American Moo-Do Kwan/Verified

10/30/2025

This was a really interesting segment...

07/23/2024

01/23/2024

01/05/2024

Here's a quick "heads up" for followers of this page. I worked with Lynda's colleague yesterday to try to figure out how to make this page more interactive.

Unfortunately, it seems that FB does not make these pages easy for those who want to interact to do so. Comments only seem possible when responding to posts that I create; therefore, I will be working to make our AMK website more accessible.

For now, I will share some info here, and comments are welcome. We will keep working and exploring the potential of this FB page to be able to facilitate more intellectual dialogue. Thank you for checking it out.

01/05/2024

Usually, I do not share my End of the Year message; however, I feel that this year's may be of some value to my FB followers...

As we end another year, I always like to reflect on where we are and who we are as a program. There can be no question that our program has been blessed with some of the most dedicated, ethical, and honorable people. I will never forget or diminish that value.

Without a doubt, it has been a challenge to continue classes since we lost our venue of more than two decades, first through the pandemic and later through adverse actions of others. Nevertheless, we have done our best to continue training virtually. In no small measure, that was through the dedication and support of loyal students and instructors. I am keenly sensitive to the current situation that prevents me from offering them a better training environment. However, we never can know what can be discovered as we move forward. I believe that we must always move forward. It is expressed in the martial art world as indomitable spirit.

In fact, as our physical training environment has been limited, we have found ways to grow in other ways. We have gained new and broader philosophical and spiritual insights. That virtue has been frequently advocated by our senior members and several of our closest colleagues and supporters. We have been able to share insights and knowledge found through martial art training with those who interact with us daily. We have become more collaborative. We have become more considerate of others. We have focused on service. These are values that transcend typical martial art classes.

Of course, I cannot predict the future, but I can recognize the value that we have today. Also, I am aware of my own personal limitations. That is why I feel the necessity to pass on what I know so that others can carry my vision forward. Recently, we lost some great visionaries and leaders in our martial art community. I often wonder if their vision will be carried forward. We must not only rely on ourselves to ensure that we have a legacy. We must ensure that our vision is shared and carried forward. That is also a part of the AMK mission. To that end, I hope to continue to inspire and prepare others to carry the torch forward.

As we conclude 2023 and look forward to 2024, I hope that each of us will find it within himself or herself to commit to a sense of service, cooperation, and integrity to bring forth the best traditions of oriental martial art training, discipline, and dedication. People often speak of spirituality but think of it in the context of personal identity. I have always considered the term as going beyond oneself. In other words, think not of oneself as a spiritual person but strive to do spiritual things. I tend to think of being spiritual as connecting with others for a common good. It is my great hope that it will be the greatest legacy of our AMK.
Very best regards and Happy Holidays,

07/27/2023

I got a question the other day. Actually, I have had similar questions or comments before. That is, "You teach martial arts to seniors, so wouldn't you get more students if you didn't teach it traditionally?" In other words, can seniors handle the philosophy, a foreign language, or exotic forms? Wouldn't it be better to just teach some exercises and leave it at that?

I would say that those kinds of questions bring up some issues about seniors that are worth discussing. Are we better off imposing limits on seniors, disabled, or anyone really? What should martial art training really be about? Is martial art training only suitable for the young? If not, how should I adapt the training to best serve those people who might have limitations? That is the question...

07/26/2023

Some observations:
When I began my training in Kendo, in the '60s, I trained 1 day a week for 2 hours. All ages trained together.
When I started Shotokan, I trained 3 days a week for 1.5 hours a day.
When I started TKD, with the Korean Army in Vietnam, I trained for 6 days a week for 3 hours a day.

When I returned to the US in '72, I trained for 6 days a week for 1.5-3 hours a day.

When I started teaching at the YMCA in '85, I had classes only on Saturdays for 1.5 hours.

When I opened my first commercial school in '87, I had classes for about 4-5 hours a day, 6 days a week. I felt that juniors and adults should train together as was the case in early Asian cultures.

When I moved to La Palma in 2001, I started classes on Saturday for about 1.5 hours a day. I discovered that students could not absorb the training for only 1 day a week, so I added 2 additional weekday classes. Finally, I added intermediate and advanced classes to Saturdays and made the weekday classes supplemental.

As we taught multiple martial arts classes, I rotated them throughout each week. I am now convinced that the only effective way to teach oriental martial arts is several days a week, as stated above, and there should be multiple skill level classes.

Finally, because of the change in current American culture, I now have changed my thinking to believe that there needs to be separate classes for different age groups as well. However, I would still like to leave open the option for juniors to train with adults. I believe that it promotes teamwork and collaboration.

Your thoughts?

06/25/2023

Over the past month, our students and instructors have been viewing the "Star Wars" saga, beginning with "Episode I: The Phantom Menace." As in the past, I want them to use this popular series to appreciate the connection between these movies and our martial art philosophies.

Through post-viewing discussions, young and old members have been discussing the interesting insights proposed by the movies--martial arts, family, psychology, and politics. That makes this extra training helpful to gain a better understanding of the goals of our training.

Today, we will be viewing "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story." May the Force be with us!

06/12/2023

Dear Students, Instructors, Colleagues, and Supporters:
You may be wondering what this page is about. I am replacing a previous page that was not under my control nor reflective our meaning, essence, or values. I hope to make it a better place for collaboration and information. I hope that you find value here. Thank you for visiting...