Flow Energy & Mental Training: Understanding Essence thro Core of Front cut

[진영]

In Korean 국문 번역
https://m.cafe.daum.net/enlightenment-k/dcM5/339?svc=cafeapp

기운의 흐름과 마음 수련: 정면베기의 핵심을 통한 본질 파악

■ Flow of Energy and Mental Training: Understanding the Essence through the Core of the Straight Cut

In Haedong Kumdo training, the straight cut or the frontal cut transcends the mere physical act of cutting in a straight line. Depending on each practitioner's ability and level, it carries profound significance in spiritual training.

It can only be understood to the extent of one's experience. That is one's level and degree of understanding.

If one does not understand this, they might hastily dismiss it as unrelated to martial arts or easily deny its value. This can reveal the limits of human ignorance, stubbornness, and greed.

This article emphasizes the importance of internalizing the flow of energy through the straight cut in Haedong Kumdo and highlights the significance of mental training through this process.

○ Introduction

For Haedong Kumdo practitioners, the straight cut should not be seen as a mere physical exercise. Instead, they must understand the principles of energy flow according to their depth of training to approach the goal of martial arts training.

If this fundamental principle is overlooked from the beginning, even after training in Haedong Kumdo for decades or a lifetime:

As time passes,
one might forget what they memorized,
and as their body weakens,
the only thing left is to be apt to physical suffering, as they would have relied solely on physical prowess until the end.

If trained correctly, one does not merely acquire physical techniques but gradually understands the essence of the straight cut by grasping the "flow of energy," which is invisible.

This article aims to go beyond the visible "physical satisfaction or sense of achievement" to discuss ways to foster the invisible "inner growth."

Inner growth is not about "self-satisfaction" but refers to "consciousness change and innovation" that creates something from nothing.

This applies not only to martial arts training but also to the "maturity and development of human life," including health and happiness in everyday life.

○ Exploration through Questions

While countless questions can be asked about the straight cut, here, we present a few key questions to encourage self-reflection and new perspectives.

The following questions can not be adequately answered by the conventional knowledge and skills one has learned and taught through physical practice alone.

Though six questions are posed, the fundamental answer to all of them is the same.

When one understands the core principle,
the answers become the same.

If the explanation is not based on this core principle, it is like an empty can making noise, with the speaker offering only flowery language and empty rhetoric.

Even if one engages in discussions about advanced techniques with others, the conclusion remains the same. This can be likened to " comparing apples to apples " or the expression‎ "a frog in a well."

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https://m.cafe.daum.net/enlightenment-k/dcM5/326?svc=cafeapp

Comparing Apples to Apples in Martial Arts

Only by understanding and directly experiencing the "flow of energy" can one explain it. However, this understanding varies greatly depending on the level of the practitioner.

In any case, the beginning of this process involves changing one's thinking and leading to a shift in consciousness.

Now, let's dive into the questions below.

1. Generally, a straight cut is understood as a linear cut toward the front. Is that all there is to it?

The straight cut is not merely about mastering a technique. It's also important to understand the deep philosophy and principles hidden beneath it. Beyond surface-level techniques, "inner exploration and reflection" are necessary.

"Inner exploration and reflection" involve a process of realization through constant anguish and contemplation. In this process, reflection, resolution, and gratitude play crucial roles.

In martial arts training or daily life, any "desire" or "goal to achieve" is not obtained through prayers, rituals, or irrational acts but through repeated reflection, resolution, and gratitude for the results of one's words, thoughts, and actions.

2. Can you demonstrate and explain the path of the sword, the line it cuts along, in accordance with the flow of energy?

Swinging the sword in harmony with the flow of natural energy is an experience where the body and nature become one. Through this experience, we find the correct path within the harmony with nature.

In Buddhism, this path is referred to as the "Middle Way(Right Path)." In everyday life, it refers to the optimal, highest path that aligns with the reality of the moment we are in.

Finding this path is practice itself,
and it is the essence of human life.

3. Can you show and explain the 'one path' where energy naturally extends through the body according to the flow of energy?

The 'one path' refers to a moment where the body and mind naturally harmonize through the flow of energy, transcending mere physical repetition of techniques.

Experiencing and explaining this state depends on the practitioner's direct experience and realization, which no one else can do or assist with.

4. If you know and can explain this, can you also talk about what and how to train in the next stage of practice?

5. Have you ever thought about how a single strike (one strike) can reflect the world and engage in philosophical discussion, or have you ever considered this possibility?

6. Why do you bring up such discussions, and have you ever imagined why it might be necessary?

In Haedong Kumdo,
there are various grading tests,
and numerous large and small, colorful world tournaments, continental events, and national competitions.

Through these, one might achieve a sense of accomplishment, joy, strong friendship, and self-esteem, but these are only visible, physical satisfactions and joys, which are not the ultimate goal of human life and even in martial arts training.

However, when the invisible aspects,
such as deep inner joy or
inner activation through a shift in consciousness,
begin to manifest,

from that moment on,
throughout life,

one can cultivate a life filled with continuous joy, awe, and sincere gratitude for everything, an experience incomparable to anything else in this world.

The Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu Haedong Kumdo curriculum clearly demonstrates the basics and processes of both the visible and invisible aspects,

and it succinctly presents the goals of martial arts and the ultimate goals of human life.

Get ready for some epic times in Sofia, Bulgaria from August 23rd to 25th!
Let's create unforgettable moments and have a blast training together! ❤️

Best Rgds.

August 11, 2024
JS Kim

cf)
https://m.cafe.daum.net/enlightenment-k/dcM5/316?svc=cafeapp

The Way of the Sword in Frontal Strikes