Be Like Bamboo - - Chief Instructor's Blog February 2016

I have mentioned in class on many occasions we need to be like bamboo in our practice (and in life, but that is another blog for another time).  For this blog, I am going to explore some of the keys attributes of bamboo and why being like bamboo is so beneficial to your martial arts practice.

1.      Flexible

Bamboo is extremely flexible.  It can withstand extreme environments (wind, snow, etc.).  It does so by bending with the wind or bending underneath the snow, but then becomes upright again, standing tall and firm.  In martial arts, we can be rooted and grounded without being stiff.  If you are stiff, it is harder to move and it will make it more difficult to defend and attack.

2.      Strong (even if it does not appear so)

Based on its size and how it moves, bamboo may not appear to be strong and yet Bamboo has a higher compressive strength than wood, brick, or concrete and a tensile strength that rivals steel [Ref. 1].  Appearances can be deceiving.  As martial artists we should not pre-judge what we are capable of (keeping an open mind as noted by #3 Hollow Trunk) and do not pre-judge an opponent of what they are capable of.  The first will limit our progression in the art form, the second could result in injury or damage.

3.      Hollow Trunk

Bamboo has hollow trunks.  To grow as a martial artist it is very important to always create space in our minds to new concept, ideas, skills, etc. The hollow truck can be viewed as a representation of that space we must create in our minds to continue to grow.

4.      Always Ready

Bamboo can grow anywhere, is durable, resilient, and can survive some of the harshest conditions (bent and buried in snow but then bounces upright and straight once the snow melts).  Bamboo is ready regardless of the conditions to persevere and is always ready for what environment it encounters.  Aikido master Kensho Furuya in Kodo: Ancient Ways [Ref. 2], states it best by saying, “The warrior, like bamboo, is ever ready for action." 

Regards,

Kelly

“Notice that the stiffest tree is most easily cracked, while the bamboo or willow survives by bending with the wind.” ~ Bruce Lee, (1940 –1973) American-born Chinese Hong Kong martial artist, actor, and founder of Jeet Kune Do

References:

1.      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bamboo

2.      Kodo: Ancient Ways by Kensho Furuya

3.      http://www.presentationzen.com/presentationzen/2010/07/be-like-the-bamboo-trees-lessons-from-the-japanese-forest.html

4.      http://www.slideshare.net/bright9977/15-great-lessons-from-a-bamboo-tree

 

What Makes a Good Instructor-Student Relationship- - Chief Instructor's Blog January 2016

Learning a martial art takes time and effort; it is a lifetime pursuit and the skills and concepts are not learned in a six week training session.  While at an advanced level, much of the training is individualistic and requires self-reflection and self-study, for lower ranked students the instructor-student relationship is critical in the training.

For a student to progress in the art form, it is important that the instructor is knowledgeable in the art form, passionate in teaching the art form, an able instructor, and possess a continuous learning mindset: open to continually learning about themselves as a practitioner of the art form as well as an instructor.   And for a student to progress in the art form, a student must be motivated, excited to learn the art form, and willing to be open to the teachings. 

The relationship between the instructor and student is also critical for both parties to be successful in their roles.  For me, the two most important factors that make a successful instructor-student relationship and enhance both the teaching and the learning for both are trust and a student meeting an instructor halfway.

Let’s start with trust. 

As stated many times in class and other blogs, Han Moo Kwan is an art form to be used strictly for self-defense and can cause significant damage and harm.  So, as instructors, we build a relationship of trust with a student since we must learn to trust students to use the skill and information learned only as it was intended.  If an instructor does not trust a student, they will either not instruct them anymore or only provide limited information which will limit the student's progression in the art form.

On the flip side, the student must trust the instructor.  The student must trust the instructor will not harm them directly or indirectly in class, the student must trust the instructor is sharing information as needed or when they think a student is ready for it, and most importantly for me, the student must trust that the instructor is knowledgeable in what they are instructing and even if the student does not understand the information today, eventually they will.  If a student doubts an instructor’s information as accurate or believes it is incorrect, then a student will not benefit from the information and it will limit their progress.  If an instructor senses or knows a student does not trust the information they are being provided, eventually the instructor may stop providing information to a student.

This leads to the concept of students meeting their instructor half way.

