In the previous blog, I talked about training diligently. I want to also mention one must also train wisely. The instructors at the Club encourage everyone to train on their own as well as in class. We applaud the enthusiasm of students who really are motivated to learn and train as much as possible, but one can physically overtrain. When students physically overtrain, they tend to burnout quicker and faster and are more prone to injuries.
In order to know if you are overtraining you need to know the signs. The American Council on Exercise (ACE) [1], lists the physical signs of overtraining as:
- Decreased performance
- Loss of coordination
- Prolonged recovery
- Elevated morning heart rate
- Elevated resting blood pressure
- Headaches
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle soreness/tenderness
- Gastrointestinal disturbances
- Decreased ability to ward off infection
- Increased incidence of musculoskeletal injuries
- Disturbed sleep patterns
The American Council on Exercise (ACE) [1] as notes that the psychological and emotional signs of overtraining include depression, apathy, difficulty concentrating, emotional sensitivity and reduced self-esteem.
In martial arts, some of the aspects you may observe that might be signs of burnout include:
- Your skills plateau or actually decrease
- Promotion scores are smaller or plateau
- Rank changes (belt color changes) become more distant or far between. It is difficult to maintain your focus during these long periods of stagnation.
- For those that reach a higher rank and start coaching, they spend less time on their own training
- Mental attitude that there is nothing more to learn or can not improve anymore
If your physical body needs a rest, it does not mean you can not continue to train. As stated in the past blog and other blogs, becoming proficient in martial arts goes beyond just physically demonstrating the techniques.
To better grasp and understand the techniques or forms or applications, some suggestions to continue your study without physically exhausting your body include:
- Read the material on the Association website (http://www.hanmookwan.org/art_form_references.htm), write it down, listen intently to the details
- Talk through the details. For example, state out loud some key attributes of the techniques.
- Visualize yourself performing techniques, forms, self-defense, etc
- Watch videos of yourself going through basics, forms, and self defense and analyze yourself
- Talk and share with others the technique and ideas about the technique
- Come to class and observe other students and listen intently to the details and descriptions of the exercises, drills, etc
Regards,
Kelly
“If you use up your strength to excess in karate training, this will cause you to lose the energy in your lower abdomen and will be harmful to your body. Your face and eyes will turn red. Be careful to control your training.” ~ Anko Itosu (1830–1915), Okinawan Karate Master, from his letter 10 Precepts of Karate written in 1908
References
1. http://www.acefitness.org
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Train Diligently - - Chief Instructor's Blog November 2009
Training diligently is required to become proficient in any martial art. According to the Merriam-Webster Online dictionary, diligent is an adjective that means “characterized by steady, earnest, and energetic effort” [1].
Many of the masters have discussed the need to train diligently. In Anko Itosu’s letter 10 Precepts of Karate written in 1908, he states “Karate cannot be quickly learned. Like a slow moving bull, it eventually travels a thousand leagues. If one trains diligently for one or two hours every day, then in three or four years one will see a change in physique. Those who train in this fashion will discover the deeper principles of karate.”
Gichin Funakoshi’s 20th principle “Be Constantly Mindful, Diligent, and Resourceful in Your Pursuit of the Way” in his book The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate: The Spiritual Legacy of the Master [2] discusses this as well. He states “Whether from a spiritual or technical standpoint, the practitioner must be constantly mindful, diligent, and resourceful”. He also states “Karate practitioners must constantly examine and chide themselves, never failing to be mindful and diligent, until they can penetrate the innermost levels of karate-do. This must be the attitude of all who aspire to the Way.”
The concept to become proficient in the martial arts takes time and a continued practice. The techniques must become natural and a body memory. And to be proficient in martial arts it must be precise. I read in a book (but do not remember which one), where it was stated that if it is not precise, it is not a martial art, it is just street fighting.
