Martial Arts Training for Modern Individuals in the Centennial Era - Part 1

[진영]

In Korean 국문 번역
100세 시대, 21세기 현대인의 무술 수련은
https://m.cafe.daum.net/enlightenment-k/dcM5/184?svc=cafeapp

100세 시대, 21세기 현대인의 무술 수련은 - 1부

Ref)
"Health management tips for individuals aged 5-60 who are approaching"
https://m.cafe.daum.net/enlightenment-k/ow4r/35?svc=cafeapp

"Health management tips for individuals aged 5-60 who are approaching - Healing & health - Garden in the heaven(하늘정원)

SUBJECT:
Martial Arts Training for Modern Individuals in the Centennial Era 
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CONTENTS

Preface

A. Understanding the final goal through the meaning of martial arts training

B. The essence of martial arts training is the principles of human life.

1. Life, that is, practice

2. The core of life - adapting to trends

C. 21st century martial arts training and proper character in the age of 100

1. Why must humans study until the end

2. The key to health and longevity in the age of 100

3. Find your original mind, that is the way to live.

Conclusion

Written by: Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu Kim Jeong seong
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Preface

The practice of martial arts (mudo, muye) is sometimes perceived as a form of exercise undertaken in youth. This perception stems from its association with physically challenging movements and the practice forms depicted in mysterious and unrealistic dramas.

Martial arts should be cultivated harmoniously with the mind and spirit, promoting physical health and enhancing individual mental well-being. Through this, individuals can broaden their consciousness, making practical and realistic use of their skills in everyday life.

In this chapter, we aim to discuss the path of martial arts training as a mental and spiritual pursuit based on physical training, intertwined with the daily lives of 21st-century individuals living in the centenarian age.

The focus lies on understanding the essence of a healthy and happy life, the pursuit of proper values, the realization of a creative mindset, and the cultivation of correct character traits.
 
 As a foundation for this path:
"Think out of the box, which will then make us lead to better way in life."
Or, "Find your original mind (본래마음자리); that is the way to live."

With these propositions in mind, let us consider essential aspects of life through the mental and spiritual training of martial arts with body and mind.

While detailed explanations are available in the author's published "The Right Path of Practice" series, encompassing five volumes (Author: Kim, Jeong Seong), this summary aims to touch upon the key points related to the title. For those seeking more in-depth information, the books are readily available at major online bookstores in Korea. Notably, the first volume was selected by Sejong Books (one of the best sellers in Korea) in 2016 and is available in public libraries nationwide.

Here, we briefly outline the general principles of martial arts training for individuals in the era of centenarians rather than providing specific methods. While the author has initiated content on YouTube in both English and Korean, regular lessons have not yet commenced.

A. Understanding the Ultimate Goal through the Meaning of Martial Arts Training

1. The Final Report Card of Martial Arts Training

In martial arts training, it is crucial to continually assess one's physical condition and adapt training accordingly. No matter how diligently one has trained throughout life, the present state of the body, if neglected, becomes the current result of all prior training, which is the present report card.

Having used the body relatively recklessly until their mid-50s, the author, now in my mid-60s, acknowledges some discomfort but strives to prepare for my 70s and 80s.

○ The fundamental principles of sword training;
=> First, the sword follows the body.
=> Second, the body follows the mind.
=> Third, the mind follows the one of nature.

This basic understanding strengthens the fundamental essence through training,
naturally becoming the foundation for all practices in human life.

Through personal training experiences,
one can come to understand the flow of energy within and around the body.
Efforts to comprehend the principles of harmony and balance according to the essence lead to a realization of the natural energy—expressed metaphorically in various ways such as the principle and law, truth of Nature, or as the wavelength of nature, or the love of nature, or the Providence.

This understanding opens the door to comprehending numerous religious and philosophical expressions found in various scriptures, as the most basic truths are simple and clear.

2. Reasons for Humans to Study

Humans create difficulties for themselves, getting entangled in their own creations, burning themselves with their own fires, and often wandering aimlessly. This is the typical course of human life, which has been referred to as miserable.

To avoid such fate,
humans must study until death; it is the task given to those born into this world.

