Harshness of the Art form - - Chief Instructor's Blog July 2013

Han Moo Kwan literally means Korean Military School - 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.

The name implies the intent of the art form was to use it for military purposes. The intent and of the art form is to learn techniques and philosophy to defend oneself in a combat or military situation. Because of this, the philosophy of the art form is often seen as harsh.

Keep in mind, that this fighting art is used strictly for self-defense and for improving oneself physically and spiritually. The intent being if you can not escape the situation and have to defend yourself, you will defend yourself until you feel safe again. We fight as if our life depends on it, doing whatever it takes to defend our life and neutralize the threat.

Therefore, when we need to use our techniques, we throw them offensively not defensively.
• Blocks do not stop or deflect an incoming strike or kick, blocks are used to break.
• Strikes and kicks are thrown to go through the target, shattering and damaging the target.
• In Han Moo Kwan, we do not teach to grab – we strike or crush.

Every technique is meant to cause damage, even if it is subtle. For example, there is a fist rotating move in Mepojan 2 – this is not just turning the fist, this technique is actually used to tear skin.

When practicing against air or a bag, our intent and focus on each technique should be to cause damage. If you are wondering if an application or the intent of a technique is right, think if that application is to cause damage. If it is not causing damaging, think of a different application where damage could be possible and you will find a better application and intent for the technique.

For instance, there is a technique in Pyung Ahn 3, where we turn 180 degrees and end up with both fists on our hips. I have heard several possible applications for this technique, but one that is more aligned with the Han Moo Kwan philosophy is the turn is actually more of a headlock technique that followed by the next move of a stomping side kick could do severe damage to the neck.

Even though the art form is very harsh in its intent, safety is still very important to the Club. When we practice with each other in class, we have to ensure we control our intensity so we do not damage one another significantly.

So it is important to practice with the right intent and focus so if you had to use the art form you will be effective in protecting yourself. But at the same time, you need to respect the harshness when applying against another student in class.

Regards,
Kelly

“The art of war teaches us to rely not on the likelihood of the enemy's not coming, but on our own readiness to receive him; not on the chance of his not attacking, but rather on the fact that we have made our position unassailable." ~ Sun Tzu (6th Century BC), Chinese General, military strategist, and author of The Art of War