TO Change or Keep? - Input Please!

[BUDO BULLDOG]

Hello,

I have an inquiry going out to TKD Students – Instructors – Enthusiast.

My inquiry is in regards to a debate I have been having with myself and with other MA friends.

My question is would you keep or change the following -&- why:[1]
For forms and basics –
(a) The hand chamber on the hip –vs.- hand chamber held high near the chin.
(b) The blocking arm to be traditional / one bone side expose –vs.- flat of the forearm
/ two bone side expose.

[2] For verbal instructions –
(a) To utilize Korean terminology –vs.- to utilize all American terminology.
(b) Forms to have their Korean name –vs.- their American translation.

Your input will be very much appreciated as I am going to potentially start a TKD program with in my church.

Thank you.

Ed Barton
An Old American TKD MDK

[sidekick]

Ed, this is my opinion and rational.

The hand chamber on the hip –vs.- hand chamber held high near the chin.

My people train with the hands up. We include Hapkido techniques which require the hands up. They train primarily for self defense.

The blocking arm to be traditional / one bone side expose –vs.- flat of the forearm / two bone side expose.

We use both variations for different applications.

To utilize Korean terminology –vs.- to utilize all American terminology.

We use minimum Korean Terrminology. Just enough so they can recognize the major commands, if and when anyone should decide they want to go to a tournament. I personally discourage any tournament fighting envolvement for adults. There's just to much to lose if they should get hurt.

Forms to have their Korean name –vs.- their American translation.

We use the Korean names, for the same above reason.

Mike Dunn

[De_Franza]

I'm a karate man, but I figure it's more similar than different so here goes....

In a school I trained in for a few years, they started the beginners chambering punches to the hips to establish the habit of good hip and shoulder rotation, but changed it to near-the-head pretty quickly, like yellow or orange belt after the habit of good basics, the hip rotation, is established. I think this is the way to go.

I was always taught to block with the bone to protect the soft fleshy parts of the arms. but then again, I'm only 4 years in and there could be a 2-bone block I don't know about....

There's a lot to be said for keeping or for ditching the foreign terminology. In Korea, I'm sure they don't run their classes in English, if you catch my meaning, but it's also a bridge to another culture and it's kinda neat to use the language, however much we butcher it in America. So I'd say it's a matter of preference. It certainly won't detract from the actual MA if you use only English, and it's less memorization for the students so they can concentrate on the techniques rather than stand there translating for a moment before they do anything.
Actually, in the lessons I run, I almost never use Japanese terms... I think it just runs more smoothly in my native tongue, you know? It's a MA class, not a language class. But I'd say keep the Korean names for the forms though, as that will compare more evenly with other schools.

Best luck to you!

[moogong]

Ed...I would ask you this...what do you think? If you think that the changes would better your martial arts, that is a personal evolution that you are going through and you should train accordingly. As for how to teach the students, I think you would be robbing them if you don't teach them the traditional way. In addition to that, show them the changes you have made yourself. It can only enhance their understanding of the forms and how they relate to combat. Their evolution will be a direct influence from you.
Terminology is another beast. I like to teach and learn things in the Korean, Japanese, and Chinese language..depending on what art I am learning. I have found so much of the Asian language does not translate very well in English. Other than that, I have seen many students be inspired to learn another language based on what we do in class. Also, Sidekick is correct, it can really benefit them to know the language when they go to tournaments. What I prefer is to explain the technique in English and they say what it is called in Korean..making them repeat the term a few times. That way they are at least familiar with the Asian term.

[BUDO BULLDOG]

Thank you for your input.

It was very useful.

I will keep the hip hand chamber for beginners and expand later in their individual progression, if warranted – Thank you for the input, moogong.

Terminology, I will keep it American with respect to the Korean roots.

Once again thank you for taking the time to respond.

Ed Barton
An Old American TKD MDK

[sidekick]

Ed, I think I saw that you are in the Tampa area. Where have you set up your school, perhaps I can stop by for a visit?


Respectfully
Mike Dunn

[BUDO BULLDOG]

Hello Mike,

It is great to hear from you.

Yes, I have been in the Tampa area. Regrettably, it has all been for work.

Presently, I am attempting to establish a Martial Art Ministry at my local church. I have been receiving a great response in regards to this program from church members and previous students.

If does happen, It would be my pleasure to have you come to our Dojang and impact our students with your teaching.

I look forward to talking to you about this in the very near future.

Ed Barton
An Old American TKD MDK