Part 1 - Principle of Muwi & Step-by-Step Training and Self-Reflection

[진영]

In Korean 국문 번역
https://m.cafe.daum.net/enlightenment-k/dcM5/379?svc=cafeapp

1편 - 무위(無爲)의 원리와 진영쌍검류 해동검도의 단계별 수련과 자기 성찰

<<This article is intended to help practitioners of martial arts understand the starting point and ultimate destination of their training, recognize their current level and progress, reflect on and correct their practice, and make renewed resolutions. The goal is to encourage individuals to eval‎uate their own level and stage of development in order to achieve qualitatively better martial arts training and an improved quality of life.>>

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Title: Part 1 - The Principle of Muwi (無爲) & Step-by-Step Training and Self-Reflection in Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu Haedong Kumdo
(Muwi means action without intention)

○ Understanding and Applying Martial Arts Training by Stage

The motivation for writing this article comes from responding to an unexpected question by a Haedong Kumdo instructor in the United States about the fundamental stances and principles of attack and defense. Reflecting on what would be an appropriate level for an instructor, I decided to organize my thoughts on the stages of martial arts training.

All my writings stem from real interactions, capturing fleeting moments of thought and structuring the concepts and explanations derived from them. While they often serve as responses or explanations for others, their primary purpose is to deepen my understanding.

This article is based on my practice and experiences with Haedong Kumdo from my 30s, when the first Haedong Kumdo dojang opened in Busan, until now, as I approach 70. It provides a summarized framework of the stages of Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu Haedong Kumdo.

Regardless of how long one practices, limits always exist. At nearly 70, my physical focus is on maintaining my current state, while mentally, I strive to remain calm and clear.

○ Balanced training and life for one's age requires:

- Exercise in moderation

- Rest in moderation

- Meal (nutrition) in moderation

- A manageable level of stress (stimulus and response) in moderation

However, maintaining this balance in daily life is far from easy.

Looking back, I find that my shortcomings remain unchanged. Through this article, I hope practitioners, especially Haedong Kumdo instructors and masters, can self-assess their martial arts level, recognize the importance of humility and consideration for others, and find inspiration to advance further.


1. Etiquette and Greetings

The greeting methods in martial arts can reflect the founder's philosophy, the unique characteristics of the art, or the nature of attack and defense.

Haedong Kumdo’s Greeting Methods

The greetings differ depending on whether one is holding a sword or empty-handed.

Teaching a beginner, the greeting should go beyond the rote instruction of "hold the sword this way and bow respectfully."

By explaining the following, the instructor's level of understanding is revealed:

1. Why is the sword held that way?


2. What are the roles of each finger and both hands?


3. To what degree should the bow be made, and why?


4. Why should the eyes focus on a specific point, and what is the reason for the sword's height and position?


While a general explanation of bowing with the sword is commonplace, understanding the biomechanics of body movements and the flow of energy allows for more detailed guidance tailored to the learner’s level.

The depth and capability of an instructor become evident through such explanations and methods.



2. Understanding Basic Stances by Stage

1) Beginner:

Memorize and understand the basic stances through instruction and repetition to build proficiency.

2) Intermediate:

Master basic stances and apply them in cutting techniques, sparring, and forms, enhancing technical skills.


3) Advanced:

Deepen understanding and mastery of stances, explore the essence of martial arts, and integrate attack and defense principles into training, opening the path to elevated martial prowess.


3. Stages in Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu Haedong Kumdo

The training system of Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu Haedong Kumdo is more detailed than conventional martial arts frameworks. While further subdivisions can be made, this article outlines nine stages.

The distinction of Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu lies in its foundational emphasis on “Kimu and double swords training” to help practitioners intuitively understand and experience the natural principles of movement from the outset.

This approach embodies the concept of Muwi (無爲) or the correct practice of Muwi (無爲正法)—a term borrowed from ancient texts for lack of a better phrase.

Through this practice, one can enjoy “Kimu training” along with the practice with two swords training because:

Actions occur naturally without conscious intent.

This is called “Muwi(무위, Non-Action)” or action without intention, contrasting with its opposite, “Yuwi(유위, With-Action).”


Without grasping this concept, Kimu training risks remaining at the level of rote memorization and repetition. Furthermore, explaining double sword movements based on natural principles would be insufficient.


4. The Nine Stages

○ Stage 1

Memorizing and repeatedly practicing the forms and techniques of swordsmanship and martial arts.

○ Stage 2

Understanding and explaining the biomechanical principles of each movement.

○ Stage 3

Perceiving the energy flow of movements and developing individualized methods for enhancing practice.

○ Stage 4

Comprehensively understanding and applying the integration of energy flow with biomechanics and physiological dynamics.

