5/12/03 I am working on a project on Korean Martial Arts and I have some questions <Doctrgonz@aol.com> ---Grandmaster Anderson, I am working on a project on Korean Martial Arts and I had some questions I was hoping you might be able to help me with. I am looking to find out the original forms that were taught at the Song Moo Kwan, in what order and for what rank. I would also like to know the original belt order. Any help you could give would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance in consideration of this request"The Journey is the Goal "

Response: Where are you living and what is your project? Do you practice Songmookwan and if so, who is your teacher? The forms I learned were the 5 Pyung-an, Yunbi, 3 Chulgi, Pal Sek So and Da, Kongsangoo, Ship-soo, Cheung Kwan, and Koryo (the old one). At first there was yellow and red and black, starting at 7th kyu. Before that in the groups I was with there was just white and brown belt starting at 3rd kyu, but I do not know if the Songmookwan went that way. The beginning grades were kicking, kicking, kicking and kicking and punching drills --- and mucho sparring. The beginning for us was-- First Dan The house form Kibon Hyung Il Cho - 5 Pyung-an - Chulgi 1 --Second - Chugi 2 - Pal-sek --- Third Dan - Chugli 3 - Kongsangoon ---The time was --1 dan to 2 dan -- 2 years --2 dan to 3 dan -- 3 years --3 dan to 4 dan -- 4 years And so on, you get the idea.Regards, George Anderson

4/10/03 -- Questions on Manchurian Kempo -Dayn DeRose ( US Ju-Jitsu, and before that, USAKF-NJ). DAYND@AOL.COM

I am doing a research article on the history of Koshiki ( Hard Contact in armor) Karate. I re-introduced Koshiki ( Mr. Robert Trias had originally been involved) to USAKF, with, in a demonstration at the Atlantic League Championships, in 1994. In a subsequent conversation, Mr. Anderson expressed to me that Koshiki looked a lot like "Kwanpo; a form of Manchurian Kempo". I was nonplussed at the time. Now, 10 years later, and volumes of research into the History of both the Shorinji Ryu Kenkokan and Koshiki Karatedo, the trail leads back to the Japanese colony of Manchukuo, a nation which no longer exists. Shoinji Kenkokan and it's bitter rival, Nippon Shorinji Kempo, both have their origins in that region, during the time just preceding America's entry into WWII. I would gladly quote and reference thoroughly any information Mr. Anderson would volunteer about this subject. In all these years, he has been the only person having any idea of what all this is about. Both Kori Hisataka ( the father of Masayuki) and Doshin So were involved with the Japanese Kwantung forces, in Manchuria. The true story has remained veiled by Japanese sources.

Anderson- Good to hear from you. One hint for you is that the Romanization , the conversion from eastern language words to an approximate or equivalent western word through the use or individual letters, is the bane of martial arts history writers. For the eastern historian the problem is even worse, dialects with special meanings are not understandable in by those out to the area – speaking is most difficult from area to area and the sense the thing is best presented in pictographic form, which you know is inexact to say the least. Even if you were Japanese and living in Japan, or Chinese and living in China the problem of understanding is acute. For the Japanese, the history lies in China and for the Chinese, there is no one China, just a people. Living there and speaking the idiom of the area, lends no special validity to the understanding, as is often noted, all the idiots in Spain speak Spanish. I had strong relations with GM Masafumi Suzuki of the Dai-nippon Seibukan in Kyoto, the person with whom Robert Trias was connected with in the Koshiki studies. As a matter of fact, I gave Suzuki’s eulogy at his funeral some years past and his clear wish was that the Seibukan follow my leadership, he so expressed that at the funeral meeting – Pat Hickey and Ridgley Abele were there and witnessed that. I also have a 9th Dan from him in the Japanese Hard Contact Karate. Mr. Takagi, 9th Dan JKA and President of JKF (FAJKO) sent me a letter which I still have which stated that the style of Masayuki Hisataka was not recognized in Japan, once again illustrating the problem. Now, I have studied Kwanpo – kwonbop – kwanbup – kwan-bup – intensely, and am somewhat practiced in the Kwan-bup bu, which definitely is a hard form of what is described as Kung Fu. It is all correctly called Manchurian Kempo. I believe that the use of hard contact, with or without the use for armor, was an integral part of the training, and the techniques reflect that. I have no special knowledge that I can put my hands on, but my karate genealogy and my study line goes like this----
George Anderson to:
-- Chull Hee Park (Founder of Kangdukwon)
-- In Byung Yun (Yun Moo Kwan Kwonbup – founder of Changmookwan)
-- Kanken Toyama (Shudokan) > Kanro Higashiona (Naha-Te) & Ankho Itosu (Shuri-Te) & Chosin Chibana (Shorin-Ryu)
George Anderson to:
---Choi Tong Choo & Kim Il Joo>Ro Byung Jick (Songmookwan) > Funakoshi Gichin (Shotokan)> Ankho Itosu (Shuri-Te) & Chosin Chibana (Shorin-Ryu)
George Anderson to:
----Robert Trias > Masafumi Suzuki (Seibukan Okinawan Goju) > Ei’ichi Miyazato, > Chojun Miyagi (Goju) > Kanro Higashiona (Naha-Te)

