Taekwondo v13i03

TAEKWONDO & KOREAN MARTIAL ARTS MAGAZINE

VOLUME 13 | ISSUE 3 MAY 2008

MASTER SON YUNG KUL The theory of Ki power

CONCUSSION - THE FACTS What every player should know!

THE ECONOMIC WARM UP An integral part of any martial arts class

On The Record With

RICHARD HALSALL

How the Isle of Man acheived it’s WTF recognition?

For more great articles grab a copy of Combat available from W.H.Smith and all good newsagents

SAM DO T R A D I N G

L I M I T E D

速

adidas

WE ARE THE SOLE UK DISTRIBUTORS OF adidas TKD UNIFORMS, TKD SHOES & EQUIPMENT. 速

557 Chester Road, Old Trafford, Manchester, M16 0QW, England

Tel: 0161-848 7426 Fax: 0161-848 0436 E-Mail: twshin@btinternet.com Website: www.samdo.co.uk Show room open Mon-Fri (10 am - 4 pm)

SAM001/02

Footware Uniforms Protection Kick Targets and more!

Online Edition - Contents

8 HOW THE ISLE OF MAN ACHEIVED IT’S WTF RECOGNITION? On the record with Richard Halsall

14 KOREAN MARTIAL ARTS A brief history

22 MASTER SON YUNG KUL and the theory of Ki power

By Sam Plumb

26 THE ECONOMIC WARM UP

By Mic Clark

33 CONCUSSION THE FACTS The Facts - What every player should know

By Mr Sanjiv Jari

22

26

33

check out this month’s issue of

ating incorpor

for th ese gr eat Ta

ek

FRONT K ICK

Korean wondo & Martia l Arts articl e

s...

In the last article I in troduced bringing your hee some exe l to your raising ro buttock (t rcises to drive the utine, wh his is like knee up ich you sh concentra high, a a gun ou ting on th e front kic ld complete before – cocked and rea nd outlined the im dy to fire k. portance attemptin ). I also of g the exe gave you rcises, I g a leg – ave you this month . We are Sunday 2 3rd of M arc Taekwon do Develo h at 1.00pm saw pment Co the inaug was to g unc ural mee et Masters ting and around a il, many instructo which inst the officia rs were in table to d ructors a l launch vited to a iscuss the nd practi the Unite of the Un tt tioners co ir needs d Kingdo ited and to est end the meeting, ncerned m can aff Taekwon the purpo Kingdom with the a b iliate to fo li doists in sh a cohesiv developm se of whic r training the UK. e framew ent o h , accredit ork and ation, insu f WTF/Kukkiwon network style Taek rance, co in wondo w mpetition ithin , and sup port for a ll Today Ta ng Soo-D o is more Tangsoo-D popular o - Moo than ever Duk Kwa meaning bu n was fo “Way of unded by t, as I discussed in the T’ang “Institute G my previo randmast (o of Martia r Empty) us er Hwan l Virtue” Hand” is became g is the na Kee on th article, it’s future a the style K orean ve me of the is uncerta e 9th No of Tangso rs io n sc vember 1 in. o o-Do. f hool Hwa 945. Tan ng Kee se Japanese karate-d gsoo-Do t up for th o. The M oo Duk K e practic e of his a wan or rt which later When a student w alk from the legendary s into a dojang th ey have stories of it is still th this visio th e same n in th the dream e masters, recited by their fr eir head, perhap of mastery s attained iends or of a mart read in b through te ial art an ooks but levision o d a ‘Mcd no matte r films, o ojang’ in r w r h st e ru re it com c tor steals The BTCB es from, these dre National a m P s! medals a oomsae team retu t the 8th European rned hom inception e P o from Turk into the E omsae C e hampion uropean squad aft ships in A y in jubilant moo Poomsae er just m d after se ntalya w Champio issing ou curing no ith the be nships! T t on a bro st tally ev less than his was a nze med e 4 bronze al at the r fa for a Briti n tastic resu World C sh Team lt and a hampion si nce the g re a ships the t boast to previous the mora ir to rea m le of the o n th. d thes

A NEW S TART A NEW HOP E

MORALIT Y OF TA NG SOO DO

CHANG H ON TAEK WON-DO HAE SUL

EUROPEA N MEDAL SUCCESS !

e copy o f Comb articles in a W H Sm t maga full g i z also a th & all goo ine availabl et your vailab le via d news agent e from s subscr iption

when you buy you now get

&

free!!! all your karate material free

Subscribe to The World’s Greatest Martial Arts Magazine!

A twelve months UK subscription to COMBAT costs just

£38.95!

For more details write to: SUBSCRIPTIONS, 135 Aldridge Rd, Perry Barr, B’ham B42 2ET. or call our hotline on 0121 344 3737

all your taekwondo

material free

✁

Dear Newsagent

please reserve me a copy of my favourite monthly magazine Name:.............................................................

Address:......................................................... .......................................................................

Postcode:...................Tel:...............................

To reserve a copy of COMBAT Magazine simply fill in this slip and hand it to your newsagent.

also visit us online for more great reading!!! www.combatmag.co.uk www.karatemag.co.uk www.taekwondomag.co.uk

FIT002/02

KAR003/07

HOW THE ISLE OF MAN ACHEIVED IT’S WTF RECOGNITION? On The Record with Richard Halsall (President of Isle of Man Taekwondo!)

Not many people realise that the Isle of Man is not part of the United Kingdom.

The UK is made up of Great Britain which is, England Scotland and Wales plus Northern Ireland. Whilst the Isle of Man is a Dependency of the British Crown and the Manx people have British nationality the island has never been part of the UK. It has an interesting history of independence having been a Viking Kingdom and is internally self governing with its own legal system and parliament called Tynwald.

I was concious of this and felt that taekwondo in the island would be best served by local people running its National Governing Body (NGB). The Isle of Man Taekwondo Association (IOMTKD) is the NGB. It is non profitmaking and is recognised by the Isle of Man Sports Council. IOMTKD is working to develop the practice of WTF taekwondo in the island.

The process of WTF recognition started with an introduction to the late Cha Sok Park by Keith Evans at the Madrid World Championships in 2005.

Grand Master Park was instrumental in assisting us and his untimely loss last year was a real shock. Following the meeting in Madrid we met with the then Chief Minister for the Isle of Man the Hon D. Gelling and he gave us a letter of support to send to the WTF. The Isle of Man was voted in as an associate member of the WTF at the AGM in Vietnam in 2006.

Whilst the IOM is not an Olympic nation (hence the associate status) we can compete in all WTF competitions upto and including the World Championships.

This a a great source of pride and we are working to build a manx team that can 8 TKD/KMA WWW.TAEKWONDOMAG.CO.UK

represent the island internationally. We would love to reach the same level of success as the manx cycling team, who achieved gold at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games in 2007.

There are only 80,000 people on the island and we now have 25 black belts. We have a long way to go but we are very determined.

TKD-KMA: When did you take up martial art?

I first started in 1988 when studying for my degree in manchester. Apart from 4 years off in the mid 1990’s, I have trained ever since. Taekwondo is a major part of my life.

TKD-KMA: The Isle of Man is a relatively small place, what’s it like?

