help others to develop and succeed in life is a reward itself and only has value when nothing is expected in return." ~ Choi Hong Hi (1918-2002), South Korean army general and founder of International Tae Kwon Do Federation (ITF).

 

References:

1.      ITF History webpage,  www.tkd-itf.org/about-us/about-itf-taekwon-do/our-history/

2.      Han Moo Kwan Association About Us webpage, www.hanmookwan.org/about_us.htm

3.      ITF World Junior & Senior Tournament Rules – Rules and Regulations, January 2013, www.tkd-itf.org/competition/#rules-regulations

Six Rules - - Chief Instructor's Blog March 2016

In Gichin Funakoshi’s book, “Karate-Do My Way of Life”, he writes of the six rules of Karate-do (although only five rules are actually noted).  These rules are applicable today to any martial art as they were when Master Funakoshi wrote the rules over 40 years ago.

The rules are:

1.      You must be deadly serious in training.

In studying a martial art, you are training to protect yourself. 

Brian Rainie tells a story of training with Mr. Kim , “If I used something that was not effective he would turn to me with those very cold eyes and simply say “You’re dead.”  Nothing drove it home faster, or more effectively, than those two words.”

In order to be effective in your training you must focus while practicing as if you are in every instance protecting yourself and your life may be on the line.  This will make the most out of your training. 

2.      Train with both heart and soul without worrying about theory.

Students can get wrapped around the axel about why something works or get concerned they are not learning something as fast or as well as they think they should.  If one continues to train and practice, concepts will be revealed in time to where a student understands it.  And in time, techniques that seemed impossible to master become second nature.  I can still remember the first time I was shown our side kick thinking I may never be able to throw a side kick.  But over time and through continuing training, eventually I could.  Mr. Kim would just say, “Show Up.  Practice”.  There is nothing more to it.

3.      Avoid self-conceit and dogmatism.

Regardless of the number of years you have practiced or how “good” you think you have gotten, you should always be humble.  Thinking you are better than others can lead to getting injured.  One should never underestimate an opponent.   In addition, you should not be fixed on absolutes.  Getting your mind set in such a way where you do not stay open and flexible in your learning and training will result in stalling out and limiting any further progression in your training.

4.      Try to see yourself as you truly are and try to adopt what is meritorious in the work of others.

We all have our strengths and areas we need more effort.  Mr. Kim would say more often than not on a test form “More Work”.   Ensure you are honest with yourself when you are doing your best and when you are falling short.  You might ask yourself if you are not trying your best, are you really doing yourself a favor or just developing bad habits? 

Emulating others who demonstrate effective techniques (as long as it works for your body type and is equally effective) is always encouraged. 

5.      Abide by the rules of ethics in your daily life, whether in public or private.

Martial artists are honorable and live by ethics.  They abide by ethics in all things they do regardless of place or time.  Martial arts, at its essence, is a way of life not something one does two or three times a week.  This rule of all the rules is probably the most important.

Many of these rules should sound familiar if you have been in class for some time or have read some of my previous blogs.  While I may not have used the exact words Master Funakoshi has used, the rules are fairly universal in traditional martial arts. 

I encourage you all to think about these rules and how you are applying them in you practice and if not, when will you start?

Regards,

Kelly

"With Karate-Do, by extending help to others and by accepting it from them, a man acquires the ability to elevate the art into a faith wherein he perfects both body and soul and so comes finally to recognize the true meaning of Karate-Do." ~ Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957), founder of Shotokan Karate

References

1.  Karate-Do My Way of Life by Gichin Funakoshi

Be Like Bamboo - - Chief Instructor's Blog February 2016

I have mentioned in class on many occasions we need to be like bamboo in our practice (and in life, but that is another blog for another time).  For this blog, I am going to explore some of the keys attributes of bamboo and why being like bamboo is so beneficial to your martial arts practice.

1.      Flexible

Bamboo is extremely flexible.  It can withstand extreme environments (wind, snow, etc.).  It does so by bending with the wind or bending underneath the snow, but then becomes upright again, standing tall and firm.  In martial arts, we can be rooted and grounded without being stiff.  If you are stiff, it is harder to move and it will make it more difficult to defend and attack.

2.      Strong (even if it does not appear so)

Based on its size and how it moves, bamboo may not appear to be strong and yet Bamboo has a higher compressive strength than wood, brick, or concrete and a tensile strength that rivals steel [Ref. 1].  Appearances can be deceiving.  As martial artists we should not pre-judge what we are capable of (keeping an open mind as noted by #3 Hollow Trunk) and do not pre-judge an opponent of what they are capable of.  The first will limit our progression in the art form, the second could result in injury or damage.

