Kido Kwan Logo items for sale
The Kido Kwan has teamed up with Cafe Press to bring to you items that you can purchase one piece or several at a time, without the schools or clubs to have to purchase large quantities of items. You can see our Cafe Press store here The photos below are what are currently available in the store, we will add more soon!
Does Taekwon-Do need the Olympics?
A lot has been said, written about Taekwon-Do (Taekwon-Do as defined as Chang-Hon/Traditional) in regards to being part of the Olympic Games and other sporting agencies such as SportAccord, CISM, etc.
The question shouldn’t be “why Taekwon-Do should be in the Olympics or other international venues” but rather it should be “why does it!”
Taekwon-Do (in all it’s forms) has always been a politically charged martial art. More so then many others, and no martial art is without a political “arm.” There are what I call two “world” Taekwon-Do’s that have now been around since 1973. These two organizations, the International Taekwon-Do Federation® aka ITF and the World Taekwondo Federation® aka WTF. Much has been written about these two organizations, but the simple fact is that the WTF was created to compete against the ITF and they have won a good majority of their battles.
The fact that they are nearly identical in terminology is the least of the similarities ”World” versus “International” and being the early 1970′s communications were not instant like they are now. In fact, within about 30 seconds of hitting the approve button on my dashboard, this article will be able to be viewed by millions but in the 1970s, it took weeks for an article to travel from the western hemisphere to the eastern hemisphere and sometimes longer. A telephone call took several minuets and then the information had to be relied by word of mouth. These issues are in fact, one of (several) the reasons why the WTF was able to gain a following by in part just telling others that the ITF was no longer around. The WTF had the full backing of it’s home government, and the ITF just had the backing of it’s senior leaders.
The WTF from the start had a mission of sporting Taekwondo, while the ITF was more centered around self defense (its true roots, much like Karate), and historical preservation. The sporting aspect in Taekwon-Do (and martial arts) has it’s usefullness. It’s a great way to showcase some skills, but, the question we as instructors should ask ourselves, is that worth it?
Competition is healthy, if used and promoted correctly it can instill values such as sportsmanship, working as a team, self worth, pride etc. However, it also has some not so great effects as well. Some claim that competition also serves as a mechanism for determining the best-suited group; politically, economically and ecologically. Competitive sporting events also are great way to economically improve (sometimes not) a group, organization or even country. Every nation works very hard to bring the Olympic Games to their own country because it generates many hundreds of millions of dollars or more that span over many years prior and even after, the 1988 Seoul Games is a prime example, as South Korea had gained alot from the games, and the buildup to them!
The recent ITF World Championships held in Pyongyang is another example of why a country would host an event. In this case, North Koreans earning about $15.00 per month with a National earning of about $40 million (96 out of 193 according to the CIA WORLD FACT BOOK) a comparison to understand these figures is South Korean was listed as number 12 with $1,459,000, the USA as listed number 1 at $14,660,000 with the whole of the European Union slightly beating out the USA with $14,820,000 GDP (PPP), the DPRK (North Korea) gave a good show with the 17th ITF World Championships, in order, in part to gain International funds for a very cash strapped country.
So, sport Taekwon-Do….is it really needed? Well, it does give a venue for people to compete in an individual activity (tuls, hyung, poomse aka Patterns/Forms), and breaking, team with team patterns, and then we have sparring. A poll conducted via this website several years ago, asked how many in a school competed at a National or International level, the mean average was less then 2% per club competed as that level with just under 10% at the local and state/regional levels.
Taekwon-Do should in my opinion have a sporting aspect, this is just a great avenue to have those that wish to compete can, and should, but, it should not be used as a money making venture, like so many peoples/organizations try to do. One of the goals in Taekwon-Do is to serve man-kind, so, after all ”bills” are paid, maybe Taekwon-Do should use the profits (if there are any) to be donated to non profit research to cure anything, something. Greed seems to be the biggest factor to host some of these competitions, and greed has destroyed more men, and organizations then nearly anything in the history of mankind!