I love it. All my family are Manx and I feel a strong connection with the Island. -It is approximately 225 square miles of green unspoilt land. It has some spectacular coastline and beautiful hills.

It is not perhaps for people who want the buzz of a big city but it is perfect for those who want a more laid back lifestyle. The island is in the centre of the British Isles so we have our fair share of rain in the winter but that is why the land is so green. I have travelled extensively and would not want to live anywhere else.

TKD-KMA: What problems do you face developing taekwondo in the Isle of Man? There are no real problems just challenges. Travel off island is an additional expense we have to face. Some martial arts have had a poor image as being the preserve of slightly odd individuals. The Isle of Man Sports Council have been fantastic.

They appreciate what we are trying to do and now understand what Taekwondo is and its potential benefits to society. Our biggest challenge is to attract potential talent away from the many longer established sports. Every town has a number of football rugby cricket and hockey clubs and sports such as athletics and cycling are very popular. Most talented kids have a lot of sport to choose from and we need to attract them to our martial art. The island punches above its weight in sport generally and we want to make Taekwondo one of the best Manx Sports. We have 5 classes running a week but need to get more qualified instructors so we can offer more venues and specialist classes for those specialising in poomse and kyorugi.

have an open door policy to those from different styles that want to join us and practice Kukkiwon style Taekwondo. It is unfortunate that there is so much negativity with regard to politics and personalities in the UK. It is a shame so few taekwondo practitioners are members of the NGB for WTF Taekwondo. That needs to improve if taekwondo is to grow as a serious sport in the UK. TKD-KMA: How did you get into teaching taekwondo?

By accident. The first professional instructor on the island Ray Smith left the island and I was a new black belt. I started a small class for myself and a couple of friends who wanted to practice kukkiwon taekwondo and it started from there.

TKD-KMA: Who has helped develop IOMTKD? We have been very lucky over the years. .any people have provided invaluable expertise and advice including initially Ray Smith and Mike McKenzie and more recently Peter Hankin who is now our Sports Coach, Dong Jin Bae who is our Dan Examiner and Keith Evans who has advised on officals and refereeing. I first met Master Tony Vohra out side Kukkiwon in 2005 and his technical ability and expertise has been inspirational.

We have been lucky to have a locally based Korean graduate of the Kukkiwon Instructors course Gun Lee. Gun as been a great help. Locally David Shefford and Mark Leslie have made a great success of our western club in St Johns and Jerry Carter and Brian Quayle run a great class in Douglas.

TKD-KMA: What challenges does taekwondo face in Britain?

IOMTKD is easy to manage. We know everyone here and WWW.TAEKWONDOMAG.CO.UK TKD/KMA 9

TKD-KMA: What does it take to make a success of martial practice and what do you believe are the main physical requirements of Taekwondo as an art?

A desire to improve. Personally I think that Taekwondo is a complete system of training and you therefore need to work on fitness, speed, strength and stamina. I have neglected my flexibility in recent years and I am now trying to catch up.

TKD-KMA: How do you believe a student should measure effectiveness in martial practice?

That’s up to the individual although the grading system provides people with motivational goals, but I do believe that competition, in both Poomse and Kyrougi are an excellent mental and physical test.

TKD-KMA: Where do you see IOMTKD going?

We need to get more clubs opened and more instructors teaching to increase the pool of talent out of which we can build a Manx team. We want to see the Manx flag flying at international events.

TKD-KMA: Who was your first instructor or inspiration that got you motivated?

Master TW Shin at Manchester Poly ‘s club. I became addicted to Taekwondo after a week of training. It was completely new to me and and I loved all of it (apart from the stiff muscles). Despite getting soundly beaten by a black tag in my first fight as a yellow belt in Kendal in 1989 I absolutely loved taekwondo.

10 TKD/KMA WWW.TAEKWONDOMAG.CO.UK

TKD-KMA: How can you improve or develop your techniques further and what are your views on change over tradition?

By training more with those that are better than me. I try to have a private lesson with a more senior instructor as often as possible, meeting many very special practitioners some of whom are very young.

One of the impressive aspects of taekwondo is its ability to adapt and evolve. Whilst periodic changes to techniques such as stances and kicks annoy some, I believe that a willingness to accept change is healthy and leads to improvements.

TKD-KMA: You have travelled widely. Where have you trained?

I spent a ski season in 2001 in Chamonix in France. I chose Chamonix as it had a great tkd club. 3 months snowboarding and tkd at altitude counterbalanced the apres ski beers quite well! After that I spent a year travelling which started in Japan and finished in Bolivia. I spent three great weeks training in Korea. This was an amazing experience and I was lucky to make some great Korean friends who are incredibly hospitable.

The Korean people are rightly proud of their country and make a big effort to look after visitors especially those travelling alone.

I got lost on my first trip to Kukkiwon and a guy I asked for directions ended up taking me there on his moped. I brought my dobok backpacking and trained as often as I could. Probably the most memorable experience was finding a club training in a field in Siem Riep in Cambodia. I asked if I could join in and they asked me to teach the class. They had very little and it was a humbling experience. I love the fact that you can go anywhere and always find a taekwondo club and be welcomed as a friend.

TKD-KMA: What ambitions do you have in terms of personal development and the development of your association?

I am currently training for my 4th Dan and hope to attend the international Instructors course at Kukkiwon this year. I want to be a better student and instructor.

With regards the IOMTKD, we need to maintain growth and constantly seek to improve our standards.

TKD-KMA: What are your thoughts on the new emphasis of practical martial arts?

Self defence is a core element of Taekwondo. Some schools ignore practical self defence but it should be encouraged.

TKD-KMA: Do you believe that patterns are the heart of TKD? Likewise poomse are an essential core element of taekwondo. We are working to build a competitive poomse team.

My enjoyment of poomse has increased significantly in recent years.

WWW.TAEKWONDOMAG.CO.UK TKD/KMA 11

Welcome to...

WAKO WORLD ASSOCIATION OF KICKBOXING ORGANISATIONS Founded in 1970 WAKO is the largest unified kickboxing organisation in the World with over 100 nations currently in membership. WAKO World H.Q. is based in Milan. ★ WAKO History ★ WAKO started its activity in Europe in 1976. The founder was Mr Georg Bruckner from Berlin, who promoted the first ever World Championships in semi and full contact karate (as it was called in those days) back in 1978 with 110 competitors representing 18 countries. WAKO immediately created the rules and regulations for the new fighting sports and acted, since the very beginning, as the authentic Kickboxing Federation of the world. In our Championships, only national teams are accepted. Each member country can present only 1 competitor in each weight class. The WAKO World Championships are NOT open competitions therefore each representative is the premier competitor in that category, from their country.

