The Importance of the Cat Stance ---- Chief Instructor Blog June 2019

As mentioned in other blogs, stances are the foundation of the art form.  All of the Han Moo Kwan basics stances and the additional stances have benefits.  Continuing to refine and practice the Cat Stance will probably have the biggest impact in improving your overall martial arts techniques.

The benefits we discuss when introducing the Cat Stance include:

·         It is a very mobile stance to move toward and away from an opponent.  

·         It allows fast kicks since there is no weight is on the front foot (you are not required to shift weight prior to the kick).

·         Removing the weight from the front foot also protects the knee from injury (a kick to the front leg simply shifts it out of position instead of causing damage).

And because of these benefits above we use Cat Stance as our main fighting stance.

Cat Stance is obvious in many of our techniques: cat stance itself, jumps kicks, and many techniques within the forms.

So, just based on the above benefits, you may ask how this stance can improve other techniques.  The reality is the cat stance is in many more techniques then the obvious.  Some examples are below:

·        In performing a static front kick, when you pick up your kicking leg, you are actually in a cat stance (just maybe not as deep as your basic cat stance).  

·       The same is true of your static side kick – when you pick up your rear leg, you should be in cat stance – the same when you retract your kick before setting your leg back down.  

·       When performing side medium block in reverse, the transition is actually a cat stance

·       Many of the transitions in our forms are a cat stance.  For example, when performing a 270 degree turn from an attack stance to another attack stance, over time you will actually transition to a cat stance. 

Almost any time you are one legged you should be actually in a cat stance.  Almost any time you have little to no weight on one leg during transitions you should be in cat stance even if only for a brief moment in time.  A solid and effective cat stance will improve your balance and improve your transitions in forms.  

But probably more important is that (1) an effective cat stance will allow you to shift from a natural to a Cat Stance subtly so you do not telegraph your move and (2) perform forceful forward strikes without relying on a body slant or lean, developing a much stronger presence.  Both of these can make all the difference in staying safe in a self-defense scenario.   

As you get more and more comfortable in cat stance and once you reach an advanced level, you should strive to stay in a subtle cat stance while performing self-defense.  This will also challenge you to stay grounded and powerful while on one leg and readily have that leg available to deliver a kick or sweep without the opponent ever noticing.

I challenge all of you to look for other opportunities during martial arts practice and in your everyday life to find ways to practice and improve your cat stance.  It will make all the difference.

Regards,

Kelly

“We don't rise to the level of our expectations, we fall to the level of our training.” ~ Archilochus (c. 680 – c. 645 BC), Greek poet and soldier

It’s About The Journey ---- Chief Instructor Blog May 2019

For the last two blogs I have talked about how training in martial arts has similarities to training for a marathon or climbing Mt. Everest and while I still like these analogies, in its true essence, it is not about the race or the mountain, but about a journey to improve oneself.

While I am an advocate of goals (e.g., finishing a marathon, getting to the top of a mountain, reaching the rank of Black Belt, etc.), those “finishes” are not as important as the obstacles you overcome, the persistence of continuing, how you improve (mind, body, and spirit), and what you learn about yourself along the way.  The reality is in martial arts there is no “finish”.  Yes, there are milestones one can point to along the way, but there is no finish.

This is one of the reasons I prefer to use the terminology “studying” martial arts versus training to describe the path of martial arts.  Training can imply there is a finish or a pinnacle goal.  When studying, there is more of a connotation of continuing to learn (and grow) as a person – from a journey.  

And to learn and grow as a martial artist you need to show up to class.  And sometimes the obstacles in our journey start with showing up – so, what is keeping you from attending class?   Even if injured, what is stopping you from showing up and mentally going through the techniques and forms, listening to the instruction?   Even a mental practice will help you sustain or improve your skill and knowledge.

How have you improved from attending class?   Do you have more mental focus that has helped help you get through a or a challenging problem at work?  Do you have more stamina to get through other physical activities you take part in?  

What have you learned about yourself lately from showing up to class?   Have you learned you have more physical skill than you thought?  

In the words of our club founder Mr. Ui Jung Kim, we study “To better ourselves”.  

So, show up and if you are not showing up, ask yourself what obstacle is so important to stop you from trying to improve physically, mentally, spiritually.