The story is that In Byung Yoon was a Korean boy living in Manchuria and learning Kwan-bup. He then moved to Shanghai for a short time and then to the Shudokan with Kanken Toyama where he and Toyama exchanged techniques and he learned karate. He moved to Korea and opened a gym under the Shudokan. For the Manchurian Kempo, I would also investigate the Ch’uan Fa of the Cheung Kwan grouping. The name Kwan-bup (often pronounce kwonpo, is a Three Kingdom pronunciation of Ch’uan Fa. Some main forms of this group was the Tang-soo Cheung Kwan and Nan Kwan. Two of the most advance practitioners of these forms are Kang Rhee from Memphis and Kim Pyung Soo from Texas. Nam Sook Lee of the huge Changmookwan was also of this lineage. Hwa Chung, the past president of the USTF also demonstrates these forms. I believe all Chosen-ryu, Changmookwan and Kangdukwon follow these patterns. I think you are correct in your search area and in the rivalries arising from conflicting methods and interests — which is interesting as the roots are the same for almost all the ‘Koshiki.” If you write anything on this I would be most interested.

March 10, 2003 Re Chinese- Korean roots From: Wayofancients@aol.com Dear Master Anderson, Your words have helped greatly. Master Tamper indeed has little or no interest, this is true, as far as I know. As for my instructor, he is open to any insight, as he/we seek what is more approriate for the situation. This is where the pgilosophy of Master Tamper enters. I have opened my own school and have been left pretty much on my own save when it is time to test for my next degree. I have studied various arts since I was nine years old. It was not until I became 26, however, that I sought to gain certi&Mac222;cation of any sort. My instructor, Mr. Mahoney, has been more of a guide as far as school operation rahter than a technical advisor. I am seeking this information because I wish to help my students (42 in number) understand morefully the arts, as well as &Mac222;nd what works best for them. It appears through my research that the system and forms taught are from various empty hand forms and limited weapons sets. Our forms include some from the I.T.F. as well as those from Mister Addessi. Tak-o-shodan, Nidan, and Sandan, Chon-ji, Tan-Gun and To-san, the 5 Pyung forms, Chulgi-shodan, Chung-Mu, Balsacso, Kungsagun, these are all of our empty hand forms taught. My instructor encourages study in other styles as well as the incorporation into the system, this way the art taught varies from instructor to instructor. I am interested in gaining accredidation through World Karate Federation, if at all possible. Could you please tell me how I may accomplish this? I feel my students and I would bene&Mac222;t greatly from this. If this would not be possible, however, I understand, and thank you for your time reading and responding to my E-mails. Sincerly, Garry Grimwood

On 2/14/03 -- Searching Chang Moo Kwan instructor by the name of Chun Di Ki. --Willis Myers <willismyers@yahoo.com>

I know that this is a long shot but here goes anyway. Back in the 1970’s my instructor, James Clements, had a Chang Moo Kwan instructor by the name of Chun Di Ki. He lost contact with that instructor and has been trying for years to find him. I was wondering if your organization might have a directory that would list Mr. Chun Di Ki (if he is still teaching). If you do have any information on how we might contact Chun Di Ki the information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time and patience.

On 2/14/03 -- Discussions with Martial Arts Journalist Charles Stepan <CHISHOLMRANGER@aol.com> wrote:

Stepan - why are you listed on the Shudokan web site?

Anderson-Because GGM Park’s (students Kim Pyung Soo, Chung Hwa, IJ Kim, Kang Rhee, George Anderson) teacher was a student of In Byung Yoon of the YMCA dojan in Seoul. In Byung Yoon was a student of and a shihan under Toyama Kanken and opened his dojang as a Shudokan school when he started teaching in Korea. His name is on the posted list from Toyama. This was still in the time of the low grade - Funakoshi was a &Mac222;fth dan - which dans later doubled and he became 10th. In Byung Yoon was listed as a shihan 4th grade, one of the highest of the time. Mr. Park’s techniqes relate directly to those of GGM Toyama. Mr. Park told me that his teacher practiced kwon-bup boo, a version to c’huan fa or kung fu which he shared with GMM Toyama and the GMM instructed him and ranked him in the Shudokan style. It is from here that GM Parks form come from.

Stepan -Yes this is right. The man known as the founder of the Jidokwan was also at the Shudokan and came later as a 7th degree. He took over an older name and really was the founder. He also is listed on the www in the Shihan List of the Shudokan. Ki Whang Kim was a 3rd dan under Toyama and when he came to the US he was offered the grade of 9th in Moodokwan. GM Park recognized him as his senior. Both Henry Cho and Jhoon Rhee were to be found in classes of GM Park at their 1st dan or under. Ki Whang Kim was directly from Toyama and that is one reason he was so close to Il Joo Kim. I would also like to stress that the Jidokwan is from the Shudokan .

Anderson - Why are you interested?