World Governing Body for Kickboxing World and European Amateur Championships Title Fights held continually both Amateur & Professional Regional Competitions are held throughout the year British Amateur Championships to choose British Teams Full-Contact, Light Continuous-Contact, Semi-Contact, Musical Forms Licence, Membership and Insurance available to all of U.K., Southern Ireland and Republic of Ireland Coaching courses, Referee Training, Seminars and Training Dan Gradings and WAKO certificates for all Members For upto the minute details of all forthcoming W.A.K.O events visit our website To see national ama/wako listings of over 13,000 instructors/clubs on the web, type: www.bt.com/thephonebook then in ‘business’ type: martial arts and town

Contact: WAKO, 66 Chaddesden Lane, Chaddesden, Derby, DE21 6LP Tel: 07973 507716 / 01332 663086 / 01628 784254 or Fax: 01332 280286 WAK001/11

www.wakogb.co.uk

KAC001/01

KOREAN MARTIAL ARTS A brief history

K

orea, as a peninsula buffer state between Manchuria, China and Japan, with incursions by the Mongols and Tatars, among other peoples, has quite a long history of unarmed and armed combat, absorbing various styles, like kung fu, and making them more suitable for their own rugged and mountainous terrain and indigenous combat styles. Probably the most influential period of development was during the Three Kingdom period (Goguryeo, Baekje, Silla). Silla is believed to have established diplomatic relations with the Tang Empire in the 7th century.

However, the influence of the Tang dynasty on the martial arts (as it was in almost every other cultural aspect throughout East Asia) was considerable

Taekwondo 14 TKD/KMA WWW.TAEKWONDOMAG.CO.UK

both on Japan and Korea. In this same period, in the kingdom of Koguryo, various carvings into the towers at Kumkongryksa and Kakcjuchung, and the statues of Kumkang Kwon at the entrance of Sokkul-Am at Mt. Toham depict basic stances, such as the nalchigi, of what is now known as taekwondo, but the words subak, taekyon and kwonbeop to describe these traditions were not used until about the mid-Koryo period (about 990-1050 AD), and not standardised until King Injong.

Under various generals, kwonbeop began to be developed and made mandatory for training in the armed services. By the time of the Ming dynasty, various major schools of kwonbeop reigned - the sorim temple school, and the songkae school. Sorim temple may have been

influenced by the Northern Shaolin Temple, as it was practised by monks who favoured swift, evasive moves and jumping techniques; Songkae, maybe related to Chang Songkae of the Ming Empire and could have been influenced by the Chinese, with techniques divided into three divisions: stun, knock out, and kill.

Under the Choson dynasty, however, kwonbeop (as did other martial arts) saw a major decline as the official state policy was to discourage all manner of military affairs. Kwonbeop’s centre was moved northwest to central Korea and renamed taekwon, which continued in this form, probably largely as a sport or ceremonial art, or existed underground due to annexation, until Korea’s independence from Japan in 1945.

Two other influential Korean unarmed

arts are yusul (soft art) and cireum, which are in part related to Chinese arts like shuai chiao and Mongolian wrestling.

Yusul was popular between the Koryo and Choson dynasties. Striking arts such as keupso chirigi and pakchigi, which attack vital points, and headbutting, respectively, have been also popular in Korea. As the official state policy in Korea was to discourage all manners of military arts many martial arts masters dispersed to other regions/countries.

After the Choson dynasty, Korea was annexed by Japan in 1910. As a result, young Koreans were exposed to Japanese versions of these old sport arts such as jujitsu, kendo, judo, karate, sumo, et cetera. Then after 1945, when Japan was defeated in World War II, there was clearly a concerted effort by martial arts masters to consolidate their resources and develop a uniquely Korean art once again.

TAEKWONDO Taekwondo is the Korean national sport and martial art, and is also one of the world’s most commonly practised sports. In the Korean language, Tae means “kick or destroy with the foot”, kwon means “punch or smash with the hand or fist”, and Do means “way or art”.

Hence, Taekwondo is taken to mean “the way of the foot and the fist.” Taekwondo is popular throughout the world, and the Kukkiwon-World Taekwondo Federation’s form of Taekwondo is currently an Olympic sport. While some forms of Taekwondo have received criticism for not teaching enough streeteffective techniques, this has more to do with commercialisation, rather than with any inherent flaw in the art itself: One of the reasons Taekwondo is so popular is because of its ease in learning and effectiveness as a form of self-defence. It is used in unarmed combat training in some armies (the French army, for instance).

Taekwondowas officially formed on April 11, 1955, when most Korean martial arts masters tried to unite all the various fighting styles (such as Gong Soo, Taekyon, Kwon Beop, Soo Bahk Do, Tang Soo Do etc.) under the name “Tae Soo Do”. Although not every art joined in, an organisation was created with many of the participants and the backing of the government. Its name was suggested by 9th degree black belt General Choi Hong Hi as Taekwondo.

The similarities between Taekyon and Taekwondo are the high flying kicks and various other feet action, but this style wasn’t completely incorporated until the 1960s. Taekwondo also integrated various aspects of karate. Choi Hong Hi was a 2nd degree black belt in karate (the Shotokan variety), so it was natural to utilise karate techniques in Taekwondo. On the contrary, many Koreans had an influence in the development of karate, an example of this would be Choi Yong-I (Mas Oyama) who created Kyokushin Karate.

WWW.TAEKWONDOMAG.CO.UK TKD/KMA 15

Kuk Sool Won 16 TKD/KMA WWW.TAEKWONDOMAG.CO.UK

KUK SOOL WON Kuk Sool Won is a systematic study of all of the traditional fighting systems, which together comprise the martial arts history of the Korean Peninsula. As such, Kuk Sool Won is very well organised and seeks to integrate and explore all aspects of the traditional Korean martial arts. As a martial arts system, Kuk Sool Won covers the entire spectrum of established Asian fighting systems and body conditioning techniques, as well as mental development and traditional weapons training.

The three branches of traditional Korean martial arts are Sah Doh Mu Sool, Bool Kyo Mu Sool, and Koong Joong Mu Sool. Sah Doh Mu Sool (Tribal Martial Arts) is older than Korean Culture itself, having been practised on the Korean peninsula well before the first Korean kingdom was established in 2333 B.C. .

Bool Kyo Mu Sool (Buddhist Martial Arts) has been practised by Buddhist monks throughout Asia. In China, the famous Shaolin Monks developed techniques and forms based on their observations of animals. In Korea, Monks practised Bool Kyo Mu Sool for defence purposes and meditation.

Today, the tenants of Bool Kyo Mu Sool are prevalent in Kuk Sool as they help teach practitioners meditation skills and the philosophies of non-violence and compassion for all living things.

Koong Joong Mu Sool (Royal Court Arts) is unique to Kuk Sool Won. Some of the weapons used in Kuk Sool Won were a part of the traditional daily court life. The rope or sash, cane, fan, and short sword were all used among members of the Korean Royal court. There were also many unique open handed and joint locking principles of Koong Joong Mu Sool that are used extensively in Kuk Sool Won. Kuk Sool’s history can be indirectly traced to the dissolution of the Korean Royal Court and the Japanese occupation in 1910. Many leading martial arts instructors were forced into hiding.

Among them was Myung Duk Suh, In Hyuk Suh’s grandfather. Before Japan took over, the elder Suh taught three types of Korean martial arts; kwan sool, a kicking and hard punching style, yu sool, a soft style with emphasis on locking and throwing techniques and yu-kwan, a combination which could be either hard or soft, but never used for force against force. During this period of Japanese rule the practice of any sort of Korean martial art was strictly forbidden. Any Korean caught practising them (or even worse, teaching them) would be severely punished. Because of the severity and harshness of the punishment levied by the Japanese to practitioners of Korean marital arts, only a very small number of people carried on the legacy of traditional Korean martial arts.

