9/19/07 -

Evolution of Martial Arts

Great works are performed not by strength, but by perseverance
Samuel Johnson

Through a careful observation of life as a whole Asian philosophy developed their construct of the universe. The theory of um-yang ohaeng sol has been understood as the ultimate principle of cosmic order that enables production of all life forms that act and react. Humans have been on a journey to conqueror nature since our beginning. The study of martial arts at its very core is about harnessing our own human nature by bringing harmony and unity to the energy within us.
Senior Grand Master Choi has described the evolution of martial arts historically and how it evolves in each one of us as well. When we are born everything has a primary mission to live happily and reproduce to continue the existence of one’s kind. In primitive times humans protected their territory against each other and other stronger creatures, using their intellect to develop strategies to survive. Hide-and-seek was the most primitive skill against bigger and stronger opponents. Humans then discovered fire and other weapons as well as living in packs to protect themselves.
In ancient times, strong leaders developed who coordinated tribes to defeat opponents and invented effective military systems. Longer range weapons made empty hand combat less prevalent. In modern times, armed forces and law enforcement took over the task of survival aspects of martial arts. Gangs and bullies remained, but those who killed were punished.
In times of peace, martial arts skills were converted to sports ands games. Taekwondo in particular developed into a modern Olympic sport. Sports became a way for communities and nations to develop and show pride.
Martial arts also developed into street defense against criminals, and military and law enforcement hand-to-hand combat and conditioning. As the weapons and tactics of violence and crime have changed so have martial art responses.
As contemporary life has become more complex and stressful, martial arts have stepped-in to help student attain inner-peace. Through an integrative method of training the mind, body, spirit, and emotions (shim-shin-sooryun), students gain life skills to thrive.

9/12/07 - 6th Dan Thesis Continued

My Beginning

The conqueror of men is powerful
The master of himself is strong
Lao Tzu

Pray not for lighter loads, but for stronger shoulders.
St Augustine


My own story starts as a boy who was small, hotheaded, and not very coordinated. I was in constant fights, losing most of them at every school I attended. Then came martial arts training when I was a twelve years old. I was given an outlet for my aggression and guidelines on how to use it.

I was passionate about taekwondo. It gave me a way to harness my energy and help me succeed at life where it had been very difficult before. How was it possible to attribute taekwondo for helping me to become less angry, more focused in school, a better soccer player, and more confident in relationships?


At twelve I was mostly in the “it looks cool stage.” My first teacher was a 2nd Dan and current national lightweight team member. He showed me how cool it would be to kick high and also how taekwondo kicking would make me a better soccer kicker. I started August 30th, 1980 and immediately loved it! I not only became a much better soccer player, because I developed better focus, kicking strength, and less fear to go after the ball, I became calmer and more focused everywhere!

The martial arts helped me develop a strong center by integrating my energy through the exercises themselves, building my confidence through the promotions, giving connection and purpose through the camaraderie that we built at our school and by teaching others.

Sixth Dan Thesis Excerpts

Over the next few weeks I am posting excerpts from my thesis for sixth dan:

Part I:

Introduction

Many men go fishing all of their lives
Without knowing
That it is not fish they are after.
Henry James Thoreau

Grandmaster Choi has said "From the moment we are born to the moment we die, we must constantly try to improve. If we don't improve, we die. It is our obligation as human beings." If this is our obligation, how can martial arts help us?

The martial arts score because it is not only uniquely, improving the whole being, but its process involves empowering each part the being. An experienced master who has traveled the path of the student is able to contain and motivate the student to overcome their difficulties,

In a world filled with wars, and an image of martial arts as cage match brawls and poisoned throwing stars, martial arts training may actually fill a void in western society, bringing together engaging, physical exercise, stress relief, practical self-defense, social development, mind/body integration, and inner reflection.

One can “catch seven tigers with one kick” according to Grand Master Choi when seven powers are part of martial arts training:
1. Power of the mind
2. Power of the body’
3. Power of self defense
4. Power of unity
5. Power of support groups
6. Power of recognition
7. Power of success