I was recently asked by another friend of mine, a World Haidong Gumdo Federation member, about the historical basis of Haedong Kumdo's Yedo series of sword forms. Her logic was that as HDGD (or HDKD, depending) stems from Gicheon and Shim Gumdo, there should exist some basis for Yedo techniques within these older systems. I've never studied Shim Gumdo, but I'm certainly ok to address the Gicheon relevance.
There are indeed sword forms in Gicheon not unlike some of the Yedo series. I have never been told anything about specific applications or historical uses, though based on the question, I can actually very easily see how at least two forms that I can think of would make very effective use of a slightly shorter blade in close quarters, such as a building interior. I do not know of any differentiated series in Gicheon, (such as HDGD's Ssang-su, Yedo, Bonguk, etc) but links to HDGD are unmistakeable. HDGD's basics, for example, are basically exactly the same as Gicheon's first form, with only slight modifications and additions. SSGB1, respectively, is essentially similar to Gicheon's second form. HDGD basics and SSGB1 & 2 are also performed in a manner more similar to that of all of Gicheon's sword forms. I see more of a differentiation beginning in SSGB3. Gicheon is much more "meditative" than HDGD, with each movement being given the utmost attention. Thus, progress is slower than that of the HDGD student, and there is certainly not as much material to cover.Though I no longer study with the WHDGDF, I think Master Kim, (and Na Han-Il) added something invaluable to the study of Korean sword techniques. There is definitely an element to HDGD not present in Gicheon that very much helped me to surpass a plateau I had been experiencing in my training for some time. I can't describe this exactly, but I would say it has something to do with power, flow, and, believe it or not, theatrics. That last thing is definitely an HDGD staple, and I actually think it does help, rather than hinder, a student's progress and understanding.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Thursday, November 15, 2007
The Origins of Martial Arts
My instructor recently requested an essay from me on the origins of martial arts. This is what I gave him:
The origins of martial arts are complex and subjective, as the term is actually a relatively modern phrase used to refer to any number of warrior disciplines. Even when referring to that particular Asian blend of martial techniques and Zen Buddhist, Taoist, or even Confucian ideals, one can quickly be mislead.
In Japan, for example, the concept of budo, (The Philosophical “Way” of the Warrior) is a fairly recent philosophical development when compared with bujitsu (The Method of War). Though some consider the delineation between the two a false construct, it was Japan's transition from a feudal to an industrial society that first gave rise to widespread use of the - do suffix in order to reflect a more philosophical approach to training. And yet there exist numerous schools of koryu, (styles that existed prior to the Meiji Restoration of the 1800’s), that seemingly span this divide. The earliest written records of Japan, for instance, which are dated from the eighth century CE, record the first Sumo match in 23 BCE, occurring specifically at the request of the emperor and continuing until one man was too wounded to continue. Can such a practice be classified as a martial art, or is that a unique phenomenon of a later time?