Despite the Japanese invasion, the Suh family continued its 16 generation tradition of practising and teaching mar-

tial arts. In Hyuk Suh, was chosen by his grandfather to carry on this family legacy.

By the time he was 20 years old, In Hyuk Suh had travelled to hundreds of Buddhist temples and private martial arts teachers, studying many aspects of Korean martial arts. During this intensive training-period Suh learned special breathing skills, mediation techniques and internal power (ki) knowledge, which is taught extensively in Kuk Sool schools across the globe.

In the late 1950’s In Hyuk Suh began to integrate the many scattered martial art techniques of Korea into a single martial art, Kuk Sool Won. Suh officially founded Kuk Sool Won in 1961.

CHOI KWANG-DO Choi Kwang Do is a martial art created by Grandmaster Kwang Jo Choi. Grandmaster Choi was a chief instructor for the International Taekwondo Federation in the 1960s.

After receiving medical treatment for damage caused by the Taekwondo training methods, Grandmaster Choi formulated a style of martial arts based on bio-mechanic principles.

Choi Kwang-Do breaks with classic techniques in that all movements follow the body’s natural movement pattern, performed as one sequential movement. Thus power

Choi Kwang-Do WWW.TAEKWONDOMAG.CO.UK TKD/KMA 17

18 TKD/KMA WWW.TAEKWONDOMAG.CO.UK

is increased and risk of injury is reduced. Martial arts competitions are viewed as counter productive to health and self-defence. Training is geared towards practical responses with maximum power in realistic situations.

TANG SOO DO Tang Soo Do is a popular Korean martial art and the three Sino-Korean words translate as follows: Tang: the Tang Dynasty of China; Tang generally refers to China in old Japanese.

Soo: hand. Do: way of life - essentially meaning martial way of life from China. The literal translation from Korean is: The Way (“Do”) of the Chinese (“Tang”) Fist (“Soo.”) As the name suggests (its Japanese pronunciation is Karatedo), Tang Soo Do is based on Japanese Karate. The previous statement has been argued about for the last fifty years. Most

Tang Soo Do Associations state that Tang Soo Do is a mix of three major styles; which are Soo Bahk Do (60%), Northern China Kung Fu (30%) and Southern China Kung Fu (10%) and the Okinawan discipline and modified katas of Karate.

This art was created by Grandmaster Hwang Kee, who was said to have had learned Chinese martial arts while in Manchuria, as well as having been influenced by Japanese karate and Korean Taekkyon. Hwang Kee claims that he was also highly influenced by an old book about martial arts called the Muye dobo tongji.

Information courtesy of UK Martial Arts Online.

Editors note: we have not included a history of Hapkido due to the comprehensive series of articles provided by our regular columnist Master Kim Beom.

Tang Soo Do WWW.TAEKWONDOMAG.CO.UK TKD/KMA 19

ICT001/01 MBI001/02

TLP001/02

KUKKIWON Certification Available Now! Kukkiwon grades are cited around the world as one of the most credible qualifications available to the martial arts community.

Now you can apply for certification, regardless of style. ● Independent 8th Dan instructor BASED IN THE UK! ● Seminars and course in the UK and abroad ● All gradings certification direct from Kukkiwon Korea. ● Groups or individuals catered for.

Call today to find out more!

● Any and All grades up to 7th Dan catered for. ● Full certification from Kukkiwon HQ supplied. ● Check yours or anyones credentials on the Kukkiwon website. ● WTF or ITF or Independent stylists welcomed. ● No Politics - Just good practitioners invited. ● Kukkiwon gradings are open to any practitioner. ● Pre-grading tuition is also offered. ● Group visits to Kukkiwon in Korea can be arranged.

Grand Master Tony Vohra. 8th Dan. Kukkiwon registered.

Nottingham School of Martial Arts, Ilkeston Road, Nottingham, NG7 3FX

Further details or to ask any questions call us on:

Tel: 0115 9780439 Mob: 07980041864 E-mail: info@martialartsvohra.com Fax: 0115 9785567

Web: www.martialartsvohra.com

In association with:

I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU! If you’ve ever wanted to take a true kukkiwon sanctioned grading but couldn’t afford to go to Korea to do it - LET KOREA COME TO YOU! SSV001/02

MASTER SON, YUNG KUL AND THE THEORY OF KI POWER

By Sam Plumb 22 TKD/KMA WWW.TAEKWONDOMAG.CO.UK

K

i has been described as a universal life-force which every living thing on earth needs to survive. Many instructors try to promote Ki (or Chi in Chinese) as a magical thing, which only advanced martial artists possess. In actual fact everyone has Ki and martial arts training merely develops the individual’s ability to increase Ki flow and concentrate this energy into specific areas when necessary.

Ki Development is an important part of training in the Korean martial art of Hapkido. Hapkido was systemised in the early part of the twentieth century by Grandmaster Yong Sul Choi, it was possibly Buddhism, however, that had the greatest influence on internal training in the Korean martial arts. Buddhist monks spent many hours training to achieve states of relaxation and a calm mind through meditation. When Japan first invaded Korea in 1592, it became acceptable for monks to train in the martial arts to help repel the invaders. The monks found that if they combined their internal training with the physical aspects of combat, they became faster and stronger in battle.

Hapkido is a multi-faceted martial art, which utilises joint locks, throws, pressure points, breakfalls, kicks, hand-strikes, weapons, meditation and Ki development. Consequently, every Hapkido Master is a veteran of many years training. One of the system’s specialists in Ki development is Master Son, Yung Kul. I recently journeyed to South Korea to visit my old friend Master Son. Master Son is the headmaster of the Su-Gi Hapkido Do-Jang in Daejeon city.

This is an impressive martial arts facility that houses two fully equipped and matted floors.

Master Son, who is 47 years old, started his Hapkido training at the tender age of 12. He has visited the U.K. to teach and demonstrate his own particular brand of Hapkido and he is also a regular visitor to the U.S.A. to promote his art. Son, Yung Kul is a Master in the Heuk Choo Kwan system of Hapkido. Heuk Choo Kwan translates to the Black Eagle school and Master Son trained under its founder, Grandmaster Moon. Master Son stresses that the Hapkido student will use Ki in his martial arts training rather than physical strength.

Ki training is part of many nonmartial arts disciplines such as Yoga; in Yoga Ki is referred to as Prahna.

Internal training for martial artists is slightly different to that of Yoga or disciplines where Ki development is only for health purposes. Son, Yung Kul utilises relaxation, meditation and focus to help in the development of his student’s Ki. Master Son explains that by opening the fingers wide, Ki is summoned into the hand (a part of

the body that needs it for selfdefence). This action may look tense but is actually a relaxed motion.

Tension blocks the flow of Ki throughout the body. A clenched fist, for example, is a tense motion and will not allow Ki to flow freely into the hand.

One interesting theory of Hapkido is called the “Ki Finger”. Whenever the Hapkido student applies a joint lock or throw, he will point his index finger in the direction he would like his Ki to flow, for example in the direction an opponent is being thrown. When the index finger is pointed to direct Ki it is known as the Ki Finger. According to Master Son this can amplify the power of a technique by more than seven times its normal strength.

