Understanding and Reflecting on Kimu Practice in Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu - 6

[진영]

In Korean 국문 번역
https://m.cafe.daum.net/enlightenment-k/dcM5/428?svc=cafeapp

진영쌍검류 기무수련의 이해와 고찰 ( 고른 호흡, 고른 마음) - 6

《Table of Contents》

1. Kimu Practice and the Art of Straight Cuts
2. Why Move So Slowly?
3. Even Breathing and Equanimity
4. Observing the Flow of Energy as a Third Party
5. Common Mistakes Beginners Make
6. Kimu (氣舞): When the Body Dances — Understanding and Experiencing the Principle Behind Natural Movement
7. Kimu (氣無): The Principle of Non-Doing (Wu-Wei Jeongbeop)
8. The Training Philosophy of Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu

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《Title: Understanding and Exploring Kimu Practice in Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu (Even Breathing, Equanimity) – 6》

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3. Even Breathing and Equanimity

“Even breathing” and “equanimity” are not merely about achieving a calm state of mind and body; they are foundational elements in both meditation and martial arts training. Once understood, they become invaluable tools applicable throughout daily life.

These concepts are expressed in the ancient Korean text Samilsingo (三一神誥) through the practices of Jigam (止感), Josik (調息), and Geumchok (禁觸), aiming to achieve the integration of Seong, Myeong, and Jeong (性命精)—representing mind, energy, and body.

Specifically, Josik refers to "even breathing," while proper actions and emotional regulation, involving interactions and sensory engagements, stem from "equanimity."

Mentioning Samilsingo underscores that, as humans, we cannot deviate from fundamental principles regardless of our actions.

The core concept of fundamentals in Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu aligns with this, indicating that the foundational principle remains consistent throughout human history, expressed in ways suitable for each era.

This ancient teaching transcends time, offering enduring principles for practice, emphasized across various meditation traditions and martial philosophies through diverse expressions over the ages.

1) Even Breathing

Even breathing refers to deep, continuous, and steady breaths. It's not just a physiological function but a crucial starting point in training, directly linked to one's mental state.

Shallow and irregular breathing leads to instability and distraction, whereas deep and consistent breathing fosters stability and enhances concentration.

In Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu, the first training stage, “Relax, and feel the energy,” teaches practitioners to sense the body's energy through even breathing. It's essential for relaxing the body and attuning to the natural flow.

While one might think breathing adjusts to the speed of movements, focusing solely on the natural energy or vibrations guiding the body allows breathing to harmonize naturally.

In other words, by following the energy without consciously controlling the breath, one achieves "even breathing"—a natural state of flowing in unity with the energy.

Understanding even breathing and intending to practice it is just the beginning. Through consistent practice and correct actions, one gradually recognizes moments of true even breathing.

For instance, when one genuinely serves their parents, they don't consciously think about filial piety; it's others who recognize it. Similarly, true even breathing is realized through genuine practice, often acknowledged by others.

2) Equanimity

Equanimity means maintaining a balanced mind, resembling the natural state of nature, without being swayed by emotions.

It's not about suppressing emotions but recognizing and observing them without losing one's center.

The second training stage in Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu, “Focus, and See It,” aims to cultivate this equanimity.

During this phase, practitioners move beyond merely learning external forms to maintaining inner focus, harmony, and balance.

When the mind remains balanced moment by moment, movements naturally align with the flow of energy, leading to repeated experiences of the body moving effortlessly.

Ultimately, even breathing and equanimity are essential foundations for progressing to the third stage, “Realize, and Do It.”

When body and mind connect seamlessly, allowing natural movement, one truly experiences 'Kimu' (氣舞) and advances toward 'Kimu' (氣無).

4. Observing the Flow of Energy as a Third Party

A vital aspect of Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu training is sensing the flow of energy within one's body and observing it from a third-party perspective.

This approach goes beyond passive sensation, enabling practitioners to objectively view and become aware of themselves.

1) The Importance of the Third-Party Perspective

When practitioners can observe their movements and emotions from an external viewpoint, genuine self-reflection becomes possible.

This perspective fosters sincere practices of reflection, commitment, and gratitude, forming the foundation for mental and physical maturity.

Such inner growth proves powerful not only in martial arts training but also in all aspects of daily life.

2) Internalizing the Third-Party Perspective

Once this perspective is internalized, individuals perceive the world as it is, leading to a fairer and more discerning approach to life.

In Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu, training involves surrendering the body to the flow of energy without being swayed by external stimuli or internal emotions, leading to experiences where the body moves naturally.

This process helps practitioners understand the principle of the body's magnetization, achieving harmonious movement without conscious effort.

3) Dialogue with Energy

Energy, though invisible, undeniably exists, akin to nature.

Attempting to force or manipulate it causes it to disperse, while accepting and sensing it allows it to approach naturally.

Developing this sensitivity requires adopting an observer's stance toward one's movements.

In this dual role of actor and observer, one learns to maintain mental equilibrium.

Ultimately, the emphasized 'third-party perspective' in Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu is a practice of coordinating the relationship between energy and body from an external standpoint, connecting to broader life wisdom.

5. Common Mistakes Beginners Make

In Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu, beginners are first introduced to the principle of the body moving naturally.

For instance, the flow of energy changes with the shape of the hands, causing the hands to move on their own; the same applies to the feet.

Experiencing this leads to a new perspective and approach to even a single straight cut.

However, beginners often encounter several common mistakes during this process.

1) Focusing Solely on Mimicking Movements

Many beginners initially attempt to replicate the instructor's or senior's movements based on appearance.

However, the essence of training lies not in copying movements but in sensing the flow of energy and learning to surrender the body to it.

Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu is a process of mastering the handling of 'energy' through movements, necessitating a focus on sensations and energy flow over form.

Obsession with form can lead to missing the fundamental principles.

2) Overthinking

During training, thoughts like "I should do it this way" or "Is this correct?" can hinder the body's natural responses.

Energy flows faster than thought; the body should react before the mind calculates.

Especially in the second stage of Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu training, “Focus — refine the center,” it's crucial to learn to concentrate on the moment and maintain center without judgment or expectation, aligning the timing of body and mind.

3) Neglecting Breath

A common mistake is focusing solely on executing movements without being aware of one's breathing.

However, breathing is central to training, serving as a bridge connecting energy and mind.

Without maintaining steady and natural breathing, training can become superficial.

Rather than trying to match breathing to the speed of movements, it's important to focus on where the natural energy or vibrations are guiding the body.

By immersing oneself in the energy, breathing naturally follows.

In essence, by forgetting about controlling the breath and simply following the energy, one achieves 'even breathing,' a foundational aspect of true Kimu practice, allowing the breath to flow in harmony with the energy.

4) Excessive Thinking

Thoughts like "I must do well" or doubts like "Is this correct?" can obstruct the body's flow.

Training should prioritize sensory experience over theoretical understanding, with thoughts serving


5) Impatience and the Habit of Comparison

Comparing yourself to others or seeking quick results can hinder the depth of your training. Martial arts practice is a long-term journey of gradually discovering your own rhythm.
Rather than focusing on immediate proficiency, what matters more is maintaining a mindset of being fully present in this very moment.



May 3, 2025 (Saturday)
Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu Haedong Kumdo — Kim Jeong Seong

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Annotations:

1. Jigam (止感) – "Calming the senses."
This practice involves quieting the mind by reducing reactive emotions and sensory distractions. It supports mental clarity and focus during training or meditation.


2. Josik (調息) – "Regulating the breath."
Refers to steady, balanced breathing that harmonizes the body and mind. In many Eastern practices, breath is directly linked to the flow of energy (Qi or Ki).


3. Geumchok (禁觸) – "Avoiding unnecessary contact or stimulation."
This means limiting distractions and avoiding excessive sensory or emotional engagement with the external world, so inner awareness can deepen.


4. Seong (性) – "Innate nature or heart."
Represents one’s pure, original nature — often associated with compassion, truth, or virtue.


5. Myeong (命) – "Life force or Qi (氣)."
Denotes the vital energy that sustains life, linked to breath and circulation in both physical and subtle energetic terms.


6. Jeong (精) – "Essence or physical vitality."
Related to the body’s foundational energy and core strength. In Taoist and Korean internal practices, it’s the root energy cultivated through discipline.

○ Three Core Practices
Jigam (止感): Calm the senses
Josik (調息): Regulate the breath
Geumchok (禁觸): Avoid unnecessary contact

Connected to Human Energetic Components

Seong (性): Heart / Conscious nature
Myeong (命): Life force / Qi
Jeong (精): Essence / Physical energy


Goal → Harmony of Mind (Seong), Qi (Myeong), and Body (Jeong)
→ Insight, healing, natural movement