My style? You can call it the art of fighting without fighting

Bruce Lee 1940-1973 PAGES AND CONTENT

Constant evolution...... 2 Bon Kuk Kum Do- Ancient Tradition...... 4 How much truth is there in the “Kuji Kiris”?...... 7 in Nepal - Working from the heart...... 8 Martial Therapy ...... 11 The Dragon in China...... 12 Travel growing up- grow traveling...... 13 Kung Yung Mu Sul- The Martial Art of court...... 15 Quietly...... 17 Eat like there ...... 18 Stories to grow ...... 19 Curiosties ...... 20 Nyom Hapkido- Polishing the Martial Art ...... 21 The importance of warm-up in ...... 22 A book,a movie and some internet ...... 24

Idea and content management : José Luis Rueda Castaño Design and Layout : Pedro Manuel Morón Amorin Translation and proofreading : Blanca Porcel Calvo Translation : Paula Hernández Chamorro Correction and printing : María del Carmen Durán Guerra Constant evolution All Martial Arts have an ancestral past. Even those that bear the label of “modern” keep their origin in human evolution itself. Similarly, they all have points in common, they all belong to a kind of “spider’s web” that unites them in some way in concept, form and objectives.

Depending on the historical moment and the place on the map, some have been developed in one way, and others in a somewhat different way, but it is obvious that they are all born on the battlefield and/or in the need to keep body and mind in shape.

In Japan, all traditional Martial Arts were always encompassed within a specific term: Kumiuchi.

From the acceptance and the good use that the famous Samurai gave to the Kumiuchi is born the Sumái, very characteristic for its techniques of dislocation and projection and from which, as a time, comes the famous Sumo, already focused something more to the sports practice, with a marked and clear compendium of rules and with the intention of spreading more and better those popular arts.

The evolution itself made these arts were reaching a lot of popularity in Japan until, over time, they were systematized and took personality. In the beginning, all empty-handed martial arts were known by a generic term: Jiu Jitsu.

Today, as in the past, all the Arts continue their own evolution, improving and adapting to cir- cumstances and needs. Jiu Jitsu itself today has di- fferent aspects and approaches and remains more alive than ever.

From the nameless fights that had to be exercised for an instinctive matter of protection and self-defense, to the ground sports fights of today, always, the Martial Art has remained alive and in constant progression. Always respecting their origins, allowing them to some- how be alive in essence and using those origins as a solid foundation on which to continue building a building that adapts to the reality of each moment.

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We send the printed magazine anywhere on the planet where the current situation allows us. Bon Kuk Kum Do- Ancient Tradition

Ever since I was little, I imagined myself brandishing a stick or anything long I had at my fingertips. Growing up, I fell in love with Robert E. Howard’s formidable creation: “Conan the Barbarian.” That definitely ended up creating in me a fascination for weapons like the ones worn by the Ninjas or the Samurai.

Eventually, I decided to come to to focus on mar- tial arts training and, coincidentally, at an annual “Han- minjok Hapkido” meeting 14 years ago, I met in Seoul a master who somehow caught my eye that day. It was easy because, among so many guests in a black suit, he appeared in a traditional gold-colored Hanbok, with his sword, as if coming to shoot a movie. That hadn’t been seen since the end of the Choson dynasty. I had no idea that that meeting would change the way I saw traditional martial arts forever.

I discovered that the man was named Grandmaster Lee Jae-Sik and he was solely responsible for resurrecting the lost art of Bon Kuk Kum.

History

This I’m going to tell is an account of the history of swordsmanship in this region. There is no mysticism, tal- king animals, pretty protagonists or love triangles involved (although the Korean media and Hollywood want us to believe that).

When I decided to come to Korea, I had two main motivations actually. One, my childhood hero, Chuck Norris and, on the other hand, the stories I knew of legendary young Korean knights named “.” They were the sons of the ruling aristocracy in a country called Sil la, at the time of the three kingdoms. These young knights were skilled and educated on a philosophical level and in martial arts; they lived under a strong code of honor and ethics that was more important to them than their own lives. Some say they were too good to be true...

The Hwarang, had a basic code of five commandments:

• Sa gun i chung: Serve loyally to your monarch • Sa chin yi hyo : Be obedient and respect your parents • Gyo woo yi sin: Be a faithful friend • Im jeon mu toi: Never doubt or shudding on the battlefield • Sal sang yu taek: A Hwarang wasn’t going to take his life unless he wasn’t going to take his life either.that it was necessary.

The training of these “flourishing knights,” as they were called, was so intense that they are said to have develo- ped the first truly sophisticated swordsmanship system in Korean history. Historians claim that it was actually the first art of swordsmanship in all of Asia. The Hwarang warriors were led by powerful military leaders who led their nation to conquer the neighboring nations of Peckche and Koguryo.

4 Sil’s reign lasted for several centuries, but when he was overthrown, the Hwarang lineage also fell. Those Hwa- rang leaders who had developed their physical attitudes the most were known as “Kook San”. Those who were more spiritual became Shamans and became known as “Poong wuhl joo”.

After a few centuries, there was a time when the Hwarang class went into real decline. With the advent of the Choson dynasty, the Confucian idea that the pen subdued the sword was put on. However, in 1790, King Jung Jo ordered a group of sages to set up a set of military texts that would collect the different methods of combat existing throughout the nation.

This included weaponed and unasseailed techniques, as well as horseback riding. One of the techniques collec- ted in these texts was the “Bon Kuk Kum”. Bon kuk can translate it as original of korea and Kum is sword: the original sword of Korea. In total, 24 different techniques were collected in that book, including spear handling, for example. The text, which is still available today even with modern English versions, was called “Muye Dobo Tongji”

Unfortunately, a successful invasion by the Imperial Japanese Army brought about the end of the Choson Dynasty and nearly destroyed what was left of the Korean military tradition (although Confucianism has des- troyed it before). Japanese forces tried to re-educate their new colony by having the Koreans adopt all things Japanese, including martial arts. Bon Kuk Kum went into a kind of limbo for several years.