The foundational principles of Hapkido internal development start with relaxed abdominal breathing techniques, which are incorporated with quiet meditation. The student will practice a series of breathing techniques, known as Dan Jun Ho Hup, to stimulate Ki flow throughout his body in which he opens his fingers as wide as possible to bring Ki into his hands. Dan Jun Ho Hup exercises are practised constantly in the student’s daily training right through to the highest black belt levels. The advanced Hapkido practitioner can actually place his Ki into any weapon he may be using; a sword or a staff for example.

Master Son has developed a series of self-defence techniques, which rely heavily on Ki power. When an opponent is very strong and offers much resistance, Master Son can throw or subdue him using the gentle power of Ki. I have seen Master Son throw his opponent many feet into the air without even holding onto him. Ki development should not be limited to martial arts training. It should be used to improve health and personality both in and out of the Do-Jang. Son Yung Kul is very serious about his Hapkido and Ki training.

As he says, “Hapkido is my life, and if I live again I will still practice Hapkido.”

Master Son will be visiting England in January 2006 to conduct Hapkido seminars and demonstrations. Anyone wishing further information on these events or Hapkido training in general, please write to Sam Plumb, European Hapkido Alliance, 3 St. Augustine’s Drive, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S40 2RU; telephone 01246 232006; E-mail sam@hapki.co.uk Please visit the European Hapkido Alliance website at www.hapki.co.uk About the author of this article: Sam Plumb is a 7th Dan Master in Hapkido and is the chief instructor of the European Hapkido Alliance. He has taught Hapkido in many countries around the world and is a frequent contributor to martial arts magazines worldwide and he has trained in South Korea.

Master Son (left) and Master Sam Plumb (right) with English Hapkido students at the Gateway to Sokgeuram Temple in South Korea WWW.TAEKWONDOMAG.CO.UK TKD/KMA 23

NEW001/04

www.newbreedbooks.co.uk

JAMIE O’KEEFE

Other books, DVDs, training equipment and printing available on our site.

All books are £14 each inc post & packing 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

Dogs don't know kung fu - A Female guide to self protection - Jamie O’Keefe Old School New School - The only training guide to doorwork - Jamie O’Keefe What makes tough guys tough - Secret domain revealed (exclusive interview with Roy Shaw) - Jamie O’Keefe Pre-emptive strikes for winning fights - The alternative to grappling fighting- Jamie O’Keefe Thugs, Mugs and Violence - The story so far - (Jamie’s Autobiography) - Jamie O’Keefe No One Fears When Angry - If Anger & confrontation has affected you - read this book - Jamie O’Keefe I thought you'd be bigger - A small persons guide to fighting back - Kevin O’Hagan In your face - Close Quarter Fighting - Kevin O’Hagan Grappling with reality - Survival on the ground - Kevin O’Hagan Bad to the Bone - Exploring the many facets of aggression and violent behaviour - Kevin O’Hagan Awareness Fears & Consequences - Insight to understanding what you can do to stay safe - Alan Charlton In the Face of Violence - Understanding & Combating the human predator - Kevin O’Hagan From Bullied to Black Belt - A Journey through Fear, Agoraphobia and back - Simon Morrell Trust Me I’m a Doorman - (Autobiography of a Doorman) - Kev Fisher Kicking it - A guide to getting started in the martial arts - Peirpaolo Francia Martial Arts, Muscles & Mayhem - True stories - Dave Turton A foot in the door - (Autobiography of a Doorman) - Tony Simpson Relentless - My endless persuit of the warrior way - Kevin O’Hagan The Bogeyman is real - Combatives for parents & children - Lee Morrison The Use of Improvised Weapons - Lee Morrison & John Deacon The Wolverine within - Combatives for Women - Lee Morrison Urban Combatives Close Quarter Confrontation - Vol 1 - Lee Morrison Urban Combatives Close Quarter Confrontation - Vol 2 - Lee Morrison Up Close - Nothing Personal - Self Protection for Door staff & Security - Lee Morrison HALL OF FAME The Inner Winner - Performance Psychology Tactics - Simon Hazeldine 1999 - 2001 Jamie O’Keefe - Distance Learning DVD now available in PAL & NTSC formats

Credit/debit card and other payments also accepted on our website 24hrs - 7 days a week To order any of the books shown simply make a cheque/postal order payable to NEW BREED and write on the back your full name, address with post code along with books you require. If you would like any books signed by Jamie or a message, please include that as well.

All books will be sent out the day your payment is received so NO WAITING! Send orders to:- NEW BREED Publishing, Po Box 2676, Romford, Essex RM7 0WA England ALL NEW BREED BOOKS ARE PRO-MARTIAL ARTS AND WILL COMPLIMENT YOUR CURRENT CHOSEN ART

Be the Best!

W

ould you like to see your club grow? Would you like students who can't wait to get to class and give you their best? Talk to us. We're the best at inspiring our students to be well motivated, self disciplined individuals who get out of their art what they put in. We boast the widest syllabus in the UK, backed by a Chief Instructor with over 30 years experience, Tony Johnson, a man who knows how to give the best instruction, turning out the best students. Our team of instructors, ranging from 1st Dan to 4th Dan are skilled in not just the technical aspects of Tang Soo Do, but the teaching skills that enable them to pass their knowledge on to their students. All of this is achieved by running a tight, well informed association, giving them the tools to do their job. Hassle free registration, licensing and insurance processes. Open access to information and instruction and regular gradings, designed to test our students not just physically, but mentally too. Regular seminars ranging from looking at the technical elements of forms, through to blasting fitness sessions that will test you to your limits. Call us today to find out how we can help you reach your potential. ● WIDE SYLLABUS, INCORPORATING WEAPONS ● FREQUENT SEMINARS FOR BOTH DAN AND GUP GRADES ● EASY ACCESS TO CHIEF INSTRUCTOR ● OPEN ACCESS POLICY TO KNOWLEDGE ● REGULAR GRADINGS ● CHIEF INSTRUCTOR WITH OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE ● TEAM OF FIRST RATE INSTRUCTORS ● SUPPORT READILY AVAILABLE TO SATELLITE CLUBS ● AFFILIATE MEMBERSHIP OFFERS ALL THE BENEFITS OF A LARGE AND WELL ESTABLISHED ORGANISATION WITHOUT ANY INTERFERENCE IN YOUR DAILY AFFAIRS

ohnsons J

JOH001/02

International Korean Karate

2, EASTGATE, N.A.C., STONELEIGH, KENILWORTH, WARWICKSHIRE CV8 2LZ Telephone: (+44) 24 7684 9347

www.johnsonskarate.com

THE ECONOMIC

WARM UP T

he warm up, I’m sure you will all agree, is now considered to be an integral part of any decent martial arts class. We line up, take the bow then go through a series of aerobic exercises designed to warm up the body, increase the blood flow and get us in the right frame of mind for the training ahead. If it’s done correctly the warm up should also reduce the risk of injury whilst at the same time improve your cardiovascular fitness. Personally I find some of the warm up sessions very time consuming and they can take valuable time away from our martial training. At times I have felt like I am in a step aerobics class instead of a martial arts class. So how do

26 TKD/KMA WWW.TAEKWONDOMAG.CO.UK

we avoid this? What can we do to meet all the requirements and get all the benefits from correct warming up without the session turning into a Tae Bo class. I believe I have the answer, or at least part of the answer. Allow me to explain in more detail.