Stepan - Just curious, as we claim Byung In Yoon and Gae Bang Yun in Ji Do Kwan. Byung In Yun taught for a period of time at the Chosen Yun Moo Kwan where Sang Sup Chun, our founder taught Quan Bup Bu and Kong Soo Do. Kim Soo calls us ?Brothers.? Ki Whang Kim also clamed Byung In Hyun in his heritage. Interesting. Chuck

Anderson - Just a comment — I am sure that you are really in the know and thank you for recognizing my first name is George. It is not very often that I am called by that good name in my dealings in the arts. After over 30 years I am still George to my friends and family. I also note your title of respect to Grandmaster Chun. Would you tell him ?George ? said hello.

Stepan - That’s how you introduced yourself when I interviewed you years ago. --- On your web page messages it should be U Jin Kim of Atlanta and Kae Bae Chun, now of San Diego, formerly Y-town.

Anderson - Thanks for the note but I am not certain I will change the headings. I knew these masters a long time ago and that is the way they addressed themselves at that time, both verbally and in writing. These are great guys and I hold them in very high esteem. I have several message pages up, to which do you refer.

Stepan - Kae Bae Chun is my Grandmaster so I do know how to spell his name. U Jin Kim is the senior Ji Do Kwan person in the United States, so I know the correct spelling of his name, also. If you chose to misspell that names that's your perogative, I guess. For your information: Grandmaster Kae Bae Chun suffered a stroke while teaching class the day before Christmas. His right side suffered some paralysis but he is recuperating and making good progress.

Anderson - Well, if you understand the Romanization of Korean pronunciations, the spelling was adjusted from that of earlier times to conform to the way that it is thought that english speakers hear. For me that’s not the exact manner and I take the name correctly from the personal letters that he sent me. I am indeed sorry to hear about GM Chun. When you see him next ask him is he still has my hat we swapped over that game of golf at Firestone in Akron. And — I have spent much time with these two great masters and I do know them personally and professionally.

Stepan - For your information: Grandmaster Kae Bae Chun suffered a stroke while teaching class the day before Christmas. His right side suffered some paralysis but he is recuperating and making good progress. Kae Bae Chun is my Grandmaster so I do know how to spell his name. But George, it's a shame you don't know how to spell his name, ....it's on my certificate. I probably know more about the Korean pronunciation that you do. I was an advisor with the Korean army in 1951 - and GrandMaster Chun was just at my home in November. He was still playing scratch golf until his misfortune, and teaching classes every day.

Anderson - You woudn't any chance be Charles Stepan, would you?

Stepan -Dear Grandmaster (Is that better?)  Yes, this is Mr. Stepan.  I hope you picked up a copy of my book "Tae Kwon Do" - it's at Borders, Barnes and Noble, and on Amazon.com, among other places.  Came out rather well.  Didn't mean to be in your face previously but you upset me slightly (I'm old you know) when you refused to accept the proper spellings I offered. Thanks for the info - keep in touch.

Anderson- (Note, I since have met with this great guy at the Arnold Spectalar in Columbus this year and we had a great reunion.)

4/10/03 Discussion on Korean Karate styles name witheld

I’ve been doing some research because my son is now in Karate (brown belt) and is of the Song Moo Kwan lineage. I got recently hooked on digging up some history of the Kwans have found alot of contradictions exist out there. Some things noted in your bio that seem to be different then other research I’ve done and since you’ve actually met and trained with these folks I thought you might help. One being an indication that Il Joo Kim was teaching in the US as a student other then Ro’s. I was under the understanding that he recieved his black belt from Ro in Korea and was one of the original Song Moo Kwan instructors that came over to the US. Can you give me any info that would clarify this for me? Any specifcs on Il Joo and Ro that you can provide would be much appreciated. Also I noted that you really began your black belt march under Il Joo Kim and were actually quite high in his ranks which I’ve confrmed but I noticed that you don’t list a belt level recognition for Song Moo Kwan but do for two other Kwans. I found that interesting since you also had a photo of you with Ro and said you recieved your 3rd dan from him. Did you drop Song Moo Kwan and Il Joo Kim and ultimatly Ro? I hope you don’t mind the inquiry… I just fnd all of the history interesting… Who knows maybe I’ll end up with a book.

Response--I know Bob very well, he worked with me for some years in my roofng business and trained under me in of the classes I instructed. He is a fine master and is junior to me, and he was one of the 4 founders of the CTA. I am not at all certain the we are a direct reflection of Funakoshi. I do think that we are closest to Park Chull Hee, who was of the Shudokan, not the Shotokan although he and Funakoshi had the same teachers. We do the standard—- Pyung-an forms, Chulgi, Pal-sek Dai & Sho, Kong Sang Goon, Yun -bi, Cheung Kwan (which Funakoshi never did), Ro Hai, Empi etc. etc. Which ones did he learn from Chaney or Kim.

Thanks for your reply… I’ve not heard of the instructors you mentioned but you may know Bob Chaney whom I believe you may have trained with under Il Joo Kim. I’d be curious what Forms you teach in your classes… We utilize what I’d say can be traced back to the writings of Funokoshi most of which came from his two masters… Master Mattevi said he learned the forms directly from Il Joo Kim and I assume that Ro passed these to Kim since it was he who trained under Funokoshi… I figure this correct as these forms have been traced to other styles that track back to the teachers of Funokoshi. Best I can tell is that Tae Kwon Do really tracks back to Karate Do in Japan but originally came from Okinowa where the Chinese settled as part of a population exchange. Anyway, if you weren’t aware, Il Joo Kim returned to Korea, and Ro lives in Mpls, MN and his son teaches there. Sounds like Ro maintains a closed loop of folks there…. Here’s an interesting link for you to check out on Song Moo Kwan.