Regards,

Kelly

” The black belt is not a mark or symbol of the end of the journey to one’s mastery of the arts; rather it is the mark that one is done packing for their journey and may now take the first step in their true journey. This a journey which cannot ever be complete, only traveled...”  ~ Unknown

Is Practicing Martial Arts a Marathon or More like Climbing Mt Everest? ---- Chief Instructor Blog April 2019

In last month’s blog, I described how practicing and studying martials arts was more like training for a marathon (http://hanmookwan-svl-chiefinstructor.blogspot.com/2019/03/practicing-martial-art-marathon-not.html).  And while I still think this is a very good analogy, I think an even better analogy is climbing Mt. Everest.

If you do not know anything about Mt. Everest, let me provide you a couple facts (Reference 1):

·         Tallest mountain in the world. 

·         Number of people to attempt to climb Mt. Everest: approximately 4,000. 

·         Number of people to successfully climb Mt. Everest: 660. 

Based on the statistics above, that means 16.5% of the people who attempt the climb, actually make it to the summit.  Training to climb for Mt. Everest is intense.  The best training includes cardiovascular training, strength training, and mental conditioning.  In addition, the conditions can be harsh (Reference 2):

·         The warmest average daytime temperature (in July) is only about −2 °F (−19 °C) on the summit; in January, the coldest month, summit temperatures average −33 °F (−36 °C) and can drop as low as −76 °F (−60 °C). 

·         Storms can come up suddenly, and temperatures can plummet unexpectedly. 

·         The peak of Everest is so high that it reaches the lower limit of the jet stream, and it can be buffeted by sustained winds of more than 100 miles (160 km) per hour. 

·         The risk of frostbite to climbers on Everest is extremely high.

Climbing Mt Everest does not take overnight.  And while the actual time depends on several factors (weather conditions, fitness levels, acclimation time, etc.), the average time is around two to three weeks and the fastest time is 26 hours (Reference 3).  

A couple things I find most interesting about Mt. Everest is:

·         There are 18 routes up to the summit of Mt. Everest.

·         There is no way to predict who may reach the top: men and women of all ages (13 to 80), including many people with disabilities have reached the summit

So, how is this like practicing a martial art (for purpose of this discussion, we will use earning a first-degree black belt as reaching a “summit)?

·         Not everyone reaches the summit

·         In martial arts, across almost all traditional disciplines, approximately 10% of the students who start the practice reach the level of first-degree Black Belt.  This statistic is consistent with what we see at our Club.

·         To be effective, training requires cardiovascular training, strength training, and mental conditioning

·         Time to reach the summit can vary dramatically

·         As noted in last month’s blog, the average time to earn a Black Belt is around 4-5 years.  This is consistent with the time we have seen in our Club.  We have seen people earn a first Black Belt in under 2 years and a long as 21 years. 

·            Reaching the summit of martials arts is not based on age or gender.  All ages, and genders have and can earn a first-degree Black Belt.

·            It takes commitment and perseverance despite the obstacles that may be presented along the way 

However, what I think is the most important comparison is that there is no one way or one route to earn a first-degree black belt.  There are many paths to reach this summit and one should pick the path (which includes the time to get there), that works for them depending on the conditions, most specifically health, time can devote to physical and mental training, and pure desire and focus.

Regards,

Kelly

“Technique and ability alone do not get you to the top; it is the willpower that is the most important. This willpower you cannot buy with money or be given by others..it rises from your heart."  ~Junko Tabei (1939 2016), first woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest (in 1975), and the first woman to ascend all Seven Summits by climbing the highest peak on every continent.

References:

1. http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/hillary/archive/evefacts.htm, retrieved 3/29/19

2. https://www.britannica.com/place/Mount-Everest, retrieved 3/29/19

3. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/mount-everest-fasted-time-climb-kilian-jornet-a7752006.html/, retrieved 3/29/19

Practicing a Martial Art: Marathon Not A Sprint -- Chief Instructor's Blog March 2019

I am sure all of you have heard something described as a marathon (26.2 miles) and not a sprint.  This description could also be applied to practicing a martial art. 

The very elite runners can finish a marathon in 2 hours and median time is around 4:20 for men and 4:50 for women [Ref 1].  And some of the slowest times are over 9 hours.  People who train for marathons spend 18-22 weeks if new to marathon running and 12 weeks if an experienced /seasoned marathon runner [Ref. 2].  It is also important not to try to rush the training – if you rush it can lead to injuries.  As you can imagine running a marathon takes time, commitment and fortitude to train and actually finish a marathon.   

The training, as well as the mental and physical strength needed to train and run a marathon is very much like studying a martial art.  

