Are Martial Arts About Violence? --- Chief Instructor's Blog July 2023

Some people believe that martial arts is about violence and therefore would never study or practice it.  In the movies or on TV shows, in many instances depicts people using martial arts techniques in an offensive, violent manner, so I can understand why people may think martial arts is about violence. 

But this is not what traditional martial arts is about.  In fact, traditional self-defense based martial arts is more about keeping peace; it is not about violence.

As a reminder, first steps of self-defense are awareness and avoidance.  If you are aware of your surroundings and avoid a physical altercation, then you have successfully defended yourself.  If those options do not work, then you defend yourself physically.  Miyamoto Musashi legendary Japanese samurai and author of The Book of Five Rings said it well when he wrote, “The ultimate aim of martial arts is not having to use them.”

But to be able to defend yourself physically, you need to be trained and be comfortable with going against aggressive behavior.  You have to understand that behavior is not about you and let if not affect you. Then you can stay in control and do what you need to do to stay safe. 

It is actually natural to go into flight or fight mode when encountering violence. If aggressive behavior or name calling, for example, gets you excited or amped up, this will not help you stay in control, stay calm, and end an altercation quickly.  It would probably actually make the altercation go longer and the longer it goes the worse the injuries could be for you.

And therefore, you need to experience it and study it.  You need to be able to train in scenarios of aggressive behavior in order to not overreact if you encounter them in a real situation.  And in some cases, that calm demeaner can deescalate a situation before it becomes physical.

So, while you may need to experience and study violence to be effective in self-defense, it is not to learn to be violent or promote violence.  It is truly so you can learn to avoid it and/or defeat it.

Regards,

Kelly

“I am not teaching you how to fight. I am teaching you how to control evil. That’s what we are really doing here.” ~ Masaaki Hatsumi (1931 – present), founder of the Bujinkan Organization and a Togakure-ryū grandmaster

Staying Motivated to Practice and Train --- Chief Instructor's Blog June 2023

 

Martial arts is a lifelong pursuit.  Like many skills, if you do not practice or train you will lose the skill set.  Gichin Funakoshi in his 11th principle from his book The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate, explained it as “Karate is like hot water. If you do not heat it constantly it grows tepid.”   So, one way not to turn your martial arts into tepid water is to stay motivated. 

So, how does one stay motived to practice and train week after week, year after year?  I have been training and practicing for nearly 30 years.  Below are a few things I have used to stay motivated over the years.

 1. Remember Why I Started

Sometimes you can stay motivated just by remembering why you started in the first place.   Maybe you wanted to become more fit, more flexible, learn self-defense?  Whatever it was, maybe just remembering and reminding yourself why you started is enough to be motivated to practice and train that day, that week, that month or that year.

 2. Focus on the Process

If you feel like your training is not going well, be more process oriented as in the Eastern way of learning and focus on the process and not the results.  As noted in my blog last month, if you only focus on the results, during those times when you struggle, you can end up stopping and quitting.

3. Create Goals

As mentioned in my last month’s blog, having goals can be a way to stay motivated.  These goals can be short or more long term.

A few ideas for short term goals:

·         Learn a new technique

·         Learn the next hyung

·         Learn Mr. Kim’s timing combination

A few ideas for longer goals:

·         Earn the next belt

·         Become faster. It could be as simple as performing hyung a second or two faster while still performing it technically correct.

·         Improving your endurance. Maybe your goal is to get through all of the basics with full power and not lose your breath.

·         Learn a new interpretation of a technique and incorporate it into all techniques, every hyung, everything you do. 

·         Learn to perform every hyung mirrored without hesitation and technically correct.

For some longer goals, it can be beneficial to monitor yourself by creating a tracking method like a table of values denoting different levels of how you feel you are performing the technique (e.g., sometimes, most time, almost always).

 4. Stick to a Schedule

Create and stick to a practice and training schedule.  Even if tired, still train but go slow or with less power. Or just mentally go through all the techniques and hyung. As Mr. Kim would say, “Show up, work out”. 

 5. Have a Training Partner

Connect with someone to work out with and hold each other accountable to show up and work out.

6. Keep A Positive Attitude

Our mental attitude is also key.  If you show up and decide you do not want to train, you will most likely have a bad training session. And, as your practice goes poorly, you will reenforce not wanting to be there.  So regardless, come in with a positive attitude, even if you need to pretend you want to be there and are enjoying it. 