NEW KIDO KWAN SENIOR BLACK BELTS
As Director of the Kido Kwan, I have seen many changes in the world of the martial arts over my 35 years of learning and training. I remember my first class I taught, I remember the first time I met such martial arts greats as Choi, Hong-hi, Park, Jung-tae, Chuck Norris and others, I remember my first set of black belts that I graduated!
So, its with great pleasure I get to now announce that several students have been promoted to senior black belt ranks (5th Dan) after many years of hard work, dedicated service, and putting up with the rigors of black belt instructors. So it is only fitting that today, two of my direct students (from white belt) have been graded to 5th Dan black belt and look forward to many more such promotions. We will have a public demo date set soon, to allow all of the friends, and family to participate in this great accomplishment!
Lori Adler, V Dan, dated 12-31-2011 certificate # 5-6-471
Jason A. Fetter, V Dan, dated 12-31-2011 certificate # 5-7-499
Both 5th Dan candidates demonstrated all the ChangHon forms from Chon-Ji to Moon-Moo, plus all the other patterns required to be a Kido Kwan instructor. Both showed a 4 mins Hoshin demo, and explained to the class what it means to be a black belt and what led them to where they are today.
Several others also tested for black belt ranks from 1st to 4th Dan so, we look forward to those black belts to follow the leadership, skill, and instructor-ship that their seniors have showed, and look at 2012 as a great year for our students, black belts, instructors and families!
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Kim, Jong-il dead
According to intelligence and news reports the North Korean Leader has died on Saturday (Korea Time)…more coming soon
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Korea’s traditional martial arts have been listed as intangible heritages.
Korea’s traditional martial arts have been listed as intangible heritages.
UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee inscribed the three Korean traditions in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity at a session held in Bali, Indonesia, Monday.
The three items were among six cultural traditions promoted by the Korean government for registration. The martial art, or “taekkyeon” in Korean, and the tightrope walking, or “jultagi,” were expected to be listed as they were recommended for registration at the stage of primary screening. The weaving of fine ramie from Hansan region, or “Hansan mosi,” was reserved at the beginning but included in the last minute.
Taekkyeon
Taekkyeon, the world’s first martial art to become the UNESCO-authorized intangible heritage, utilizes techniques with fluid, rhythmic dance-like movements to strike or trip up an opponent.
There are about 50 certified practitioners currently, and the Korean Taekkyeon Association plays a role in transmission of the martial art.
The committee decided that taekkyeon was qualified for registration because it is “a traditional martial art that has been passed from generation to generation and promotes cooperation and solidarity among its practitioners.” At the same time, the “inscription of taekkyeon on the Representative List could improve the visibility of similar martial arts around the world as an intangible cultural heritage,” it said.
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New Patterns Handbook
The Kido Kwan will be putting out for members first then general public a Taekwon-Do Patterns handbook. This will be a 5×7 inch book that will be spiral bound to allow easier access to the material inside. The patterns in volume one will be all color belt patterns for all Chang-Hon (ITF), Kukki (WTF), and Kwan (ChungDo, MooDuk Kwan). Click Here to view a teaser. The cost will be $10.00 USD
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International Instructor’s Course in Nashville, USA
Dear Masters, Instructors, and Students,
Master Primm and the ATFI are honored to welcome all International Taekwon-Do members to an International Instructor’s Course (IIC) and Black Belt grading to be held in centrally located Nashville, Tennessee, USA on April 13-15, 2012. The event will be held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort.
The International Taekwon-Do Federation Technical Committee will conduct the course.
Grand Master Hector Marano
Grand Master Willem Jacob Bos
Grand Master Ung Kim Lan (first time participating in a US IIC)
The IIC individual applications, banquet, and t-shirt forms may be submitted either by email or regular mail. Payment for the seminar, banquet and t-shirts must be received by March 15th, 2012. Hotel reservations MUST be made by March 21st, 2012.
Checks should be made payable to:
Master Frank Primm
930 Needmore Road
Old Hickory, TN 37138
The IIC course is open to Red Belts and above and will cover Chon-Ji to Tong-il. The Technical Committee will help us to expand our knowledge and standardize technique. Subjects to be covered include patterns, self-defense, sparring, theory of power, and the “Do”.
