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• A Unique Style of Tae Kwon Do
• Japanese Influences
• Low Stances
• Aikido Influences

A Unique Style of Tae Kwon Do

The style of Tae Kwon Do that was practiced in upstate New York, where I grew up, seems based on the Jhoon Rhee style of Tae Kwon Do that was brought to America in 1956. Though I cannot be sure, I suspect that our lineage may go back to the "Texas Blood and Guts Karate" lineage of Allen Steen, one of the pioneers of Tae Kwon Do in America.

Most of my reason for believing this is based on the forms that we practice. Although our katas can be found in many different locations, there are several stylistic characteristics of our system that distinguish it from other schools and federations that perform the same forms, such as the International Tae Kwon Do Federation.

Also, my school includes forms that have not been taught in most Tae Kwon Do schools (other than some Texas schools) for quite a long time. Many American forms of Tae Kwon Do, in addition to teaching Korean kata (prearranged sets of movements designed to allow people to practice at full speed and power without injuring anyone), also still teach Japanese kata. For instance, one of the very prominent books on Tae Kwon Do Forms, Keith D. Yates' Complete Book of Tae Kwon Do Forms, shows the practice of Basai, a Japanese form that is practiced in our school, as well as many others.

Other aspects are particular to my instructor based on his experiences with Kenpo and Aikido. And, because I also hold a black belt in Kenpo and have extensive experience in Aikido, no doubt that has influenced my particular teaching style as well.

Japanese Influences

Originally, Tae Kwon Do was heavily influenced by the Japanese striking styles. Today, it is thought of as mostly a kicking art. However, in the older versions of the style one can still find a robust set of hand strikes, perhaps even more robust than the variety of kicking techniques.

When Tae Kwon Do first found its way to the United States, it still had a strong Japanese influence. The Japanese elements were only removed later, when Koreans wanted to distinguish themselves from the Japanese and create a martial art unique to their country. However, many American instructors had already learned the "blended" Japanese and Korean art that was first introduced in Texas as "Korean Karate." They knew that this style was effective, and felt no need to change their American systems based on squabbling between the Japanese and the Koreans. Thus, American Karate and Tae Kwon Do were born. Blue Cliff Tae Kwon Do practices in this tradition.

At Blue Cliff Tae Kwon Do, Japanese forms comprise almost half of the form curriculum up to black belt. Nine of the twenty kata we practice up to the black belt level are Japanese in origin. After the black belt level, all of our forms are Korean. We also practice a wide range of hand strikes and blocks, making this a very well-rounded and practical system.

Low Stances

The stances in my form of Tae Kwon Do may be the most obvious divergence from a more "traditional" form. We use very deep stances in our practice of forms and techniques in line. Many people object to this practice because they say it is not practical. Surely you cannot move quickly enough from a deep stance for it to effective in combat. What they miss, however, is what the extended practice of deep stances teaches about actual martial conflict.

First, the correct practice of deep stances develops massive strength in the legs, while also developing great flexibility. After practicing deep stances for several months, your kicks become stronger and you will be able to kick higher. Also, due to the increase in strength, your more "practical," higher stances that you would use for fighting become virtually indestructible.

Second, you will gain a phenomenal sense of balance. People who have practiced using this method are very difficult to take to the ground, because they have developed their center of gravity to a point of near-perfection. Balance is one of the most important aspects — if not the most important aspect — of the martial arts, and I have found nothing better than low stances for developing balance.

Finally, low stances can be remarkably uncomfortable. This is how strength is developed. But it is also a training for the mind. You learn to cope with discomfort, and to overcome it. The body will adapt to your expectations of it, but not without a fight. Using these stances, you will learn to overcome the "limits" that your mind has placed on your body. You will learn, through overcoming the various difficulties of the martial arts, to set and reach personal goal you never thought possible.

Aikido Influences

Finally, my instructor, Kurt Staple, was also a black belt in Aikido: Aikido is a style that focuses on throws, locks, and restraints. Aikido uses the attacker's energy to accomplish these techniques. His experience in this art influenced his style and his self-defense dramatically. Due to his influence, I have also spent many years training in various styles of Aikido, and am currently practicing in the Nihon Goshin Aikido tradition. In my self-defense techniques, you will learn many techniques related to the Aikido systems I have practiced. This will help to round out your techniques when you are in a grappling situation, on the ground, or would rather simply restrain an opponent without causing damage with powerful strikes.