Regards,

Kelly

“If you ever lack motivation to train then think what happens to your mind and body when you don't.” ~ Shifu Yan Lei (1973- ), Qigong and Kungfu master and author

 

Western or Eastern Approach to Learning Martial Arts --- Chief Instructor's Blog May 2023

Western and Eastern cultures are very different in their approaches to learning.  So, is one better than the other to learn martial arts? Let’s look at two key differences.

1. Process Oriented vs Goal Oriented

In Eastern culture, the process of learning is valued. And it is actually acceptable to struggle, because it is part of the process.  In Western culture, we value the results and sometimes use struggles as an excuse to stop. In Western culture, we set goals and stay focused to meet those goals.  When I have mentioned I study martial arts, the first question I am usually are asked are “What is your rank?”  Or “Are you a Black Belt”?     

So, which one is better to learn martial arts? 

I think there is value in both.  Setting goals and working towards those goals can be very motivating and keep people focused.  However, if you do not take time to understand the journey/the path you took towards your goal you may have missed out on some key principles, thoughts, or different concepts you may not have otherwise discovered.  If though, you let struggles lead you to stop, or quit trying something, then you may also never reach your goal.  The other potential issue is if you think a goal is a stopping place.  If the goal is to only achieve a Black Belt, for instance, you may not realize the true benefits of studying a martial art long term.

2. Self-Discovery vs Taught

In Eastern culture, the instructor does not explain how or why you just practice over and over and over again until you understand the concept.  Mr. Kim did not explain why you were supposed to do anything - he would just say do this or do that.  If a student tried to ask him why, he would not answer and just reiterate the need to practice.  This is the Eastern way of teaching.  Eventually, you would understand through doing some concept or principle after practicing 1,000 or 10,000 times.  In Western Culture, teachers explain more the how and the why.  And we encourage students to ask questions as part of the learning process.  In fact, in school today students are expected to explain how they solved a math problem in words or explain to others students so they can ask questions. 

So, which one is better to learn martial arts? 

I think there is value in both.  In practicing over and over again, you can gain more proficiency.  And when in self-discovery mode, you are probably ready for the information.  Sometimes, we are told concepts (even over and over again) but it does not click.  But when you are practicing and working critically through the techniques and finally get it, it is probably because you were ready to learn it.  I have had students come and tell me - you know that thing you have been trying to tell me, well I was working on this form and finally got it.  In addition, understanding the why and being able to explain it may provide you a deeper knowledge of the form, the technique, the concept.  And, each student learns and takes in information differently, so if an instructor only explains the what, students may not learn at all or give up before learning.

So, for me, whether you continue to learn and grow through continually setting new and different goals, through the process, through doing a technique a thousand times, by studying the how and why, or all of the above, it does not matter as much as the fact you continue and don’t stop. 

Regards,

Kelly

"A student's mentality in learning martial arts is to overcome one's problems." ~ Ip Chun (1924-present), Wing Chun master, son to Ip Man who was Bruce Lee’s Wing Chun teacher

References:

1. Does the Difference Between Eastern and Western Learning Styles Impact English Study Practices? — LinguaLinkDC, retrieved 5/5/23

What Constitutes a Martial Art? --- Chief Instructor's Blog April 2023

 

What constitutes a martial art?  Is boxing a martial art?  Wresting?  Olympic style Tae Kwon Do?  There are lots of opinions and thoughts out there.  I will share some of those opinions and thoughts as well as mine.

If you go by just the word martial, which is derived from the name Mars, the Roman god of war, it would any style that could be used in combat.  And if we agree that is the definition of a martial art, then firearms, archery, fencing should be considered a martial art.  If part of the definition of a martial art is that it is systemized or “codified through curriculum” [Ref. 2] then a few of these may fall off the list like firearms.

In Japanese, the compound of the toots “bu”, translates to war or martial.  The term bujutsu usually refers to the application of techniques to real-world situations or battlefield situations [Ref. 4] or martial arts techniques [Ref. 6].  “It is nothing less than a complete study of the arts of war and combat.” [Ref. 7]   So, if one’s interpretation is a martial art is synonymous with the definition of bujutsu, then you might consider boxing, wresting, and firearms but maybe not Olympic Style Tae Kwon Do (my personal opinion is Olympic Style Tae Kwon Do is designed as a sport and would not be effective on the battlefield).

If you look at other interpretations, you may come to different conclusions.

