Emphasis on the Importance of Basics at the 2024 USA Seminar

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Subject: Emphasis on the Importance of Basics at the 2024 USA Seminar


When discussing the fundamentals with practitioners of Haedong Kumdo, especially those who have trained for at least 10 years or more, one might assume they know everything.

Of course, it's natural to expect that. However, the level and extent of their understanding vary greatly.

At the 2024 Haedong Kumdo seminar in the United States, emphasis was consistently placed on the basics throughout the seminars.

These basics encompass both the visible and invisible aspects, which I expressed and explained through my personal experience spanning decades, which may be unfamiliar or obvious to individuals.

These fundamentals are enough to stimulate their understanding and ideas of HK training thus far.

The recently published book, "Searching for the Forgotten Half in Martial Arts," explores why finding the forgotten half of martial arts is significant and why it may be considered as the first one unveiling in the 21st century.

While achieving championship success in swordsmanship techniques like cutting or sparring is highly rewarding and sets an example for others, its contribution to physical fitness is merely one facet. In the broader context of human life, it serves merely as solace and comfort.

What I want to emphasize here is that martial arts, through lifelong practice and integration into daily life, pave the best path toward becoming lifelong companions that lead us toward better lives.

This is the purpose of the seminar: to teach and disseminate Haedong Kumdo worldwide.

The essence of these basics lies in "self-acquirement" or self-magnetization, and the cultivation of the Kimu-body or Kimu-che through lifelong practice. Hence, martial arts are referred to as a 'practice' for one's entire life.

Through martial arts practice, one hones the basics. Understanding and expression‎‎ of these differ among individuals.

In martial arts practice, basics typically refer to fundamental postures and mental attitudes that beginners memorize and learn in the initial stages. While the explanation of these basics may seem uniform, it can vary depending on the instructor's level and ability.

No matter how proficient one is in techniques like cutting or sparring, understanding and expression‎‎ of these differ among individuals.

Originally, basics could be divided into visible and invisible aspects. The visible basics are attainable through memorization and repetition, contingent upon individual effort. On the other hand, the invisible basics manifest through repeated accumulation of experience, varying in level and extent according to individual abilities.

I previously once wrote about frontal strikes like the following:

Questions about frontal strikes:

1. Do you simply think of it as cutting straight ahead in a straight line?

2. Can you explain the correct path of cutting, which is the path of the blade, that is, the front?

3. Can you show the path where energy naturally extends according to the principles of body movement?

4. If you understand that, can you then tell us how and what to practice next?

5. Have you ever thought about how to tell a story and discuss philosophy through a single strike?

6. Have you ever imagined why you can even bring up such stories?

None of the above can be explained solely through common sense and knowledge. Attempting to do so would be as futile as an empty can, resulting in a plethora of empty words. Understanding "energy flow" and experiencing it firsthand is necessary for explanation, yet it can still vary greatly depending on one's level.

Understanding these basics isn't just about memorizing moves. It's about feeling and implanting them in your bones, about how they fit into your life.

Everyone sees and feels these basics differently. That's why teaching them can be tricky. But it's also what makes martial arts so interesting.

Remember when we talked about frontal strikes? It's not just about swinging a sword in the air. There's a whole philosophy behind it.

Understanding this stuff isn't easy. But once you get it, it's like a lightbulb going off in your head.

Ultimately, understanding these basics extends beyond just memorizing moves – it's about internalizing them and making them a part of who we are.

It's about seeing the world through the lens of martial arts and applying those principles to every aspect of our lives.

So, let's continue to work on these basics together.

See you next time again there !
Have a splendid day! 😊😀✨️

May 4, 2024

JS Kim

Cf)
https://m.cafe.daum.net/enlightenment-k/dcM5/309?svc=cafeapp

One Strike: New Perspectives, Challenges, and Commitment: USA Seminar 2024

https://m.cafe.daum.net/enlightenment-k/dcM5/301?svc=cafeapp

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