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Taekwondo
Tae Kwon Do
What is Tae Kwon Do?
"The way of foot and fist fighting."
Training in Tae Kwon Do involves learning kicking, punching and blocking in various combinations. To my experience many TKD schools focus more on the kicking and foot work then any other aspect of self defense. Like other forms TKD is for self defense and not suppose to be used for attacks. This style is extremely physically demanding so strong muscles and great cardio are advisable to those wishing to study this art. If you are not in great shape do not stress to much because classes will put you in the shape you need to be in, however if you have physical limitations then Tai Kwan Do may not be the best style for you.
History of Tae Kwon Do
Tae Kwon Do has been around since as early as 4 AD. Korea is the home of TKD Hwarang warriors are given credit for developing TKD. It was learned and practiced as a means of defense for the invading armies of Japan. Tae Kwon Do is said to evolve from a martial art style from Korea called Tae Kwon. Tae Kwon Do like most other styles is actually really young in name, It became a martial art and Korea's sport officially on 4-11-1955.
Won Quang A Buddhist monk was given credit the 5 principles of Tae Kwan Do. The guiding principles of the Hwarang warriors and all TKD students and masters are as fallowed. Loyalty Duty Trustworthiness Valor Justice
The Strength and weakness of this style TKD is extremely physically demanding, you will spend a lot of time working on foot work and kicks. May schools teach TKD as a range style, meaning if you were at a distance leg strikes will be your best bet. It is great for cardio training, balance, speed, and leg strength and power. AT a range you should be able to take out your attacker. As it pertains to weaknesses TKD students may not practice many hand strikes or blocking and countering techniques.
Hwarang Do "the way of the flowering manhood"
Hwarang Ae O Gae / 5 Principles of Hwarang Code
1. Sa Koon Yi Choony
Loyalty to the King
2. Sa Chin Yi Hyo
Fidelity, Respect and obedience to parents and elders
3. Kyo Woo Yi Chin
Trustworthiness amounts friends and living up to personal honor
4. Im Jeon Moo Tae
Courage in Battle. Distinguish the reckless form the risky. Noting is gained if you avoid all risk; however less is gained if you completely disregard the odds. 20 to 40 are risky, while 4-20 is reckless.
5. Sal Saeng Yoo Taek
Do not take a life unjustly. Use your skills as required by your greatest judgment. Once danger is clear and your life of the life of someone in your charge is in danger you must do what is necessary to survive.
Indomitable Spirit
Foundation of all martial arts attitude Nothing is impossible.
Victory is always the expected outcome.
Failure or surrender is not an option.
Self discipline is the key to having an indomitable spirit.
3 Ways of Unification
1. Mind Intellectual facility Makes information visible Know the techniques and how they are used
2. Body Strengthen the Muscles and increase flexibility Cardio training is a must. Keep your body in good health through diet, exercise, sleep and life style.
3. Spirit Your heart The home of your indomitable spirit Your spirit is what pushes you when your mind and or body are ready to quit. It helps you to practice or test on your 8th hour, gives you the strength and endurance to keep going for those last minutes in class or on the treadmill. When these aspects are combined you will accomplish what you once thought were impossible
5 Benefits of TKD
Health and Fitness
Flexibility
Self Defense
Awareness of surroundings
Self Discipline
Dragon Kung Fu
Dragon Kung Fu
A monk named Wu Mui one of the 5 surviving Shaolin Monks has been credited with this style.
The foundation of Dragon Kung Fu is based on the mythical Chinese Dragon.(one of the 5 major animal styles of Shaolin Martial Arts) Unlike many of the other styles such as the tiger, the snake, the crane or the leopard, the dragon styles was taught more through word of mouth of the master, then written down. The oral tradition of this style makes its roots, original principles, and linage a well kept secret and mystery that will ever be revealed.
The Dragon style much like American Kenpo is a strong self defence style. Its teachings are both passive and aggressive at the same time; the dragon is as deadly as he is patient. He can stay close and protect his home or he can offer fast powerful blows that can cripple of kill his aggressor. Above all else the dragon focuses on control, not only within his environment but more importantly himself. A great thing to note about the dragon style is in some ways it is no true style. The dragon incorporates the other animal styles and uses what is effective for the moment. The dragon has many secrets and he keeps his own council. Although the dragon is strong in all areas of the body the wrist is carefully trained. Strikes that involved a claw like action at soft spots like the neck the eye and the groin are often key strikes to the dragon. The strikes are made with the thumb, index and middle finger. In the Shaolin Kung Fu thread there is some more information about the dragon and the other major animals of the Shaolin style..