Tracing back Chinese martial arts leads one down quite a different path, as the discovery of arms caches in the monasteries of Chang'an during government raids in 446 AD suggests that Chinese monks practiced martial arts prior to the establishment of the famous Shaolin Monastery in 497 CE. Shaolin monks have historically practiced their arts for both the practical purpose of defending their temple from raiders and bandits, and for the more inwardly focused aim of self-mastery. Yet according to legend, the reign of the Yellow Emporer beginning in 2698 BCE first introduced the practice of martial arts to China. The practice of Jiao Di arose during this time, a combat wrestling system including techniques such as strikes, throws, joint manipulation, and pressure point attacks. Though again, evidence for a significant emphasis on corresponding mental discipline is lacking
Korean martial arts history is perhaps even more difficult and confusing to trace, largely due to the Japanese occupation of the country during the early 1900’s. Many of Korea’s existing martial arts are perhaps more accurately re-envisioned martial arts, pieced together from existing elements of Japanese and Chinese martial arts, as well as from what Korean records remain from before the Japanese occupation. A great animosity exists even today between the two countries, and Japanese stylists often see this as a reason to discount Korean martial arts as fraudulent and unworthy of respect. Nationalism is a strong force in Korea, however, and the Korean people have a great deal of pride for their martial arts, historically accurate or not. Much of what does remain of Korea’s martial history lies within the pages of the Muyedobotongji, a document commissioned by the King JeongJo in 1790 for the express purpose of recording all of Korea’s martial heritage. This book, written by Lee Deok Moo and Park Je Ga, describes in detail Korea's martial arts, along with extensive illustrations. It includes an unarmed combat style of kicking and punching, not unlike modern Taekwondo, as well as sword techniques similar to those of Gicheon and Haedong Kumdo. It is likely that what does exist of Korean martial arts history is actually quite old, as during the Joseon period (1392-1910), traditional Korean martial arts were not popular because neo-Confucian doctrine advocated academics rather than martial practice. The tombs of some Goguryeo kings bear paintings showing martial arts, likely Subak or Taekkyon, and dating sometime between 3 and 427 CE.
It is my opinion that a martial art must by definition include both physical and mental discipline. This mental discipline must extend beyond strategy and even the practice of the physical techniques themselves if it is to have any relevance. Modern military soldiers, for example, are not in my view martial artists. This definition then places the origin of martial arts in China in the first millennium CE. Scholarly investigations have revealed evidence of the practice of martial techniques in the area of Mesopotamia, before any major civilization had appeared in China or the Far East. However, I draw a distinction between martial techniques and martial arts. Regardless of their origins, it is the value that martial arts hold for modern practitioners that is important. We must learn from the past, but if we cannot live in the present, then the arts have taught us nothing.
Sources: Wikipedia
Some Random Article I Found on Google
The Muyedobotongji
Myself
Blue Mountain Martial Arts
The origins of martial arts are complex and subjective, as the term is actually a relatively modern phrase used to refer to any number of warrior disciplines. Even when referring to that particular Asian blend of martial techniques and Zen Buddhist, Taoist, or even Confucian ideals, one can quickly be mislead.
In Japan, for example, the concept of budo, (The Philosophical “Way” of the Warrior) is a fairly recent philosophical development when compared with bujitsu (The Method of War). Though some consider the delineation between the two a false construct, it was Japan's transition from a feudal to an industrial society that first gave rise to widespread use of the - do suffix in order to reflect a more philosophical approach to training. And yet there exist numerous schools of koryu, (styles that existed prior to the Meiji Restoration of the 1800’s), that seemingly span this divide. The earliest written records of Japan, for instance, which are dated from the eighth century CE, record the first Sumo match in 23 BCE, occurring specifically at the request of the emperor and continuing until one man was too wounded to continue. Can such a practice be classified as a martial art, or is that a unique phenomenon of a later time?
Tracing back Chinese martial arts leads one down quite a different path, as the discovery of arms caches in the monasteries of Chang'an during government raids in 446 AD suggests that Chinese monks practiced martial arts prior to the establishment of the famous Shaolin Monastery in 497 CE. Shaolin monks have historically practiced their arts for both the practical purpose of defending their temple from raiders and bandits, and for the more inwardly focused aim of self-mastery. Yet according to legend, the reign of the Yellow Emporer beginning in 2698 BCE first introduced the practice of martial arts to China. The practice of Jiao Di arose during this time, a combat wrestling system including techniques such as strikes, throws, joint manipulation, and pressure point attacks. Though again, evidence for a significant emphasis on corresponding mental discipline is lacking
Korean martial arts history is perhaps even more difficult and confusing to trace, largely due to the Japanese occupation of the country during the early 1900’s. Many of Korea’s existing martial arts are perhaps more accurately re-envisioned martial arts, pieced together from existing elements of Japanese and Chinese martial arts, as well as from what Korean records remain from before the Japanese occupation. A great animosity exists even today between the two countries, and Japanese stylists often see this as a reason to discount Korean martial arts as fraudulent and unworthy of respect. Nationalism is a strong force in Korea, however, and the Korean people have a great deal of pride for their martial arts, historically accurate or not. Much of what does remain of Korea’s martial history lies within the pages of the Muyedobotongji, a document commissioned by the King JeongJo in 1790 for the express purpose of recording all of Korea’s martial heritage. This book, written by Lee Deok Moo and Park Je Ga, describes in detail Korea's martial arts, along with extensive illustrations. It includes an unarmed combat style of kicking and punching, not unlike modern Taekwondo, as well as sword techniques similar to those of Gicheon and Haedong Kumdo. It is likely that what does exist of Korean martial arts history is actually quite old, as during the Joseon period (1392-1910), traditional Korean martial arts were not popular because neo-Confucian doctrine advocated academics rather than martial practice. The tombs of some Goguryeo kings bear paintings showing martial arts, likely Subak or Taekkyon, and dating sometime between 3 and 427 CE.
