There's more new COLOR in the school! We are pleased to announce the promotion of 31 Tang Soo Do students in Gup Shim Sa #31! We extend special recognition to a few stand-out students. The first is to a pair of sisters that seem to have really dedicated themselves to training in a very short period of time who have been rewarded early with their orange belts. Congratulations Jennifer and Mailyn! The second high five goes to Derrick Burton Jr. who successfully completed his 5th Gup Green Belt test as the sole green belt in the afternoon test. Unable to make the last test with his classmates he showed patience and discipline combined with a lot of improvement to earn his new rank. Way to go Derrick! Thank you to to Nan and Fran Paturzo for the awesome cupcakes to celebrate after the afternoon test.

Please join us in congratulating the following students:

4th Gup Green
Greg Marks, Jen Marks, Wade Dungan, Stephen Aigner, Katie Marks

5th Gup Green
Derrick Burton

8th Gup Orange/Blue
Jack Holmes, Megan Holmes, Adrian Leiva, Martin Efremov, Ayden Elsasser

8th Gup Orange/Black
Lauren Skinner, Jessica Olmos, Greg Gevorkian, Alexander Whitlinger, Emily Skinner, Sophie Gevorkian

8th Gup Orange/White
Jennifer Greig-Ratz, Mailyn Greig-Ratz

9th Gup Gold/Blue 
Sophia Stalcup

9th Gup Gold/Black
Billy Perkins, Francesca Paturzo, Samantha McCarthy, Chris Ramirez, Aiden Van Vliet, Parker O'Conner, Filip Vracevic, Tommy Marks

9th Gup Gold/White
Andrew Quintero, Brandon Del Rosario, Sophia Del Rosario

Students of Tang Soo Do typically begin learning the Pyung Ahn series of forms at Orange Belt (8th Gup). These forms are an important part of our Moo Do (martial discipline) development.

The modern Pyong Ahn forms were introduced as a series of five forms in 1901 by Itosu Yasutsune (1831 – 1915), a Shorin-ryu Karate master on Okinawa. The words Pyong Ahn translate to "Peaceful Confidence". The diagrams of the forms resemble a balanced scale. There is some differing opinions as to the exact history of the forms. Some claim that they originated in China and exemplify the southern regional style (Nam-Pa); that they were created by a Chinese military leader named Jeh Nam and were once known as the Jeh Nam Hyungs till late 1800.  Others would argue that they originated in Okinawa and were adapted by Itosu from older forms such as Kusanku and Gojushiho into forms suitable for teaching karate to young students and introducing martial arts practice into school systems.

Both theories presume the basis for the movements came originally from the southern region of China.  Forms introduced from this region are said to be of the Weh Ga Ryu (Outside/External House Style).  Weh Ga Ryu came from Southern Chinese Schools emphasizing speed, aggressiveness and dynamic action.  Examples of the Weh Ga Ryu style are the Gi Cho Hyung, Pyung Ahn Hyung, and Passai.

The exact history behind the origin of the Pyung Ahn series aside, there is great benefit to practicing these forms. These forms were introduced into the Tang Soo Do curriculum by Hwang Kee, who made the turtle the symbol of the Pyung-Ahn Hyungs.  The turtle bears a special significance in Korea culture comparable to that of the dragon in China. Throughout Korea, in gardens and temples especially, one sees turtle sculptures dating from historical times to the present.

In his book Tang Soo Do (Soo Bahk Do), Hwang Kee states (page 350):

"Perfect form, exquisite fusion of mind and body, is a high art and a thing of beauty."

"The practitioner cannot remember only the order of the form. It is more important for him to concentrate on balance, rhythm, breathing control, variation in speed and power control. It is vital to pay attention to these things so that the form is presented as an approach to a living ideal."