To be precise, one must not just practice, but practice perfectly. It is practicing a precise way at a precise time. Only perfect practice makes perfect. It is said it can take easily 1000 times to become proficient. Therefore, let’s take front kick. If you only practice in class, we practice front kick in basics and in drills, so, let’s say during one week in class you practice a front kick for perfection 25 times on each leg. If you only practice it during the class, it would take 40 weeks to practice that kick 1000 times and this is just the mechanics side of the kick and assumes you practiced it perfectly all those times. Most likely you are not practicing it perfectly each time, so it will take longer. By this example, you can see why one needs to practice more than just in class to become proficient, and why it takes time.
Training just once or twice a week will not allow one to absorb and learn the skills and be able to study the techniques and applications to truly appreciate the fundamentals and principles of the martial arts. Reaching First Degree Black Belt takes years. In our Club approximately 10% of the people who complete the first six months continue on to achieve the rank of First Degree Black Belt.
Becoming proficient in martial arts is about constant and continuous improvement, it involves self-discovery, and understanding of the mechanics, principles, and philosophy. Becoming proficient means practicing to ingrain the attributes of the techniques and principles. It is not something you do, it is the way you work, and it is a part of who you are.
In Gichin Funakoshi’s 20th principle [2] he ends that principle with “These principles should not be thought of as applying only to karate-do. If they and their overriding concepts of mindfulness, diligence, and resourcefulness are applied to your dealings in society as a whole, your understanding of life in general will be greatly increased.”
Regards,
Kelly
"I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times." ~ Bruce Lee, (1940 –1973) American-born Chinese Hong Kong martial artist, actor, and founder of Jeet Kune Do
References
1. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diligent
2. The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate: The Spiritual Legacy of the Master by Gichin Funakoshi
Many of the masters have discussed the need to train diligently. In Anko Itosu’s letter 10 Precepts of Karate written in 1908, he states “Karate cannot be quickly learned. Like a slow moving bull, it eventually travels a thousand leagues. If one trains diligently for one or two hours every day, then in three or four years one will see a change in physique. Those who train in this fashion will discover the deeper principles of karate.”
Gichin Funakoshi’s 20th principle “Be Constantly Mindful, Diligent, and Resourceful in Your Pursuit of the Way” in his book The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate: The Spiritual Legacy of the Master [2] discusses this as well. He states “Whether from a spiritual or technical standpoint, the practitioner must be constantly mindful, diligent, and resourceful”. He also states “Karate practitioners must constantly examine and chide themselves, never failing to be mindful and diligent, until they can penetrate the innermost levels of karate-do. This must be the attitude of all who aspire to the Way.”
The concept to become proficient in the martial arts takes time and a continued practice. The techniques must become natural and a body memory. And to be proficient in martial arts it must be precise. I read in a book (but do not remember which one), where it was stated that if it is not precise, it is not a martial art, it is just street fighting.
To be precise, one must not just practice, but practice perfectly. It is practicing a precise way at a precise time. Only perfect practice makes perfect. It is said it can take easily 1000 times to become proficient. Therefore, let’s take front kick. If you only practice in class, we practice front kick in basics and in drills, so, let’s say during one week in class you practice a front kick for perfection 25 times on each leg. If you only practice it during the class, it would take 40 weeks to practice that kick 1000 times and this is just the mechanics side of the kick and assumes you practiced it perfectly all those times. Most likely you are not practicing it perfectly each time, so it will take longer. By this example, you can see why one needs to practice more than just in class to become proficient, and why it takes time.
Training just once or twice a week will not allow one to absorb and learn the skills and be able to study the techniques and applications to truly appreciate the fundamentals and principles of the martial arts. Reaching First Degree Black Belt takes years. In our Club approximately 10% of the people who complete the first six months continue on to achieve the rank of First Degree Black Belt.
Becoming proficient in martial arts is about constant and continuous improvement, it involves self-discovery, and understanding of the mechanics, principles, and philosophy. Becoming proficient means practicing to ingrain the attributes of the techniques and principles. It is not something you do, it is the way you work, and it is a part of who you are.