Response--Thanks for the note. You are correct in noting that history has been rewritten to correct misfortune in many cases. When Mr. Kim came to the US he was a student of Kim, Pyung-soo who was in turn a student of Park, Chull-hee, I had conversations with each of them and this what they told me. When Mr. Kim moved to Fairlawn at the Wyant Building, Mr. Ro came to visit and that is when the certificates of Mr. Park came down and Mr. Ro’s went up. Il Joo Kim was 6th dan at that time. Mr. Choi, Dong-joo came from Vietnam and was a student of Mr. Ro. Mr. Kim called Mr. Choi his ?brother.? Mr. Choi taught in the dojang under Mr. Choi and thus the introduction of the change of style.I was not the senior in Mr. Kim’s organization but was the first to reach 3rd dan and retested under Mr. Ro. Mr. Choi insists that the Song Moo Kwan is still inside me and I suppose it is. I have a high regard for Mr. Kim but have had no contact for many years. Therefore, the style is not listed as a top credential. I feel that if they wanted me there, I would be contacted to accomplish that. I suspect that they wouldn’t know what to do with me. By the way, where does your son practice. Tony Blanchard and Ronny Coleman are quite senior now and they are really ?good guys.?

Wow, wasn’t sure I’d hear from you again but glad I did. I suspect your emails get quite full over a period of time. Master teaches the forms that Kim taught, I believe they are of the Heiung type (not sure of spelling). I believe they have Kung fu origins but not sure on that one… but certainly from Ro. I only met Bob Chaney once. I think Bob is 7th or 8th now and is still in contact I believe with Kim in Korea. Master has been an excellant teacher for my son in the martial arts and his methods seem very effective. I suspect my son will make karate a life long persuit. He also likes working with Bo, escrima and wants to expand weapons so he’s exploring everything. He’s even talked about learning some Aikido once he gets his first Dan belt…(hopefully this summer.). Do you have any recommendations for a second style to study that compliments the tkd?

Response -- I have not seen Il Joo Kim since the early seventies. Bob Chaney was on his own and then I guess does whatever he wants. The forms that Il Joo Kim learned were the Pyung-an (Heian) group with Pal-sek (Batsai) sho and dai, Yun-bi (Empi), Kong San Goon (Kwankudai) , Jion, Ship-soo, Chulgi (Tekki) 1-2-3, Cheung-kwan and Kibon Hyung Il Cho (his form). I do not agree that these forms in his dimension are from GGM Ro. I think he is more closely the kibon of Park, Chull-hee. For continuing his study, I have various opinions but they probably wouldn’t be available to you. I suggest that you figure out whether you are doing Karate or Taekwondo and then bring your techniques to approved international standards before you move one. I looked at the link http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Stands/2914/history.html And it is not worth reading. There are many gross exaggerations, omissions and, factual errors. Wordings are unacceptable, the spelling and Romanization of terms are peculiar to the author and far off the beaten path. There are many good histories, and this is not one of them

I’m not sure why you can’t offer and opinion on continuing studies but I can accept that since after all my son doesn’t train under you. At the age of 14 I suspect my boy doesn’t need to worry to much about international standards as most I’ve looked at several and they won’t even offer a black belt until age 18. Having looked at the requirements for the federation and others, it appears most are based on age and time and less on what one actually knows and can do. He’s matched up with Federation students in non-fed sanctioned tourney’s and frankly he just out shined them in form and sparring…Pure TKD seems very limiting so I was thinking the generalist approach would be better for him just to keep him interested…. Its not important that he become a tenth degree or an international competitor… what is important is what he learns and how it can help him in life with confidence and ability. At 14 he’s only 5-1 and weights 88 pounds so he is very small for his age but at his last tourney he went up against 15,16 and 17 year olds in sparing and did very well….despite the size difference. The big thing was his confidence in his skill to get in the ring with kids that were 6’ and 150+ pounds. I sense you harbor some ill feelings toward Chaney in your writtings but will leave it at that. If you are aware of some good books or history available to read out there on the arts that is accurate I’d be very interested in knowing… As you said in one of your previous messages, little out there is factual and the Masters aren’t coming forth with the truth either. It’s amazing that there is so much politics in the arts. Kind of too bad.