We would love for everyone to take part in this great event. We ask that you make your reservations in advance (by March 15, 2012) so that we can accommodate everyone attending or wishing to attend. Please feel free to contact Master Primm @ (615) 481-6401 or email him at primmstkd@lycos.com with any questions.
We also encourage everyone to take advantage of the significantly discounted room rates at the amazing Opryland resort, which have been extended to allow coverage three days before and/or after the IIC, to provide vacation time and an opportunity to enjoy the exciting Music City, USA!
Yours in Taekwon-Do,
Master Frank Primm A-7-45
SEMINAR INFORMATION
We have selected the Gaylord Opryland Resort for the International Instructor’s Seminar in Music City (Nashville, Tennessee, USA).
Also, on Saturday evening we will have a special banquet for everyone to enjoy the company of the Grand Masters, Masters, and all of the TKD students. The banquet will be held at a nearby restaurant—great southern food in a fun environment! Transportation available if needed.
Seminar Fee: $200.00
Masters Fee: $50.00
Program:
Thursday, April 12th
For those early birds who decide to arrive in advance and enjoy the best of Nashville, we will gather in downtown Nashville at 7pm at The Beer Sellar on 107 Church St., amongst the honkey tonks and right in the entertainment district. If you need transportation please let us know (615-481-6461—Lisa Primm). This is an informal gathering—but sure to be a kickin’ good time!
Friday, April 13th
3:00pm-7:00pm: Training in the Washington Room B (check in will begin at 1:30 pm)
Saturday, April 14th
9:00am-12:00pm and 1:30pm-3:30pm: Training in the Governor’s Ball Rooms A and E.
Lunch is on your own.
3:45pm: Black Belt testing will be in the same area from approximately 3:45 pm until the conclusion
7:30pm: Banquet to be held at “Cock of the Walk” Restaurant (transportation available)
Sunday, April 15th
9:00am-12:00pm: Training in the Governor’s Ball Rooms A and E
TEST FOR DEGREE PROMOTIONS
Participants wishing to test for promotion must:
· Send the application form through the National/Allied Association at least one
(1) month before the promotion date to the ITF Administration HQ.
· Bring 5 wooden boards measured 30x30x2 cm. (We will have boards for purchase, if needed)
· Pay their ITF degree certificate and grading fee one hour prior to the grading.
· Test for degree promotion will be on the second day of the course after the
second training session.
· The result of the test will be announced after the last IIC training session.
· No spectators are allowed during the degree promotion.
· His/her Instructor may accompany the candidate.
· For testing applications visit the ITF website at:
http://www.tkd-itf.org/pub_web/ver_eng/applications.html
HOTEL
Please make sure to book your room in advance due to limited availability. We would like to make sure everyone is located in the same hotel. We have negotiated a significantly discounted room rate so that everyone can enjoy this breathtaking resort. For reservations please contact the hotel directly, and use the Block ID below.
Hotel Address: 2800 Opryland Drive, Nashville, TN 37214
Reservation Phone: 1-866-972-OPRY (6779)
Block ID: X-IIS12 (BE SURE TO USE THIS CODE WHEN RESERVING YOUR ROOM)
Reservation Deadline: March 21, 2012
BANQUET
To ensure that you are able to enjoy an evening with the Grand Masters and Masters, we ask that you send in your banquet request by March 15, 2012.
· Place: Cock of the Walk Restaurant (featuring a southern meal with something for everyone!)
· Date: Saturday, April 14, 2012
· Time: 7:30 pm.
· Price: $25 per person (cash bar available)
· Participation: Mandatory
HOTEL INFORMATION
Hotel Room rates:
- $149.00 per night 1-2 people
- These rates apply for 3 days before and/or 3 days after the seminar
- Parking (at a reduced rate) is $10 per night if need
OTHER THINGS TO DO IN NASHVILLE
Are you joining your spouse for this trip and wondering what to do with your free time? Are you interested in extending your trip to create a vacation in Nashville? Are you bringing along children or teens? A few of Nashville’s great activities are listed below. Feel free to call Lisa Primm at 615-481-6461 if you have “tourist” questions!
