Daniel Sullivan said:
Prior threads that I have seen over the past year seem to have about a page worth of pseudo discussion followed by seven pages of trolling. This is a fairly lengthy discussion minus the trolls, which I feel differentiates it quite a bit from previous threads.
There may be older threads that did not involve trolling, but I had specific questions and I wanted to set a specific tone, so I felt that a fresh start was in order.
The only problem with attempting to look for a "fresh start" is that anyone from those previous years and threads (look at 2001/2002/2003 time frame), who had supposedly actual knowledge of the whys and where fores on this subject are no longer here to offer rebuttals or opposing viewpoints.
That is the nature of internet forums: people come and go. Just as some of those people may be gone, people who were not on this board to offer opinions at that time are here now.
Also, this was split off from another thread, as stated in the OP.
A few of those referenced people were high ranking Hapkido instructors, so trolls were not the issue. As Hollywood 1340 stated "dig deeper".
Since my trolling comment was in reference to threads that have occurred over the past year or so, this would not apply the discussions of which you speak. I am sure that Dancing, Drac and Hollywood know the threads of which I speak and can probably guess of whom I speak with regards to trolling comments. Also, I find that one's rank in a martial art seemingly has no bearing on whether or not they will troll on the internet.
As for digging deeper, I'm not sure how much deeper you expect me to dig, short of taking the plunge and actually studying the system. I called DSI at the behest of some of the posters here and was contacted back by GMP directly. I have stated that I am considering purchasing vol. 1 of the DVD series to see it for myself. I have gone on Youtube searched out CHKD vids to see for myself.
Starting this thread was part of digging deeper as well. To be honest, the only reason that I post on MT is to learn more about martial arts from people who either know more than myself or who know things different from that which I know. I will take your suggestion and look at some of the older threads.
As one can plainly see, the only contributions that have been forthcoming are from those who are directly involved with CHKD. If your wondering why I'm even offering to post on this subject, it's because I'm attempting to assist you with your questions and not be directly involved in something that has no real finality to it. I will however quote Drac here: "My attitude has always been that if you dont like the Grandmaster or the discipline, DONT STUDY IT !!"
I am not sure where this response is coming from.
Firstly, your participation is certainly appreciated.
Secondly, I absolutely agree: if one does not like the GM or the system, then no, they should not study it.
That, however, is not the dynamic here. I have no dislike for GMP. After our phone conversation, my opinion of him went from a friendly neutral to solidly positive. Nor do I have any negative comments regarding what I have personally seen of the system, which admittedly is not all that much.
I am attempting to dig deeper and to make headway into understanding the system to a greater degree, thus I asked some specific questions:
What is the substantive differences between Combat Hapkido and traditional hapkido in general?
How much 'hapkido' is there in Combat Hapkido?
Exactly what was changed and what was added from other arts?
I am interested in what people have to say about the system and its content, not specifically about GMP.
Is the distance learning changed substantially, or at all, from the system as taught in person?
I understand that the organization allows for video grading. Firstly, is this true? Secondly, how strict are the guidelines for such a test? Thirdly, is there any rank that must be tested for in person?
If you have insight into any of them, it would be appreciated.
Daniel