In Gichin Funakoshi’s 20th principle [2] he ends that principle with “These principles should not be thought of as applying only to karate-do. If they and their overriding concepts of mindfulness, diligence, and resourcefulness are applied to your dealings in society as a whole, your understanding of life in general will be greatly increased.”
Regards,
Kelly
"I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times." ~ Bruce Lee, (1940 –1973) American-born Chinese Hong Kong martial artist, actor, and founder of Jeet Kune Do
References
1. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diligent
2. The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate: The Spiritual Legacy of the Master by Gichin Funakoshi
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Sparring vs. Self Defense - - Chief Instructor's Blog October 2009
What is the Difference Between Sparring and Self-Defense?
First off, I will start by saying this is my perspective of the differences as we practice sparring and self-defense training exercises in class to improve our skills.
In general, both the practice of free-form exchange sparring and self-defense exercises provides students an environment to
- gain endurance
- gain coordination
- practice learned techniques and combinations in a free form, dynamic situation
- develop range, targeting, and accuracy
- develop speed and reflexes
- experience the effectiveness of techniques and when the application of those techniques are most effective
- develop strategy
- learn to react instantaneously and not to think of the defense or offense to use, but just to see opening and react.
- focus with an ultimate intent and objective
- develop confidence in techniques and ability to execute strategy without hesitation
- examine strengths and weaknesses in techniques, execution, and strategies
When practicing both exchange-sparring and self-defense, the instructor usually sets or describes:
- Intensity level
- Rules of where can contact and where can not
Some of the other differences in how we practice the two is because the intensity level in exchange-sparing is usually higher; so we tend to wear protective gear, have more restrictive rules of what you can do and where you can target.
From my perspective, the real difference between the practice of self-defense and exchange-sparring is our attitude and mind-set. In exchange sparring, it is interaction of two people where both have the mind-set or should be working on the mind-set to be the aggressor or choosing whether or not to be the aggressor.
In the practice of self-defense, we select who is the aggressor and who is the defender. We, as instructors, dictate one student is the aggressor and one is the defender.
If you have noticed, I have been very specific so far as noting the differences in the practice of the exchange-sparring versus self defense and have not talked explicitly about the application.
From an application perspective, the techniques we use in the practice of self-defense would be used when initially assaulted or attacked. After the initial exchange, combative sparring would be used to end the assault. In advanced class, we do practice a more combative free-style of sparring where we continue until we feel safe – this is unlike the exchange-sparring we practice in the intermediates class where it is more a practice of sparring versus an application.
So, in summary, from a practice perspective the differences in self-defense compared to sparring is the set up and mindset. From an application perspective, self-defense would be used as the initial techniques when assaulted and then combative sparring would take over. Exchange-sparring without the start and stop formalities is in many ways combative free-style sparring limited by the restrictions the instructors impose to keep students safe and protect them from injuries.
Regards,
Kelly
“There is nothing better than free-style sparring in the practice of any combative art. In sparring you should wear suitable protective equipment and go all out. Then you can truly learn the correct timing and distance for the delivery of the kicks, punches, etc.” Bruce Lee, (1940 –1973) American-born Chinese Hong Kong martial artist, actor, and founder of Jeet Kune Do
First off, I will start by saying this is my perspective of the differences as we practice sparring and self-defense training exercises in class to improve our skills.
In general, both the practice of free-form exchange sparring and self-defense exercises provides students an environment to
- gain endurance
- gain coordination
- practice learned techniques and combinations in a free form, dynamic situation
- develop range, targeting, and accuracy
- develop speed and reflexes
- experience the effectiveness of techniques and when the application of those techniques are most effective
- develop strategy
- learn to react instantaneously and not to think of the defense or offense to use, but just to see opening and react.
- focus with an ultimate intent and objective
- develop confidence in techniques and ability to execute strategy without hesitation
- examine strengths and weaknesses in techniques, execution, and strategies
When practicing both exchange-sparring and self-defense, the instructor usually sets or describes:
- Intensity level
- Rules of where can contact and where can not
Some of the other differences in how we practice the two is because the intensity level in exchange-sparing is usually higher; so we tend to wear protective gear, have more restrictive rules of what you can do and where you can target.