Learning a martial art is a lifetime of study and practice.  Instructors have a wealth of information to share and as stated above, they should be continually perfecting their instruction techniques.  Students should show interest in what is being taught and be attentive at all times.  Students should take the information and practice on their own coming back to the instructor asking for more details and information to refine their skills.  Students should have an inquisitive attitude toward the art form and seek to understand and learn as much as possible from their instructors with the understanding that becoming proficient in the art form is an evolution and, as they grow, more details of the art form will be taught and uncovered.  Those students who do not practice on their own and those students who want to be spoon fed the information will limit their progress.  This is due in part because an instructor has limited time and can never cover every minute detail or have time to continually cover the same information over and over again.  In cases such as these, an instructor may eventually choose to spend more energy with other students who are making an effort and demonstrating they value the instructor’s time and information.

I encourage instructors and students alike to evaluate their relationships with each other and determine where there can be improvements to get the most out of our time in and out of the dojang.

Regards,

Kelly

“The test of a good teacher is not how many questions he can ask his pupils that they will answer readily, but how many questions he inspires them to ask him which he finds it hard to answer.” ~ Unknown

References

1. Kodo Ancient Ways by Kensho Furuya

 

Do Versus Jutsu - - Chief Instructor's Blog December 2015

You may have wondered what the difference is between martial arts that practice “Do” versus “Jutsu” and what those differences are.

As noted in class and other blogs, “Do”, means “The Way”.  So, as examples, Tae Kwon Do means the way of the hands and feet, Judo means gentle way, Karate-do means the empty hand way, and Aikido means the way of the spirit of harmony or the way of harmonious spirit.  The Way refers to a lifetime pursuit of mind-body-spirit through martial arts training and applying that training to your day to day life. 

“Jutsu” refers to “technique” or “art”.  So, as examples, Jujutsu (also spelled jujitsu) means gentle/yielding/compliant art, Karate-jutsu means the techniques of the empty hands, and Aikijutsu means the technique of harmonious spirit.  The intent of meaning a jutsu style is strictly for the use of the techniques and in theory does not go beyond that.

According to an article in fightingarts.com, “Do versus Jutsu: Which Side Are You On?” by Jeff Brooks [1], prior to the end of the Samurai period, martial arts training was strictly “jutsu’.  “In Japan, when the samurai era ended, the culture changed, technology advanced and martial arts became in one way or another - technically or culturally - obsolete. Many people wanted to continue practicing their martial arts, but had to find a different purpose for practicing.”  This led to more culture studying and practicing an art training like tea ceremony.  To read more about this, please refer to my August 2015 blog “Samurai Training versus Today’s Martial Arts”.

From my observations and readings, some schools are not necessarily purposeful in the use of the terminology or even know the difference.   Other schools or clubs are very purposeful in the use of the terminology and what they practice “do” versus “jutsu”.   Many masters had a very strong opinion on which was better.

Master Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan, was very purposeful in introducing karate to Japan as Karate-do.  As he wrote in his book, Karate-do Kyohan [2], “True Karate-do is this: that in daily life, one's mind and body be trained and developed in a spirit of humility; and that in critical times, one be devoted utterly to the cause of justice.”

Sokon Matsumura, who lived from approximately 1809 to 1901, and was the founder of Shorin Ryu Karate, in a letter written May 13, 1882 [3], wrote:

” If we investigate the martial arts, we also see that there are three distinct divisions or elements in them:

The first method, or division, is more like a game of psychology and tactics. It actually has no practical application in fighting, but it is more like pretty dancing. It is quite superficial.

The second method is nothing more than physical exercises. Its only goal is to win. In this there is no virtue. The practitioners of this method are contentious. Many times they bring injury to others and to themselves. Very often they cause dishonor to come upon members of their family.

The third method, in contrast, is always performed with conviction. The practitioners of this third method gain a solemn enlightenment, free of strife and depravity. It promotes loyalty among family, friends and country. It also promotes a natural demeanor, which develops a gallant character.

Thus, the true way of the martial arts has more than one element in it. A wise man does not need the first or second methods. All he needs is the third method. In this method, you will find the true way.

