On the Current State of TaeKwonDo (2)

The poomsae (or kata, by their Japanese name) seem to have gone the way of the telegraph and the typewriter at most modern TaeKwonDo schools. It seems to be widely accepted, if not the norm, for most black belt instructors at various dojang to shrug their shoulders when asked if they know any of the colored belts poomsae. Even worse, some will shrug when asked if they know their own forms. As if it were irrelevant to know and understand the sequences and movements our masters have dutifully set down over the years for our benefit.

This lack of interest, undoubtedly a product of the information age's super high speeds, extremely quick text messaging, I-want-it-and-need-it-now-so-I-won't-wait-mentality and influx of internet everything from immediate access to information to free pornography, is exacerbated by the covert public acceptance of the modern American's short attention span. Additionally, certain masters' not having the strength of character necessary to let the undeserving students go, but rather exhibiting a willingness to cater to their whims is nothing short of detrimental.

Maybe many do it out of nobility: perhaps with their guidance the student will realize his true potential and change his ways. Others, however, are evidently in search of monetary gain only, falling prey to the exploitation of their art for nothing more than commercial pursuits.

The economic reason, though, is understandable and makes us sympathize. Another, baser reason, however, is shunning poomsae, and traditional training in general, in favor of spectacle. All it seems students, and some instructors, want to know, is to learn to spar. Nothing else. Oh, they'll learn and teach blocks and kicks but only with the intent to use them in sometimes frivolous tournaments, or worse, on the street to show off.

In so doing, we forget two of the most important lessons we have ever been taught: "the greatest victory is the battle not fought," and, borrowing from LiMuBai in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, who was also borrowing: "to start with, you must learn to hold [a sword] in stillness." Stillness, after all, is what we want to achieve, quieting the violence that plagues our society so perversely.