From my perspective, the real difference between the practice of self-defense and exchange-sparring is our attitude and mind-set. In exchange sparring, it is interaction of two people where both have the mind-set or should be working on the mind-set to be the aggressor or choosing whether or not to be the aggressor.
In the practice of self-defense, we select who is the aggressor and who is the defender. We, as instructors, dictate one student is the aggressor and one is the defender.
If you have noticed, I have been very specific so far as noting the differences in the practice of the exchange-sparring versus self defense and have not talked explicitly about the application.
From an application perspective, the techniques we use in the practice of self-defense would be used when initially assaulted or attacked. After the initial exchange, combative sparring would be used to end the assault. In advanced class, we do practice a more combative free-style of sparring where we continue until we feel safe – this is unlike the exchange-sparring we practice in the intermediates class where it is more a practice of sparring versus an application.
So, in summary, from a practice perspective the differences in self-defense compared to sparring is the set up and mindset. From an application perspective, self-defense would be used as the initial techniques when assaulted and then combative sparring would take over. Exchange-sparring without the start and stop formalities is in many ways combative free-style sparring limited by the restrictions the instructors impose to keep students safe and protect them from injuries.
Regards,
Kelly
“There is nothing better than free-style sparring in the practice of any combative art. In sparring you should wear suitable protective equipment and go all out. Then you can truly learn the correct timing and distance for the delivery of the kicks, punches, etc.” Bruce Lee, (1940 –1973) American-born Chinese Hong Kong martial artist, actor, and founder of Jeet Kune Do
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Use of Self-Defense - - Chief Instructor's Blog September 2009
Han Moo Kwan Tae Kwon Do is to be used strictly for self-defense purposes. If options do not exist to avoid confrontation and conflict, Han Moo Kwan Tae Kwon Do can be used to physically defend oneself.
It is highly recommended that each club member spend a certain amount of introspection to determine for themselves what scenarios and triggers need to occur for them to respond with physical self-defense. The triggers and scenarios will be different for each individual based on the circumstances, character, and psychological make-up and it is prudent for each person to spend time introspectively to determine for themselves what triggers would lead them to act in self-defense.
Han Moo Kwan philosophy and its strategies are based on an honorable fighter art with its origins dating back hundred of years. This fighting art is used strictly for self-defense and for improving oneself physically and spiritually. This philosophy and its strategies are not tied to and are independent of any individual society’s legal or moral whims.
· Close the distance
· Be grounded; extend your energy
· Be offensive, not just defensive
· Strike for damage to end it quickly to minimize injuries on both sides
· Get off the line
· Keep it simple
· Focus on the opponent, not just the weapon. The opponent is the one that will harm you
· Fight as if your life depends on it, doing whatever it takes to defend your life and neutralize the threat
It is highly recommended that Club members become familiar and understand self-defense laws. Since one of the major purposes of studying Han Moo Kwan is for self-defense, it is important for all club members to know and be familiar with their legal rights on how, when and to what extent they are allowed by law to use their training. For obvious reasons, instructors will not try to interpret the law(s), but expect each club member to research self-defense laws, understand what their state, city, and county currently have established as the law for the use of self-defense, and seek guidance and advice from legal professionals when required.
Regards,
Kelly
“Karate is a defensive art from beginning to end" ~ Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957), founder of Shotokan Karate
References
1. Surviving Armed Assaults: A Martial Artists Guide to Weapons, Street Violence, and Countervailing Force by Lawrence Kane, 2006
2. California Civil Code Division 1 Part 2 Personal Rights, Section 50:
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/
3. California Civil Jury Instructions 1304: http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/jury/civiljuryinstructions/documents/caci.pdf
4. Hartman, R. (2009). Taekwondo Tutor [Online]. Available: TKDTutor.com [September 2009].http://www.tkdtutor.com/07Defense/Laws/Laws01.htm
It is highly recommended that each club member spend a certain amount of introspection to determine for themselves what scenarios and triggers need to occur for them to respond with physical self-defense. The triggers and scenarios will be different for each individual based on the circumstances, character, and psychological make-up and it is prudent for each person to spend time introspectively to determine for themselves what triggers would lead them to act in self-defense.