It is my opinion that a martial art must by definition include both physical and mental discipline. This mental discipline must extend beyond strategy and even the practice of the physical techniques themselves if it is to have any relevance. Modern military soldiers, for example, are not in my view martial artists. This definition then places the origin of martial arts in China in the first millennium CE. Scholarly investigations have revealed evidence of the practice of martial techniques in the area of Mesopotamia, before any major civilization had appeared in China or the Far East. However, I draw a distinction between martial techniques and martial arts. Regardless of their origins, it is the value that martial arts hold for modern practitioners that is important. We must learn from the past, but if we cannot live in the present, then the arts have taught us nothing.
Sources: Wikipedia
Some Random Article I Found on Google
The Muyedobotongji
Myself
Blue Mountain Martial Arts
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Sports Chanbara
A friend of mine, a traditional Japanese Swordsman, recently competed in a "Spo Chan" tournament in Japan. He did not place, and was defeated by opponents that did not use the weapon "as a sword". Many Chanbara competitors use the light weight of their equipment, as well as its flexible nature, to compete in an "unrealistic" manner, similar to scoring via flick in Olympic Fencing. My friend attributes this to the following:
"Tradtional sword arts are a dying breed in Japan. Many influential people want to shake the military stigma of Japanese history, so sport is very much pushed. I'm obviously not saying that iaido & kendo will end tomorrow but the amount of practioners is shrinking in Japan.
In Japan, the children are truly the only natural resource. So, why teach your children how to be soldiers when there is no war? Japan wants to educate the young to be better adults and they feel sport is a more appropriate way. Now don't get me wrong, Japan is still very proud of its past so the martial arts won't disappear. There is just a strong drive to look to the future and the Japanese are very good at adaptation. Sport Chanbara is simply an adpated form of swordsmanship."
In a culture that actually gave rise to a martial art, I can see how this view might be legitimate. As a foreign practitioner on the other side of the world, however, I'm not sure I agree, because of the basic idea that martial training implies "training soldiers". Centuries ago, this may have been the case. I suppose even in the WWII era this may have been the case, as the Japanese military "machine" of the time was driven very much by the country's nostalgic love affair with the samurai. But my point is this: If I want to train a soldier, I'm going to teach him how to use a gun, not a sword. I might even teach him some of the same empty hand techniques found in many martial arts. But I have no reason to teach him tradition, ceremony, etiquette, or philosophy. It is these things that make the martial arts what they are, and differentiate them from pure and simple "fighting methods". So I think just maybe the proliferation of the sort of Chanbara witnessed in Japan today is more a result of keen business, coupled with western influence, than true philosophical change in heart about the future of the children. Just my humble thoughts.
Blue Mountain Martial Arts - Classes in Ellicott City, MD
"Tradtional sword arts are a dying breed in Japan. Many influential people want to shake the military stigma of Japanese history, so sport is very much pushed. I'm obviously not saying that iaido & kendo will end tomorrow but the amount of practioners is shrinking in Japan.
