The Center of the Body, the Zero Point of the Mind

[진영]

In Korean 한글 번역
https://m.cafe.daum.net/enlightenment-k/dcM5/635?svc=cafeapp

신체의 중심, 마음의 영점: 무의동원(武醫同源)으로 본 '중심 세우기'

The Center of the Body, the Zero Point of the Mind

“Establishing the Center” through Mu-Ui-Dong-Won

(武醫同源: Martial Arts and Medicine Share the Same Source)

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Introduction

This text delivers the essence and meaning of martial arts based on the laws of nature, approaching the ultimate goal of human life, not only for martial arts practitioners but also for the general public.

As the founder of Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu Haedong Kumdo, I have analyzed and established this theoretical system through a lifetime of training.

Based on my own study and experience, these writings convey the principles in a new method and expression‎ suited for the 21st century.

I write this with the hope that it will serve as a guiding manual for martial arts students, sports enthusiasts, and the general public to find the right path, while functioning as a cornerstone to widely promote the technique (Sulgi), philosophy (Cheolhak), and medicine (Uisul) of Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu globally.

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Ⅰ. THREE PERSPECTIVES ON THE PHYSICAL CENTER

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1. The Physiologic Center
The Core System (Diaphragm – Abdomen – Pelvic Floor)


■ Structure
This is the intra-abdominal pressure space formed by the diaphragm above, the abdominal muscles at the front, back, and sides, and the pelvic floor muscles below.

■ Function
This is the core system defined in modern exercise physiology.
It maintains bodily stability and acts as the practical powerhouse that generates powerful physical force.

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2. The Musculoskeletal Center-
The Spine


■ Structure
This is the physical central axis that vertically penetrates the body from the head to the pelvis.

■ Function
It is the pillar that supports and distributes all loads of the body. It connects the movements of the upper and lower body and serves as the physical pathway through which energy (Ki) ascends and descends.

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3. The Energetic and Anatomical Center
The Bladder and the Lower Pelvic Space (The Lower Danjeon Area)


■ Structure
This is the internal space of the pelvic cavity and the bladder located at the lowest part of the torso.

■ Function
It is the “energy storage tank” where the light energy entering through the head and shoulders descends along the spine and resides. The energy accumulated here becomes the martial and Qigong center that expands up, down, left, and right throughout the entire body.

For instance, when the head is momentarily dizzy or unclear, the energy of the bladder ascends to instantly clear the mind. Conversely, when sudden knee pain or a similar uncomfortable situation occurs unexpectedly, one experiences a restoration to normal functions as the energy of the bladder descends.

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Ⅱ. THREE-STEP CENTERING MANUAL OF JINYOUNG SSANGKUM RYU

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In Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu training, the importance of this centering is taught clearly from the very beginning. However, because the principle is so simple, practitioners tend to easily overlook it or neglect focused training.

The center must be realized through the following three stages.

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[Step 1] Align the Spine to Establish the Central Axis
(Musculoskeletal Axis Realignment)

■ Method
Elongate and straighten the spine vertically, as if the crown of the head (Baekhoe) is being pulled upward by a string from heaven. Gently tuck the chin and release tension from the chest. Simultaneously, establish the mind’s reference point through breathing.

■ Principle
If the spine, the pillar of the body, is misaligned, the physical center collapses and the energy pathway becomes blocked. Straightening the spine vertically and allowing the energy to reside in the bladder area of the lower abdomen is the absolute beginning of all movement.

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[Step 2] Accumulate Light Energy around the Bladder
(Descent of Energy)

■ Method
The light energy entering through the head and shoulders accumulates in the bladder located at the lower part of the body. Breathe in and out softly, continuously observing the convergence and emission of energy from a third-person perspective.

■ Principle
Energy flows down naturally. The body enters the state of Sang-Sil-Ha-Sil (上虛下實: empty upper body, full lower body), and this process repeats continuously.

