The Essence of Martial Arts Training and Reflection on Life

[진영]

In Korean 국문 번역
https://m.cafe.daum.net/enlightenment-k/dcM5/337?svc=cafeapp

■ 무예 수련의 본질과 삶의 성찰

In anticipation of the Bulgaria event in August 2024, I find myself contemplating various things—what to teach this year, what the participants might want, and so on. With these thoughts, I begin writing under the following title.

■ The Essence of Martial Arts Training and Reflection on Life

I started practicing Haedong Kumdo as a hobby, tying my white belt, and now, without having taken a single break, it’s been 33 years. In just two more years, I will turn 70.

After successfully concluding the 2009 World Haedong Kumdo Championship, I began to focus on my own training with a renewed mindset. It has now been 15 years since that time.

About a year ago, to enhance my diminishing physical mobility and weakening motor skills, I took up table tennis, something I had never considered before. Even then, something felt lacking, so this time I chose Calisthenics, and I’ve been practicing it for about a month now.

All of these are basic physical exercises intended to maintain, complement, and develop my existing Haedong Kumdo training skills.

In the past, I was solely dedicated to the path of sword training. However, now, my body has become too accustomed to the routine movements, making them easier and more natural. My mindset and physical activity have also become more relaxed, making control easier, but I've noticed a significant difference in vitality, agility, and flexibility compared to before.

It’s an undeniable reality that as time goes by, the body's mechanical function becomes stiff, and its range of motion and limitations gradually decrease.

Moreover, seeing countless young masters of physical skill from around the world on YouTube these days is quite shocking. It reignites a burning desire within me. In any case, I feel a renewed sense of challenge with a fresh heart and mind.

As I write this, I believe there might be something we should try to guide the growing number of senior Haedong Kumdo practitioners worldwide over the age of 60 towards:

- The ultimate goal of martial arts training (technique, philosophy, healing—mastery) and
- The ultimate goal of life (spiritual growth—health and happiness).

I have been digging into the well of Haedong Kumdo for over 30 years.

In the past, I would simply memorize, mimic, master, and teach (memorization, repetition, patience, skill improvement).

But now, I teach the wisdom and approach of understanding "Human Life with Martial Arts," directly connected to martial arts training through learning, thinking, mastering, and realizing in accordance with the principles of nature (technique, philosophy, healing—principles of nature).

Physical skill development through martial arts is certainly necessary. However, it is essential to fundamentally understand that the essence of martial arts is the simultaneous training of both body and mind. Additionally, mastering the training methods for preparation, process, and development is also an important aspect.

This is because, in the end, it leads one to the "right path," based on health and happiness in life.

Training in the right path means awakening, changing, and innovating consciousness to cultivate a life of realization.

This is the essence and goal of martial arts for modern people.

As time passes, the body ages, and energy depletes, ultimately leading to immobility and returning to the afterlife.

During the time we live, the physical and mental development achieved through martial arts training:

- Keeps the body and mind healthy,
- Brings peace of mind, and
- Leads to a "wise life" through a change in consciousness.

Otherwise, there is no need to pursue it.

It is quite encouraging to see that globally, there are more and more young masters and instructors who excel in various Haedong Kumdo disciplines, such as kumbups(forms) and cutting techniques.

However, if one insists on relying solely on physical prowess until the end, they will likely suffer and depart earlier than others.

Whatever one does, it all depends on one's mindset. Continuous effort, sincere study, and the Inyeon of meeting a good teacher are truly important.

Therefore, during life, we also learn the "preciousness of Inyeon."

Next time, I plan to write under the title "Understanding the Essence of Straight Cut and Mind Training through the Flow of Energy."

I intend to help clearly understand the importance of the inner aspects of Haedong Kumdo training and guide deeper reflections on the essence of straight cut and the relationship between proper martial arts training and human life.

The Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu Haedong Kumdo training, which grasps the core and reality of movement according to the principles of nature, leads to the real goal of martial arts training.

When the essence of energy is mastered, one recognizes and realizes a higher level of experience from the level each person has built up until now, leading to better martial arts training and life.

The foundation of that training is "Kimu practice," which includes Kimu breathing, Kimu movement, Kimu meditation, and Kimu healing.

If one realizes that all these things fall under one principle, then it can be said that they have truly learned.

In the 2024 Bulgaria seminar, Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu Haedong Kumdo training will begin once again.

Overcoming and growing through martial arts training takes a lot of time.

With patience, utmost sincerity, and an open heart to learn,

I hope everyone achieves what they desire during their lifetime.

August 9, 2024
Before the Bulgaria Seminar
JS Kim