○ Stage 5

Expanding the principle of energy flow, enriching technical depth and philosophical understanding while beginning healing practices and consciousness development.

○ Stage 6

Recognizing that the sword follows the body, the body follows the mind, and the mind aligns with the natural principle of energy, wavelength, and love.

○ Stage 7

Elevating the significance of martial arts training by integrating physical and mental training into the broader purpose of life.

○ Stage 8

Through mindfulness and awareness, not only within martial arts training but also in daily life, one cultivates maturity of the mind with constant "reflection, determination, and gratitude."

At this stage, practitioners recognize and strive to harness the practical effects of "Eye Fingers" and "Beam Finger" as fundamental elements of healing, thereby enhancing their individual capabilities.


○ Stage 9

This stage involves a physical understanding and experience of Self-Acquirement, enabling the practitioner to comprehend the concept of the Kimu-che (or Kimu-body) and align with the principles of nature.

It is a phase where one learns the principles and practical application of Vipassana-Acupuncture and approaches its essence through Kimu and sword training.

At this level,
practitioners recognize the ultimate goals emphasized in meditation, breathing exercises, or other spiritual practices across various disciplines and religions throughout the world.

Through a structured understanding of the triadic philosophy underpinning martial arts, one realizes the essence of martial arts itself.

This stage fosters the pursuit of qualitative maturity in life and spiritual growth. Practitioners come to understand the principles of health and happiness, integrating correct practices into every moment of daily life.

Ultimately, it leads to living a life of continuous enlightenment, striving for awareness and understanding until the very end of one's journey.


5. Understanding and Application by Stages

The distinction between levels in training is not something that can be strictly delineated. Every individual differs in their abilities, efforts, personalities, and preferences, and the changes in one’s mind can occur unpredictably. Thus, there are no definitive answers.

However, the classifications below are provided to emphasize the importance of holistic education in martial arts training and to offer practitioners an opportunity for self-reflection and personal development in their practice.



○ Levels 1–2

A level attainable by most instructors or masters through consistent training and learning.

○ Level 3

A stage where one understands the flow of energy and blockages and can diagnose the proper functioning or deficiencies of movements.

○ Level 4

A deeper understanding of the "flow of energy" is where practitioners perceive the opening and closing of blockages within the body's internal organs.

○ Level 5

A stage of recognizing the interconnections between techniques, philosophy, and healing, expanding the depth of training through these insights.

○ Levels 6–8

Extending the principles of martial arts into one's entire life, this stage involves practicing health and happiness in daily life while engaging in ongoing self-reflection.

○ Level 9

A stage where one deeply experiences and becomes certain, both physically and mentally, that the essence of martial arts is interconnected with human life under the universal principles and truths of nature.

At this stage, individuals perceive the true nature of the energy flow that drives human life and naturally progress toward enlightenment until the end of their journey, living in harmony with these truths.


■ Conclusion

The classification of stages is intended to help martial artists, especially instructors and masters, assess their current level and depth of practice while offering opportunities for new challenges and self-reflection.

From Level 3 onward,
training requires not only technical practice but also an understanding and experience of nature's energy and principles.

This entails understanding both the visible and invisible worlds, where each individual's journey manifests uniquely. This fosters a more humble and genuine approach to training.

From Levels 6 to 8,
martial arts training expands into one’s entire life, guiding practitioners to pursue a healthy and meaningful life, progressing toward their own level of understanding and enlightenment.

At Level 9,
practitioners recognize the true nature of the energy (or wavelength) of love inherent in nature. Guided by this realization, they embrace it as a lifelong companion, using it as a guiding light of wisdom to cultivate their lives. They strive to live their best lives, harmonizing their physical and spiritual selves as one.


☆ The Essence of Modern Martial Arts Practice

Modern martial arts practice goes beyond mastering physical movements. It is a journey to explore the essence of life, where proper practice naturally brings health and happiness as bonuses while ultimately pursuing the "spiritual growth" that stands as the ultimate goal of human existence.

If we compare the cultivation of human life in nature to rice farming, we can understand through the principles of nature that at harvest, only the grains (souls) are kept, and the husks are discarded.

Recognizing this truth can help us lead more meaningful and fulfilling lives.

This underscores why "Spiritual Growth" is the ultimate goal of human existence.


November 27, 2024

United World Haedong Kumdo Federation

Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu Haedong Kumdo

Founder & President
Kim Jeong Seong

Cf)
■ https://m.cafe.daum.net/enlightenment-k/dcM5/347?svc=cafeapp

Can We Speak of the Ultimate Stage of Martial Arts Training?

■ https://m.cafe.daum.net/enlightenment-k/dcM5/322?svc=cafeapp

Transmission of Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu Haedong Kumdo