In Japan, the children are truly the only natural resource. So, why teach your children how to be soldiers when there is no war? Japan wants to educate the young to be better adults and they feel sport is a more appropriate way. Now don't get me wrong, Japan is still very proud of its past so the martial arts won't disappear. There is just a strong drive to look to the future and the Japanese are very good at adaptation. Sport Chanbara is simply an adpated form of swordsmanship."
In a culture that actually gave rise to a martial art, I can see how this view might be legitimate. As a foreign practitioner on the other side of the world, however, I'm not sure I agree, because of the basic idea that martial training implies "training soldiers". Centuries ago, this may have been the case. I suppose even in the WWII era this may have been the case, as the Japanese military "machine" of the time was driven very much by the country's nostalgic love affair with the samurai. But my point is this: If I want to train a soldier, I'm going to teach him how to use a gun, not a sword. I might even teach him some of the same empty hand techniques found in many martial arts. But I have no reason to teach him tradition, ceremony, etiquette, or philosophy. It is these things that make the martial arts what they are, and differentiate them from pure and simple "fighting methods". So I think just maybe the proliferation of the sort of Chanbara witnessed in Japan today is more a result of keen business, coupled with western influence, than true philosophical change in heart about the future of the children. Just my humble thoughts.
Blue Mountain Martial Arts - Classes in Ellicott City, MD
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
What type of instructor am I?
I refer to Total Karate, another blog. In a recent post from November 3rd, the author discusses martial arts instructors. I've posted a comment on his blog, and I saw fit to post it here as well. See the original article on his blog.
...
I appreciate the ideas. The problem you run into here is that the public is unaware of most of this. To 14 year old Zack and his dad, a martial arts teacher is a martial arts teacher. Without conducting a little research, they have no idea even what questions they should be asking of Master Lee down the street. Afterall, if Master Lee is Asian, doesn't that make him credible? Under your system, I may also be classified as "recreational", though I'm not sure that's a term I'd prefer. I see the arts as something beyond recreation. They are supposed to be "ways" of life, so to speak. As such, I'd like to add that sort of classification here. I suggest that some instructors have neither a "practical" or "competition" based focus, but one of philosophical self betterment akin to that of yoga or tai chi. This is certainly where I personally fit in, though I attempt to market to a wider audience than that alone. Check out my website: Blue Mountain Martial Arts ...It is my hope that what I've discussed above is evident there. Thank you.
...
I appreciate the ideas. The problem you run into here is that the public is unaware of most of this. To 14 year old Zack and his dad, a martial arts teacher is a martial arts teacher. Without conducting a little research, they have no idea even what questions they should be asking of Master Lee down the street. Afterall, if Master Lee is Asian, doesn't that make him credible? Under your system, I may also be classified as "recreational", though I'm not sure that's a term I'd prefer. I see the arts as something beyond recreation. They are supposed to be "ways" of life, so to speak. As such, I'd like to add that sort of classification here. I suggest that some instructors have neither a "practical" or "competition" based focus, but one of philosophical self betterment akin to that of yoga or tai chi. This is certainly where I personally fit in, though I attempt to market to a wider audience than that alone. Check out my website: Blue Mountain Martial Arts ...It is my hope that what I've discussed above is evident there. Thank you.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
And so, it begins...
Welcome to the personal journey of a humble martial arts instructor, a vision, and a dream. This log chronicles the trials and tribulations of John Jacobs, a young but determined martial arts instructor as he struggles to launch his own studio in Ellicott City, MD. It also contains thoughts, essays, and articles on the martial arts instruction industry, martial arts theory, technique, and philosophy, and martial arts in general. The journey begins today!
Blue Mountain Martial Arts - Classes in Ellicott City, MD
Blue Mountain Martial Arts - Classes in Ellicott City, MD
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