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

 

Karate Concepts from Choki Motobu --- Chief Instructor's Blog December 2022

 

Choki Motobu, founder of Motobu-ryū, was one of Okinawa's greatest early twentieth century karate masters.  Choki Motobu students documented in Japanese a 1978 essay "Motobu Choki Sensei Goroku" (that was translated by Joe Swift) which focuses on some of his concepts relating to karate.  I will expand on a few of the items discussed in the essay that resonated the most with me and align with Han Moo Kwan principles and concepts.

“Kamae is in the heart, not a physical manifestation.”

Kamae is Japanese for “stance” or “posture”.   While we practice it is important that your stances are solid and correct.  I believe what Choki Motobu was referring to is that your attitude and intent is more important.  Your stances and techniques can be technically perfect but if your attitude and intent is not correct, your techniques will not be effective.

“One must develop the ability to read how much striking power any person has in one glance.”

Learning to read your attacker and understand their strengths and weaknesses quickly is an essential skill.  We practice this skill as part of learning the energy side of martial arts.

“One does not have to take care to block every single attack by an opponent with weak striking power.”

If the strike is not going to do you harm or out of range, etc., then you should not waste time and energy to block it or chase it.    In this case, you should just attack the opponent, but ensure you are protecting any vulnerable spots (e.g., your head).

“One must develop the ability to deflect attack even from behind.”

All attacks are not going to be directly in front of you.  So, first you need to be aware of what is going on behind you and to the side of you as well.  And if the attack is from behind, you need to be able to move and throw techniques that are effective.

“In a real confrontation, more than anything else strike to the face first, as this is most effective.”

By striking the face (or head), first you are attacking the body’s “control system” (i.e.  the brain), and if can stun the brain, the body will shut down. I will expand this to attack vulnerable spots first (knees, groin, etc.).  The idea is to finish a fight quickly, so the most vulnerable spots are best to attack first.

“Kicks are not all that effective in a real confrontation.”

I believe this statement is more about full kicks.  Most fights are close in, so you will not necessarily be able to execute a full kick, but knee strikes, stamping side kicks to the shin or foot could be very effective.

“One must try and block the attack at its source (Block not the attacking hand but deeper on the arm).”

To me, this concept aligns with not focusing on the actual part of the body the assailant is attacking.  If you focus on just the attack, you may miss other things going on (use of other weapons). And if you attack the body or the source, you are more likely to do more damage and end the altercation quickly.  Or this concept may also be indicating to block a strike or kick at the position where it exerts the least amount of power.  (e.g., haymaker punch is easiest to stop if you block the upper arm just a few inches down from the shoulder.)

“The blocking hand must be able to become the attacking hand in an instant. Blocking with one hand and then countering with the other is not true bujutsu. Real bujutsu presses forward and blocks and counters in the same motion.”

This also combines a few concepts for me.  One is blocks are attacks (“block to break”), so in essence you should be always attacking.  In addition, this concept for me also emphasizes the need to continually attack until you feel safe and not stop until then.  In addition, this emphasizes the use of both hands simultaneously versus one technique then the other.

“When punching to the face one must thrust as if punching through the head.”

For every technique you throw you should be thinking of going through the target.  When we practice against one another you must use control to not cause bodily harm to your fellow student, but against bags, shields and definitely against an attacker, you should always be thinking of going through their body (head, spine, etc.)

“When blocking kicks, one must block as if trying to break the opponent’s shin.”

As stated in class over and over, with every “blocking technique” your intent should be block to break.  Our art form is for self-defense with the goals to end the altercation quickly.  To do so you must disable your attacker quickly, which means causing damage with every technique and to do that you must block to break. 

As you study or read about the masters of traditional martial arts, you will find Han Moo Kwan is very much aligned with their concepts. And given these concepts have survived hundreds of years, for me, it validates what we are studying and practicing.