Those who only engage in physical training in martial arts practice, as they age, will find that as the body's mechanical performance deteriorates and ceases to function properly, it marks the end of a once-lived life. Ultimately, this creates a considerable distance from the purpose of coming into this world, indicating an incomplete fulfillment of the tasks that should have been addressed during one's lifetime.

In the rush to sustain life and satisfy individual desires, people often neglect the essence of their existence, spending time in comparison and competition with others. When life comes to an end, the ultimate value and purpose originally bestowed upon each person are overlooked, potentially leading to the conclusion of having lived poorly.

Absolutely, understanding the genuine essence of life and its true flavor requires a lifetime of practice. It involves a thoughtful eval‎‎uation of training methods, considering their merits and drawbacks in the context of the current reality, and choosing practices that align with the present era. Neglecting to acquire and share this wisdom may result in unavoidable consequences, and at that point, it will certainly be too late.

3. Think out of the box so you can Change Your Life to be better off.

The author, based on the premise of "Think out of the box, that's how I live," has published a series of five books titled "The Right Path of Practice." Additionally, in 2015, the English version "Think Out Of The Box" was published, and in 2021, "Searching For The Forgotten Half in Martial Arts" was released.

The fundamental content of these books remains consistent. Building on these principles, the author has published a total of 12 books to date, having established Haedong Kumdo branches in over 50 countries, the author, through frequent international visits, is one of the martial arts leaders promoting the globally recognized Haedong Kumdo.

The author's activities can be easily followed on Facebook
(Facebook site - https://www.facebook.com/haedongkum/).

 
Thinking out of the box means stepping out of your wall (자기우물- A flog in the wall), advocating for a reform and transformation of consciousness, and, ultimately, realizing a creative mindset with your unique patterns. These are rooted in "enlightenment," where everything converges into "love."

As an example, consider a statement from a YouTube channel in a certain country: "I am a grandmaster, but I am too poor because I only practice martial arts." While emphasizing being a pure martial artist dedicated to the art, this reveals a glimpse of self-awareness and perhaps a limitation in the individual's level of consciousness.

If one were a true grandmaster, recognition and discipleship would follow, leading to financial stability. If genuine mastery were achieved, there would be no need to express poverty unless the pursuit was genuinely aligned with his spiritual values. Otherwise, it suggests an incomplete understanding of martial arts training.

Martial arts training refines the mind and body, promoting physical health and a clear spirit. The goal is to live wisely, healthily, and happily, aligning with a pursuit of elevated consciousness and proper values. Otherwise, the training serves no purpose.

4. Health, Happiness, and Mental-Spiritual Training

In martial arts, the terms "mental refinement," "mental training," or "spiritual cultivation" are commonly used. Of course, physical and mental training are indeed interconnected. Overcoming the limits of physical endurance, cultivating patience, and adhering to courtesy are positive indicators of mental education along the same continuum of physical training. These are, however, fundamentally common-sense statements.

Yet, there must be a clear distinction in understanding, and one should know how to learn and teach. In other words, it is also saying that one should read a lot of books, study extensively, and enhance one's capabilities.
No matter how skilled a martial artist or athlete may be, if their level of consciousness is low, their self-expression‎‎ or explanation is likely to fall short. Even if one possesses excellent techniques, without reforming and maturing one's consciousness through sharing with others, it may become futile.


Understanding the true meaning of martial arts(무술), whether referred to as mudo (무도) or muye(무예), and aligning it with its essence by the principle of nature, is essential for effective learning and practice. Physical training enhances adaptability, enabling individuals to respond actively to real-world challenges, ultimately linking to health and happiness.

Mental training, when performed effectively, fosters a serene mind, understanding of the surrounding world, and the ability to adapt to trends, cultivating a wise mindset. Training, intertwined with daily life, expands consciousness, promotes proper values, and facilitates a harmonious existence within society.

In other words, training is connected to realizations in everyday life. These realizations broaden individual consciousness, instill correct values, and ultimately lead individuals to live well together with others in the societal reality to which they belong.
The phrase "live well" implies a maturation process where, in a more humane manner, individuals navigate their own path through their many thoughts and contemplations. It involves discovering, through personal experience and self-awareness, what one seeks, wishes to obtain, or genuinely needs.