3.      Hollow Trunk

Bamboo has hollow trunks.  To grow as a martial artist it is very important to always create space in our minds to new concept, ideas, skills, etc. The hollow truck can be viewed as a representation of that space we must create in our minds to continue to grow.

4.      Always Ready

Bamboo can grow anywhere, is durable, resilient, and can survive some of the harshest conditions (bent and buried in snow but then bounces upright and straight once the snow melts).  Bamboo is ready regardless of the conditions to persevere and is always ready for what environment it encounters.  Aikido master Kensho Furuya in Kodo: Ancient Ways [Ref. 2], states it best by saying, “The warrior, like bamboo, is ever ready for action." 

Regards,

Kelly

“Notice that the stiffest tree is most easily cracked, while the bamboo or willow survives by bending with the wind.” ~ Bruce Lee, (1940 –1973) American-born Chinese Hong Kong martial artist, actor, and founder of Jeet Kune Do

References:

1.      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bamboo

2.      Kodo: Ancient Ways by Kensho Furuya

3.      http://www.presentationzen.com/presentationzen/2010/07/be-like-the-bamboo-trees-lessons-from-the-japanese-forest.html

4.      http://www.slideshare.net/bright9977/15-great-lessons-from-a-bamboo-tree

 

What Makes a Good Instructor-Student Relationship- - Chief Instructor's Blog January 2016

Learning a martial art takes time and effort; it is a lifetime pursuit and the skills and concepts are not learned in a six week training session.  While at an advanced level, much of the training is individualistic and requires self-reflection and self-study, for lower ranked students the instructor-student relationship is critical in the training.

For a student to progress in the art form, it is important that the instructor is knowledgeable in the art form, passionate in teaching the art form, an able instructor, and possess a continuous learning mindset: open to continually learning about themselves as a practitioner of the art form as well as an instructor.   And for a student to progress in the art form, a student must be motivated, excited to learn the art form, and willing to be open to the teachings. 

The relationship between the instructor and student is also critical for both parties to be successful in their roles.  For me, the two most important factors that make a successful instructor-student relationship and enhance both the teaching and the learning for both are trust and a student meeting an instructor halfway.

Let’s start with trust. 

As stated many times in class and other blogs, Han Moo Kwan is an art form to be used strictly for self-defense and can cause significant damage and harm.  So, as instructors, we build a relationship of trust with a student since we must learn to trust students to use the skill and information learned only as it was intended.  If an instructor does not trust a student, they will either not instruct them anymore or only provide limited information which will limit the student's progression in the art form.

On the flip side, the student must trust the instructor.  The student must trust the instructor will not harm them directly or indirectly in class, the student must trust the instructor is sharing information as needed or when they think a student is ready for it, and most importantly for me, the student must trust that the instructor is knowledgeable in what they are instructing and even if the student does not understand the information today, eventually they will.  If a student doubts an instructor’s information as accurate or believes it is incorrect, then a student will not benefit from the information and it will limit their progress.  If an instructor senses or knows a student does not trust the information they are being provided, eventually the instructor may stop providing information to a student.

This leads to the concept of students meeting their instructor half way.

Learning a martial art is a lifetime of study and practice.  Instructors have a wealth of information to share and as stated above, they should be continually perfecting their instruction techniques.  Students should show interest in what is being taught and be attentive at all times.  Students should take the information and practice on their own coming back to the instructor asking for more details and information to refine their skills.  Students should have an inquisitive attitude toward the art form and seek to understand and learn as much as possible from their instructors with the understanding that becoming proficient in the art form is an evolution and, as they grow, more details of the art form will be taught and uncovered.  Those students who do not practice on their own and those students who want to be spoon fed the information will limit their progress.  This is due in part because an instructor has limited time and can never cover every minute detail or have time to continually cover the same information over and over again.  In cases such as these, an instructor may eventually choose to spend more energy with other students who are making an effort and demonstrating they value the instructor’s time and information.

I encourage instructors and students alike to evaluate their relationships with each other and determine where there can be improvements to get the most out of our time in and out of the dojang.