It might seem like I have no respect for the other two fighting methods, but my conviction is rooted immovably in the doctrine of the third method. I have revealed my words to you. There is nothing left secret or hidden in my mind, nothing held back. If you accept and heed my words, you will find the true way.”

Some schools or clubs are more focused on the “Justsu”.  Most military academies, police training and those clubs/schools that focus on competition would be considered jutsu versus do.

Motobu Choki, who lived from 1870-1944 and was an Okinawan Karate Master, stated "Nothing is more harmful to the world than a martial art that is not effective in actual self-defense."   One may infer from this, his focus was more on the jutsu side of martial arts training.

From my perspective, Han Moo Kwan is very purposeful in teaching the style as a way of life, but in doing so we do not lose sight of the importance of the techniques themselves and practicing their applications in as much of a realistic scenario as possible to be able to defend oneself in any situation.

Regards,

Kelly

“No matter how you excel in the art of “Ti” (Okinawan precursor to Karate), and in your scholastic endeavors, nothing is more important than your behavior and humanity as observed in daily life.” ~ Tei Junsoku (1663–1734), Confucian scholar

References

1. Fightingarts.com, “Do versus Jutsu: Which Side Are You On?” By Jeff Brooks, accessed 11/29/2015

2.  Karate-do Kyohan by Gichin Funakoshi
3.  Sokon Matsumura's letter about Martial Arts, written May 13, 1882

WTF Compared to HMK (Part II of II) - Chief Instructor's Blog November 2015

Note:  This is the second installment of a two part series describing the key differences between World Tae Kwon Do Federation (WTF) and Han Moo Kwan (HMK).  The first part described how WTF came to be and the first of four areas where we differ (focus).  As indicated in Part 1 of this two part series, much if not all the differences between WTF and HMK, in my opinion, stem from the difference in their focuses.  WTF focus is on competition (as a means to spread the art form internationally).  HMK focuses on an art form for adults who are more interested in learning and training for self-defense purposes.  In this second part, I will describe the other three areas (sparring, forms, and ranking).

 1.      Sparring differences/rules

In order to objectively judge competition as well as safety reasons, techniques and permitted striking areas are limited in WTF.  According to the World Taekwondo Federation Competition Rules & Interpretation, (Ref. 1), the following are permitted techniques (weapons) and areas:
 
Permitted techniques
1.1 Fist technique: A straight punching technique using the knuckle part of a tightly clenched fist
1.2 Foot technique: Delivering techniques using any part of the foot below the ankle bone
 
When we spar in HMK, we only limit the use of open hand techniques with lower rank students (such as ridge hand and knife hand) until students demonstrate they can effectively use those techniques.  For upper rank students, all techniques, all parts of the body (head, shoulder, elbows, forearms, hands, knees, legs, feet, etc.) are considered valid and acceptable weapons. 
 

The following are permitted areas (targets) in WTF:

 
2 Permitted areas
2.1 Trunk: Attack by fist and foot techniques on the areas covered by the trunk protector are permitted.  However, such attacks shall not be made on the part of the spine.
2.2 Head: The area above the collar bone. Only foot techniques are permitted.

 And the following are prohibited acts in WTF:

 
5.1            The following acts shall be classified as prohibited acts, and “Kyong-go” (warning penalty) shall be declared.
5.1.1                 Crossing the Boundary Line
5.1.2                 Falling down
5.1.3                 Avoiding or delaying the match
5.1.4                 Grabbing, holding or pushing the opponent
5.1.5                 Lifting the knee to block or/and impede the opponent’s kicking attack, or lifting a leg for more than 3 seconds, without execution of any attacking technique, to impede opponent’s attacking movements
5.1.6                 Kicking below the waist
5.1.7                 Attacking the opponent after "Kal-yeo" (separate)
5.1.8                 Hitting the opponent’s head with the hand
5.1.9                 Butting or attacking with the knee
5.1.10              Attacking the fallen opponent
5.1.11              Misconduct of contestant or coach

When we spar in HMK, we do limit the permitted area (targets) to some extent and have a couple prohibited acts (more in intermediates class than advanced class until students demonstrate the control required).  Those permitted areas (targets) are in place to ensure the safety of our students.  For safety reasons, we do not allow lower ranked students to strike towards the head until they show control.  Due to the weakness of the knees/groin, we do not permit students to strike each other’s knees or groin but do practice knees as targets in a slow, controlled manner as well as pinning/trapping the knee.  In addition, at the Intermediates level we limit attacking fallen opponents and grabbing opponents.