There is a way which we can make the warm up more relevant to the art we study, a way to make the warm up more functional. You may suggest shadow sparring and I would agree, but very few people (myself included) feel comfortable when shadow boxing. In fact it can destroy confidence in beginners and is pointless if done incorrectly - if you think it impossible to shadow box incorrectly I suggest you train with boxing coach

By Mic Clark

Tommy Thompson. We use a 4 phase warm up sequence that replicates actual combat, without actually “going in hard”.

Each phase lasts for 2 minuets with a brief rest between for instruction. This gives us a total warm up time of 8 minutes that is very physically demanding if done with the correct application and attitude.

Phase 1 Students face each other in an orthodox left-to-left boxing stance. Using the left hand only, each student should try and touch his or her partners left shoulder this replicates the jab (photo A). Both students are allowed to parry the attack with the rear hand (right) only (photo B). We want to touch our partner’s shoulder but

Photo A

Photo B

Photo C

Photo D

Photo E

we don’t want him or her to touch ours.

Footwork and movement are also encouraged as offensive and evasive techniques, (photo C shows Nicola and Kerry working phase 1).

Phase 2 Students face each other as before but this time the objective is to slap the outer or inner thigh of your partner (photo’s D & E) without getting slapped yourself. No blocking or parrying with the hands is allowed. The only evasive technique permitted or encouraged is the use of footwork (photo F). Matt attempts to strike Mic but Mic quickly moves back just out of

Photo F

reach. Hard slapping is encouraged but must be mutual between partners. The hard slaps work wonders for the footwork!

(Photo G) shows Mic demonstrating a hard slap on Martin who picked the wrong night to wear shorts! (Photo H) shows Nicola & Kerry working phase 2 live.

Phase 3 Start off as before but the objective this time is to lightly step on your partner’s foot (photo I). If your foot gets touched by your partner’s you go down for 10 press-ups, with no cheating! As you do your press ups your partner must stand over you in

the guard position (photo J) this protects you from injury in case other students stumble into you whilst you are on the floor. It’s also a good mindset to take with you into the street environment. If one of your friend’s, colleagues, or associates goes down during trouble outside of the class environment you stand over them and protect them from further attacks etc. Back to the training drill - if your partner fails to stand guard over you he or she will have to do the press ups followed by 10 more (Photo K) shows Kerry for you! standing guard over Nicola.

Photo H

Photo G

Photo I WWW.TAEKWONDOMAG.CO.UK TKD/KMA 27

Photo J

Photo K

Photo L

Photo M

Phase 4 During phase 1 it is inevitable that students adopt a more upright stance and the eyes focus purely on the area around the shoulder (photo L).

During phase 2 the shoulders are completely forgotten and a lower posture is taken with the focus purely on the thigh area (photo M).

During phase 3 students bow their head and concentrate on the feet and on the feet only (photo N).

Phase 4 prevents this from becoming a bad habit by mixing in all the previous drills into one for a grand finish.

We can touch the shoulders, slap the thigh’s step on the foot whilst aiming to prevent the same from happening to us. Press-ups are only required if you manage to touch your partners foot as with phase 3. With this phase we are forced to be aware of all the three ranges drilled so far. (Photo’s O & P) show Nicola and Kerry working the final phase.

So there you have it, a warm up that will develop timing, balance, footwork, co ordination, distancing, evasion skills, cardiovascular fitness, upper body strength to name but a few of the benefits from this drill. It’s economical, it will

Photo N

save time and it’s relevant to what we need as martial artists.

Safety Tip We recommend the wearing of bag mitts during this drill, as this will prevent exposed fingers accidentally catching your partner in the eyes. Good all round awareness should also be encouraged particularly in busy classes, there should be no excuses for students stumbling into or knocking each other. As well as keeping your eyes on your partner you should also look out for your other classmates who are training around you.

Eventually this will develop good awareness skills and peripheral vision.

Commit yourself, train hard, never sell yourself short by training easy. The class is soon over and if you have applied yourself correctly during the training sessionthe sense of well being afterwards is a very rewarding and deserved. People (non martial artists) often ask me why I still train hard at my age, the answer is simple, because I can! There are many people who would willingly swap places with me, people in hospital etc. There is always someone somewhere worse off than you. If you need a reason to train, do it because you can!

Photo O

Photo P

World Combat Arts Students, doing it because we can!

WWW.TAEKWONDOMAG.CO.UK TKD/KMA 29

KUK001/03

VER001/02

THE FUTURE'S BRIGHT THE FUTURE'S YOURS!!!

For the first time EVER the doors of access to the UK’s most senior graded WTF Master are NOW OPEN!!! ●

Would YOU like to train with the UK’s most senior WTF graded exponent?

●

Are you looking to study WTF style Taekwondo without getting involved in politics?

●

Are you looking to grade up to Kukkiwon 7th dan kup and dan Certification?

●

Would you like to receive help and advice without losing your independence?

●

Are you looking to have your current grade acknowledged

by Kukkiwon?

●

Available for; Gradings, Courses, Seminars, Presentations, Training camps, Referees courses, Advice, Help and Support.

●

Also available; Summer school camps for the UK and abroard.

If you study WTF style Taekwondo, are sick and tired of the politics and restrictions placed on you and your development then contact me NOW!!!

Lets work together to develop WTF and Kukkiwons presence throughout the World WITH THEIR SUPPORT!!!

Please contact me on the numbers below or arrange to visit my full time school, I would be most pleased to meet you and help you in any way I can.

Grand Master Tony vohra. 8th Dan. Kukkiwon registered.

Nottigham School of Martial Arts, Ilkeston Road, Nottingham, NG7 3FX

Tel: 0115 9780439 Mob: 07980041864 E-mail: info@martialartsvohra.com Fax: 0115 9785567

Web: www.martialartsvohra.com I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU! SSV001/01

CONCUSSION THE FACTS

what every player should know

By Mr Sanjiv Jari f you take part in contact sports you have to expect injuries. Fortunately, most of them are minor. Some of them are serious and may keep you out of play for some time. Most of these can be managed with appropriate rehabilitation and surgical treatment as required For example, fractured bones, ACL tears, shoulder dislocations.

However, a few injuries may be career ending or cause serious lifelong debility or, even worse, fatality. The one injury that is potentially fatal in fighting sports is that of brain trauma or a concussion.

Concussions can occur in many sports including football, rugby, American football, ice-hockey and obviously, fighting sports, including full contact

I

Taekwondo where kicks to the head are an integral part of the sport. However it is always highlighted in fighting sports where one of the aims of the sport is to “knock your opponent out”, which in itself is a method of inflicting brain trauma on your opponent. Concussions do not just occur with blows to the head, although this is the most common cause. They can occur with injuries to the face, neck or elsewhere on the body with an “impulsive” force transmitted to the head.

Sports concussion is a very controversial topic and has been for a number of years. There is now an international body that meets and discusses the definition, symptoms and management of sports concussions. They then publish a

summary, an agreement statement, and the last was published in 2004 from the second international conference on concussion in sport in Prague 20041. The problem with concussion in sport is not so much the effect of a single blow but more the cumulative effect of repeated brain injury, which may lead to acute sequelae.