Regards,

Kelly

“The test of a good teacher is not how many questions he can ask his pupils that they will answer readily, but how many questions he inspires them to ask him which he finds it hard to answer.” ~ Unknown

References

1. Kodo Ancient Ways by Kensho Furuya

 

Do Versus Jutsu - - Chief Instructor's Blog December 2015

You may have wondered what the difference is between martial arts that practice “Do” versus “Jutsu” and what those differences are.

As noted in class and other blogs, “Do”, means “The Way”.  So, as examples, Tae Kwon Do means the way of the hands and feet, Judo means gentle way, Karate-do means the empty hand way, and Aikido means the way of the spirit of harmony or the way of harmonious spirit.  The Way refers to a lifetime pursuit of mind-body-spirit through martial arts training and applying that training to your day to day life. 

“Jutsu” refers to “technique” or “art”.  So, as examples, Jujutsu (also spelled jujitsu) means gentle/yielding/compliant art, Karate-jutsu means the techniques of the empty hands, and Aikijutsu means the technique of harmonious spirit.  The intent of meaning a jutsu style is strictly for the use of the techniques and in theory does not go beyond that.

According to an article in fightingarts.com, “Do versus Jutsu: Which Side Are You On?” by Jeff Brooks [1], prior to the end of the Samurai period, martial arts training was strictly “jutsu’.  “In Japan, when the samurai era ended, the culture changed, technology advanced and martial arts became in one way or another - technically or culturally - obsolete. Many people wanted to continue practicing their martial arts, but had to find a different purpose for practicing.”  This led to more culture studying and practicing an art training like tea ceremony.  To read more about this, please refer to my August 2015 blog “Samurai Training versus Today’s Martial Arts”.

From my observations and readings, some schools are not necessarily purposeful in the use of the terminology or even know the difference.   Other schools or clubs are very purposeful in the use of the terminology and what they practice “do” versus “jutsu”.   Many masters had a very strong opinion on which was better.

Master Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan, was very purposeful in introducing karate to Japan as Karate-do.  As he wrote in his book, Karate-do Kyohan [2], “True Karate-do is this: that in daily life, one's mind and body be trained and developed in a spirit of humility; and that in critical times, one be devoted utterly to the cause of justice.”

Sokon Matsumura, who lived from approximately 1809 to 1901, and was the founder of Shorin Ryu Karate, in a letter written May 13, 1882 [3], wrote:

” If we investigate the martial arts, we also see that there are three distinct divisions or elements in them:

The first method, or division, is more like a game of psychology and tactics. It actually has no practical application in fighting, but it is more like pretty dancing. It is quite superficial.

The second method is nothing more than physical exercises. Its only goal is to win. In this there is no virtue. The practitioners of this method are contentious. Many times they bring injury to others and to themselves. Very often they cause dishonor to come upon members of their family.

The third method, in contrast, is always performed with conviction. The practitioners of this third method gain a solemn enlightenment, free of strife and depravity. It promotes loyalty among family, friends and country. It also promotes a natural demeanor, which develops a gallant character.

Thus, the true way of the martial arts has more than one element in it. A wise man does not need the first or second methods. All he needs is the third method. In this method, you will find the true way.

It might seem like I have no respect for the other two fighting methods, but my conviction is rooted immovably in the doctrine of the third method. I have revealed my words to you. There is nothing left secret or hidden in my mind, nothing held back. If you accept and heed my words, you will find the true way.”

Some schools or clubs are more focused on the “Justsu”.  Most military academies, police training and those clubs/schools that focus on competition would be considered jutsu versus do.

Motobu Choki, who lived from 1870-1944 and was an Okinawan Karate Master, stated "Nothing is more harmful to the world than a martial art that is not effective in actual self-defense."   One may infer from this, his focus was more on the jutsu side of martial arts training.

From my perspective, Han Moo Kwan is very purposeful in teaching the style as a way of life, but in doing so we do not lose sight of the importance of the techniques themselves and practicing their applications in as much of a realistic scenario as possible to be able to defend oneself in any situation.

