The Reasons Behind Emphasizing Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu HK as a Top-Elite Martial Art
People often wonder why, in the practice of Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu, there is an emphasis on discussing philosophy, mentioning religion, explaining the pursuit of enlightenment, and highlighting the acquisition of energy; Self-Acquirement,
in addition to the typical martial arts training that involves mental discipline through Kimu training, etc.
A few days ago, I came across a post by Victor, the representative of Haedong Kumdo in Bulgaria,
on Facebook, and I would like to discuss it.
The content of the post reads,
"It takes a hundred times to remember the moves,
a thousand times to make them beautiful,
and ten thousand times to grasp their essence."
In this context,
"remembering the moves" represents the beginner level,
"making them beautiful" signifies the skillful level,
and "grasping their essence" is the foundation for reaching the creation level.
Therefore, the creed of Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu for everyday training is as follows:
the first stage is to relax and feel the energy - beginner level,
the second stage is to focus and see it - skillful level, and
the third stage is to realize and do it - creation level.
From this perspective,
we can understand why Haedong Kumdo describes itself as top elite training or top-notch.
Furthermore, in our phenomenological world, there is a division between the visible world and the invisible world.
The visible world includes things like mountains, water, and stones, while the invisible world encompasses everything that is not seen but is actively at work. In martial arts, the flow of energy may not be visible to the eye, but through consistent training, practitioners can feel, see, or hear it, each choosing their own way of training.
The term "Flow of Energy" here refers to the vitality that a living organism possesses, and it is constantly in flux depending on changes in one's mindset, surroundings, and conditions. Thus, the evaluation of one's life outcomes depends on how well an individual adapts and responds to the changing trends throughout their life.
Enlightenment, in this context, arises from the process of aligning with these trends during one's life, and it leads to the accumulation of wisdom. Based on this wisdom, individuals become more adept at aligning with the trends of life.
This process is referred to as "practice" or "Suhang(수행)" in Korean.
Practice is something that is acquired in everyday life, and it involves self-realization; no one else can assist in this personal journey. Whether in temples, churches, or any religious institution, each individual's enlightenment follows their own path.
In essence, it is through daily life experiences that individuals gain insights on their own.
In the realm of human life, which is a form of practice, the understanding of the term "도(Do)" becomes apparent.
The purpose of Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu - Haedong Kumdo is to acquire the Flow of Energy through Kimu Practice and Sword Training, ultimately creating the Kimu-Che (Energy Body). This forms the basis for bringing about conscious change, enlightenment, and wisdom, leading to efficient martial arts training.
As illustrated in the chart below,
Haedong Kumdo encompasses practices such as breathing (meditation), two swords techniques, and other weapon skills, physical exercises (health-focused and practical), as well as healing practices (bare hands, acupuncture, cupping, etc.).
The goal is to enable individuals to lead their lives at a level higher than their current state through the pursuit of a more profound understanding of themselves and their surroundings.
Therefore, the practice of human life is contingent upon how truthfully one strives to do their best at every moment, right where they currently reside, in every instant. That is the essence of practice. Rituals such as praying day and night or performing hundreds or thousands of prostrations have no relevance to enlightenment. Instead, they may only reveal human ignorance and desires more clearly.
In the end, the practice of Haedong Kumdo aims to enhance individual martial arts skills, establish personal beliefs, family values, societal perspectives, and a worldview. It encourages practitioners to reflect on the meaning and depth of martial arts philosophy. By adopting various perspectives, including those from religion, humanities, and broader social contexts, it seeks to help individuals understand the ultimate purpose of human life. The goal is to live a life of tranquility and abundance, gaining insights and richness until the very end.
As the founder of Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu Haedong Kumdo, the emphasis on this martial art as a top-elite discipline arises from its multifaceted approach to education. Encompassing skills, a healing system, philosophy, energy flow, and Kimu training based on the principles of nature, these distinctive features highlight the uniqueness of this martial art. Rather than comparing it to others, the emphasis lies in showcasing its distinctive qualities as belonging to the highest echelon of martial arts training.
The pinnacle program of Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu HK leads practitioners to realize the essence of martial arts through the flow of energy. This understanding extends beyond martial arts, delving into philosophy, religion, humanities, and other core aspects of life, assisting individuals in pursuing enriching martial arts training and a flourishing life.
Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu HK goes beyond conventional martial arts education, offering practitioners unique experiences. These experiences and insights aid in a deeper comprehension of the essence of martial arts, contributing to a healthy and joyful life in the daily routines of individuals.
Once you have grasped the essence of martial arts, what is the next step? To achieve further in martial arts and in life, it may be beneficial to read "Searching for the Forgotten Half." This publication provides insights into the complete journey of martial arts and life itself. It will help you understand why and how Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu HK is considered top-notch, offering guidance that can lead you to success.
January 14, 2024
JS Kim