One, it takes time.  Becoming a martial artist or achieving a rank of Black Belt takes time.  While there is no documented standard, from various articles out there the average time to earn a Black Belt is around 4-5 years.  This is consistent with what we have seen in our Club.  But of course, this is dependent on many factors, including how much time you are able to dedicate to your practice.

Two, to improve, you must make a commitment to stick to the practice.  It is not something you can do only one day a week or stop for months at a time and still be effective.  If you do take time off, you need to come back slowly, else risk injury, and may need to relearn some techniques you have forgotten or to become as effective as you were before your break.  We have had a couple Club members earn a first-degree black belt in under 2 years (some of these people have come from similar training or spent almost every day training).  Being committed also means never stop showing up.  We had one student take as long as 21 years.  This student took time off at various times in his practice for various reasons, but kept coming back when they could.

And it takes fortitude.  Studying a martial art can be physically, mentally, and emotionally challenging.  There were many times before I became a Black Belt, I myself, wondered if I should continue to study (for various reasons including did I have the time).  And this can be especially true if you have setbacks like injuries or surgeries.

Studying a martial art takes time, a commitment, and fortitude.  Martial arts is not something you learn or become a master of overnight – it is a marathon.

Regards,

Kelly

“A marathon is hundreds of miles. The finish is the last 26.2." ~Unknown

References:

1. https://www.verywellfit.com/how-long-does-it-take-to-run-a-marathon-2911423, retrieved 2 March 2019

2. https://www.verywellfit.com/how-long-does-it-take-to-train-for-a-marathon-2911422, retrieved 2 March 2019

Ground Fighting ---- Chief Instructor Blog February 2019

I have recently been asked why we do not practice more ground fighting in the Club.

My rationale is not meant to say that Han Moo Kwan is a better martial art than those that focus or practice mostly on the ground, but meant to explain, based on the Han Moo Kwan objectives as a martial art, why we avoid ground fighting, if we can.

Han Moo Kwan Tae Kwon Do is meant to be used strictly for self-defense purposes, and only if options do not exist to avoid the confrontation and conflict.  So, bottom line is if you can walk away (or run) and remain safe at the start or anytime during a confrontation, that should be your choice or at least considered.  It will be much harder or not even be an option to walk away if you are on the ground.

And when we talked about self-defense, it can be any scenario – single attackers, multiple attackers, middle of the street on a hot summer day, while with people you love, etc.  And in self-defense, no technique is considered illegal and there are no rules. I contend that unless you are a master ground fighter, your probability of staying safe and not harmed against multiple attackers is very low if you are on the ground and still probably only if none of the attackers are skilled.  All it takes is one person to get behind you and kick you in the head and you will almost be instantly unable to defend yourself.  You are much better off on your feet against multiple attackers.  In addition, if you are with other people and also need/want to defend them against attackers, you will be unable to do that if you are on the ground. 

We also intentionally practice a more Aikido style of falls and rolls that allows us to get back on our feet more quickly and effectively.

We do practice ground fighting from time to time so you can have the confidence that the majority of the techniques we practice on our feet can be just as effective on the ground if for some reason you end up on the ground. 

And, we do practice some basic grappling techniques like take downs, some throws, and leg sweeps for example, but with the focus of performing the techniques and staying on our feet.  In self-defense, it can definitely be advantageous to getting your attacker on the ground while ensuring you stay on your feet (for one, gives you the opportunity to walk or run away).

So, bottom line, for self-defense purposes and assuming it can be any scenario, we believe that defending ourselves from our feet is better.

Regards,

Kelly

“Nothing is more harmful to the world than a martial art that is not effective in actual self-defense.” ~ Choki Motobu (1871–1944), Founder of Okinawan Tomari-te Karate

Why I Keep Training and Instructing – 25 Years Later - Chief Instructor's Blog January 2019

Twenty-five years ago, this month, I became a member of the Han Moo Kwan Tae Kwon Do Club.  I had just started at Lockheed Martin the previous August and worked with two members of the club, Norio Tominaga and Sam Nazzal.  Both of them encouraged me to try the club out and, based on their encouragement and for other reasons I joined.

It is sometimes hard for me to fathom it has been twenty-five-years that I have been studying the art form and for twenty years I have been an instructor (the last 11 being the Chief Instructor).  Twenty-five years ago, I would not have thought I would have been a member of the Club this long or even had become an instructor.  I did not truly understand or appreciate in the beginning all there was to learn and how martial arts is a way of life – mind, body, spirit.

