Source Standards
Guidelines for evaluating, citing, and classifying sources used in this project.
Purpose
This page defines how sources are:
- identified
- evaluated
- categorized
- referenced
The goal is not to exclude imperfect sources, but to make their context visible.
Source classification does not imply absolute accuracy or authority—it provides a framework for interpretation.
Source Categories
Sources used in this project generally fall into the following categories:
Published Works
- books (e.g., Kuk Sool texts)
- academic publications
- formally printed materials
These are typically treated as higher-confidence sources, depending on authorship and context.
Organizational Publications
- official websites
- association materials
- promotional or instructional content
These are valuable but may reflect organizational perspective or narrative.
Archival Materials
- scanned documents
- historical records
- older publications
These are often important but may require interpretation due to:
- incomplete context
- translation issues
- condition of materials
Interviews and Practitioner Accounts
- conversations with practitioners
- instructor insights
- oral history
These are considered contextual sources and may:
- provide insight not found elsewhere
- reflect individual experience or interpretation
Secondary and Aggregated Sources
- articles
- summaries
- third-party compilations
These are used cautiously and typically require cross-referencing.
Source Evaluation
Sources are not treated equally. When possible, the following factors are considered:
- proximity to events described
- author credibility
- potential bias or perspective
- consistency with other sources
Evaluation informs how a source is used—not whether it is included.
Attribution and Transparency
Where appropriate, pages may include:
- a “Sources” section
- notes on source type (e.g., organizational, oral, archival)
- context for interpretation
The goal is to allow readers to understand:
- where information comes from
- how it should be interpreted
Use of Oral and Practitioner Knowledge
Oral tradition is recognized as an important part of martial arts transmission.
When used:
- it may be identified as practitioner knowledge
- it is not presented as verified historical fact unless supported by additional sources
This distinction preserves both value and context.
Conflicting Sources
When sources disagree:
- multiple accounts may be presented
- differences are noted
- resolution is not forced without strong evidence
The goal is to document variation, not eliminate it.
Citation Style (Current State)
This project currently uses:
- lightweight citation (inline or section-based)
- descriptive source notes
More formal citation structures may be introduced as the project evolves.
Use in Glossary Entries
Glossary entries typically include a “Source Notes” section that reflects the classification of information rather than formal citation.
These notes may include:
- Published sources
- Organizational references
- Practitioner usage
The purpose is to provide context for interpretation rather than to establish authority.
This approach supports consistency with the project’s practitioner–historian model.
Ongoing Development
Source standards are expected to evolve as:
- new materials are discovered
- additional sources are integrated
- the structure of the project matures
Last updated: 2026-04-22