Regards,

Kelly

“No matter how you excel in the art of “Ti” (Okinawan precursor to Karate), and in your scholastic endeavors, nothing is more important than your behavior and humanity as observed in daily life.” ~ Tei Junsoku (1663–1734), Confucian scholar

References

1. Fightingarts.com, “Do versus Jutsu: Which Side Are You On?” By Jeff Brooks, accessed 11/29/2015

2.  Karate-do Kyohan by Gichin Funakoshi
3.  Sokon Matsumura's letter about Martial Arts, written May 13, 1882

WTF Compared to HMK (Part II of II) - Chief Instructor's Blog November 2015

Note:  This is the second installment of a two part series describing the key differences between World Tae Kwon Do Federation (WTF) and Han Moo Kwan (HMK).  The first part described how WTF came to be and the first of four areas where we differ (focus).  As indicated in Part 1 of this two part series, much if not all the differences between WTF and HMK, in my opinion, stem from the difference in their focuses.  WTF focus is on competition (as a means to spread the art form internationally).  HMK focuses on an art form for adults who are more interested in learning and training for self-defense purposes.  In this second part, I will describe the other three areas (sparring, forms, and ranking).

 1.      Sparring differences/rules

In order to objectively judge competition as well as safety reasons, techniques and permitted striking areas are limited in WTF.  According to the World Taekwondo Federation Competition Rules & Interpretation, (Ref. 1), the following are permitted techniques (weapons) and areas:
 
Permitted techniques
1.1 Fist technique: A straight punching technique using the knuckle part of a tightly clenched fist
1.2 Foot technique: Delivering techniques using any part of the foot below the ankle bone
 
When we spar in HMK, we only limit the use of open hand techniques with lower rank students (such as ridge hand and knife hand) until students demonstrate they can effectively use those techniques.  For upper rank students, all techniques, all parts of the body (head, shoulder, elbows, forearms, hands, knees, legs, feet, etc.) are considered valid and acceptable weapons. 
 

The following are permitted areas (targets) in WTF:

 
2 Permitted areas
2.1 Trunk: Attack by fist and foot techniques on the areas covered by the trunk protector are permitted.  However, such attacks shall not be made on the part of the spine.
2.2 Head: The area above the collar bone. Only foot techniques are permitted.

 And the following are prohibited acts in WTF:

 
5.1            The following acts shall be classified as prohibited acts, and “Kyong-go” (warning penalty) shall be declared.
5.1.1                 Crossing the Boundary Line
5.1.2                 Falling down
5.1.3                 Avoiding or delaying the match
5.1.4                 Grabbing, holding or pushing the opponent
5.1.5                 Lifting the knee to block or/and impede the opponent’s kicking attack, or lifting a leg for more than 3 seconds, without execution of any attacking technique, to impede opponent’s attacking movements
5.1.6                 Kicking below the waist
5.1.7                 Attacking the opponent after "Kal-yeo" (separate)
5.1.8                 Hitting the opponent’s head with the hand
5.1.9                 Butting or attacking with the knee
5.1.10              Attacking the fallen opponent
5.1.11              Misconduct of contestant or coach

When we spar in HMK, we do limit the permitted area (targets) to some extent and have a couple prohibited acts (more in intermediates class than advanced class until students demonstrate the control required).  Those permitted areas (targets) are in place to ensure the safety of our students.  For safety reasons, we do not allow lower ranked students to strike towards the head until they show control.  Due to the weakness of the knees/groin, we do not permit students to strike each other’s knees or groin but do practice knees as targets in a slow, controlled manner as well as pinning/trapping the knee.  In addition, at the Intermediates level we limit attacking fallen opponents and grabbing opponents.

 

For advanced students as we practice combat (separate from sparring) which promotes continuing an assault until the opponent is disabled (or the referee determines sufficient damage has occurred) we also allow strikes to the head, attacking fallen opponents, grabbing if it is safe and effective, etc. 

From a HMK perspective where the focus on self-defense and sparring is a form of self-defense (for more information on my views of sparring versus self-defense, please read my October 2009 blog, “Sparring vs Self Defense”, www.hanmookwan-svl-chiefinstructor.blogspot.com/2009_10_01_archive.html), limitation of techniques, target areas, etc. limit’s a person’s effectiveness to defend themselves.  So, for any reason other than safety, if you are training for self-defense purposes, I believe you should minimize any limitations of techniques (weapons) or permitted areas (targets).
 

2.      Forms (Hyung)

WTF has 17 forms (usually written as poomsae) (www.worldtaekwondofederation.net/poomsae-styles, Ref. 2) and some schools still teach the first 8 created, making a total of 25.  According to taekwondo.wikia.com/wiki/Taegeuk (Ref. 3), “In 1965 the Korea Taekwondo Association appointed a committee of representatives from six of the nine Kwans to develop the forms for what is now called Kukkiwon- or WTF-style taekwondo.  In 1967, this committee introduced the Palgwae and Yudanja (Black Belt) forms (including a simpler version of Koryo). In 1971 two additional kwans joined the committee.  This expanded committee went on to develop the Taegeuk forms”.