 

Regards,

Kelly

“The more understanding you have about Karate, the less you need to change or modify it.” ~ Tsuguo Sakumoto (1947 – present), former World Karate Champion and 9^th degree in Ryuei-ryu Karate

 

 

Some Key Non-Physical Self-Defense Strategies and Tactics --- Chief Instructor's Blog November 2022

 

While it has been said and written many times, it is worth stating again.

Han Moo Kwan philosophy and its strategies are based on an honorable fighter art with its origins dating back hundreds of years.  This fighting art is used strictly for self-defense and for improving oneself physically and spiritually.  Therefore, if options do not exist to avoid confrontation and conflict, we teach members how to physically defend themselves using the Han Moo Kwan Tae Kwon Do philosophy and its strategies and tactics.

So, with that said, what options are there to avoid confrontation and conflict?

The number one rule of self-defense is “Do not get chosen”.  There are a few major concepts this encompasses.  One concept is being aware of your surroundings and avoid situations that put you at risk, such as walking alone in a dark area or entering the subway car that is completely packed versus one that is less crowded.  Or the flip side, entering a subway car with only one other person that makes you uncomfortable versus riding one with a few other people.  Another one is simply do not visibly carry anything of interest to an attacker. For example, if you are carrying a $1400 iPhone down the street visibly in your hand, you are more at risk to be robbed.  If you are carrying a $2000 purse and it is dangling down your side, you are at risk of being robbed.  If you are wearing expensive jewelry out in public especially crowded streets or public transit, you are at risk.  When my husband and I travel, we do not wear our more expensive wedding rings but wear an inexpensive, plain band. 

Another simple tactic of not getting chosen is to ensure your home is well lit at night, whether you have interior and or exterior lights on timers or sensors.  An intruder will most likely break into a dark home then one that has lights on.  Or place a large dog bowl with water in the backyard that looks scuffed up and well used.  An intruder will most likely avoid a house with a dog. 

Also, those that appear to have more confidence are less likely to be chosen.  This means walking with your head up and with confidence.

It also means being aware of your surroundings.  By looking around and not staring and/or texting on your phone, for example, in public places you are less likely to be the target.

Another concept is keeping safe distances or avoid being in a disadvantaged position.  Again, this may mean avoiding crowded areas, if possible.  Or if in a more crowded place, position yourself to limit an attacker’s angles of attack.  As an example, if in a crowded subway, you have your back to a wall so you can see what’s in front of you and therefore do not have to worry about what’s behind you and limit someone’s opportunities to rob or attack you.

Another important concept is to trust your instincts.  This does not mean to be paranoid, but if your gut tells you the situation does not feel right, trust it.  If you are walking down the street and there is a person coming towards you that makes you feel uneasy, cross the street or go into the nearest store.  If you are going into an elevator that has another person or people and the you feel uneasy, take the next elevator or take the stairs.  This does not mean you are being a coward or afraid…this is simply avoiding a potential bad situation.  In Gavin de Becker’s book “The Gift of Fear: And Other Survival Signals That Protect Us from Violence” he provides many examples of reading signs and testing your instinct.

Other means to avoid confrontation can take the form of verbal tactics.  A few simple tactics include, if someone is confronting you simply state the police have been called and are coming, even if this is not true.  Do not say you will call the police, but say the police have already been called.  An attacker is less likely to stick around if they think the police are on their way.   Another verbal tactic if feeling unsafe is to state, “I do not know you”, even if this is not true.  Most bystanders will not want to get involve in a domestic dispute but are willing to help someone against a stranger.

This is not a complete list, but illustrates there are many tactics and techniques besides the physical to keep yourself safe.  And while we spend time practicing the physical techniques, if you are truly interested in self-defense, you should also study and learn the non-physical tactics as well.

Regards,

Kelly

“The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.” ~ Sun Tzu (6th Century BC), Chinese General, military strategist, and author of The Art of War

 

References:

1.      The Gift of Fear: And Other Survival Signals That Protect Us from Violence by Gavin de Becker

2.      The Art of War by Sun Tzu