- Honkytonks and Downtown Night Life on Historic 2nd Avenue
- Opry Mills Shopping Mall (grand re-opening March 29, 2012—Tenessees largest outlet, value retail, and entertainment destination—just steps from Opryland Resort)
- Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
- Music Row Area
- Cheekwood Botanical Gardens and Museum of Art
- General Jackson Showboat
- Grand Ole Opry
- Adventure Science Center
- Bell Meade Plantation
- The historic Ryman Auditorium
- Frist Center for Visual Arts
- Nashville Zoo
- Gourmet and wide variety of ethnic dining
- Incredible shopping including the upscale Mall at Green Hills
- The Parthenon
- Abundant State and City Parks
- Nashville Predators Hockey (Stanley cup playoffs begin in April)
DINNER BANQUET-“Cock of the Walk” Restaurant
INTERNATIONAL INSTRUCTORS COURSE
April 14, 2012
(One form per person please) $25 (dinner) + $18 (per t-shirt) = ______
Deadline for Registration is March 15, 2012
Please make checks payable to: “Master Frank Primm”
Please return this form and check or money order payable to:
Master Frank Primm
930 Needmore Road, Old Hickory, TN 37138
Call Master Primm at 615-481-6401
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North Korea Kicks Open Press Doors for Taekwon-Do Championship
A great blog on the Voice of America website, with video and audio!
North Korea Kicks Open Press Doors for Taekwon-Do Championship
Sungwon Baik (left)
Sungwon Baik | Pyongyang
North Korea hosted the ITF Taekwon-Do World Championships this month for the first time in 19 years, opening its doors to 800 athletes from more than 80 countries, including the United States.
Hosting an international event draws unwanted attention from the outside, but it also brings in much needed foreign currency. Mobile phones offered one cash injection. Foreign visitors could rent a phone for $3.50 a day, but to call outside the country, it cost $6 per minute.
During the games, officials from the reclusive nation took the opportunity to tell the western news media they want closer ties.
“More engagement is better for improving relations with North Korea and the United States,” said Chang Ung, a North Korean delegate to the International Olympic Committee. “Active engagement, coupled with visits from both sides, are good because they should help understand each other better.”
Improving relations means improving North Korea’s image. Despite the mounting pressure of a chronic food shortage, the government says it has launched a massive campaign to make North Korea prosperous in 2012.
Next year marks a century since the birth of North Korean founder Kim Il Sung, and the government is trying to put a shine on its image with infrastructure projects.
Military parades are usually held every five years, in years ending in zero or five. But this year, outside the hotel housing the foreign press covering the Taekwon-Do championships, North Korea conducted a large military parade.
Experts believe the show of force was aimed at demonstrating North Korea’s military power ahead of next year’s centennial celebrations.
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Taekwondo officials of two Koreas discussed merger
Taekwondo officials of the two Koreas have met in Beijing about a dozen times in recent years to discuss a possible merger of their international bodies but no progress was made, a U.S. radio station said Wednesday, quoting a North Korean taekowndo leader.
In an interview with Voice of America, Chang Ung, North Korea’s International Olympic Committee member who also heads the country’s international taekwondo organization, said no breakthrough was made in 11 rounds of inter-Korean negotiations held in Beijing since 2004.
Chang, who heads the North Korean-led International Taekwondo Federation, told the Washington-based radio station that the secret negotiations in Beijing began after Choue Chung-won, a former Seoul university president, became the new head of the IOC-sanctioned World Taekwondo Federation.
“Since Choue Chung-won became the WTF president, the two bodies met 11 times in Beijing, but there was no progress,” Chang told VOA.
“I think the merger can only happen after the unification.”
Chang did not say what blocked progress in the merger talks in Beijing but previous reports said that the North insisted on equal representation of the two bodies in a unified organization, a proposal rejected by the South.
Chang didn’t specify which officials were involved in the Beijing negotiations but said he himself visited South Korea in August 2002 and discussed the issue with the then WTF president Kim Un-yong.
Recognized by the International Olympic Committee, the Seoul-based WTF is the official international governing body of taekwondo, a traditional Korean martial art.
(Yonhap News)
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