Friday, September 2, 2011

Evolution of Learning Hyung Part I1- - Chief Instructor's Blog September 2011

Note: This two part series describes the evolution of learning hyung (forms). The first part described the mechanics and mechanical power. In this second part, the energy side plus some other aspects of studying the forms at an advanced level are described.

Studying Energy
When students can apply sufficient force to cause damage with each technique, it is also a time for students to work with an instructor to study the relationship of energy and their mechanics. This practice is to ensure that the direction of focus and movement for each technique or transition to the next technique matches the direction of the energy.

Study of Variations and Application
For more advanced students (Interim Black and Black Belts), once the form can be performed well with force and speed, students should explore all possible variations and applications of the moves. This analysis of the forms to undercover its applications are called bunkai in Japanese. The variations, applications or interpretation of the techniques can be as many as the expansiveness of one’s imagination. Everything within the hyung has a meaning or application (even though some of them may not be very obvious), even turns and transition, so these too should be studied in detail.

Again, a single interpretation of a technique is practiced when first learning the form so students can focus more on the correct position, motion, transitions, stance, and eye position for each technique.

Discovering the variations and applications within a form should be practiced with a partner to understand and explore their potential applications in self-defense or sparring. When practicing with a partner, in order to determine the effectiveness of techniques, it is important that partners respond to the techniques with realistic and predictable responses. In addition, by sharing new ideas, other interpretations of the application(s) may be uncovered. In studying the variations and possible applications, it is also important to try to understand why it works.

References 1 and 2 are excellent sources of information about studying applications in the hyung.

Applying and Projecting Energy
For advanced students (Black Belts), after exploring force and speed and potential applications of each technique within the form, they should spend time on applying and projecting energy and setting intentions throughout the techniques within the form.

Advanced students should consider practicing the forms eliminating reciprocal actions and relying on internal energy for power instead.

To start projecting energy one must also have focus and intent. When practicing Han Moo Kwan, the students should have intent of the energy that matches the strategies and philosophy of Han Moo Kwan: direct, offensive, linear, hard. When students project energy with good mechanics and focus (mind-body-spirit) it makes them extremely effective and increases their overall power. In addition, when students project energy during Hyung, which will be unique to each person’s own style and method of doing so, students start “making the Hyung their own.” This does not mean that the student changes what the Hyung looks like to a casual observer or changes the style of the art form. A natural fall out of this is the timing and cadence of the form varies throughout the hyung based on the intent and focus being projected.

In addition, advanced students should also start practicing where they split their ethereal body from their physical for each move of the form such that their ethereal body is ahead and protects the physical body until the physical body completes the technique.

Finishing at Starting Spot
Advanced students (Black Belts), should also explore the forms that do not naturally finish at the starting spot and discover what adjustments need to be made to finish at the starting spot. The ability to adjust stances to be able to move to an exact spot has merit in self-defense scenarios.

Regards,
Kelly

“Kata and wazu (technique) are both limited by themselves. They are useless until one learns how to apply them in any situation.” ~ Okinawan Martial Arts Poem, unknown author

References
1. Bunkai-Jutsu by Iain Abernethy
2. The Way of Kata: A Comprehensive Guide for Deciphering Martial Applications by Lawrence Kane