The series of forms Hwang Kee introduced to Tang Soo Do are very similar to those introduced earlier by Itosu.  Itosu's innovation when presenting the series for practice in public schools may have been to restructure the form by making it much more symmetrical than the Chinese version. Nearly every movement performed by the left side of the body is repeated on the right. This works both sides of the brain and makes the form's external movements and directions more consistent with the Um-Yang theory. The Pyung Ahn Hyungs have as their purpose the cultivation of harmony between Um and Yang in those who perform them. This entails more than just ability to execute the physical movements involved; a deeper knowledge behind the movements must be explored. Physical techniques must be complemented by spiritual wisdom (Duk), just as Um is balanced with Yang, if we are to find peaceful confidence in practicing the forms. The goal of the Pyung Ahn Hyungs is precisely this integration of contrasting force-um and yang, body and spirit-into a harmonious whole.

When practicing these Hyung it is natural to find defensive applications in the movements. Continuous practice of the forms develops confidence to performing the movements properly and by extension be more effective applying them defensively. Understanding these applications, how and when to apply them, cultivates wisdom in the student. This development of body and spirit occurs naturally.  Having developed confidence and wisdom the student will feel at ease, at peace, in mind and body regardless of the situation.  This is the feeling of Peaceful Confidence and the reason behind the name for the series of forms. The Pyung Ahn Hyung's ideal is equanimity and peace.

In Hwang Kee’s book we find the following passage on page 372:

References:
Hwang Kee (1978). Tang Soo Do (Soo Bahk Do). United States: Sang Moo Sa.
http://www.sfts.edu/faculty/noel/taekwondo/korean.asp
http://blog.wasatchmartialarts.com/pyung-ahn-hyung/259
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinan

As we look back on the past year we want to thank you for your generous support of Boys Town during the holidays. Our two newly promoted Black Belts, Adam Gilliland and Abbie Douglas, completed their project to pick up Santa's reigns and run our annual Toy Drive for Boys and Girls Town of California. A number of our families joined Abbie and Adam as they delivered gifts to Boys Town on Dec 17.   

"Dan, Takoda and I just wanted to send you a quick note to thank you for setting up the toy drive and allowing us the opportunity to meet Robert, Kelly and the children they are caring for.  The work that they and the Boys Town organization do is nothing short of amazing, and it is rewarding to know that we may have helped their cause in even a small way during this holiday season." - Faith Dumke

"Samantha and I truly enjoyed our visit to the Stephens home on Saturday.  What amazing people they are.  It was very heartwarming to see the joy in the children's eyes and how happy they were to see all of us. It was a great feeling to know that those children will have a wonderful Christmas this year thanks to all who gave gifts from OC Kicks." - Barbara McCarthy

"The kids and I had a WONDERFUL visit to Boys Town today and met some adorable young children who have been handed a hard lot in life at a young age. We so enjoyed bringing them some kindness and joy for Christmas. It was such a beautiful reminder that helping others ALWAYS ends up bringing you as much joy (or maybe more) as it does to those you are helping! Both my kids are asking to go back and volunteer some more, they loved playing with the kids and came home talking about what was special about each of them.  Thanks for arranging this opportunity for the kids to experience the joy of a generous spirit! My kids always think about helping impoverished children in other countries or far away places that seen so foreign and removed to them. This experience was a great way to show them that you don't have to travel very far to find people in need! Thanks to Abbie and Adam for setting this up and having the hearts to care!" - Jennifer Skinner

We often hear that black belt isn't an end goal, but instead a point where true learning can begin. We all generally accept this as sage wisdom even though it can be difficult to understand such an esoteric concept at first. After all, how can learning BEGIN at black belt?

Sometimes we rationalize the idea intellectually by observing highly skilled individuals and comparing our meager skills against them. But still we have a hard time grasping that we haven't really learned anything after four or five years of diligent study. Only a few monk-like individuals are so devoid of ego that they truly believe they know nothing when going for shodan.
So how does one explain this mystery, especially to those students who are brimming with "self confidence" and don't want to hear that their studies are only beginning?

Here's an analogy that might help shed some light on the situation.

