Its's Official - Tang Soo Do Kyohoe Kwan Recognized as NEW Style
Classical and NOT Old
The martial arts have been around for many, many years and during this time they have been mired down in old traditions and incorrect technique. Many times students were taught to never question their master instructors. When asking questions as to why it was done that way they were told, "Because I said so." Many times that answer was given because the master was told the same thing when they were coming up in the ranks. As knowledge grew many techniques were never corrected concerning correct body movement, flow, and even physics. Many martial artists became "traditionalist" - those that wouldn't change anything no matter what. Some have become "mavericks" or those that change and add just for the sake of doing so - looks good so add it. Then there are those whose desire is to improve and correct the old traditional way while keeping the base root style intact. These martial artists are called "classical".
Well I am happy to say that is me. "Classical and not OLD". I have always tried to maintain the base root classical aspect of our Tang Soo Do while staying correct in kinesiology of the body. I also believe that while Tang Soo Do is very complete there are still "holes" and incorrect execution of technique. It has always been my desire to learn and grow in what we do. To this end we have now entered into a new level for Crusader, Kicks for Christ Federation and Tang Soo Do.
Gospel Martial Arts Union Meeting of the Masters
On Friday Oct 10, I took a team of students consisting of Travis Waldhart, Jaci Kinner, Duane Smith, Althea Tollefson, Ethan Dykstra, Jessine VanLopik, Zachary Schutte, Krystal White and Tim Ross, to the Gospel Martial Arts Union Meeting of the Masters in Indianapolis Indiana. Lisa Smith while a member of the team, she stayed behind to lead the school in my absence thus allowing us to go. At the meeting we presented what we do and why we do it in a 4-hour choreographed presentation of all our stances, strikes, blocks and kicks. We also added a large selection of our forms and weapons, showed all our 1-steps and had three teams sparring. I gave narration to all we showed as to reason and application.
When the presentation was complete I was granted the unanimous approval of the board that what we have is a definite variation of Tang Soo Do and I have now been granted "foundership". This means that I am now a founder of a Korean style that we call Tang Soo Do Kyohoe Kwan. Translated it is the Church school of Tang Soo Do. Church being a word play of being Christian and my last name. This is worldwide recognition. No one can take this away, copy, or doubt our authority or standing in Tang Soo Do. We have successors and guidance so that Tang Soo Do Kyohoe Kwan will continue through history even after I am gone. I have been given the new title of Dojunim ( doe jew neem) which means style founder or protector of the way. In Japanese styles it is referred to as Soke (Sokay). The title also came with an increase to my rank. I am now recognized as a sixth dan. While the title of Dojunim is the highest obtainable in the martial arts through title I still must go through the ranking system just like everyone else.
The GMAU is granted permission by the World Head of Family Sokeship Council to perform these tests to grant founding of a new style. Heading up the style recognition judging board was 10th dan US national martial arts treasure Soke Karl Marx. Additionally judging was 10th dan Dr Kent Harelson, 10th dan Dr. Ron Tottingham and 8th dan Dr. Johnny Russel. There is a 90% failure rate in these tests and this was a high pressure, demanding performance complete with everything we do documented in a large book. Documents included 20+ personal references for me, copies of all our handbooks, a copy of every form, KFCF operations and constitution and that's just scratching the surface.
As Jaci and I were eating lunch Soke Marx remarked to us that he has been doing these recognitions for more years than he cares to remember but ours was the classiest presentation and the most complete system he has seen to date. He stated that our people are GOOD! All weekend long Grand Masters were complementing our students in every area of the martial arts. We even participated in the tournament with Jaci taking 2nd in forms only to a 17 time world champion. Zach Schutte took 4th and Duane 5th. Tim Ross took 3rd in grappling. It was a weekend for the memory books!
Watch God Move!
So.keep your eyes open! Hang on to your hats! God has taken us to the next level and He's not done yet! He has more in store for us and it is going to be a great adventure. God's blessing of technique and protocol of the "Dream Team" have set the bar high but our students are the best. The Grand Masters know it and have said so. Work hard and keep your eye on the Lord. He will bless us in our martial arts. We will be returning to Indianapolis next year to blow their doors off again and show them God's work through Tang Soo Do Kyohoe Kwan!