Response -- I really like Bob Chaney and there is absolutely no ill feeling there at all. Between Bob and me there are no politics - that holds true for Il Joo and me Kim also. For me, politics in the arts can be defined as the push to preserve personal interests. Our interests simply do not collide in any way. For my recommendations: -I think your son should practice with an exacting teacher in the traditional kobudo under the International Okinawan Kobudo Federation- representative Major James Caldwell, and practice Kwon-bop with the highest ranking teacher available. To make the kata exact and to international standards, he must confine his initial karate practice to the exact kihon of one style, probably for you Shotokan, but Goju -Wado or Shito are also OK. Anything else will not open the doors for him if he is indeed talented and the effect will be that his potential will not be realized. Many karate players enjoy there local prestige but there is a big world out there. (There is a great difference between being a good amateur golfer player and playing on the professional tour.) He should attend our training seminars as possible as he will then be exposed to the above. You commented that he has matched up with Federation students in non-fed sanctioned tourney’s and frankly he just out shined them in form and sparring. That is great but realize that the majority of the people in the USA are not considered paragons of intelligence. For the masters coming forth - why should they? Lawyers get paid for their work, music teachers at a fine institute get high fees, investors in business get substantial returns, ministers of churches attain secure positions. Karate masters often give advice for free, teach for the same fees as unqualified instructors, get little return on their investment of time and expense of learning, and generally speaking, achieve no security at all. For our serious and dedicated students, with proven sincerity and who support the system and structure, we do come forth. For example, the Kwanmukan has a masters course, taught by me, which takes over 50 two hour lessons to complete. We also hold classes in the international quality of karate, ju-jitsu, kobudo, judo, and other arts in which there are agreed upon standards. Well anyway, you do hold a good conversation and I hope this short note will help clarify my chatter.

I didn't mean to imply masters were holding their teachings or opinions secret because I agree they do make a living on what they teach. What I was suggesting on the truth is the truth about the history of the Arts and true lineage. But I think you said it well when you said politics enter when personal interests are impacted and for some of them the truth would not bear out well against their past claims. I picked up quickly on the Shotokan and Goju- wado/shito styles you mentioned because I saw some kata videos out on some of their sites and noticed how close and maybe exact our kata is to it. My research shows that all of those descend from three people, Funakashi and the two Masters he learned from. The current TKD style kata’s I’ve seen are all more recent and don’t transcend back to the original kwans. I’ll have to look into Kobudo some more to see if that’s an option locally. I know there’s a local Gung Fu instructor but he really limits his numbers of students. I also have a friend who is a Tai Chi master but the 14 year old hasn’t developed an interest in that style of movement. Still would be interested in any good history writings you can recommend…

Response --The truth is a difficult thing because in the martial arts it depends on the level of the practitioner. That is, the information is not fed down, but instead, the lower ranks are in fact, inculcated into a point of view. For example, you could say that was good karate. I would say that was not true karate. A short story illustrates that point. I was in Hungary at the 1st World Cup with the 9th Dan Fusajiro Takagi, the highest rank in the Japan Karate Federation whose only teacher was Funakoshi. Seated with me were at least ten of the greatest masters of Europe. A fellow was giving a technical demonstration of Shotokan and Mr. Takagi queried the group as to what they thought of the demonstration. Nearly to a man they said it was great, which it was. When he asked me, I told him the man was accomplished, but that he was not showing the correct kihon for Shotokan. Takagi asked why I thought that since everyone else thought it was OK. I then explained the violations of Shotokan kihon. He said ?You are right,? to the chagrin of the others. That kind of understanding supported me as the President of the WUKO World Referee Council. Almost all the present great masters of the world have held kata licenses signed by me. In such a position, I had to be correct as a lot of styles and interests were in play and reputation rose and fell on my judgment. Karate is full of opinions looking for justification. Sometime, history is rewritten to adjust misfortune. Also, one must remember the language department axiom that: ?It is no intellectual feat to speak Spanish, all the idiots in Spain can do it.? —- And the ?fallacy of quantitative measurement? which states that just because there is a lot to measure and it is easily done, and many people do it, does not assign any special validity to the result. So it is with the large group of martial artists who see and do, hear and say, giving rise to the simple concept of ?Do? (Tao), Now for the origin of the katas, I see it this way. The line goes like this:

• George Anderson to:
• Chull Hee Park (Kangdukwon) > In Byung Yun (Changmookwan - Yun Moo Kwan Kwonbup) > Kanken Toyama (Shudokan) > Kanro Higashiona (Naha-Te) & Ankho Itosu (Shuri-Te) & Chosin Chibana (Shorin-Ryu)
  ---Choi Tong Choo & Kim Il Joo>Ro Byung Jick (Songmookwan) > Funakoshi Gichin (Shotokan)> Ankho Itosu (Shuri-Te) & Chosin Chibana (Shorin-Ryu)
• Masafumi Suzuki (Seibukan Okinawan Goju) > Ei’ichi Miyazato, > Chojun Miyagi (Goju) > Kanro Higashiona (Naha-Te)
• Kata
• Gichin Funakoshi - Made the Ten no kata omote and Taiyoku beginner forms Funakoshi actually only compose the most basic of kata which were based on the ancient 4 winds patterns.
• Ankho Itosu - made the Heian or Pyung-on forms extrapolated from the old Chinnen Kata Bushi Matsumura - did the Batsai forms
• Tode Sakagawa - did Kwankudai, in honor of teacher Kusanku Kong San Gohn (Kusanku) - a Chinese military attach who vistited Okinawa

The kihon or basics differ from Il Joo Kim, Gichin Funakoshi, Bushi Matsumura, and Ankho Itosu. The chambering, foot movements, kicking, elbow placement and shoulder movements are all part of the kihon and must be exact to the style of the form. There is no mix and match. Further, for your consideration, is the point that Goju is an aggressive attack form and Shotokan is defensive, if judged by their kihon.