Consider spelunkers (individuals who explores caves). Spelunkers don't just walk up to a cave and hop in...unless they're idiots. Instead, they first carefully collect the proper tools for the job. They prepare themselves mentally and physically for the rigors of cave diving through hiking, rock climbing, and other gateway activities. They also find an experienced spelunker to tag along with and learn from.

It takes a lot of time, preparation, and experience for a cave adventurer to actually get into real caves and begin to appreciate their beauty and complexity. If they don't take the proper time and precautions, their experiences can be baffling, unpleasant, and even dangerous.

Martial arts training is no different. Kyu [Gup] ranking is a very colorful way to accumulate the proper tools for the job at hand (life protection). A punch is a tool, as is a kick, block, or self defense technique. Eventually, after the tools are assembled, the fledgling martial artist utilizes gateway activities (yakusoku kumite [prearranged fighting], blocking drills, etc) to orient themselves to the demands and rigors of the task. If they're smart and lucky, they'll find guidance from someone who has traversed a proper path ahead of them - a competent sensei [Sa Bom].

Eventually, after a few years (let's say four or five), that martial artist is ready to take some real steps into self expression, creativity, and effectiveness. Furthermore, the arts can then be used to slowly coagulate the body, mind, and spirit into a formidable whole.

Martial arts are deep and cavernous...so deep in fact that you can spend your whole life exploring them, appreciating their beauty, and never reach the bottom.

Black belt means you have the tools, but it takes patience and perseverance to finally reach the caves and dive down in without getting lost or worse.

There's more new COLOR in the school! We are pleased to announce the promotion of 21 Tang Soo Do students in Gup Shim Sa #27! We extend special recognition to two groups of students. The first is our second crop of Team Turtle students that have reached the rank of 6th Gup Green Belt in Tang Soo Do. Way to go Alex, Lucas and Cole! The second high five goes to Lauren, Jessica and Emily who scored a double promotion at their first belt test! Each has been really dedicated and enthusiastic in class and it showed during their exam. Nice job ladies!

Please join us in congratulating the following students:

4th Gup Green
Don Evans, Mike Stevens, Michael Stevens

6th Gup Green
Derrick Burton, Natalie Banis, Alexandra Hamm, Lucas Demarco, Cole Burke

8th Gup Orange/White
Jack Holmes, Alex Whitlinger, Megan Holmes

Gold/Blue
Adrian Leiva, Martin Efremov, Ayden Elsasser

Gold/Black
Karen Holmes, Lauren Skinner, Jessica Olmos, Greg Gevorkian, Emily Skinner, Sophie Gevorkian, Nolan Modjeski

You can learn more about the dietary self-defense project at http://www.dietaryselfdefense.com/.

There's more new COLOR in the school! We are pleased to announce the promotion of 19 Tang Soo Do students in Gup Shim Sa #26!

Please join us in congratulating the following students:

5th Gup Green
Jake Kuta

6th Gup Green
Greg Marks, Jen Marks, Wade Dungan, Katie Marks

7th Gup Orange/Blue
Natalie Banis, Alexandra Hamm, Lucas Demarco, Cole Burke

Gold/Blue
Jack Holmes, Alex Whitlinger, Megan Holmes

Gold/Black
Adrian Leiva, Martin Efremov, Ayden Elsasser

Gold/White
Greg Gevorkian, Sophie Gevorkian, Jake Dungan, Nolan Modjeski

There's more new COLOR in the school! We are pleased to announce the promotion of 18 Tang Soo Do students in Gup Shim Sa #24!

Please join us in congratulating the following students:

4th Gup Green
Nathan Coppersmith

5th Gup Green
Mike Stevens

6th Gup Green
Stephen Aigner

7th Gup Orange/Blue
Greg Marks, Jen Marks, Wade Dungan, Katie Marks, Derrick Burton 

Gold/Blue
Alexandra Miramontes, Ethan Diaz

Gold/Black
Alex Whitlinger, Brennen Hill

Gold/White
Karen Holmes, Taylor Stephens, Brooke Bowley, Adrian Levia, Martin Efremov, Ayden Elsasser