The Han Moo Kwan Tae Kwon Do Club is an organization charged with the responsibility of maintaining a fighting art as it was initially taught by Mr. Kim, staying true to both its application and intent.
Combining a club atmosphere with the teaching and learning of a potentially deadly fighting art requires the instructors to maintain the right balance of attitude, creating an environment which promotes a friendly exchange of ideas while modeling the necessary intensity. Over time, the club setting tends to foster close friendships which further enhance the spirit of the club. This often results in club members socializing outside of class.
The Art Form:
There were many forms of Tae Kwon Do developed in Korea, promoted through a variety of schools called “Kwans”. Han Moo Kwan is one of nine original families within Tae Kwon Do, and has a somewhat colorful background. The Han Moo Kwan philosophy and strategies are based on an honorable fighting art with its origins dating back hundred of years. According to Mr. Kim, it was selected as a primary form taught to the military, and was forced to go underground when Korea experienced times of political change.
Our Han Moo Kwan retains the traditional style and philosophy taught to Mr. Kim in the 1950s, before the unification of the Kwans (schools) into the World TaeKwonDo Federation (WTF). Unlike WTF, which markets its training toward younger students desiring to achieve through competition (sport), this form addresses the needs of the adult who wishes to practice a power form designed for personal combat. This fighting art is used strictly for self-defense using only bare hands and feet, no weaponry, to fend off attackers.
The physical (body) aspect of our training provides the student with an aerobic and anaerobic workout. Other benefits include increased flexibility, improved balance, and strength training. The mental (mind) aspect of the art form teaches power and focus. Other benefits include stress reduction and increased self-confidence. The discipline of blending these body-mind skills is based on a respect for oneself and others.
The strategies of the Han Moo Kwan art form is close the distance, perform simple, straightforward techniques, strike or block for damage to end altercation quickly, be grounded, and extend energy. The most common tactics used to execute the strategies are linear strikes, kicks, and blocks.
The Chief Instructor reports directly to the Club President, and is responsible to the Board Of Directors for maintaining the integrity of the art form.
The Club Atmosphere:
The club atmosphere was developed and set by Mr. Kim and Bob Rainie. They intentionally dropped most of the formalities found in traditional Korean Tae Kwon Do schools. They also made sure that the club had a social side, so that it was not just a martial arts studio. Mr. Kim suggested dropping the use of Korean terminology and constant bowing so the club workouts would be more like friends getting together than students working under an instructor.
The Club is a non-profit organization. All class instructors are black belts and receive no money for instruction but are “paid” in different ways. Part of this approach revolves around “giving back” to the community which is in-line with Mr. Kim’s philosophy about sharing the art form. In our case, individuals reaching the rank of black belt are expected to give back to those members just starting out.
To help facilitate a club atmosphere, events are planned throughout the year such as picnics in the summer for club members to interact in a relaxed, social environment. Also after students are awarded their new rank, they are treated to a celebration dinner.
Club Officers from the beginning have been essential in running and building the Han Moo Kwan Tae Kwon Do Club. The Club Officers are the liaisons with the corporate sponsor, Han Moo Kwan Association Board Of Directors and the community. They are the forerunners in promoting and ensuring longevity of the Han Moo Kwan Tae Kwon Do Club and art form.
Although the art form is often seen as “harsh”, the club retains its underlying goal of building community. Studied by men and women, the young and not so young, a strong sense of camaraderie develops among club members.
Regards,
Kelly
“Show up. Work out.” ~ Mr. Ui Jung Kim (1941-1999), 6th Degree Black Belt, Founder of the Han Moo Kwan Club, Sunnyvale, CA
References
1. http://www.hanmookwan.org/about_us.htm
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