For example, Chinese character “mu” can be translated into the word martial. “The Chinese character “mu” literally means “to stop fighting” or “to put down weapons.” The word “arts” in martial arts points to skill, expression of beauty or creativity. The combination “martial arts” may be interpreted to mean ending conflict skillfully. Peace is the ultimate goal of the martial arts [Ref. 3].”   In this case, you would take all combative sports like boxing, wresting and Olympic Style Tae Kwon Do off the list as being a martial art.

The Japanese term Budo literally translates to the “Martial Way’, but I have also seen it refer to as the way of the warrior, the martial way, and the way of martial arts.   “Budō is the idea of formulating propositions, subjecting them to philosophical critique and then following a "path" to realize them.” Dō signifies a "way of life" [Ref. 4].  So, if one’s interpretation is a martial art is synonymous with the definition of budo, then you must consider not just the techniques and the combat skills but “the path, the way”.   The path most commonly refers to the means to self-improvement in body, mind and spirit.  So, by this definition, if boxing or wresting was as a way to achieve mind, body, spirit, then they would be considered a martial art. 

In my opinion, a martial art encompasses both the teachings of techniques to protect yourself in real-world situations in a codified, systematic way as well as providing a path that improves mind, body and spirit.   

How would you define a martial art? 

Regards,

Kelly

“A Martial Artist may become A professional fighter but not every Fighter is capable of becoming A martial artist. Martial Arts are about restoration of physical and spiritual balance and fluidity; they are about observing restraints and 'setting example'.  ~ Soke Behzad Ahmadi, Okinawa ShorinjiRyu Swsni, Advisor at International Seishinryu Karate Federation (ISKF), Technical Advisor at Korea Taekwondo Association and author

 

References:

1.      What is Martial Arts? - A Knowledge Archive (infomory.com), retrieved 4/1/2023

2.      Martial Arts - A Definitive Guide - Martial Devotee, retrieved 4/1/2023

3.      What is the True Meaning of Martial Arts? | Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts (master-sh-yu.com), retrieved 4/1/2023

4.      Budō - Wikipedia, retrieved 4/1/2023

5.      Bujutsu (Bugei) vs. Budo: – Welcome To The Florida Jukido Jujitsu Academy Website, retrieved 4/1/2023

6.      Budo vs Bushido | AWMA Blog, retrieved 4/1/2023

7.      What is Koryu Bujutsu (way-of-the-samurai.com), retrieved 4/1/2023

 

Getting Out of Our Comfort Zone --- Chief Instructor's Blog March 2023

 

As we have been discussing in class, practicing basics and hyung precisely are important and have benefits, but you must also get out of your comfort zone to ensure your techniques are effective in all practical applications.   If you can only perform techniques one way and move one way, you will be limited in your ability to defend yourself and could actually mentally get stuck and freeze. 

By doing things similar but different it helps create new neuropathways that allows us to move more freely.  Some of the exercises and drills that force us to move differently, perform techniques on different sides, and/or makes our brain make different mind-body connections include (many of which we have practiced in class) include:

·         Performing hyung mirrored (i.e., start to the left, versus the right) 

·         Performing hyung with reverse strikes. 

·         Practicing various basics at different heights (low, medium, high) and in different directions (downward, upward, outward, etc.).

·         Practicing combinations using different stance transitions than normally practiced in basics or hyung (e.g., transition from a side horse to a cat stance)

·         Practicing techniques and hyung at different speeds and cadences

·         Practicing techniques, hyung, combinations imagining different scenarios

·         Practicing techniques while imagining targets at different distances (i.e., close in, kicking range, just outside kicking range). 

In addition, by continuing to push ourselves outside our comfort zone we are less likely to become complacent.  While it is great to feel comfortable in performing techniques and feeling proficient in hyung, if we do not continue to explore ways of doing things differently then that complacency can lead to laziness.  One of my favorite quotes is by Norman Augustine (United States Under Secretary of the Army from 1975 to 1977 and chairman and CEO of the Lockheed Martin Corporation), “There are no lazy veteran lion hunters.”   

Imagine what it felt like the first time you performed a basic side kick well.  If you stopped there and never tried to improve it and perform it differently, how much more competent would you feel performing that technique?  When we get lazy, we stop growing and learning.  When we practice outside our comfort zone and practice the new ways, we not only improve our competency but also our confidence which will lead us to continuing to be open to trying new ways of practicing.   

