My Story part 1 (from a former Jungyae instructor) (of 4)

Originally posted on the Dragons Dungeon on 11-03-02
http://anyboard.net/rec/sports/Royal_Dragons_Dungeon/posts/361.html

My Story part 1
My time is rather scattered so I will share with you my story and answer your questions as I find extra bits of time.
First off, I am still a school owner. In early April of this year I split form the JYMS Federation. There where many reasons for this which you will learn throughout my story. I am still teaching the same theories and principles that where taught by JYMS, except rather than using the JYMS forms (actually TKD forms) as a base I am using the Bei Sil Lum (Northern Shaolin) forms created by Ku Yu Cheung as a base.
From a distance, and maybe even up close, JYMS does appear a bit like OYD. I have never trained OYD so I cannot offer a true comparison.
As far as not giving prices over the phone and requiring an interview, it is simply a sales technique. Once you have someone in the door, you can usually get them to join. While sales are not a part of the traditional martial arts, they are a necessary evil of a commercial school. I personally do not use this approach. I feel that if you cannot captivate someone, be it by phone or e-mail, you are not strong in what you have to offer.
As to why I left and whether or not I think JYMS is a valid art, let me share my story...
In 1990 I began my search for a martial arts school. I had read many books and studied the history of the arts for quite some time but had no actual training. I want to move from enthusiast to practitioner. I followed a basic tenant that I had read in several books. It is better to spend three year searching for a true master than training for 10 years with a fake one.
I originally wanted to train Kung Fu, however the only school within a reasonable distance was Temple Kung Fu, and just by listening to what they had to say I knew that would be a waste of time, energy and money. Even to someone who had never trained before they where obviously a scam.
By 1993 I had narrowed my search for a style and teacher to JYMS and an OYD school in Bellevue. After observing several classes and asking endless questions (which obviously was driving the instructors nuts) I chose JYMS. My reasons for choosing JYMS where several.
At the time OYD had lots of schools and JYMS was only one school taught by Master Kim, Won Kuk himself. Also, and not to bash or talk badly (as that will never be my intent throughout my story) the level of teachings was much higher. There was a much greater focus on the theories and principles, the lessons seemed much more balanced and well rounded and the skill level of the senior students at JYMS was far beyond that of the OYD seniors. The overall feel of JYMS was much more real, for lack of a better word.
More to come...