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glad2bhere
19th September 2000, 20:49
I have raised this question on a couple of Nets and wonder if anyone here can provide some help.

The Head of the Hwa Rang Kumdo Assn, GM Hyi Koo, 8th Dan has chosen to accellerate our training by shifting to the use of shin guem (steel swords) in the next year or so. This will entail the purchase of some rather pricey forged weapons from Korea. There are some students who are anxious about making such an investment ($900 to $1200) and risking violating the laws and ordinances of the Chicago area. As only one a few Anglos in an otherwise all Korean organization I have volunteered to gather the necessary information. To date I have attempted to contact the States Attorney, Public Defender, police department as well as other organizations whose interest is fencing (east or west). So far no luck.

If anyone has had experience in this matter or can recommend resources for getting this information I would very appreciative.

Beat Wishes,
Bruce W Sims
http://www.midwesthapkido.com

Carlos Estrella
19th September 2000, 21:23
I looked on the State's website at the penal code... there isn't anything I could find that would expressly prohibit possession of the blades, but an ill-tempered public official could make life difficult. Here is the website address:

http://www.legis.state.il.us/ilcs/ch720/ch720act5articles/ch720act5Sub34.htm

Maybe you should try and invite a few public officials to a "cultural demonstration" to "break the ice". This may help in getting either a direct answer, or possibly an "official sanctioning" of some sort.

Hope this helps.

Carlos Estrella

glad2bhere
19th September 2000, 23:27
Dear Carlos:

Thanks for the tip. I have a most interesting coincidence to report. Not long after I posted my comment I got a call from the local Kendo people who recommended a site that listed a local Kendo rep. His suggestion was that I contact the local alderman for the location of the school who in turn lined me up with a legal counsel for the Chicago PD. After some time on the phone and a bit more on Microsoft Word I will be faxing a letter to this individual hopefully to get a letter which can be distributed to the effected students should any "awkward moments" arise. I will be sure to pass along the results.

Thanks again for your help.

Best Wishes,
Bruce W Sims
http://www.midwesthapkido.com