O is for OkinawaAs I stated earlier, because Tang Soo Do is relatively young in comparison to other forms of martial arts its roots are found in other styles from other countries, one of which is Okinawa. While Hwang Kee's first formal training was with a Chinese master he was unable to continue his studies with him. Luckily, the railway company where he worked had a large library which is where he had his first encounter of karate books- books on Okinawan karate.
As previously stated, the Pyung Ahn forms, Kong Sang Koon and Passai (which we'll be talking about tomorrow) were all adopted from Okinawan karate. But more than that, the history of an environment very much effects the development of the martial arts created there so Okinawa's history plays a large role in the development of the techniques which came from or passed through there.
For example, when the King of the three kingdoms came into power he banned the practice of martial arts. Many individuals continued to practice in secret but if caught they were imprisoned. The story goes that those individuals would still practice while in jail and that the form of Naihanchi (see N) evolved from this practice (confined in a small, linear space). This is simply one of innumerable historical anecdotes which shaped the development of techniques which were adapted into Tang Soo Do.
Because of this, a great deal of Okinawa's history is part of Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan's history.
Okinawa!!! My family lived in Okinawa for several years because my dad was stationed there for the air force. I wasn't born yet, but I was conceived there. ;) I would love to go there to be where my family had lived before I was born.
ReplyDeleteOh wow, it's interesting that it was banned at one point. I love how banning it possibly created a new type.
ReplyDeleteNot much room in a jail cell.
ReplyDeleteOkinawa is a whole different world from mainland Japan.
Chyrs- That is so cool! I hope you get to go one day, I'd love to see it myself.
ReplyDeleteLaura- I think that's happened several times, in several different contexts. You know what they say, necessity is the mother of invention.
Alex- While I've never been to either place (though I'd really love to) I have heard as much. There's a huge distinction between Okinawan martial arts and Japanese martial arts in all the literature I've read.