 One of the reasons to change the forms was to make them more “Korean”.  As stated in “Complete TaekwonDo Pommsae” (Ref. 4), “Taekwondo Poomsae reflects the characteristics of the Korean culture.  The color belt Poomsae, Taegeuk, and Palgwae, are based on principles of Um and Yang and the eight trigrams, which originate from the Taegeukki (Korean flag).  The black belt forms (Koryo, Keumkang, Taeback, Pyongwon, Sipjin, etc.) are based on traditional Korean philosophy and Taoist principles.”

 

HMK teaches 15 forms (hyung).  The history and genesis of the forms is from Okinawan and Shotokan Karate.  To learn more of the origins of the HMK forms, refer to my three part blog series Origins of HMK Forms - Part I, II and III posted in Feb 2010 (www.hanmookwan-svl-chiefinstructor.blogspot.com/2010_02_01_archive.html), March 2010 (www.hanmookwan-svl-chiefinstructor.blogspot.com/2010_03_01_archive.html), and Apr 2010 (www.hanmookwan-svl-chiefinstructor.blogspot.com/2010_04_01_archive.html), respectively. 

 

Besides the origins of the forms being different, there is a difference in benefits of forms applied to self-defense/sparring that we explore in HMK.  As stated in “Complete TaekwonDo Pommsae” (Ref. 4), “...the principles and procedures of Poomsae are different from Kyorugi (sparring).”  The authors of Ref. 4 go on to say, “The widely used official Poomsae is less useful for Kyorugi, as they lack the kicking techniques that are characteristics of Taekwondo.  However, Kyorugi and Poomsae complement each other in terms of the general technical structure of taekwondo.”

 The forms we learn in HMK complement sparring, but more from a structured way to practice techniques and focus versus the dynamic situation of sparring or self-defense with an opponent.  In HMK all techniques performed in the hyung are viable and useful in sparring and self-defense and vice versa.  In class, we practice the dynamic applications of techniques within our forms and constantly uncover all the various practical applications. 

 3.      Ranking

Until the late 1800’s, there were no belts at all worn as part of martial arts uniforms, then there was black, then black and white and then additional colors were added.  One reason for adding colors was to encourage students (mainly children who tend to require more constant feedback to assess their abilities).

 WTF schools have anywhere from six (6) to 15 ranks (belts) (including stripes).  An example is: White Belt, White Belt/ Yellow Stripe, White Belt/Double Yellow Stripe, Yellow Belt, Yellow Belt/Blue Stripe, Blue Belt, Blue Belt/Red Stripe, Red Belt, Red Belt/Black Stripe, and Black Belt.  Some WTF schools might have as many as triple stripes for each belt color.  There does not appear to be a standard for WTF schools for lower ranks.  The process and promotions to black belt, though, are highly standardized and are all regulated by the Kukkiwon. 

HMK has six (6) ranks (five different belt colors and one which has a stripe).  When the Sunnyvale HMK Club was founded, the founders were adamant that we limit the number of ranks/belt 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 so students understood their ranking and receive feedback on the intermediate improvements from beginner to a first degree black belt.  Also, rankings provide an indication of various levels of skills which helps students w understand who are the upper rank students are to take any queues from.

For more details on the history of belts and rankings please read the June 2012 blog, “History of Belts and Rankings”, www.hanmookwan-svl-chiefinstructor.blogspot.com/2012_06_01_archive.html.

Based on what I have described above as key differences between WTF and HMK, I hope it is easy to understand why Mr. Kim, especially understanding the HMK target audience is adults learning self-defense and not kids and competitions, politely declined when approached to convert to WTF. 

Regards,

Kelly
 

"I have not permitted myself to be ignorant of any martial art that exists. Why? Such ignorance is a disgrace to someone who follows the path of the martial arts." ~ Masutatsu Oyama (1923-1994), karate master who founded Kyokushinkai Karate

 

References:

1. World Taekwondo Federation Competition Rules & Interpretation, January 2015

2. www.worldtaekwondofederation.net/poomsae-styles

3. Taekwondo.wikia.com/wiki/Taegeuk

4. Complete Taekwon Do Poomsae, - The Official Taeguek, Palgwae, and Black Belt Forms of Taekwondo by Kyu Hyung Lee and Sang H. Kim