Such as occurred with Michael Watson, or the effect of chronic repetitive head trauma, as has potentially occurred with Mohammed Ali. So, what exactly is the definition of a concussion? In November 2001 the first international symposium on concussion in sport was held in Vienna and a consensus definition was proposed as follows “Sports concussion is defined as a complex

time point following the injury. There is also retrograde amnesia which is memory loss preceding the time of the head injury. However even using this assessment of amnesia does not help with attempting to classify the severity of concussion more clearly.

One of the key developments in classifying sports concussion by the Prague group was to categorise concussion as either simple or complex.

pathophysiological process affecting the brain, induced by traumatic biomechanical forces”. In other words, a concussion is a complex phenomenon that affects the functioning process of the brain via many potential pathways but the inducing factors are traumatic forces to the brain.

Concussion typically results in the rapid onset of short-lived impairment of brain function which usually settles down spontaneously. It can result in pathological changes in the brain by actually altering its appearance, but the acute clinical symptoms usually reflect a temporary disturbance in the function in the brain rather than changes in brain structure (appearance). To this end, if the brain is imaged, for example with an MRI scan, no usual abnormality is found with a concussion, because the structure (appearance) is not usually affected.

Concussions result in various sets of clinical syndromes that may or may not involve loss of consciousness (being knocked out). It is not clearly known what happens at brain cell level in sports concussions. It is however known that in more severe head injuries, complex changes in biomechanical and brain cell

function can occur.

The main issue regarding sports concussion is related to being allowed to return to play. As such, various grading scales and sub types of concussion have been suggested. It has been noted that the actual true concussion severity can only be determined retrospectively after all the symptoms of a concussion have cleared and the clinical examination is normal and brain function has returned to the baseline normal level. Various indicators have been attempted to use to try and define the severity of a concussion.

The traditional approach to severe traumatic brain injury used loss of consciousness as a primary measure of how severe the injury was. This has limitations in assessing the severity of sporting concussive injuries as very few sporting concussions result in loss of consciousness, whether in fighting sports or for example on the football field. Other factors have been looked at including the significance of amnesia (memory loss).

Amnesia can occur in two ways. There is post-traumatic amnesia, which is loss of memory following the head injury up to a

34 TKD/KMA WWW.TAEKWONDOMAG.CO.UK

SIMPLE CONCUSSION In a simple concussion a competitor would suffer an injury that progressively settles down without any complications over 7 to 10 days. In these cases, all playing and training must be limited while the player is symptomatic. However, no further intervention is usually required during the period of recovery and the player typically resumes the sport without a problem.

High level athletes and many teams have access to formal screening services to assess concussions with a battery of tests. These tests also rely upon assessing the function of the brain with so called “neuropsychological testing”.

Unfortunately most recreational athletes do not have access to this.

Fortunately simple concussions represent the most common form of this injury and do not require formal neuropsychological testing.

The cornerstone of management of simple concussion is rest, until all symptoms have resolved and then a graded programme of exertion is undertaken before return to sports. During the graded return to exertional activities there should be no recurrence of symptoms such as headaches, ringing ears, double vision, blurring of vision, nausea, vomiting and so forth.

The final thing to state about concussions is that all concussions, however minor they are considered, must be evaluated by a medical doctor qualified in assessing concussions.

COMPLEX CONCUSSION Complex concussions occur in cases where players suffer persistent symptoms (including persistent symptom recurrence with exertion). Complex concussion can also result in specific events such as a concussive epileptic fit. Concussions are also classed as complex if there is a prolonged loss of consciousness (more than one minute) or a prolonged impairment of brain function (such as memory, concentration) after the injury. This group also includes players who suffer multiple concussions over time or where repeated concussions occur with progressively less impact force.

In this group there are additional considerations beyond just simply returning the athlete to play. This group does require formal neuropsychological testing as well as other investigations. These

players would require management by a multi-disciplinary team of doctors that may include a sports medicine doctor, sports neurologist, neurosurgeon and psychologist.

PRE-PARTICIPATION PHYSICAL EXAMINATION The importance of a history of concussion can not be over-estimated. This is especially true when it is appreciated that many athletes would not recognise all of the concussions that they may have suffered in the past. If the appropriate questions are asked, it may allow picking up an athlete who fits into the “complex” category who can then be directed for appropriate further investigation and management.

A structured concussion history should include specific questions related to previous symptoms of concussion. It should also include information about all previous head, face or neck injuries as many of the latter two injuries may miss co-existing concussive symptoms unless they are specifically asked for. It should also be noted as to what protective

equipment was used at the time of the injury.

It has been specifically recommended by the Prague group that both a baseline assessment and symptom score is performed as part of pre-participation evaluation (The Prague SCAT test can be used, which is included at the end of this article).

1.

Cognitive Features. These are features of brain function and include memory, attention span, infusion, memory loss, loss of consciousness and disorientation. This may manifest as being unaware of who the opposition is, the score in the game, which round or period of the game that is currently being played.

FINDINGS IN ACUTE CONCUSSION It is important for all people involved with athletes and players to be aware of the potential signs and symptoms of a concussion. If one is constantly aware of the risk of concussion and the symptoms associated with this it is more likely to be diagnosed. This does not just apply to medial practitioners but also to coaches, physiotherapists, trainers, parents, friends and so on.

If any one of the following symptoms or problems is present, a head injury should be suspected and appropriate management instituted. These are summarised on the Sideline Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT)1 that is at the end of this article.

2. Types of symptoms include headache or pressure in the head, balance problems or dizziness, nausea, feeling of slowness of fatigue after impact, feeling “dinged”, “foggy”, stunned or “dazed”. Visual problems can occur such as seeing stars, flashing lights or having double vision. There can be hearing problems such as ringing in the ears. A player can be irritable or undergo emotional changes.

3. There are also a number of associated physical signs that accompany concussion. These include loss of consciousness or an altered conscious state, poor co-ordination of balance, a post-concussion epileptic fit, slow to answer questions or

ITW001/01

follow directions, easily distracted, poor concentration, inappropriate emotions, vomiting, glassy eyed, slurred speech, personality changes, inappropriate playing behaviour (such as running in the wrong direction) and a significantly decreased playing ability. Some of these signs are relatively subtle but as long as it is kept in the back of the mind that the player may have sustained a brain injury these features can be picked up to indicate a concussion.

An important part of assessment of concussion injuries is to evaluate cognitive brain function with tests of attention and memory such as those shown on the SCAT test.

It should however be remembered that sometimes the appearance of concussion type symptoms do not actually occur immediately but may be delayed for s everal hours.

It should be noted that there are various further complex assessment tools for concussion that are really beyond the scope of this article but the reference at the end of the article can direct interested readers to gain further information.

MANAGEMENT OF CONCUSSION Acute Injury.

From the Prague concensus1, when a player shows any symptoms or signs of a concussion the following should be applied.

1. The player should not be allowed to return to play in the current game or practice.

2. The player should not be left alone and regular monitoring for deterioration is essential over the initial few hours after injury.