George, I hope I’m not driving you nuts with all the questions…. but this has been an interesting conversation for me… You did confirm my research on our forms following up to the two masters of Funokoshi… I too ran into the info that said Funokoshi did the basic first couple in our series. One thing I can say about Master Mattevi is he is a stickler on forms being exacting, weather the exacting is the right exacting I couldn’t tell you with out something to compare to…. That’s one reason I think my kid does well in competition is that his stances are always solid and feet planted with the toes in the right direction etc… certainly it’s not the length of his forms because ours are much shorter than the ones I see from some schools. Even my untrained eye now seems to pick up when I see other schools with sloppy stances and such with out even knowing their forms I can think they are doing it wrong. Your note on Shotokan and Goju is interesting… Is that why most of our forms seem to start out with a block?

Response--No, I am not going must, I am probably there already. Most forms seem to start out with a block is merely an illusion to use the word loosely. Beginner forms as such teach to deal with the attack before responding with a counter attack.In advanced forms, initiated defends are often hidden attack actions. Sometime the forms start with a clearly observative stance and then move forward from there. To fully understand the kata one should be aware of the 4 declencions of kata and the presence of the kata mate, or kenka, hidden therein.Great kata demonstrate this absolutely. To gain the maximuv value from such kata, one must perform it with competency and clearly demonstrate the principles contained therein. This is the standard for international kata regulations.The problem is that the principles of a kata are rarely connected with its name. For example, the popular kata Batsai/Bassai/Palsek means, in Japanese, to break the fortress. However, that is not the principle of that form. For example, I am named George Anderson but knowing what the name means does not lead to an understanding of my principles.This demonstration of principles stands with salubriousness as the most important objectives of practice.

3/03/03 Questions about lineage of Master Gary Mattevi who trained under Bob Chaney Hi Mr. Anderson,

I’ve been doing some research because my son is now in Karate (brown belt) and is of the Song Moo Kwan lineage. I got recently hooked on digging up some history of the Kwans have found alot of contradictions exist out there. Some things noted in your bio that seem to be different then other research I’ve done and since you’ve actually met and trained with these folks I thought you might help. One being an indication that Il Joo Kim was teaching in the US as a student other then Ro’s. I was under the understanding that he recieved his black belt from Ro in Korea and was one of the original Song Moo Kwan instructors that came over to the US. Can you give me any info that would clarify this for me? Any specifics on Il Joo and Ro that you can provide would be much appreciated. Also I noted that you really began your black belt march under Il Joo Kim and were actually quite high in his ranks which I’ve confirmed but I noticed that you don’t list a belt level recognition for Song Moo Kwan but do for two other Kwans. I found that interesting since you also had a photo of you with Ro and said you recieved your 3rd dan from him. Did you drop Song Moo Kwan and Il Joo Kim and ultimatly Ro? I hope you don’t mind the inquiry… I just &Mac222;nd all of the history interesting… Who knows maybe I’ll end up with a book.

Reply---Thanks for the note. You are correct in noting that history has been rewritten to correct misfortune in many cases. When Mr. Kim came to the US he was a student of Kim, Pyung-soo who was in turn a student of Park, Chull-hee, I had conversations with each of them and this what they told me. When Mr. Kim moved to Fairlawn at the Wyant Building, Mr. Ro came to visit and that is when the certificates of Mr. Park came down and Mr. Ro’s went up. Il Joo Kim was 6th dan at that time. Mr. Choi, Dong-joo came from Vietnam and was a student of Mr. Ro. Mr. Kim called Mr. Choi his “brother.” Mr. Choi taught in the dojang under Mr. Choi and thus the introduction of the change of style. I was not the senior in Mr. Kim’s organization but was the &Mac222;rst to reach 3rd dan and retested under Mr. Ro. Mr. Choi insists that the Song Moo Kwan is still inside me and I suppose it is. I have a high regard for Mr. Kim but have had no contact for many years. Therefore, the style is not listed as a top credential. I feel that if they wanted me there, I would be contacted to accomplish that. I suspect that they wouldn’t know what to do with me. By the way, where does your son practice. Tony Blanchard and Ronny Coleman are quite senior now and they are really “good guys.”

Reply to the reply --Thanks for your reply… I’ve not heard of the instructors you mentioned but you may know my son’s instructor. He is Master Gary Mattevi who trained under Bob Chaney whom I believe you may have trained with under Il Joo Kim. I’d be curious what Forms you teach in your classes… We utilize what I’d say can be traced back to the writings of Funokoshi most of which came from his two masters… Master Mattevi said he learned the forms directly from Il Joo Kim and I assume that Ro passed these to Kim since it was he who trained under Funokoshi… I &Mac222;gure this correct as these forms have been traced to other styles that track back to the teachers of Funokoshi. Best I can tell is that Tae Kwon Do really tracks back to Karate Do in Japan but originally came from Okinowa where the Chinese settled as part of a population exchange. Anyway, if you weren’t aware, Il Joo Kim returned to Korea, and Ro lives in Mpls, MN and his son teaches there. Sounds like Ro maintains a closed loop of folks there…. Here’s an interesting link for you to check out on Song Moo Kwan. http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Stands/2914/history.html

1/06/03 Comments on styles of old time Korean Karate-- Garry Grimwood <Wayofancients@aol.com>

I am a first Dan Student in the American Freestyle Martial Arts Academy. Our lineage as I understand it comes from Master Kim by way of Bob Chaney, unfortunately no noe seems to have much information regarding Master Kim. I have been trying desperately over the past 4 years to develope a detailed lineage chart and research paper regarding our current forms. Any and all information you could forward me would be greatly appreciated. I would love to know more about the men/women who made and continue to make the martial arts a tradition and way of life worth living.

