Moo Pal Dan Khum - 8 Martial Energy Exercises
Understanding the Exercises:
The theory behind the practice of acupuncture is to free the channels through which Chi flows, known as the meridians. In martial arts practice, Chi generally relates to the control and regulation of breathing in order to strengthen the body. This is possible because through specific exercises we may be able, not only to gather and store Chi but also to direct it to certain areas of the body, e.g. as in a punch or palm heel strike. The basic aim of many of the soft 'internal' martial arts therefore, is to ensure the smooth flow of Chi around the body and reach a state of harmony. It is for this reason that the internal martial arts have traditionally been practiced as a complement to the hard techniques - enter Chil Sung and Yuk Ro forms! Therefore Moo Pal Dan Khum can be used not only to improve general health but also to strengthen the body and increase the ability to withstand blows to vital areas. The method of improving health is divided into two parts - the first of which involves activity and movement in order to direct the Chi to specific areas of the body and secondly, meditation and static postures in order to gather the Chi from the environment.
A scientific explanation for the beneficial influence of Moo Pal Dan Khum on health is that regular practice causes a reduction in oxygen consumption, respiration and metabolic rate. The resulting state of low energy consumption means that the body has a greater store of energy which can be used to combat ailments. Moo Pal Dan Khum training helps bring about a balance between the positive and negative elements in the human body so as to ensure its normal function. When looked at in this way the fact that we can all feel the revitalising effect of meditation/breathing techniques it seems quite sensible. Many students practice martial arts without any knowledge of the meaning of Chi. If so they also disregard the principles of Um/Yang and the harmony of opposing forces.
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Sip Sam Seh - "The Thirteen Influences"
Never neglect any of the Sip Sam Seh,
The source of the will is in the waist,
Pay attention to the slightest change from full to empty,
Let energy flow through the whole body continuously,
Stillness embodies motion, motion stillness,
Seek stillness in motion,
Surprising things will happen when you meet your opponent,
Give awareness and purpose to every movement,
When done correctly all will appear effortless,
At all times pay attention to the waist,
Relaxed clear awareness of abdomen, the energy can be activated,
When the base of the spine is erect, energy rises to the top of the head,
The body should be flexible,
Hold the head as if suspended from a string,
Keep alert and seek the meaning and purpose of your art,
Bent and stretched, open and closed,
Let nature take it's course,
Beginners are guided by oral teaching,
Gradually one applies himself more and more,
Skill will take care of itself,
What is the main principle of the martial arts ?
The mind is the primary actor and the body the secondary one,
What is the purpose and philosophy behind the martial arts ?
Rejuvenation and prolonging of life beyond the normal span,
So an eternal spring,
Every word of this song has enormous value and importance,
Failing to follow this song attentively, you will sigh away your time.
Tai Chi
Tang Soo Do training can be divided into 3 distinct stages or levels.
Firstly, we learn the Okinawan influenced hyungs Pyung Ahn, Naihanchi, Seishan, etc.
Second level is the Chil Sung and Yuk Ro hyungs which bridge the gap between Okinawan, Chinese and Korean arts.
They incorporate many softer, flowing movements and can be regarded as the "middle way". Chil Sung and Yuk Ro show
influences from Tan Tui, So Ho Yun and Tai Chi ; they bring a whole new perspective to Ho Sin Sul. The Yuk Ro are
GrandMaster Hwang Kee's interpretation of the Muye Dobo Tongji, also influenced by the Sip Sam Seh and show many
interesting and varied movements.
The third and final level is the Tai Chi form itself. Tai Chi literally means "Grand Ultimate".
What sets Tai Chi aside from other forms ? Firstly, study the meaning of the Sip Sam Seh. The thirteen influences
have been passed down through the generations and separate Tai Chi as a martial art from the pure relaxation art so
often taught today.
Traditionally, Tai Chi and the internal arts are taught after the hard, external forms have been mastered.
The founder of Yang Style; Yang Lu Chan, learned the art only after mastering the hard Shaolin systems.
His skill was unsurpassed.
The essence of Tai Chi is harmony and balance. "Storing energy is like drawing a bow; Releasing energy is like
shooting an arrow". It embraces the philosophy of Um/Yang and the 5 elements. For an introduction to 5 element theory
please refer to the training guide "Secret Moves" available from this website.
The Tai Chi sequences should demonstrate the 8 energies:
1. Pong (Ch. Peng) - To repel or bounce away. An example is the opening sequence of Yuk Ro 2 Choong Jol.
2. Ree (Ch. Lu) - To rotate or pull with the intent to redirect or off balance.
3. Jeh (Ch. Ji) - To Press with one or both hands straight line force.
4. Ahn (Ch. An) - To Push or strike with the palms as in Chil Sung 1.
5. Chae (Ch. Tsai) - To seize, pull down, turn and throw.
6. Yul (Ch. Lieh) - To split using the hands in opposite directions. Example is Single whip.
7. Joo (Ch. Jou) - To use the elbow or knee for attack or defence.
8. Ko (Ch. Kao) - To off balance with the hip or shoulder.
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© 2004-2008:
L Skinner
Dan Techniques in Tang Soo Do