 

For advanced students as we practice combat (separate from sparring) which promotes continuing an assault until the opponent is disabled (or the referee determines sufficient damage has occurred) we also allow strikes to the head, attacking fallen opponents, grabbing if it is safe and effective, etc. 

From a HMK perspective where the focus on self-defense and sparring is a form of self-defense (for more information on my views of sparring versus self-defense, please read my October 2009 blog, “Sparring vs Self Defense”, www.hanmookwan-svl-chiefinstructor.blogspot.com/2009_10_01_archive.html), limitation of techniques, target areas, etc. limit’s a person’s effectiveness to defend themselves.  So, for any reason other than safety, if you are training for self-defense purposes, I believe you should minimize any limitations of techniques (weapons) or permitted areas (targets).
 

2.      Forms (Hyung)

WTF has 17 forms (usually written as poomsae) (www.worldtaekwondofederation.net/poomsae-styles, Ref. 2) and some schools still teach the first 8 created, making a total of 25.  According to taekwondo.wikia.com/wiki/Taegeuk (Ref. 3), “In 1965 the Korea Taekwondo Association appointed a committee of representatives from six of the nine Kwans to develop the forms for what is now called Kukkiwon- or WTF-style taekwondo.  In 1967, this committee introduced the Palgwae and Yudanja (Black Belt) forms (including a simpler version of Koryo). In 1971 two additional kwans joined the committee.  This expanded committee went on to develop the Taegeuk forms”.

 One of the reasons to change the forms was to make them more “Korean”.  As stated in “Complete TaekwonDo Pommsae” (Ref. 4), “Taekwondo Poomsae reflects the characteristics of the Korean culture.  The color belt Poomsae, Taegeuk, and Palgwae, are based on principles of Um and Yang and the eight trigrams, which originate from the Taegeukki (Korean flag).  The black belt forms (Koryo, Keumkang, Taeback, Pyongwon, Sipjin, etc.) are based on traditional Korean philosophy and Taoist principles.”

 

HMK teaches 15 forms (hyung).  The history and genesis of the forms is from Okinawan and Shotokan Karate.  To learn more of the origins of the HMK forms, refer to my three part blog series Origins of HMK Forms - Part I, II and III posted in Feb 2010 (www.hanmookwan-svl-chiefinstructor.blogspot.com/2010_02_01_archive.html), March 2010 (www.hanmookwan-svl-chiefinstructor.blogspot.com/2010_03_01_archive.html), and Apr 2010 (www.hanmookwan-svl-chiefinstructor.blogspot.com/2010_04_01_archive.html), respectively. 

 

Besides the origins of the forms being different, there is a difference in benefits of forms applied to self-defense/sparring that we explore in HMK.  As stated in “Complete TaekwonDo Pommsae” (Ref. 4), “...the principles and procedures of Poomsae are different from Kyorugi (sparring).”  The authors of Ref. 4 go on to say, “The widely used official Poomsae is less useful for Kyorugi, as they lack the kicking techniques that are characteristics of Taekwondo.  However, Kyorugi and Poomsae complement each other in terms of the general technical structure of taekwondo.”

 The forms we learn in HMK complement sparring, but more from a structured way to practice techniques and focus versus the dynamic situation of sparring or self-defense with an opponent.  In HMK all techniques performed in the hyung are viable and useful in sparring and self-defense and vice versa.  In class, we practice the dynamic applications of techniques within our forms and constantly uncover all the various practical applications. 

 3.      Ranking

Until the late 1800’s, there were no belts at all worn as part of martial arts uniforms, then there was black, then black and white and then additional colors were added.  One reason for adding colors was to encourage students (mainly children who tend to require more constant feedback to assess their abilities).

 WTF schools have anywhere from six (6) to 15 ranks (belts) (including stripes).  An example is: White Belt, White Belt/ Yellow Stripe, White Belt/Double Yellow Stripe, Yellow Belt, Yellow Belt/Blue Stripe, Blue Belt, Blue Belt/Red Stripe, Red Belt, Red Belt/Black Stripe, and Black Belt.  Some WTF schools might have as many as triple stripes for each belt color.  There does not appear to be a standard for WTF schools for lower ranks.  The process and promotions to black belt, though, are highly standardized and are all regulated by the Kukkiwon. 

