I took a look at the Kuk Sool Pasadena site and found photos from the recent grappling seminar! It looks like alot of good stuff was shown. What I can see from the still shots: guard, side mount, rear naked chokes, guillotine choke, positioning for kimura, positioning for an omoplata....good stuff!
Two words spring to mind with regards to the WKSA and the franchising idea: Cooked and Goose! Kuk'dGuseSoolWon?
The Genie appears to be slowly escaping from the bottle does it not? A shame nevertheless given that WKSA has provided such pleasure for so many around the world. Myself included.
Not to be a "negative nancy" but I'm sure the existence of WKSA has provided its fair share of anguish too (though not for myself, as I tend to let troubles slip by like water off a duck's ass).
Lighten up "nancy" Really "nancy" it seems to me from your posts on this and other threads you have an axe to grind when it comes to WKSA. If someone says something positive about WKSA you are all over them taking personal pot shots at them (me) every chance you get... or am I reading you wrong?
Doje, certainly Kuk Sa Nim's ambition has led to a great many people around the world benefitting from training in Kuk Sool. But then so has the achievements of In Sun Seo, Marlin Sims, Rudy Timmerman, Larry White, etc etc and of course all the smaller achievements of every instructor and every student. Would one have existed without the other? Not in the same form maybe, but nonetheless even without the WKSA many instructors would have become MA instructors anyway, and many of them would still be teaching Kuk Sool, or maybe another Hapkido derivative, albeit under a different banner. When some take a different path, for whatever reason, that can only be good IMO. It leads to freedom and new ideas which in this world of gobalisation and takeovers by larger and larger companies, I find very refreshing. And maybe, just maybe, when all the dust has settled, (which admitedly could take a few years) it could lead to the powers that be making changes for the better in the WKSA. We can only wait and see.
Yes, you're reading me wrong. I've got no axe to grind with you or anyone else, whether loyal to themselves, loyal to WKSA, or loyal to whomever they deem worthy of their loyalty. I'm sorry if critical thinking delivers me to a different shore than where it gets you, but I'm willing to submit to such an existence, where people can have differing opinions and yet still play together. FWIW, I too, have enjoyed much pleasure from KSW and especially from the camaraderie derived from many WKSA events (tournaments, seminars, workshops, instructor clinics, etc.). One of the reasons I prefaced that alternate view with my "negative nancy" comment. I apologize if it seems like I relish badmouthing the WON, as that's not my intent. But as WIP so astutely pointed out (good call, BTW, WalkedInPeace), it's merely UM & YANG and I prefer balance wherever and whenever I can manage to get it. So I wasn't trying to be overly negative or play *devil's advocate* or any of that nonsense, but merely to point out the obvious flip-side of the coin. Sorry if it rubbed you the wrong way (BTW, this applies to any statements I've made that have irritated you for whatever reason - and just so you know, most of the personal "attacks" by me that were aimed at you specifically were done so in a playful manner, and hopefully you were able to ascertain the proper tone I intended). But should I ever fail in the future to adequately convey an underlying hint of humor, which should take the *sting* out of a biting criticism, don't feel shy about pointing out my failure. I'd hate to think I had alienated someone like yourself, who loves MA (and KS in particular) as much as I do.
Thanks KJN, I think sometimes, as someone pointed out in another post, the voice inside our head takes on a tone that probably isn't what the blogger intended. No harm done. And as for me I don't always agree with everything WKSA does, I'm just trying to balance the negativity with another viewpoint as well. Obean? ROFLMAO
Sorry, that was a typo (and I went back and fixed it, BTW). Truth be told I have discovered a shortcut (not that anyone cares) to using the QUOTE button in the bottom right-hand corner of a person's post. I simply use the quote icon in the QUICK REPLY box at the bottom of the page and paste whatever part of their quote I want to include. I get the archive number from the quote button that I circumvent using, and add it to the first quote tag (the format is always the same, and adding an "equals" sign [=] and a semicolon [;] before and after the person's name which you squeeze between the word "quote" and the archive number, makes it work correctly). FWIW, I usually copy and paste the screen name from the post as well, but "OBEWAN" is easier to type than do the copy/paste, and I overlooked that the W key must've stuck on me. Anyway, glad it gave you a chuckle. EDIT: This statement merits me adding another viewpoint of my own, and perhaps the reason it seems as though I'm always trashing the Won is because I get the feeling that too many schoolowners are being cajoled by this "grandfather clause" promise (a *pie in the sky* if you ask me), and the fervor that had most people riled up initially has dissipated while we sit on our thumbs, waiting for WKSA to make its next move. Rather anticlimactic, and I fear it may contribute in allowing many schoolowners to become complacent and let this franchise thing get steamrolled right over them (after which, it'll be too late to do anything about it).
