Dan Techniques in Tang Soo Do

Understanding Chi

In ancient China the monks never really separated religion, martial arts and health. We in the martial arts have heard much about the mysterious intrinsic energy that is supposed to circulate within the body but most of us are quite naturally sceptical. Many students do not understand the basic ideology of this subject and so give up before they begin. However, we can learn nothing unless we are prepared to open our minds. Consider the way acupuncture was derided when it was first introduced to the UK and how today it is accepted by many in the established medical world. I am also aware of how little we know even today concerning the workings and full potential of the human mind. I shall therefore set out my findings on this subject as a basis for further study.

It is said that the quest of every serious martial artist is to develop Chi/Ki and be able to control it. The word Chi literally means breath or life force. The science of Chi Kung was studied and developed by Taoists and Buddhists almost three thousand years ago. One development of this study was Tai Chi. In other cultures the word Chi is translated as 'Prana' (India), 'Psyche'(Greek), and in English 'Soul'. According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine all disease is caused by an imbalance of Um and Yang in the various organs of the body. Um and Yang is a law of nature in the world of opposites. The opposing lines on the Korean flag mean Heaven/Earth and Fire/Water and show the principle of opposition and balance. The circle in the centre is in two halves each perfectly balanced. Therefore, harmony can be attained by the reconciliation of opposing forces.

For example, elements of Um are the Mind, Earth, Night, Female, Etc, while Yang elements are the opposites i.e. the Body, Heaven, Day, Male, Etc. We know that the mind and the body are linked so that an imbalance of the mind through any anxiety disturbs the body thereby causing illness. The two elements are inseparable and must therefore work in harmony. After all, without the night there would be no day, without female there would be no male, etc. There is also a small amount of female in every male, a small amount of good in band and vice versa. Therefore, the theory of Chi is that the cultivation of the vital energy or life force will resolve any imbalance of Um/Yang resulting in a strengthening of the body's immune system and well being.

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Advanced Training

Now that we have a brief outline and a little understanding of the workings of Chi we need to have some idea on how to develop it. To begin with some further background is necessary. Moo Pal Dan Khum training is not for junior members and is normally taught only to seniors, however it is good to know that it exists as a spur to further your training. I had been told that Tang Soo Do training was in two parts; the physical where the student up to Dan grade is taught the basic movements, respect, humility and control; and then at senior Dan grade level mental training is stressed to produce a balanced student.

Incidentally, in Korea midnight blue means fruition and fulfilment. It is the colour of the Yin symbol on the Korean flag which is associated with the passive, the internal or mind as opposed to the external or body of the Yang principle. If we wore black belts this would mean the end of things, how then could we learn more?

You should know that the coloured belt system of Tang Soo Do follows the changing seasons from the white which denotes the students potential covered with the snows of winter, through the yellow/orange signifying the new growth of spring and the green/blue for the emergence of speedy development during the months of summer. Red belt should show the students power and technique begin to bloom and ripen with experience. It also signifies energy/fire and life. This student should mirror these characteristics and not waste a moment in his/her bid to reach the maturity and respect of midnight blue belt. Therefore, you can see each belt has a specific stage in its development and you should not try to over reach yourself too early. Patience is the key. The Master belt denotes a calm and mature exterior with the red stripe showing strength within.

Back to Chi and it must be stressed that performing breathing exercises and meditation in order to improve general well being is an important addition to your training, however no student should attempt any hard Chi exercise where static tensioning is involved without his/her teacher being present. What can cure can also harm! We must have a balance (Um/Yang). Moo Pal Dan Khum is a series of 8 Martial Exercises to improve Chi Energy and Martial technique.

To begin Moo Pal Dan Khum breathing exercises you must be relaxed and a brief period of meditation before hand is a good idea. Inner power cannot be released if your body is stricken with inner tension or fear. You must first learn to master the techniques of relaxation to conserve energy. Chi is concealed or trapped within the body until you learn to release it. The Dan'Jun is the body's epicentre found in the lower abdomen. It is the link to the universal Chi, our centre of gravity and the focal zone or Chi power. Chi can be developed and stored in the Dan-Jun.

Dan-Jun breathing alters the blood metabolism exchanging old for new blood cells so that as it circulates throughout the body, every cell, tissue and muscle is rejuvenated. It is believed this also extends to throwing out diseased cells and promoting healing. Developing Chi is a slow, evolutionary process based upon Dan-Jun breathing, tensioning and relaxation exercises and mental concentration. It will not come overnight and is not available to the will except to the highly skilled, physically and mentally trained individual. The gathering of your power at the Dan--Jun and its movement to any part of the body is a capacity that requires time to mature. Physical strength is secondary to the power of Chi. In other words Chi can be mentally focused, controlled and activated to produce a power greater than mere physical force can produce alone. In the control of Chi, the mind is the primary object.

The best time to practice breathing exercises is early morning. I am spurred on in the knowledge that many Tang Soo Do practitioners around the world will be carrying out their own exercises at this time. During meditation you must relax and try to reach a state of MOO SHIM - empty mind. Mental concentration is based on self trust. It is an attempt to reach down into your most inner self. It involves believing in the infinite. You must have great patience to achieve this and remember that the powers of mental concentration are essential to the harnessing of Chi power.

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