Master Anderson, First may I say I have heard many great things about you, I am truly honored to have you respond. My Instructor is Pete Mahoney, 6th Degree under Grandmaster Andrew Tamper, and Rick Addessi. As I understand there may be some ill feeling towards Master Addessi. I am associated by him through Master Mahoney only and apologize for any thing in the past. I am deeply curious as to the more technical aspects I have seen some of your students demonstrate their forms, and their are some signifcant differences in the execution of these forms. I am told that ours are Korean in heritage; however, they do not resemble your students’ . So I guess I am looking at a break down of the forms, or prehaps some type of explaination as to how you execute the techniques and prehaps some insight as to why. For example one major difference would be preparation for our low block is to the opposite side of the body at the ear, as I have seen yours would be more located toward the center of ones body. I hope this helps explain the enormity of my quest. I also hope you may be of assistance.

Response--The differences that you describe are called the KIHON of the style. In the Shotokan system the chamber position for the low-section block I near the ear. In our opinion, this is a bit too high and we prefer it just a several inches lower. For the center of the body, we use the waist and when you are twisted the front becomes the side. Now, I am not sure that all our student do techniques in exactly the correct manner. That is a complicated subject and the deviations should not extend beyond 3rd degree black. However that may be, I am certain that your teacher are fine fellows, I know them well, but they do not have any qualifcation in the kihon of the Shotokan or for that matter, any other World Karate Federation, i.e. Wado, Goju, or Shito, Because of that, your attempt to study this is to be strongly commended but be warned that it will lead you directly away from the teachings of your instructor, which I don’t think you or they will be too happy with. Rick Addessi trained with Bob Chaney and is fine but the techniques do not conform to international standards. Bob Chaney worked with me for some time and was a direct student of IJ Kim who in turn studied with Korean Grandmaster Park Chull Hee of the Japanese Shudokan line, and Korean Grandmaster Ro Byung Jick of the Japanese Shotokan line, each of which have a different manner and philosophy of chambering. Andy Tamper is also a nice guy but I am amazed that he even has any interest in Karate as he has concentrated on a variant form of Kung Fu. For your direct teacher, I do not recognize the name or understand his teachings. My advice to you is to just do as they want you to. You will in no way be damaged. But don’t declare what you do to be any of the major styles of karate because you will not taken as such. Remember, the kihon of a style is very complicated, has many facets, and is easily read by those who have ?eyes to see and ears to hear.? Chambering or the hand is just one of those facets and is not really important as such but merely indicate the philosophy of the arts. i.e.: Shotokan, with its long stances is a defensive art and does not lend itself easily to attack whereas Goju is just the opposite.

Your words have helped greatly. Master Tamper indeed has little or no interest, this is true, as far as I know. As for my instructor, he is open to any insight, as he/we seek what is more approriate for the situation. This is where the pgilosophy of Master Tamper enters. I have opened my own school and have been left pretty much on my own save when it is time to test for my next degree. I have studied various arts since I was nine years old. It was not until I became 26, however, that I sought to gain certifcation of any sort. My instructor, Mr. Mahoney, has been more of a guide as far as school operation rahter than a technical advisor. I am seeking this information because I wish to help my students (42 in number) understand more fully the arts, as well as and what works best for them. It appears through my research that the system and forms taught are from various empty hand forms and limited weapons sets. Our forms include some from the I.T.F. as well as those from Mister Addessi. Tak-o-shodan, Nidan, and Sandan Chon-ji, Tan-Gun and To-san. the 5 Pyung forms, Chulgi-shodan, Chung-Mu, Balsacso, Kungsagun. these are all of our empty hand forms taught. My instructor encourages study in other styles as well as the incorporation into the system, this way the art taught varies from instructor to instructor. I am interested in gaining accredidation through World Karate Federation, if at all possible. Could you please tell me how I may accomplish this? I feel my students and I would benefit greatly from this. If this would not be possible, however, I understand, and thank you for your time reading and responding to my E-mails.

It is always possible to attain certification through the USAKF and the CTA, the World Karate Federation is a closely held circumstance and the grade there is very difficult. For the USAKF and the CTA, you need to fill out the forms which are found on the forms and send current copies of you diplomas, together with the proper fees to the address listed there.

1/06/03 Seaching for Kang-Duk Won istructor - Sid Rubinfeld Chodan <Tkdsid@aol.com>

I am a first dan in the Kang Duk Kwan style of tae Kwon do. My master’s name is Jae Te Kim. He is a 7th dan with Korean Kang Duk Kwan. Is your organization affliated with, licensed by or charteered by the Korean Kang Duk Kwan?

