AboutMichael Cummings Expertise I am available to answer your questions in regard to history, philosophy, technique and practice of karate, jujutsu, kenjutsu and iaijutsu. I also have knowledge and experience in Okinawan kobujutsu and traditional Japanese weapons including the jo (short staff) and yari (spear). I also have a good foundation to answer general questions concerning various other Japanese, Okinawan, Korean and Chinese styles, including their traditions, history and philosophy.
Experience I have a diverse background with over 30 years of study and practice in Japanese and Okinawan bujutsu (martial arts). I presently hold licenses/rankings in karatejutsu, iaijutsu, kenjutsu and jujutsu, respectively, as well as Okinawan kobujutsu. My first sensei was Watanabe Tsuyoshi Hanshi, and later Makiyama Gogen Shidoshi.
I have also studied several Chinese systems, including Hung Gar tiger/crane and wing chun, and hold a black sash (shodan) in Song Shan Kempo.
I have been fortunate to have studied and trained with a number of highly qualified and revered practitioners, sensei and sifu from several diverse martial traditions.
I am also an amateur marital arts historian and student of hoplology.
Question Hello Master Cummings; I have studied Tang Soo Do, and learned a form called Shempa (Shem-pa?, spelling?) My teacher at the time said it was Chinese in origin, but I have looked everywhere on line and talked with several other Dan holders from the same area who learned this form. No one seems to know anything about its origins. Can you add any knowledge?
Answer David~
Thank you for your question. Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner.
I don't have a lot of personal experience with tang soo do, although a good friend of mine studied the Korean arts in the mid- to late 70s. What I do know is tang soo do is the Korean pronunciation of the same kanji originally used for kara te do, or China hand way. Like the modern Japanese pronunciation, tang soo do still sounds the same, but now is accepted as meaning empty hand way.
TSD claims to have ancient roots, but appears to be of more modern origin. Although no one person is listed as the style's creator, TSD is generally credited to Hwang Kee, the founder of moo duk kwon (circa 1945). Hwang claims moo duk kwon to be an amalgamation of an old Korean system called Tae kyon and many modern influences. From moo duk kwon, both tae kwon do and tang soo do emerged.
Here is a partial list of the kata that appear to be practiced universally among TSD students: kee cho (three forms), pyong ahn or pyung ahn (five forms), naebojin (three forms) , pal che, sip soo, jindo, kong sang koon, sei shan, wang shu, chil sung (seven forms), and yuk ro (six forms). There are others, and inclusion depends upon the school's affiliation. (Note: Spellings may vary as well)
All of the kata listed except for the last two can be traced directly to Japanese/Okinawan karate kata, with some variation:
Pyung ahn--Pinan (Heian)
Naebojin--Naihanchi (Tekki)
Pal Che--Passai (Bassai)
Sip Soo--Jitte
Jindo--Chinto
Kong Sang Koon--Kusanku
Sei Shan--Seisan
Wang Shu--Wansu
Chil Sung--created by Hwang Kee
Yuk Ro--created by Hwang Kee
Like yourself, I can find no reference to Shem Pa, or any variation of spelling. Given TSD's history, it very well could be a kata from another older, less known Korean or Chinese system. Ot, its possible that this is a personal form created by an instructor or school head. Often, folks will create a kata and to add legitimacy to it, will say that it is very old or a special kata taught to them by their teacher, etc.
Without appearing disrespectful, you could ask the person who taught you this kata the exact origin. If that's not possible, I would suggest seeking out other TSD practitioners and comparing notes.