The two main reasons I continue to train and instruct are I constantly learn and grow (mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually) and because I think the art form has so much to offer people.  I think it is important to share this art form with anyone who is interested.

Every day I train or instruct I learn something new.  I learn something physical in the art form – maybe a different way to mechanically throw the technique, a new energetic intent or a new way to express it.  I learn from watching students, by experimenting with the art form or just talking about it with students or instructors.  Just in the last couple of months, I have discovered another dozen or so applications in various hyung and found another way to mechanically throw the augmented medium block.  And since we also teach the energy side, we are only limited by our imagination of different applications or intents.  And once I discover something, then the task is to integrate it within all the techniques, hyung, self-defense, etc. 

I have found for myself and seen in others what studying an energy-based art form has enabled them to do in their personal and professional lives.  For myself, Han Moo Kwan has been foundational to my personal and professional growth.  I have seen people grow more confident in themselves, I have seen people come from a place of power and clarity, I have seen people discover what their potential truly is.  Because I think some of the most important work we can do is self-growth and becoming the best person we can to help ourselves and our communities, for myself, I continue to train and teach Han Moo Kwan.

I believe that all students that have joined Han Moo Kwan have benefited from it.  And I hope each of you continue to train and instruct or, if you do not currently instruct, find a calling to one day instruct to continue the art form and to continue to support your community.

Regards, 

Kelly

“Ever since I was a child, I have had this instinctive urge for expansion and growth. To me, the function and duty of a quality human being is the sincere and honest development of one's potential.” ~ Bruce Lee, (1940 –1973) American-born Chinese Hong Kong martial artist, actor, and founder of Jeet Kune Do

Practice For Mastery ---- Chief Instructor Blog December 201

I am sure almost all of you have heard the phrase “Practice makes perfect”.    I have also heard people say “Practice does not make perfect, but perfect practice makes perfect.”

 

Merriam-Webster on-line dictionary (Reference 1) definition of perfection is as follows:

 

1: the quality or state of being perfect: such as

a: freedom from fault or defect: flawlessness

b: maturity

c: the quality or state of being saintly

2 a: an exemplification of supreme excellence

b: an unsurpassable degree of accuracy or excellence

3: the act or process of perfecting  

 

If you notice, in my blogs and in class, I do not use this phrase (or try not to, but since I am not perfect, I may have slipped once or twice). 

 

Why would I say this?  And if we are not training or studying for perfection, what are we doing it for?  Why, do I not think someone can perfect martial arts?

 

I believe it is daunting and overwhelming to try for perfection in any physical skill and the end result is simply frustration and stopping.  Who could possibly perfect a side kick and perform it perfectly every single kick, every day, every time it was tried?  And if you feel like you threw one that was perfect and you could not repeat it, what does that mean?  Does it mean you reached perfection or were perfect once and may or may not be perfect again?  How can one possibly be flawless every time? Can one truly reach a state where one can no longer improve because it is perfect?

 

What we really are trying to obtain in practicing and studying martial arts is mastery.

 

Merriam-Webster on-line dictionary (Reference 2) definition of mastery is as follows:

1a : the authority of a master : dominion

b : the upper hand in a contest or competition : superiority, ascendancy

2a : possession or display of great skill or technique

b : skill or knowledge that makes one master of a subject : command

 

Mastery is a process, not a state.  I really like how George Leonard from his book Mastery: The Keys to Success and Long-Term Fulfillment (Reference 3), describes mastery as “the mysterious process during which what is at first difficult becomes progressively easier and more pleasurable through practice.”

 

If we are focused on perfection, we are focused on a state that may or may not be sustainable.   If we are focused on the state, we are not focused on the process, and it is in the process that we learn, improve, and grow.  When we are learning and improving, we are moving towards becoming an authority and possessing a higher degree of knowledge and skills compared to others.  Practicing and studying is how we learn and improve, therefore, practice is that process to obtain mastery.   As George Leonard writes in his book, “The master of any game is generally a master of practice.”

 

So, if you want to achieve mastery in marital arts, practice.  Just practice and focus on the process.

 

Regards,

Kelly

“The black belt is not a mark or symbol of the end of the journey to one’s mastery of the arts; rather it is the mark that one is done packing for their journey and may now take the first step in their true journey. This a journey which cannot ever be complete, only traveled...” ~Unknown

References:

1.  https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perfection, retrieved 12/2/18

2. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mastery, retrieved 12/2/18

3. Mastery: The Keys to Success and Long-Term Fulfillment” by George Leonard