HMK has six (6) ranks (five different belt colors and one which has a stripe).  When the Sunnyvale HMK Club was founded, the founders were adamant that we limit the number of ranks/belt colors.   For the most part, various colors were introduced for instructors to indicate a student’s level, other students understand that level so they can train with them appropriately.  And so students understood their ranking and receive feedback on the intermediate improvements from beginner to a first degree black belt.  Also, rankings provide an indication of various levels of skills which helps students w understand who are the upper rank students are to take any queues from.

For more details on the history of belts and rankings please read the June 2012 blog, “History of Belts and Rankings”, www.hanmookwan-svl-chiefinstructor.blogspot.com/2012_06_01_archive.html.

Based on what I have described above as key differences between WTF and HMK, I hope it is easy to understand why Mr. Kim, especially understanding the HMK target audience is adults learning self-defense and not kids and competitions, politely declined when approached to convert to WTF. 

Regards,

Kelly
 

"I have not permitted myself to be ignorant of any martial art that exists. Why? Such ignorance is a disgrace to someone who follows the path of the martial arts." ~ Masutatsu Oyama (1923-1994), karate master who founded Kyokushinkai Karate

 

References:

1. World Taekwondo Federation Competition Rules & Interpretation, January 2015

2. www.worldtaekwondofederation.net/poomsae-styles

3. Taekwondo.wikia.com/wiki/Taegeuk

4. Complete Taekwon Do Poomsae, - The Official Taeguek, Palgwae, and Black Belt Forms of Taekwondo by Kyu Hyung Lee and Sang H. Kim

WTF Compared to HMK (Part I of II) - Chief Instructor's Blog October 2015

World Tae Kwon Do Federation (WTF) and International Tae Kwan Do Federation (ITF) are the two largest Tae Kwon Do (TKD) associations in the world.  I will attempt to share how Han Moo Kwan (HMK) is different from these “styles” of TKD.  I will start by discussing over the next two blogs, the top level overview of the WTF styles and some key differences with HMK.  I will follow up at a later time with a discussion of ITF and their differences with HMK.

In the first part of this blog, I will provide a brief overview of how WTF came to be, name the key areas where WTF and HMK are different, and go over the first area where we differ.

WTF was established by the World Taekwondo Headquarters, Kukkiwon in 1973.  In 1978, the Kukkiwon, was able to band 10 kwans in Korea together and unify the teachings under one structure and governing body; Korean Han Moo Kwan was one of those kwans that joined WTF.  The Kukkiwon is also the governing body that promotes all members of the WTF.  According to the Kukkiwon website (www.kukkiwon.or.kr (Ref. 1)), WTF has approximately 9.2 million members in over 8,000 dojangs in 205 different nations worldwide.  In the United States there are 304,311 members and over 3,700 dojangs.  You can read more about the history and details of WTF on the Kukkiwon website (Ref. 1) or on the HMK website (www.hanmookwan.org/about_us.htm (Ref. 2)).

In the late 1970s, an ambassador of WTF traveled to the United States and approached Mr. Kim, our founder, with a mandate that he convert our Club to the standards of the new organization.  Mr. Kim politely declined.  As a means to understand why he may have come to that conclusion and for an overall better understanding among HMK Club members of our art form compared to WTF, I am going to share some key differences between the two.  Those areas area:

1. Focus
2. Sparring differences/rules
3. Forms (Hyung)
4. Ranking

1.      Focus

Much if not all the differences between WTF and HMK, in my opinion, stem from the difference in their focuses.

One of WTF’s goals was to spread the art form internationally and a great way to exhibit and demonstrate is to hold competitions.  And there is no bigger international competition stage than the Olympic Games.  Korea petitioned and gained approval to add Tae Kwon Do to the Olympics, starting as a demonstration sport in the 1988 and 1992 Olympics, and a full medal sport in the 2000 Sydney, Australia games.  Since WTF heavily focuses on competition and the sport of the art form, a key focus is striking the other opponent in the right target areas to gain points (which also allows more objective grading criteria).

