Sunday, February 1, 2009

What Han Moo Kwan means to me - - Chief Instructor's Blog February 1, 2009

The word Han is the South Korea name for Korea, the word Moo means Military or Martial, and the word Kwan means School or Hall; together Han Moo Kwan means "Korean Military School".

The Han Moo Kwan Tae Kwon Do emblem contains the symbols of the Han Mu Gymnasium, a connection to the school where Mr. Kim was trained. The emblem contains a "V"; for victory, olive leaves for peace, and a dragon for power.

So, while the above provides a framework for the intent and philosophy of Han Moo Kwan, how each of us interprets it and embodies this philosophy may vary slightly.

The training teaches focus, intensity, and confidence to end a fight quickly (victory). The training is used strictly for self-defense and self-protection if avoidance, de-escalation, or escape is not an option (peace). From an energy perspective, the color red represents safety and security. Therefore, for me, the fact the olive leaves are red reinforces the fact we use martial arts strictly for our safety and to preserve peace. The training focuses on a direct, linear straightforward fighting art style (power). From an energy perspective, the color green represents connection to others and connection to self. Therefore, for me, the fact the dragon is green represents a connection and discovery of the power we have within ourselves that we discover through martial arts.

I recently learned from Gary Murray that he was the one that designed the patch with Mr. Kim. One of the things that Gary mentioned was one of the last changes Mr. Kim wanted was to change the “V” from being behind the dragon to interwoven with the dragon. To me this amplifies the philosophy of Han Moo Kwan in that victory is only possible if you use your power strictly for self-defense and to use it for any other purpose regardless of the outcome would not be a victory for anyone.

The training we take part in provides opportunities for us to work through challenges and personal obstacles, which as we overcome them, allow us to improve ourselves physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. It is a path for improvement as we allow ourselves to be patient and open to the training and the teachings.

In addition, Han Moo Kwan means to me giving back to and sharing with community. As a non-profit club, our goal is to provide training and awareness to students at a minimal cost, where instructors dedicate their time sharing their knowledge and experience with other students so that both are learning and growing from each other.

As you go through your training, each of you will interpret for yourselves and embody Han Moo Kwan in your own way building on and expanding its fundamental intent and philosophy. And, as each of us does that, and shares our experiences with others, we will continue the essence of the style, the Club, and Mr. Kim’s legacy.

Regards,
Kelly

After asked why we practice the reply was “To better ourselves” ~ Mr. Ui Jung Kim, 6th Degree Black Belt, Founder of the Han Moo Kwan Club, Sunnyvale, CA