If one overlooks or fails to recognize this simple principle, no matter how well they perform forms or cutting techniques, they will inevitably face injury or hardship when reaching the limits of their physical capabilities. As is common for everyone, it is only when in pain or facing difficulties that they finally reflect on their actions. For instance, receiving praise and recognition for exceptional cutting skills may lead to feeling superior and receiving accolades, but there will always be someone better. The question then arises: What should one do next? If one is a leader, they must undoubtedly provide explanations and guide others on the right path.

If you are a human being, undoubtedly, the reason to read, think, and study persists until death.
The purpose of martial arts training, limited to physical techniques aimed at defeating, controlling, or defending against opponents, is often favored because such excellence and skill make for the best means of survival for each individual. This is because it earns recognition, boosts self-esteem, and provides economic prosperity.

5. The Martial Arts Training of the 21st Century Individual in the Age of 100
 

In the era of centenarians, success in the martial arts training of modern individuals in the 21st century comes to those who consistently engage in learning.

Modern individuals in the 21st century, through martial arts training, learn:

1) How to align with the mental and spiritual training purpose of martial arts.
2) How to lead a healthy and balanced life through training.
3) How to achieve the ultimate goal of martial arts.
4) How to reach the ultimate destination in a meaningful life.

If one cannot understand these principles above according to the essence,
it is natural not to know when starting the training, but as time passes,
even in the last stages of life, they may remain lost in the fog, continuing aimlessly.

No matter how much physical exercise one does, if there is no learning and realization
through the results of one's own thoughts, words, and actions, the mind becomes simplistic.
As a result, only deep-seated desires, anger, and foolishness persist,
ultimately making life difficult for oneself and those around them.

Lacking curiosity and having insufficient thoughts lead to a deficiency in judgment,
making those around such individuals constantly exhausted.
These individuals may possess physical strength and stamina,
but due to a lack of questioning and limited thinking, their judgment abilities are compromised.
People close to them often find themselves worn out.

Despite having good physical endurance,
these individuals often resort to raising their voices,
resembling a bold but ignorant person,
causing difficulty for those around them.

Because of their good physical condition,
even as time passes,
their hands and feet seem to move well.

Yet, their stubbornness and arrogance lead them to become foolish individuals, creating chaos wherever discord and trivial matters arise.

In the end, despite a lifetime of physical exercise that made them appear strong in body and mind, powerful, and healthy, one day, when they take a closer look at their surroundings,
they may realize that the vigor they believed in was merely an illusion.

Believing they led a fulfilling life, individuals who harbor ignorance and greed eventually find that their energy is destined to be depleted. As a consequence, they often depart from this world ahead of others.

Each person's choices, actions, and various life variables will result in diverse outcomes. However, living life ensnared by ignorance and greed can often lead to encountering limits and facing difficulties.
To overcome this, continuous effort towards wisdom and enlightenment is essential, along with gaining a better understanding of oneself and the surroundings through diverse experiences and learning. Additionally, restraining greed and accumulating knowledge for continuous growth are crucial.
Reflecting on one's life and contemplating how to deal with ignorance and greed is also important. Planning for the future and striving for a deeper life should be pursued diligently until the last phase of one's existence.

Part 2 will continue.
Author: Kim, Jeong Seong,
December 31, 2023.

Reference)

■ Martial Arts Training for Modern Individuals in the Centennial Era
- Part 1
https://m.cafe.daum.net/enlightenment-k/dcM5/184?svc=cafeapp

100세 시대, 21세기 현대인의 무술 수련은 - 1부

■ Martial Arts Training for Modern Individuals in the Centennial Era
- Part 2
https://cafe.daum.net/enlightenment-k/dcM5/187?svc=cafeapi

100세 시대, 21세기 현대인의 무술 수련은 - 2부

■ Martial Arts Training for Modern Individuals in the Centennial Era
- Part 3
https://m.cafe.daum.net/enlightenment-k/dcM5/189?svc=cafeapp

100세 시대, 21세기 현대인의 무술 수련은 - 3부