Southern Dragon Style
Rules & Principles
1. Focus to learn and condition the body.
2. One must not have any act of laziness.
3. Be righteous and uphold your honor.
4. One must not have any act of hypocrisy.
5. Respect your parents, honor your teacher.
6. One must not have any act of defiance.
7. Treat others with honesty; treat your friends with loyalty.
8. One must not have any act of arrogance.
Shaolin Kempo
Shaolin Kempo
Shaolin Kempo is a modern martial art style that stems from Chinese Monks from the famous Shaolin Temple in china. The best definition of Shaolin Kempo is Shaolin Small Pine Forest, Kempo Law of the fist is taught at the United Studios of Self Defense, by Grand Master Steve Demasco. In late 2008 Grand Master left the USSD to start Shaolin Studios where he focuses more on the 5 traditional animals of Shaolin. In 2007 I earned my right to present myself as a black belt within the USSD, however after the changes Master Matera has done at the USSD, including elimination Grand Master Demasco from the roots of the USSD I severed all ties to my Shaolin Training.
Shaolin training is certainly more of a striking art then anything else with a heavy focus on hand techniques, however basic kicks are added to the training program. USSD students also train in ground defense and some grappling for take downs, however there skills would not hold up against grappling arts such as Jujitsu from Japan.
China
The original Shaolin temple was built in the 4th century AD martial arts training started around A.D. 550. This style was created by an Indian monk named To Mo in order to get the monks in better physical condition. It was also To Mo?s go goal to create a cast of warrior monks who would be able to defend themselves as well as their temple from people who wished to do them harm. Although he died before this truly came into effect he left a lasting impression on every style of Martial arts today. It is often believed from those who study this art that Shaolin is the foundation on which all martial arts are built. Those who fallow this art do not just study the self defense aspect of the art, mental and spiritual development is also as important as the self defense side of the art. To be a warrior monk one had to show his understanding in spiritual matters, to be able to answer questions concerning china's history, being able to take about events, leaders, dynasties and what not. The final test they had to complete was the ordeal at Logan hall. They went through many chambers of a temple. In some places they had to defend themselves ageist other warrior monks. In one chamber they had to go through 112 wooden dummies that had knives, spears, clubs, or swords. These dummies where rigged to attack when trip wires where triggered. Many of monks sustained great injuries or even death in this chamber. After they successfully made it through there they had to move a 500lb urn that was full of burning coals. (They had to rotate it not carry it) on the sides of this urn there where 2 brands either it was 2 dragons or a dragon and a tiger, there differing views of this. When the urn was moved the monks forearms where branded with these signs (1 on each side) a door would open or latch would be relieved and they would be done with their test. This part of the art is extremely power. The strikes very from hard to soft targets, or vital points of the body. It really is a good style to study and one that offers a great all around training.
5 Shaolin Animals
Tiger
- strong and powerful.
- no blocking or defense they want to destroy what ever is in front of them
- They will continue to attack until either they are there pray are dead
Snake
- fast, flexible,
- what they lack in power they make up for in speed, they choice quick strikes and important targets.
- prefers moving over blocking then a fast counter strike
- The snake is often referred to as the inner chi
Crane
- Graceful and beautiful.
- They are balanced at all times and seldom attack; they are focus more on defense.
Leopard
- bravery and martial ferocity at its key qualities.
- strong waist and lower extremities
- power and speed and swift strikes
Dragon
- represents the cultivation of the spirit.
- Powerful, graceful in flexible -
They focus on both rising and falling attacks as well circular movements.
Shaolin Monk Training
Daily Routine of the Warrior Monks.
1. Energy collection or chi development
2. Meditation
3. Philosophy
4. Yoga
5. Nutrition, consisting of proper diet, healing arts and verbalism
6. The arts of punching, kicking and self defense combinations
7. push-pull arts
8. Jumping patterns permitting escape from danger with no physical contact
This is a routine that anyone who wishes to become a Martial Artist should keep in mind. On top of their 8 Hours of Physical Training, they also spend 8 hours a day working in the temple. Of course there are a few things that you can change such as jumping patterns but use this as your Basic Outline.