Han Moo Kwan philosophy and its strategies are based on an honorable fighter art with its origins dating back hundred of years. This fighting art is used strictly for self-defense and for improving oneself physically and spiritually. This philosophy and its strategies are not tied to and are independent of any individual society’s legal or moral whims.
· Close the distance
· Be grounded; extend your energy
· Be offensive, not just defensive
· Strike for damage to end it quickly to minimize injuries on both sides
· Get off the line
· Keep it simple
· Focus on the opponent, not just the weapon. The opponent is the one that will harm you
· Fight as if your life depends on it, doing whatever it takes to defend your life and neutralize the threat
It is highly recommended that Club members become familiar and understand self-defense laws. Since one of the major purposes of studying Han Moo Kwan is for self-defense, it is important for all club members to know and be familiar with their legal rights on how, when and to what extent they are allowed by law to use their training. For obvious reasons, instructors will not try to interpret the law(s), but expect each club member to research self-defense laws, understand what their state, city, and county currently have established as the law for the use of self-defense, and seek guidance and advice from legal professionals when required.
Regards,
Kelly
“Karate is a defensive art from beginning to end" ~ Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957), founder of Shotokan Karate
References
1. Surviving Armed Assaults: A Martial Artists Guide to Weapons, Street Violence, and Countervailing Force by Lawrence Kane, 2006
2. California Civil Code Division 1 Part 2 Personal Rights, Section 50:
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/
3. California Civil Jury Instructions 1304: http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/jury/civiljuryinstructions/documents/caci.pdf
4. Hartman, R. (2009). Taekwondo Tutor [Online]. Available: TKDTutor.com [September 2009].http://www.tkdtutor.com/07Defense/Laws/Laws01.htm
Saturday, August 1, 2009
More Awareness - - Chief Instructor's Blog August 2009
Awareness is a critical component of self-defense. I mentioned a few items in my May 2008 blog. I will repeat some of the information here plus expand upon it because it is an important aspect of martial arts training.
First off, Club members should first try to avoid any and all confrontation and conflict. Books, classes, and instruction exist on how to attempt to do this through awareness, avoidance, and de-escalation strategies, among other methods. All Club members should seek out and become familiar with this information.
The best way to “win” in a situation that involves confrontation or violence is to be aware of and avoid the situation in the first place. Most self-defense experts agree the majority of situations (some claim 9 of 10) can be avoided if you learn to look out for dangers. Some things to consider:
* Human behavior (body language, tone of voice, heavier breathing, etc)
* Energy of a potential opponent
* Trust your instincts
* Do not make yourself an easy target
* Attract attention
I have listed several references ([1], [2], and [3]) which contain some good information on awareness.
In Gichin Funakoshi’s The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate: The Spiritual Legacy of the Master [4], his 16th principle hits on this “When you step beyond your own gate, you face a million enemies”. He states: “Negligence is a great enemy when we leave the safety of our homes. If we are not in peak form in both our body and attitude, we will attract troublemakers and problems. Consequently we should adopt the attitude that when leaving our gate we are entering into the midst of many potential enemies and should stay mentally alert.”
Many weapons (fire arms excluded) are effective close in which means an attacker would need to be close to you to use it effectively. Therefore, if you are aware of your surroundings and the environment, then most likely you will not be placed in a situation where an adversary gets close enough where you are a target.
By no means and I advocating being paranoid by leaving one’s house. I am advocating being aware. Being aware means listening to your instincts if you feel unsafe, paying attention to the people and the events around you, and being aware when you are in areas that are unfamiliar to you or where you are more at risk (and avoiding them if possible).
