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Tang Soo Do Training
Philosophy
Master C. Terrigno
- 6th Dan
Editor - Tang Soo Do World
Because it is
a classical martial art, the goal of Tang
Soo Do is the development and unification of
three basic elements - body, mind and
spirit. Our effectiveness as martial artists
as well as our success in life comes from a
deep understanding of each of these three
aspects of our nature as human beings.
Through serious, dedicated and honest
training we come to recognize our strengths
and weaknesses, learn to face our fears and
eliminate the limiting obstacles from our
lives. More important, we discover how to
isolate and harness the limitless power of "Ki"
or "Chi" that resides and flows within each
of us.
Attaining
this higher level of being is a lifelong
task that requires single-minded dedication,
perseverance and proper preparation through
instruction. This is what separates Tang Soo
Do from other activities or sports. It is a
way of life. The concept of "Do" - literally
meaning "the way" is the goal of each
martial artist. It is not only the
understanding of the right way to execute
physical techniques, but the correct way to
act and react in life's situations, and the
strength of character and conscience to lead
a virtuous, balanced life.
"Do" is the
journey to create this better life for
ourselves, and in so doing, create better
families, communities and societies. In Tang
Soo Do we have available to us valuable
training guidelines such as the
Eight Key Concepts
and
Ten Articles of Faith on Mental Training.
These in turn revolve around the concept of
"Moo Do", which translates to stopping inner
and outer conflict, and is central to our
art.
The actual
processes that take place in us during
training to effect these changes is complex,
but here is an overly-simplified view of how
Tang Soo Do affects the three basic human
elements.
BODY
First, the
body is trained to execute a variety of
physical techniques such as correct stances,
stepping, punching and kicking, with the
complexity of each increasing over time.
Techniques are then practiced as pre-set
routines to develop good form, and as drills
to develop speed, power, balance, and
timing.
As a result, the body begins to experience
profound changes in flexibility,
circulation, endurance, coordination and
strength. Technical competence and increased
physical health are gained at this level.
MIND
As the body
acclimates to the physical movements, the
mind is trained through increased mental
focus for the proper execution and
refinement of the techniques. Beginning
students will notice improved concentration
and awareness, while more advanced
practitioners begin to channel this
heightened awareness on controlling the
body's metabolism and energy flow,
particularly through proper breathing. The
mind-set of proper training habits also
becomes more apparent. Discipline and
self-control are indicative of this level.
SPIRIT
The third
element, development of the spirit, is
perhaps the most difficult to quantify as it
deals with more abstract personal qualities.
It usually develops in later stages as the
body and mind begin to exhibit greater
unity. At this level, students display an
increased sense of calm and mental balance
characterized by self-confidence,
self-respect, courage, humility and even
compassion. Students become more aware of
who they are, their accomplishments and the
potential for continued growth and
self-cultivation.
SUMMARY
Ultimately,
we strive to merge body, mind and spirit so
that struggle in our lives is replaced by an
effortless flow which is evident in
everything we do. This is the quality
attributed to many Masters throughout
history that have dedicated themselves to
the "way" - that they moved as if they
glided, that one felt their presence when
they entered the room, or saw the kindness
and compassion in their face, or that an
opponent accepted defeat simply by looking
into their eyes.
Author's Note:
There are
many reading materials that address the
above subjects directly and we should
broaden our knowledge through research.
Sometimes however, we find information that
helps us in some way from a completely
different, unexpected perspective. Even
fiction has the power to change us if rooted
in what is truly possible. There are a few
books that I have acquired over the years
that have had such value for me. I offer
them to you in the hope they may have a
similar effect.
"Zen in
the Martial Arts" - Joe Hyams - 1979
"The Zen Way To The Martial Arts"
- Taisen
Deshimaru - 1982
"Karate-Do, My way of Life" - Gichin
Funakoshi - 1975
"Zen in the Art of Archery" - Eugen Herrigel
- 1953
"Living the Martial Way" - Forrest E.
Morgan, Maj. USAF - 1992
"Creative Visualization" - Shakti Gawain -
1978
"Surfing the Himalayas" - Frederick Lenz -
1995
"Surviving the Extremes" - Kenneth Kamler,
M.D. - 2004
"Way of the Peaceful Warrior" - Dan Millman
- 1980
"The Celestine Prophecy" - James
Redfield - 1993
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