Response--My teacher is Grandmaster Park Chull Hee, the founder of Kang Duk Won. He spends time at my home every year. I hold 9th dan with him. I also have a 9th dan from Nam Suk Lee, another student of In Byung Yun.

From Email Lost Subject: Park Chull Hee Michael J. Ryan, 9/3/99 mjr29@cornell.edu

Dear Hanshi Anderson, I have noticed on the world wide web that you are a direct student of Master Park Chull Hee and continue to have an active relationship with him. I am aware of a manual that Master Park wrote in the early 1950’s on the Kang Duk Won school of Taekwondo. I am very interested in obtaining a copy (or a reproduction) of that manual. My own martial arts lineage traces a winding path that reaches back to him through his student, the late Kum Chun Kim. I greatly appreciate any help you can offer me in tracking down the book. Respectfully, Michael Ryan

Response -- Dear Michael, Thanks for the note and we are interested in all the students of GM Park. I do talk to him very often and when he is in the USA he always comes and stays at my house. I received my 9th Dan from him some years ago and also have a 9th Dan with Nam Suk Lee, his gymnasium brother. Both are students of In Byung Yun, himself a student of Toyama Kanken, founder of the Shudokan in Japan. If your are interested in that, you can find a more complete story at http://www.wkf.org/shudokan.html. I do not have a copy of the book but the last time that he was here, I scanned the complete work and would be glad to send it to you on CD if you cover the costs involve. I am also interested in Kum Chun Kim, who he says was an unusually gifted student.

8/15/01 -- Hall of Fame --The USAKF - USJJ - Central Taekwondo Association Hall of Fame is now a really big deal as it is a true Honor, and cannot be bought or finagled. You actually have to have done something extraordinary. Running a big commerical gym is an accoomplishment but won't get you in here

1/15/01----ANOTHER CERTIFICATES FOR GEORGE ANDERSON - Hanshi Anderson has received a 9th Dan certificate from the Korean Martial Arts Instructors Association authorizing him to mobilize the Changmookwan INthe USA. Hanshi and others are looking at plans to go to Korea this October to meet with important officials and to talk to old friends. The delegation will be large and if you want to go, see Hanshi Anderson right away. The total trip is about $2000 and that includes most everything

1/15/01----BONG SOOL - Sensei Brian Arnold and Adam Pyles are doing very strong Bong Sool practice which includes fighting with the bong (bo) without padding. Very, very strong indeed and if any of you great bo-men would like to try your hand or learn more, we will show it at a special future work session. In the meantime, this are exercises ONLY for those who practice. It is not exaggeration to say that Sensei Arnold is living proof of the efficacy of following Hanshi Anderson to the letter. His use of weapons is simply superb.

12/12/00 - - Karate Hall of Fame, from: Jen Johnson, 2nd degree black belt in Taekwondo o but also learn kenpo, jujitsu, aikido, and judo , where is the karate hall of fame located? Youngstown, Ohio GTA Karate, sensei: Mr. Al Sterchi

--- The Karate Hall of Fame is located in Akron, Ohio at 1300 Kenmore Blvd. The funding for this Hall will finally place it in Canton, Ohio together with the other sports halls of fame located there. You can also access the work in progress on the www.

12/10/00 --About USAKF Team. From: Victoria Williams Book, United States Karate Fed., ToriBook13@aol.com

I haven't been competed for about 5 years now. What has changed over the years I have been gone? Would like to know what has been going on. address: P.O. Box 364 Portsmouth, Ohio 45662 sensei: Sensei: Donald MaddeN

--- Good to hear from you and how are you doing? The USAKF is not the Olympic member any more because of a pretty hard fight from the Thiry group and the lack of money to continue on the part of the USAKF. As you know, we completed the job of getting karate into the Pan Am Games and then ran out of resources and were vulnerable to a takeover. All that being said, we are still doing very well and are really making headway in being the keeper of the traditional karate and a strong voice in the USA. We have established a strong Hall of Fame, are still holding the Nationals, and have sponsored the new US Ju-Jitsu Federation which is involved in the World Games and on its way to Olympic recognition. By the way, Abigail Williams from Morgantown/New Castle was my Grandmother. Her father was Thomas Williams.

11/1/00 - Belt colors From: Chris Rose , Lakeside City , American Karate, chris878720002000@yahoomail.com, Address: Santee< CA USA, Lakeside Community

I don't No Why Are Belt System Is different Then Most Of The Other Places Is It Because It Is different It goes White Yellow Orange Purple Green Blue Red Brown Black Send Me Some Info Thanks

---At the beginning there was only the brown belt and the black belt. As the gyms grew it was necessary to distinguish between the different groups of students. That set in place the 10 grade steps to the first black belt. The colors are unimportant, it is the grade level that counts.

10/29/00 - What is American Karate - From: Tom Dummy, American, : Bristol RI USA, Ernie's American Karate Academy, Master Thivierge

--- I think it is fair to say that American Karate is that karate that does not care to associated with or controlled by the Orient