Regards,
Kelly
“He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight.” ~ Sun Tzu (6th Century BC), Chinese General, military strategist, and author of The Art of War
References:
1. Surviving Armed Assaults: A Martial Artists Guide to Weapons, Street Violence, and Countervailing Force by Lawrence Kane, 2006
2. Strong on Defense by Sanford Strong
3. The Gift of Fear by Gavin De
4. The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate: The Spiritual Legacy of the Master by Gichin Funakoshi
5. The Art of War by Sun Tzu
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Safety in the Dojang - - Chief Instructor's Blog July 2009
Han Moo Kwan Tae Kwon Do is potentially dangerous and requires a substantial commitment to safety and control during practice. The Club takes safety very seriously and we consider safety everyone’s responsibility. Refer to the Han Moo Kwan Club website for the Club Policy and Best Practices on Safety (http://www.hanmookwan-svl.org/club_policies.htm and http://www.hanmookwan-svl.org/best_practices.htm, respectively) for the details that have allowed our club to have a very good safety record for the 35 years we have been in existence. It is expected all Club members are familiar with the policy and the best practice related to safety.
One of the keys to keeping a safe environment is students (and all of us are students) must listen and follow the directions explicitly set by the primary instructor of the night. This includes adhering to the intensity and power level dictated. If unclear of the direction, students should ask clarifying questions. If students are unable to perform the drills/exercises as directed (based on physical limitations, etc), they should step aside (or they may be asked to step aside).
Part of defending oneself is learning to set boundaries (regardless of the situation). Students have the right to step aside from any activity they feel is unsafe for their body or if their partner is not adhering to the directions or if partner is not listening to their feedback (such as intensity level, etc). This is applicable regardless of rank of any student. Setting boundaries and not taking abuse from anyone (boss, instructors, upper ranks, friends, family, etc) is part of the training.
Regards,
Kelly
"If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat." ~ Sun Tzu (6th Century BC), Chinese General, military strategist, and author of The Art of War
One of the keys to keeping a safe environment is students (and all of us are students) must listen and follow the directions explicitly set by the primary instructor of the night. This includes adhering to the intensity and power level dictated. If unclear of the direction, students should ask clarifying questions. If students are unable to perform the drills/exercises as directed (based on physical limitations, etc), they should step aside (or they may be asked to step aside).
Part of defending oneself is learning to set boundaries (regardless of the situation). Students have the right to step aside from any activity they feel is unsafe for their body or if their partner is not adhering to the directions or if partner is not listening to their feedback (such as intensity level, etc). This is applicable regardless of rank of any student. Setting boundaries and not taking abuse from anyone (boss, instructors, upper ranks, friends, family, etc) is part of the training.
Regards,
Kelly
"If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat." ~ Sun Tzu (6th Century BC), Chinese General, military strategist, and author of The Art of War
Monday, June 1, 2009
The Importance of Stances - - Chief Instructor's Blog June 2009
The stance of any art form is the foundation for all the techniques. Stances provide a means of establishing proper posture, body alignment, body shifting, and breathing. Without a solid stance, techniques lack sufficient force and energy. A solid stance is the key to all effective techniques. Each stance has its own advantages or disadvantages and each should be practiced to discover and learn the best use of each for each circumstance.
The Han Moo Kwan Association Tae Kwon Do art form employs eight basic stances practiced and demonstrated in its basics and lower level hyung and three advanced stances that are introduced in the advanced hyung. Refer to the Han Moo Kwan Association website (http://www.hanmookwan.org/basics.htm) for more details on each of these stances including benefits and key attributes. (This section of the website was updated April 2009 to include more information on key attributes and benefits of each stance, so if you have not reviewed it recently, please do so).
At the beginning of learning an art form, stances exist at the start and finish of a technique and there is usually not much of a stance during the transition. With more practice, there is some semblance of a solid stance between the start and finish. Eventually as you transition from the start to finish there are dozens of stances. The ultimate goal is you are ALWAYS in stance (mentally, regardless of your position of your body and/or your feet).
