Buckeye Tang Soo Do

In the not-so-distant past, Scouts could get a merit badge as a Master-At-Arms. Here is a link to the article. That's right, we used to teach quarterstaff techniques to our youth!

Here is the entire text, a free download at Lulu. In addition to quarterstaff, the badge covered boxing, jujitsu, fencing, wrestling and more. Obviously, at 39 pages, it is a very brief overview of the arts, but a neat idea nonetheless.

Having a strong command of the Korean names for our techniques is an important step in understanding Tang Soo Do and is a critical requirement for being an instructor. As a student gets closer to attaining Black Belt, they suddenly find themselves responsible for a heavy load of terminology.

Those of you starting this undertaking may find the following resource useful. Arrowhead Tang Soo Do - a WTSDA studio in Glendale, Arizona - has developed a tool for studying and memorizing TSD terminology. Check it out, and see how you fare!

In class last night, I briefly alluded to the Sip Sam Seh when I mentioned "The source of the will is in the waist." For those of you who are curious and want to learn a little more about this poem, please check out the following resources, and the translation that follows. As mentioned in class, a lot of this material is rather advanced and esoteric, but there are small amounts of info that can be appreciated more as you advance in rank and experience.

http://www.taichiaustralia.com/Song%20of%2013%20Postures.htm

http://mypage.uniserve.ca/~jneri/taichi/notes/song.htm

http://www.egreenway.com/taichichuan/powers13.htm

http://www.embracethemoon.com/perspectives/shi_san_shi.htm

Never neglect any of the Sip Sam Seh.
The source of the will is in the waist.
Pay attention to the slightest change from full to empty.
Let energy flow through the whole body continuously.
Stillness embodies motion, motion stillness.
Seek stillness in motion.
Surprising things will happen when you meet your opponent.
Give awareness and purpose to every movement.
When done correctly all will appear effortless.
At all times pay attention to the waist.
Relaxed clear awareness of abdomen, the energy can be activated.
When the base of the spine is erect, energy rises to the top of the head.
The body should be flexible.
Hold the head as if suspended from a string.
Keep alert and seek the meaning and purpose of your art.
Bent and stretched, open and closed, let nature take its course.
Beginners are guided by oral teaching.
Gradually one applies himself more and more.
Skill will take care of itself.
What is the main principle of the martial arts?
The mind is the primary actor and the body the secondary one.
What is the purpose and philosophy behind the martial arts?
Rejuvenation and prolonging of life beyond the normal span.
So an eternal spring.
Every word of this song has enormous value and importance.
Failing to follow this song attentively, you will sigh away your time.