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[Step 3] Observe the Intra-Abdominal Pressure through Breathing

■ Method
While maintaining the energy gathered around the bladder, take a deep breath. Observe the sensation of energy (intra-abdominal pressure) expanding in all directions along with the abdomen and pelvic floor muscles as the diaphragm moves up and down, and then dispersing again.

■ Principle
This phenomenon occurs due to the convergence and emission of the light energy gathered and accumulated in the bladder.

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Ⅲ. CONCLUSION AND PRACTICAL APPLICATION TO JINYOUNG SSANGKUM RYU

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Centering in martial arts can be explained as first establishing the pillar by aligning the spine vertically, allowing the light energy to flow down naturally into the bladder, and creating the conditions and situations that activate each internal organ.

The coordination of the diaphragm and pelvic floor through breathing balances and harmonizes that pressure. This perfect naturalness manifests as an absolute center that remains unshaken by any impact or combat situation.

However, as long as we are human, nothing is perfect or absolute. We merely approach it endlessly.

Practitioners must intuitively understand and embody the principles and movements of energy that connect the head and shoulders → spine (bones) → core (muscles/breathing) → bladder area (sensation/energy).

In Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu training, forming the “Kimu Body” (Kimu-Che, 기무체) through Kimu Practice is crucial. Through the embodiment of this training, one must develop the “Eye-Finger” and “Beam-Finger” to perceive the blockage, opening, emission, and convergence of the body’s energy. This embodiment is an indispensable condition for the initiation and advancement of healing practices.

Those who have opened their Spiritual Eye (Cheonmok, Third Eye) given by Nature should be able to directly observe this flow of light energy with their own eyes.

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Expansion into Three Training Stages

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First

Training to move purely with the center of the spine and lower body, with both hands fixed behind the back.

Second

Training to connect only the centers of the upper and lower body while maintaining a guard (aiming pose) or combat posture with both hands.

Third

Basic training to connect and control centrifugal force and the center of gravity using actual double swords (Ssangkum).

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Unquestionably, smooth practical training in all three of these methods can only occur after perfectly mastering the structural center of the body. Any swordsmanship or movement in martial arts without a center is nothing but an illusion.

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Ⅳ. INTERNALIZATION OF THE CENTER
The Zero Point of the Mind and the Completion of Life

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When these three training methods for establishing the structural center of the body serve as the foundation and one’s internal power (Naegong,내공) deepens, the practitioner finally realizes the inner essence:

• The “reference point of the mind”
• The “zeroing of the mind”
• The “zero-point standard”

The “zero-point standard” signifies an absolute internal axis of center that allows one to return to complete equanimity at any time, regardless of external impacts or emotional disturbances.

This center of the mind does not remain confined to training within the dojang; it provides the root source that correctly regulates one’s speech, thoughts, and actions in daily life. A person whose center is firmly established remains upright in every moment of life, which directly translates into an inexhaustible vitality for living.

Particularly in Kimu (氣武) training, which deals with the flow of energy, and healing training, which purifies the mind and body, establishing this zero-point standard is an absolute necessity.

Ultimately, what Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu emphasizes is that the technique (Sulgi), philosophy (Cheolhak), and medicine (Uisul) of martial arts training are never separated but are connected as a single principle.

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Technique (Sulgi, 술기)

Generates powerful force through the structural center of the body (spine, core, and bladder area).

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Philosophy (Cheolhak,철학)

Achieves the zeroing of the mind by establishing the inner zero-point standard.

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Medicine (Uisul, 의술)

Heals oneself and others by harmonizing the wave-frequencies of energy.

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When these three meet as one, the practitioner realizes the principle of oneness—that martial arts training and daily life are not separate.

The center held when gripping the sword becomes identical to the center maintained when living life.

Thus, reaching the ultimate goal of human life—the completion of character, harmony with great nature, and spiritual growth—is the true path of Budo (the martial way) pursued by Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu.

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May 25, 2026

Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu Haedong Kumdo
United World Haedong Kumdo Federation

Founder & President
Chongjae Jeong Seong Kim


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