3. The player should be medically evaluated after the injury.

4. Return to play must follow a medically supervised step wise process.

A concussed athlete should never return to play while symptomatic. There is much truth in the old adage “when in doubt sit them out”.

RETURN TO PLAY Fortunately, most concussions are simple concussions and recover spontaneously over a number of days. In these situations the player will proceed rapidly through a stepwise return to play. During the period of recovery in the first few days after a concussion, the player must rest both physically and mentally. Activities that require concentration and attention may exacerbate the symptoms and result in a recovery delay.

The Prague statement1 recommen-

dation with regard to return to play after concussion is as follows: 1. No activity, complete rest. Once asymptomatic proceed to next level.

2. Light aerobic exercise such as walking or stationary cycling, no resistant straining.

3. Sports specific exercise for example skating and hockey, running and soccer.

4. Non contact training drills.

5. Full contact training after medical clearance.

6. Game play.

During this stepwise progression, if the player develops any post concussion symptoms they should drop back to the previous asymptomatic level and attempt the progress after 24 hours. In order to progress from one level to the next they must remain asymptomatic at their current level.

In cases of complex concussion, rehabilitation will be more prolonged.

More specific return to play advice will be required with this being governed and managed by a team of doctors and others with specific expertise.

Finally, it must be stated that in order to return to play, concussed athletes should not only be free of symptoms but should not be taking any medications that can affect or modify the symptoms of concussion. A number of drugs can potentially be commenced following a concussion such as antidepressants or sleeping medication. The decision on return to play while taking these medications is a complicated issue and specific advice must be sought from healthcare professionals.

children and adolescents for whom head injury rates are often higher then in adults.

It is important that players themselves, their relatives, friends, coaches, team mates and all personnel associated with a particular sport or club are aware of the potential issues regarding concussion. This is especially true in combat and fighting sports where striking to the head is often not only desired but encouraged.

It is therefore implicit on coaches, corner men and referees to be aware and vigilant of the symptoms of concussion and not to allow repeated and unnecessary head and face strikes.

Ultimately, it must be remembered that careers and even lives have been ended from trauma to the head and brain and therefore the concepts of damage limitation must be applied so that we can “live to fight another day”.

Reference 1 McCrory P, Johnstone K, et al.

Summary and Agreement Statement of the Second International Conference on Concussion in Sport, Prague 2004.

British Journal of Sports Medicine 2005; 39:196-204.

Appendix 1. Sports Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT) Mr Sanjiv Jari Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon, Honorary Clinical Lecturer, University of Manchester These articles are only written to provide general information and should not be construed as specific advice regarding specific injuries in individuals.

If you have any queries or concerns you should consult an appropriately qualified practitioner.

PREVENTION There is no clinical evidence that currently available protective equipment will prevent concussion, but in certain sports protective equipment can stop other types of head injuries occurring.

The role of enforcing rules of play and vigilance by officials is obviously vital to prevent unnecessary harm coming to the participants, especially in combat sports.

The use of protective equipment can paradoxically increase the risk of injury rate because participants adopt more dangerous techniques. This is more concerning in WWW.TAEKWONDOMAG.CO.UK TKD/KMA 37

visit us online at www.ensign.co.uk

ENSIGNMOTIFS EMBROIDEREDCLUBBADGES Tel: 0143684 2581 or 2716 Email: sales@ensignmotifs.co.uk

Web: www.ensign.co.uk

Embroidered Badges (Minimum 50) - Enamel Badges - Blazer Badges Also Available: Embroidered Leisurewear - Woven Ties Baseball Caps - Printed T-Shirts & Sweatshirts

SPECIAL

10%

WRITE OR PHONE FOR A FREE COLOUR BROCHURE!!!

Portkil Bay, Kilcreggan, Argyll, G84 OJQ

TORY INTRODUC FOR T DISCOUN TOMERS! NEW CUS ORI001/01

ENS001/03

Self Defence Course With a Difference!

Sunday 1st and 8th June 2008

You don’t need to be a black belt martial artist in order to be safe. You have to have common sense.

Let us help you to find out the know-how. ● ●

●

● ● ● ● ●

Learn how to avoid danger and conflict in the first place.

Learn self defence and conflict management techniques from members of Army, SIA and 6th Dan black belt master in TKD (with experience in war zone and close protection units) This is a highly specialised training course, developed to be delivered specifically to Company Executives & business personnel who travel home and abroad into high risk areas and/or confrontational situations where their personal safety may be compromised.

This amazing seminar will change your whole attitude about martial arts and self defence.

Come and join our seminar and have 3 hours of exercise, fun, and receive useful tips on self defence at the same time.

Our experts will take you through theory as well as practical aspects of self defence.

Central London location near Swiss Cottage underground STN, NW3.

All participants will be furnished with gold-plated self defence certificates issued by Master in TKD. Groups welcome (special discount incl.)

Call Mr. Paul de Bernier on 07981 912 274 (or alternatively Mr. Tony Caboni on 07769 970 090) for more info, or visit our web site @ www.originaltkd.co.uk Places are limited. Advance booking is strongly recommended as these courses have been extremely popular in the past.

Dae do I

N

T

E

R

N

A

T

I

O

N

A

L

WE STOCK THE ENTIRE TAEKWONDO RANGE! PRO 15733 FOREARM GUARD ‘COMFORT’ MADE OF MOULDED FOAM WITH THE SHAPE OF THE FOREARM AND COATED WITH LEATHERETTE. TIED UP WITH A FLEXIBLE RUBBER BAND. COMFORTABLE. SIZE: XS-S-M-L-XL

PRO 20553 HEAD GEAR WTF RECOGNIZED RED/BLUE. LIGHTWEIGHT AND RESISTANT. FOR COMPETITION AND TRAINING. SIZE: S-M-L-XL

PRO 15933 HAND PROTECTOR COMPETITION WTF RECOGNIZED COLOUR: WHITE SIZE: XS-S-M-L-XL-XXL

TA1O11 DOBOK WTF STYLE WITH WHITE COLLAR LIGHTWEIGHT. ‘TAEKWDNDO’ EMBROIDERY ON THE BACK OF THE JACKET. WIDE TROUSERS WITH ELASTIC WAIST. 65% POLYESTER 35% COTTON PRO 15613 COMPLETE MALE CUP GROIN GUARD WTF RECOGNIZED MADE OF HARD PLASTIC COATED WITH LEATHERETTE FOR BETTER SAFETY SIZE: S-M-L-XL

PRO 15934 FEET PROTECTOR TAEKWONDO TRAINING COLOUR: WHITE SIZE: XS-S-M-L-XL

PRO 16533 CHEST PROTECTOR WTF RECOGNIZED NEW DESIGN FOR NEW COMPETITION RULES. RED/BLUE. LIGHTWEIGHT AND RESISTANT. FOR COMPETITION AND TRAINING. SIZE: XS-S-M-L-XL PATENTED MODEL GOL002/01

Send all orders to: Gold Force, Unit 5, 245 Station Road, Dunscroft, Doncaster, DN7 4DY

Tel: 01302 846 258 Fax: 01302 846 888 Visit: Daedo.co.uk e-mail: goldforce@tiscali.co.uk Order over the telephone / All major credit cards accepted Please make all cheques payable to Goldforce (P&P £5.00 on all orders)

HAM001/19