Regards,

Kelly

“Karate is like boiling water: without heat, it returns to its tepid state.“ ~  Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957), founder of Shotokan Karate

Han Moo Kwan Club 50th Anniversary Reflection - - Chief Instructor's Blog February 2023

 

Over fifty years ago, a chance meeting between Mr. Bob Rainie and Mr. Ui Jung Kim at a gas station in Campbell led to a demonstration and then the birth of the Han Moo Kwan Club in Sunnyvale in February 1973. 

Since then, over a 1,000 people joined the Club.  Of those, our records indicate, 619 have tested and reached at least the rank of Green Belt.  Of those, 67 have reached at least the level of First-Degree Black Belt. 

While Mr. Kim and some of his original students have since passed, most notably Mr. Bob Rainie and Mr. Gary Murray, along with one of our past Chief Instructors, Mr. Jeff Burgess, the Club carries on.  Maybe the numbers are not what it once was and currently we do not have a permanent location to train, we do continue on.

Mr. Kim was quoted as saying more than once, “Show up, work out”.  And that is what we have been doing, whether it be via Zoom, in the park, and hopefully soon a new location, we are showing up and working out to honor Mr. Kim, our founding members, and all those instructors who taught just to share their knowledge and the art form.

Not only did they share their knowledge they shared and taught overtly the energy side of martial arts.  In the East, the energy side was held close and never openly shared.  It was discovered after years and maybe decades of training by experiencing it from the masters.  In the West, most instructors never discovered the energy side or believed it exists so they could not pass it along to their students. Or they may be demonstrating it but not overtly teaching it, so very few students are discovering it. 

But our Club has had the unique experience of our founders not only overtly teaching but finding methods to help us understand it quicker than eastern methods and helping us understand how the energy side benefits us not just in martial arts but in our everyday lives.  I feel extremely fortunate and grateful for these teachings which have sharped and influenced my life in such positive ways.  

On this 50^th anniversary, I ask each of you who have been a part of the Club whether for a month or decades, to reflect on the teachings you have received for practically free, how those teachings have helped you better yourself and thank those instructors (whether living or dead) who have shared their knowledge and insights.  And then ask yourself how you are giving back to these instructors by continuing to “show up, work out”, continue to, if do already, or find ways to give back to your community.  

 

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

Getting the Most Out of Your Training --- Chief Instructor's Blog January 2023

 

As we enter the new year, you might be thinking about how to get more or the most out of your training in the upcoming year.    

What’s obvious is to practice, practice and practice.

However, sometimes we feel we have limited time for practice, so in that case, how can you get the most out of your training?  Below are some things you may want to consider.

1. Be Present

While practicing, whether on your own or in class, be present.  Focus on what you are doing 100 percent of the time and do not let other things distract you while you are training.

2. Be consistent

When practicing, be consistent and precise with each technique Do not just go through the motions, but practice doing each technique consistently every time.

3. Let go of your ego

Do not compare yourself to anyone else whether a fellow student or some martial artist you watched on TV or in a video.  If you are more concerned about how you look compared to others, the less you are focused, are being consistent, and if working with a partner, the more likely you will get injured. 

4. Enjoy the journey

While it is useful to have goals, enjoy the journey.  Enjoy if you improve 1% over 6 months or even if on a plateau.  Some days you may feel like you have gone backwards, and that is okay, it is part of the journey.  Enjoy the learning and the perseverance of just continuing.  It may be that your physical techniques are not improving much but your understanding of the techniques, when to use them, or underlining principles of the art form have improved.  That is all part of improving, so enjoy it.

5. Mindset

Have a positive mindset.  Even if not doing your favorite drill or practicing your favorite hyung, tell yourself you like it.  It is amazing when thinking positively how much easier and effective your techniques are when compared to negative thoughts. 

6. Play with your techniques outside training

Find ways to practice in your everyday activities.  Whether that is practicing your even, deep breathing, using low side kicks to open doors, breaking down boxes with spear hand or knuckle punches, practicing your balance (you can easily shift to one leg while standing around talking and no one would know you are practicing balancing on one leg), practicing your positive mindset, practicing extending and holding your energy (for example, in a crowded mall to make an easy path to walk through), etc.   There are hundreds of ways to practice martial arts techniques or principles in day-to-day activities and tasks.

As we enter 2023, I encouraged each of you to use the above or come up with your own ways to get the most out of your training.

Regards,

Kelly

“The successful warrior is the average man, with laser-like focus.” ~ Bruce Lee, (1940 –1973) American-born Chinese Hong Kong martial artist, actor, and founder of Jeet Kune Do