Everything Has a Meaning and Use - - Chief Instructor's Blog May 2013

In the beginning we refer to transitions as preps or turns, or even just as a transition. In the beginning we teach you to crawl before you walk before you run, so we ensure you proactive the prep and turns mechanically correct but do not focus on the intention or the application of these techniques. One step at a time. The reality is there is no such thing as just a prep, turn, or transition. These are actually moves in and of themselves. The technique is not just the end position and a strike or kick at the end. The movement and motion to the end position are strikes and part of the technique itself. Every movement is a useful technique and has a meaning. Everything we do, we do for a reason and is part of Han Moo Kwan. Everything.


Let’s look at a couple of examples.

High block/ low block prep:

• At the completion of the prep, this can be used as a guard to your upper body and sternum.
• The transition from the prep to a low block is actually the start of the strike. It can be used to escape from a wrist grab, for example.
• The transition from the prep to a high block can be used as a forearm strike or a an elbow strike as you move to the final position of a high block.

Medium block prep:

• At the completion of the prep, this can be used as a guard to your upper body and sternum.
• This prep is an excellent block against a round-house or turn-away kick.
• The prep can be used to defend against a lapel/shoulder grab or a double lapel /shoulder grab.
• The transition from the ‘prep” to a medium block is part of the strike as you move to the final position.

Front kick prep:

• The prep of bringing the knee up can be used as a knee strike.
• It can also be used to block an opponent from coming in.

Turns in forms or basics:

• Turns in forms and basics can be used as leg sweeps or as a maneuver against an opponent.
Reciprocals:

• Reciprocal can be used as an elbow strike for an opponent behind you.
• Reciprocals can be used to draw an opponent closer from a same side or cross armed grab.

Other examples:

• The transition to an extended spear hand guard position can be used to strike downward to trap or deflect a strike.
• The transition to the final hook punch position can be an elbow strike or part of a forearm strike.
• Prep for the double knife hand in Pyung Ahn One can actually be used as a guard to a forward upper body strike as you step aside from the strike.

And the list can go on and on and on. One of the things I enjoy most about the art form is discovering what each motion and movement can be used for. What application and in what scenarios can I use this motion and movement to be effective. For me, it is what has kept the art form interesting to me for over 19 years. I continually discover new ways to use these movement and motion in self-defense, sparring, etc.

So, as you progress in the art form, and get competent in the techniques, start emphasizing and thinking of each technique not just by the final position, but in the transition as well. Start playing with applications of that motion and movement. Start recognizing that everything, everything we do in class is part of Han Moo Kwan and has a purpose and application and is useful.

Regards,
Kelly

"The true science of martial arts means practicing them in such a way that they will be useful at any time, and to teach them in such a way that they will be useful in all things." ~ Miyamoto Musashi (c. 1584 –1645) - famous Japanese swordsman, the author of The Book of Five Rings