Thanks KJN, I thought that the "Obean" thing was one of your classic digs. It took a couple of readings to notice it which is why I found it humorous. As for the franchise, I tend to look at things optimistic. My professional background is business management and what you are referring to is strategy. Business climate is always changing and a managers strategy has to change with it. It is my opinion that WKSA had to change its business format to a franchise because they are licensing the name "Kuk Sool Won". In my limited research I cannot find a business structure for license agreements. The FTC recognizes franchises as a license to use a brand name or a business model. Unless someone can prove otherwise IMO WKSA had no choice. Its also my opinion that is why the "RICO" act is stated in the disclosure document. As a school owner (manager) I now need to look at the situation and come up with a new strategy for the new business climate. Decisions have to be made based on what I feel is best for my business. So I make two lists, pros & cons, pertaining to the situation. I make my decision based on the results. Of course there are many other things to consider and also much easier said than done. I don't want to bore you with everything I would do, because it's way too much to list here. My point is that in business you can't make decisions based on emotion only. You may have to look for counsel from your lawyer, and/or CPA. And as you said KJN, don't sit and wait to see what happens be ready when it does. PS: Some say this is a way for WKSA to make more money from the school owners. Maybe, but there are many more cost effective ways to do that. IMO this doesn't hold water.
OK let my put a different view. In my job I am required to be a member of a professional body. This organisations has clearly set down professional development requirements and rules of membership. It is the clarity and rigour of the "rules" that gives the organisation its recognised value. What WKSA brings is a recognised syllabus which is by and large [as far as I know] fixed, with Quality Control exercised through Instuctors seminars. As far as I am concerned that is a strength and not a weakness. You know what you are going to get. I accept that others will want more flexibility - in that case WKSA is not for them. But IMO there is room for all. Where I think WKSA has a weakness is not allowing the practice of other MAs which forces a choice which some find too limiting. No doubt I will be shot down in flames so give it to me.....:woo:
Well, DoJe, you won't get any flames from me, as I think what you have said makes perfect sense (it also forced me to reread Rengade's post and click the "thanks" button there - it's never to late for that it seems). It would be nice if after this franchise thing is enacted, that WKSA will feel less threatened by comparable MA organizations and as a means of bringing in even more money when hosting a competition, might consider allowing members outside of its network to enter as well. Although I seriously doubt this will ever happen, it would be nice to see WKSA, NKMAA, UMSF, HMJHKD, and other kuk-sool based organizations all convene at the same event... now that would be something, wouldn't it?
Now this is a post that does have my 110% thumbs up. That would be an outcome - but like you I am not holding my breath.
there's no reason why that can't be done, and should be done but by outside intrests. if it's not run by 1 org then there should be less favoritisum, and should allow the organizers the opertunity to spread out the judges so that no 1 org/affiliation will dominate a ring. it does sound like a good idea for a semi open comp tho.
Letter to Kuk Sa Nim English version: http://i912.photobucket.com/albums/ac324/Onatop/LettertoKukSaNim.jpg Spanish version: http://i912.photobucket.com/albums/ac324/Onatop/LettertoKSN-Spanish.jpg Korean version: http://i912.photobucket.com/albums/ac324/Onatop/LettertoKSN-Korean.jpg Onatop P.S.: Sorry for the confusion, the links were crossed
Shocking news Wow!!! really shocking news! Now we can say that WKSA has lost one of its best masters (a true Master). Good for Master Lee and for his students. We hope the best for you all and will contact very soon
Wow! That got taken down really quick. If someone is going to go public, then why all the backtracking to take evidence off the web? What's up with that?