In Gichin Funakoshi’s The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate: The Spiritual Legacy of the Master [1], his 17th principle explores this concept. (Kamae is Japanese for posture and refers to posture of entire body including mental posture, or attitude [2])
He states “All of this suggests that the idea that “in karate there is no kamae; but in one’s mind there is kamae” is a waystation on the road to deeper understanding; a person’s understanding is not genuine until he or she further explores the concept attaining the realization that in karate there is no kamae; but in one’s mind there is kamae”. When practitioners reach this state of understanding, they no longer need to prepare mentally or plan for their opponent’s attack or their own response.”
If one is always in stance, one can not be unbalanced and is prepared to defend oneself if required, without shifting or moving – you are just ready. This is the ultimate goal – to ALWAYS be in a stance and ALWAYS be ready. This is aligned with Mr. Kim’s philosophy. When asked “what if you’re attacked when you weren’t ready”, his reply was so simple and profound, “You’re always ready.”
Regards,
Kelly
“A good stance and posture reflect a proper state of mind.” ~ Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969 , founder of Aikido
“Make your fighting stance your everyday stance, make your everyday stance your fighting stance." ~ Miyamoto Musashi (1584-1645), legendary Japanese samurai and author of The Book of Five Rings
“When you practice the stances of karate, be sure to keep your back straight, lower your shoulders, put strength in your legs, stand firmly, and drop your energy into your lower abdomen.” ~ Anko Itosu (1830–1915), Okinawan Karate Master, from his letter 10 Precepts of Karate written in 1908
References
1. The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate: The Spiritual Legacy of the Master by Gichin Funakoshi
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamae
3. Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi
The Han Moo Kwan Association Tae Kwon Do art form employs eight basic stances practiced and demonstrated in its basics and lower level hyung and three advanced stances that are introduced in the advanced hyung. Refer to the Han Moo Kwan Association website (http://www.hanmookwan.org/basics.htm) for more details on each of these stances including benefits and key attributes. (This section of the website was updated April 2009 to include more information on key attributes and benefits of each stance, so if you have not reviewed it recently, please do so).
At the beginning of learning an art form, stances exist at the start and finish of a technique and there is usually not much of a stance during the transition. With more practice, there is some semblance of a solid stance between the start and finish. Eventually as you transition from the start to finish there are dozens of stances. The ultimate goal is you are ALWAYS in stance (mentally, regardless of your position of your body and/or your feet).
In Gichin Funakoshi’s The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate: The Spiritual Legacy of the Master [1], his 17th principle explores this concept. (Kamae is Japanese for posture and refers to posture of entire body including mental posture, or attitude [2])
He states “All of this suggests that the idea that “in karate there is no kamae; but in one’s mind there is kamae” is a waystation on the road to deeper understanding; a person’s understanding is not genuine until he or she further explores the concept attaining the realization that in karate there is no kamae; but in one’s mind there is kamae”. When practitioners reach this state of understanding, they no longer need to prepare mentally or plan for their opponent’s attack or their own response.”
If one is always in stance, one can not be unbalanced and is prepared to defend oneself if required, without shifting or moving – you are just ready. This is the ultimate goal – to ALWAYS be in a stance and ALWAYS be ready. This is aligned with Mr. Kim’s philosophy. When asked “what if you’re attacked when you weren’t ready”, his reply was so simple and profound, “You’re always ready.”
Regards,
Kelly
“A good stance and posture reflect a proper state of mind.” ~ Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969 , founder of Aikido
“Make your fighting stance your everyday stance, make your everyday stance your fighting stance." ~ Miyamoto Musashi (1584-1645), legendary Japanese samurai and author of The Book of Five Rings
“When you practice the stances of karate, be sure to keep your back straight, lower your shoulders, put strength in your legs, stand firmly, and drop your energy into your lower abdomen.” ~ Anko Itosu (1830–1915), Okinawan Karate Master, from his letter 10 Precepts of Karate written in 1908
References
1. The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate: The Spiritual Legacy of the Master by Gichin Funakoshi
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamae
3. Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi
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