Understanding Basic Stances Through a Single Principle-Part 2

[진영]

In Korean 국문번역
https://m.cafe.daum.net/enlightenment-k/dcM5/405?svc=cafeapp

하나의 이치를 통한 기본세의 이해-2

《Title: Understanding Basic Stances Through a Single Principle》

The reason I decided to write this article is that last week, I came across an explanation and photos about basic stances posted on social media by a supposedly experienced Haedong Kumdo instructor from overseas. Unfortunately, the level of understanding displayed was far below my expectations, which left me quite disappointed.

As the founder of Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu Haedong Kumdo, I feel a responsibility to correct the inaccuracies and shortcomings in the teaching of basic stances for the benefit of Haedong Kumdo practitioners worldwide.

If you have any questions, doubts, or comments about the content below, feel free to reach out for an open discussion and explanation at any time online.
(Contact: bmw43@hanmail.net, WhatsApp +82 10 6530 2911, JS Kim)

Not only for basic stances but also in learning anything, overcoming deficiencies is a task each individual must face according to their own level.

However, being "wrong" is a completely different matter. If an instructor mistakenly teaches incorrect techniques or misinterprets them as correct due to misunderstanding or ignorance, it can negatively influence not only themselves but also many others, both online and offline.

In fact, determining whether a basic stance is correct or not is relatively straightforward. I intend to address important basic stances in Haedong Kumdo one at a time whenever time allows. While some may argue that stances can vary depending on the association, this is an entirely different matter. The explanation and understanding of the correctness of basic stances are independent of any association.

While it is possible to explain stances from various perspectives depending on the practitioner's level, the explanation and understanding based on the principles of body movement are clear and straightforward. In the end, it is either right or wrong — there is no middle ground.

Previously, I explained the "Natural Stance," one of the essential basic stances in Haedong Kumdo. This time, I will examine the "Daedosae(대도세)."

The Daedosae(대도세) is one of the most fundamental stances, and because it is one of the first stances taught to beginners, most practitioners and instructors would claim to know it well.

Now, let's reflect on the following questions and assess our understanding and level of proficiency.

Before explaining the Daedosae(대도세) itself, if you can reflect on these questions and find the correct answers independently, you may elevate your understanding beyond the basic meaning of the stance through deeper analysis.

The ability to explain the following questions accurately will reflect each person's level of understanding.

Basic stances are taught to beginners when they first start learning Haedong Kumdo. Some may wonder why I am focusing on such elementary explanations now. As I have emphasized repeatedly, an instructor must clearly understand both the starting point and the destination of training.

In other words, understanding the overall flow allows an instructor to effectively guide practitioners with different characteristics and levels toward the intended goal.
Therefore, explaining basic stances should also be adjusted according to the training level of beginners, black belts, and instructors.

■ Judging the Correctness of Basic Stances

The correctness of basic stances can be eval‎uated based on the following factors:

The purpose and utility of each stance

The range of motion and limitations based on musculoskeletal structure

The opening and closing of joints and muscles, particularly in the pelvis, limbs, and shoulders

The efficiency of movement based on the above factors


In particular, assessing a practitioner’s performance in a rank promotion or dan examination based solely on superficial aspects such as "looking cool," "being strong," or "being fast" reflects a very low level of understanding. No matter how long one trains, they will inevitably encounter limitations if they rely on such shallow criteria.

There are numerous martial arts styles and associations, each with its own founders and instructors who have passed down their knowledge. The basic stances of each martial art are essential for maximizing training efficiency and achieving the intended goals of that martial art. Each stance has a basis and reason for its existence.

If an instructor cannot clearly explain or understand the foundation and rationale behind a stance, it amounts to nothing more than editing or imitating movements that look aesthetically pleasing or appealing. Furthermore, distorting or misrepresenting the history of a martial art out of pride or excessive ambition would be a serious issue.

Basic stances should be constructed according to the natural principles of body movement. However, in some cases, training methods that contradict these principles, such as off-beat attacks or unnatural postures, may be adopted to achieve effective responses to an opponent’s attack. Nevertheless, such methods inevitably shorten the lifespan of the body.

The following details will be explained more thoroughly during the 2025 Haedong Kumdo seminar, where overseas practitioners will have the opportunity to experience and understand these principles firsthand.


A. Classification of Basic Stances

Body movements in martial arts can be understood from three primary perspectives:

1. Technical Analysis

○ Principles of offense and defense
○ Health-related aspects
○ Biomechanical and exercise physiological principles


2. Philosophical and Religious Analysis of Martial Arts

○ Analysis based on the principles of nature
○ Analysis through breathing and meditation
○ Analysis through religious philosophy


3. Healing Analysis

○ Understanding the flow and blockage of energy
○ Understanding the principle of natural body movements
○ Understanding the activation and disappearance of energy


B. In-Depth Analysis of Daedosae(대도세) Through Q&A

In the next chapter, we will explore the Daedosae(대도세) in more detail.


March 27, 2025 (Thursday)
Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu Haedong Kumdo
Kim Jeong Seong