The current WTF competition rules, World Taekwondo Federation Competition Rules & Interpretation, (Ref. 3) is 86 pages in length covering various topics including but not limited to: Competition Area, Weight Division, Valid points, Duration of Contest, Permitted techniques and area, Prohibited acts and penalties, Decision, Knockdown. 

This has focused the style to be more about the feet than hands (due to the fact most people have more reach with their feet), and about speed, but not necessarily power.  And while those that learn WTF do also learn self-defense, because they limit the techniques for competition, I contend it also limits the effectiveness of the style for self-defense purposes.   In additional, since WTF schools focus on competition and spreading the art form, those schools rarely if ever, teach and practice the energy side.

HMK continues to focus on an art form for adults who are more interested in learning and training for self-defense purposes.  In my opinion, competitions have many rules that could be counter to training for self-defense purposes and the two different focuses tend to not mix well.  Because the Club’s focus is on self-defense, we only limit a few techniques or targets for safety reasons.  In addition, in HMK, the energy side is taught and considered a critical skill to be able to demonstrate to progress in the art form.  You can read more about what sets HMK apart from other schools on the HMK Association About Us webpage (www.hanmookwan.org/about_us.htm (Ref. 2)).  In fact, HMK Club members would probably not do well in competitions – mainly due to the rules.  More on that subject when I go over sparring differences/rules in Part II of this blog along with the two areas where HMK differs from WTF.

Regards,

Kelly

“True karate is this: that in daily life one's mind and body be trained and developed in a spirit of humility, and that in critical times, one be devoted utterly to the cause of justice.” ~ Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957), founder of Shotokan Karate

References:

1.      Kukkiwon website, www.kukkiwon.or.kr

2.      Han Moo Kwan Association About Us webpage, www.hanmookwan.org/about_us.htm

3.      World Taekwondo Federation Competition Rules & Interpretation, January 2015

 

 

What is the Peak Technique? - - Chief Instructor's Blog September 2015

While going through basics, what do you consider the most important or peak technique? 

Let’s take attack punch as an example.  Is the most important technique the first punch when we kiyup?  The second punch, the punch after we turn (if so, which turn?), the last punch before finish or transition to a different technique?

What about hyung?  Which technique should you concentrate the most on?  Which one should be the most powerful?  Ready?  The technique with the kiyup?  The techniques after a transition?  The last technique?  Finish? 

In class a lot of times we start going through the motion and we “save” ourselves for a technique or rush to get to the technique where we kiyup on or some technique we particularly like.  In doing so, we are not focused, those move/transition, “in- between” techniques are not effective leaving us very vulnerable and unsafe.

A couple examples that come to mind that really reinforce this concept for me are:

(1)   In Pyung Ahn 3, I notice a lot that we rush from the extended spear hand through the turn to get to the outward hammer fist.  In doing so we are probably not grounded and missed out on being able to use at least three techniques (hip move to displace an opponent, elbow strike, and forearm strike) before even performing the hammer fist.

(2)   In No Pe Hyung, sometimes people focus and build up to the board break and then lose all focus for the rest of the form.  I think the person who created No Pe Hyung was brilliant that the board break was not the last move; therefore reinforcing every move is important and teaching us if we build up for just one move, we are vulnerable afterwards.

The reality is that every technique, transition, turn is the most important technique at that moment.  The next technique is inconsequential if you are not focused and perform the technique at hand as if it was the most important.  If you are getting ahead of yourself and thinking ahead, I can guarantee your techniques will not be effective.  Winding up for the “kill” technique or saving energy for that kill technique will most likely get you injured or killed.  It is so critical to stay in the moment and focus on the task at hand.  

It is so important we stay in the moment and not rush to flow from technique to technique but focus on each step as we move however inconsequential it may appear to be at first.  We need to treat each technique, transition, turn like it is the most important and that is the move that will save your life. 

Regards,

Kelly

 

A good martial artist puts his mind on one thing at a time.  The secret of kime [tightening the mind], is to exclude all extraneous thoughts that are not concerned with achieving your immediate goal.” ~ Bruce Lee, (1940 –1973) American-born Chinese Hong Kong martial artist, actor, and founder of Jeet Kune Do, as quoted by Joe Hyams in his book “Zen In the Martial Arts”

Samurai Training versus Today’s Martial Arts - - Chief Instructor's Blog August 2015

I have mentioned in class on many of occasions and in a couple of blogs, that the discipline, control, etiquette and conduct in martial arts training is what in part sets martial arts apart from just plain street fighting.

Much of martial arts etiquette and code of conduct comes from the ancient warriors (e.g., Samurai in Japan and Hwang Ra in Korea, etc.).   The Samurai is probably the most well-known so I will focus on the elite Samurai for the sake of this blog although you can find some similarities in the other ancient warrior groups.

I have already discussed how the Samurai’s code of conduct, Bushido, is still embedded in martial arts today and how it aligns with the tenets we instil in our club through our teachings policies, and agreement of participation in the August 2013 blog entitled “Martial Arts Code of Conduct”. 

In addition to the code of conduct and the physical training of the Samurai, what set them apart was Samurai were also expected to study culture and practice an art: tea ceremony ritual, flower arranging, music, painting, poetry, etc.

You may ask yourself why warriors who are trained to protect and fight for his master would need to study something like tea ceremony or flower arranging?

One reason is the Samurai were considered an elite class and in doing so they were expected to be educated and well-rounded.  Many martial arts clubs and schools (although not all), including the Marines Martial Arts Program require other training besides the physical training – mostly focused on the philosophical side.  One of the reasons I created the two Chief Instructor Directives that define additional requirements for instructors and to reach Black Belt was to reinforce the concept that knowledge and an understanding of the philosophy of martial arts is also a critical part of the training, and it is not just about the physical aspects.

Second, these activities require focus, concentration, attention to detail reinforcing the concepts in other activities that were critical in their physical training and battle.  I have mentioned in class and mentioned in other blogs (most recently in my June 2014 blog,   “Martial Arts Goes Beyond The Dojang”), that studying martial arts and the principle and concepts are not just the time spent in the dojang, but are for everyday life.  The more you embed what you learn in the dojang into your everyday activities, the more depth you will find in your techniques.  You might also discover more clarity in your life.  So, for the Samurai, these activities outside their physical training helped reinforce and allow them another avenue to practice discipline and focus.

These other activities also provided a place and time for Samurai to not have to focus on death or battle, but have time for peace and inner contemplation.  Along with formal meditation, which was a large part of the Samurai’s practice, the activities themselves were another type of meditation. 

Why would this be important?  If the Samurai’s job was to defend its mater and protect his family and land, why would mediation, peace, and inner contemplation be important? 

This aspect of Samurai training no longer seems to be part of modern martial art’s training.  I am not sure why this part of the training is not reinforced, but for me, time for inner contemplation and peace is critical to be balanced in your life and to experience energy that is not always harsh and destructive, but healing and soft or warm.  This part of the training can also bring calmness to your mind and spirit that is critical in battle because it will help you remain focused and in control making your techniques more effective and efficient. 

The physical skills we practice in the dojang or if and only if we have to use them to protect ourselves.  And if we stay aware and in some ways lucky, we will never have to use these skills.  So, if that is the case, what does the rest of our days look like? For me, the inner contemplation and meditative training reminds me of who we are at our core and how we fit into the universe working and living among people every day.  This is one reason I practice and study yoga and healing arts. For me, my engineering is also a discipline and requires focus to ensure specifications are complete (and do not include just desires but true requirements) and well documented, design meets specification, products get built right the first time, the design is producible and supportable, etc..

So, what activities do you also do outside martial arts that allows for you to embed and reinforce focus, discipline, and attention to detail?  What activities do you participate in that allow you to mediate, contemplate and find inner peace to balance your life?

Regards,

Kelly

“The Way of a Warrior is based on humanity, love, and sincerity; the heart of martial valor is true bravery, wisdom, love, and friendship. Emphasis on the physical aspects of warriorship is futile, for the power of the body is always limited.” ~ Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969), founder of Aikido

References

1.      The Way of the Martial Artist: Achieving Success in Martial Arts and in Life! By Kevin L. Brett

2.      Holy Mountain Training Company [Online] webpage “Samurai Cultured Warriors of Japan” http://www.holymtn.com/Japan/Samurai.htm. [July 2015].