Many years later, Lee Dae-San (born Lee-Jae-Sik) was born in the small town of Masan, in the southern part of the country. His grandfather, a rebel against the Japanese during the Japanese occupation, was also a Poong- Wuhl-Joo (a spiritual leader of the knights who protected the ancient Korean kingdom of Sil la).

Lee studied the sword with his father (who learned from his father) at the age of nine. So in love was Lee with the arts, that he wanted to study as many martial arts as he could, such as Kung Yung Mu Sul (royal court martial arts), Tae Kwon Do, Gong Bahng Do, Ki Gong Sul and so on. Lee later began researching and correctly translating old Korean textbooks on military practices into the mo- dern . Unlike (Japanese ) and Haedong Kumdo, he took forms (hyung) and techni- ques from old textbooks that korean leaders of yesteryear used in wartime. The hyung were short, simple, brutal and decisive.

There were no “dots” or methods to look pretty. They were skills that men carried to their graves. After resurrecting these methods, Bon Kuk Kum was officially established in 1980.

In March of that year, it opened the first of more than 100 schools in the city of Masan. Little by little he built a reputation and a following. Now, several schools and television appearances later, their association spreads throughout Korea and is gradually spreading internationally: Denmark, United States, Canada, Spain, Ger- many, the Netherlands and several Latin American nations. system The art of “Bon Kuk Kum”, like other swordsmanship systems, places a special emphasis on footwork. In ad- dition to postures, cutting and blocking techniques, this art emphasizes the study of traditional Korean philo- sophy and its histories. Breathing and meditation techniques are the daily practice, even for young children.

5 There is a curious peculiarity and that is that, when the sword was anvainada, the hand that held it did so on the top instead of grabbing by the hilt. This was used in wartime to prevent the enemy from drawing your own sword. Each part of the sword has a role in the forms of this martial art.

At the highest levels of black belt training, you also learn how to handle curved barning, stick, spear, light wire or combat are weapons. Similarly, those students who show more seriousness in training are also instructed in fighting on horseback. In Bon Kuk Kum there are eight basic techniques. At the highest levels of black belt training, you also learn how to handle other weapons.

Throughout history, swordsmanship has existed in all civilizations, as has dance. For some unknown reason, the two disciplines have never been mixed. It is assumed that perhaps, the dance was more for the entertain- ment of women, so that they were not too aggressive. And learning the use of the sword, was for men, to per- petuate the ruling classes of Warriors. It is possible that in Korea, dance and learning of weapons handling were united in the time of the Sil la dynas- ty. A well-known general Hwaragn, the legendary “Kwan Chang”, trave- lled from Sil la to Peckche for a kind of street display in which he showed a “dance” with swords. That demonstra- tion had such an impact that it came to hear from the king and Kwan Chang was invited to a private audience with the king. The general made an exhibi- tion for the king and, in the middle of the performance, murdered him im- peccably and quickly.

Since then, the inhabitants of Sil celebrated that incident by wearing a mask of General Kwan Chang and ma- king an exhibition that emulated the one the general made in his day.

This story is collected in the Muye Dobo Tongji in the section dedicated to Bon Ku Kum. At that time, it was customary for kings to be accompanied at all times by writers who took note of absolutely everything that ha- ppened. Becauseofthat, we know a lot of historical data today.

In Korea, many martial arts masters consider the Sil la dynasty period to be the beginning of korean sword culture, so general Kwan Chang is considered by many to be the father of Korean sword martial arts. Obviously, the sword was always a battle instrument. In peacetime, it became an instrument of beauty. It is not surprising, therefore, that the dance of swords with music gained popularity.

With the historical events that came with the implantment of the Choson dynasty, and especially with the Japanese occupation that brought down the Choson empire, these traditions almost disappeared. In fact, the tradition was kept secret. It is known that, before the Korean War (1950-1953), a North Korean dancer named Choi Sung Hi, revived the tradition of these dances. Fortunately, grandmaster Jae Sik Lee, founder of Bon Ku Kum, brought it back to the 20th century and not just as artistic expression, but as combat training.

For more information on Bon Kuk Kum, please visit www.bonkukkum.com Or send an e-mail to [email protected]

Maestro Guy Edward Larke

6 How much truth is there in the “Kuji Kiris”?

Kuji Kiri can be translated as “nine cuts”. It consists of the realization of manual movements that have traditionally been believed to en- hance certain physical and mental qualities in the practitioner. Of in- determinate ancestral origin, the Kuji Kiri have come to this day thanks, fundamentally, to the use and practice that they have made, mainly, the Ninjas. It is likely that when reading this, someone will remember some bad movie scene in which the Ninja, in the middle of a combat or before having it, adopts a meditation posture, clo- ses his eyes and performs certain postures with his hands. In rea- lity, there is a whole story behind these nine cuts or manual postu- res. History that are connected with different strands of Japanese and Chinese Buddhism. It is said since ancient times, that the study and practice of the Kuji Kiris, could help to improve the mental, spiritual and physical balance of the person. Some historical narratives tell us that the Ninjas practiced Kuji Kiris to achieve a more optimal mental and emotional state before combat.

In this regard, there are books, videos and some scientific study that argues that practicing the Kuji Kiris redu- ces tension, anger or fear; it rests more and better and can even reach the way to face adverse situations with much more calm than someone who does not know this ancient tradition.

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7 Hapkido in Nepal - working from the heart

Martial Arts reach the general public, all over the world, mainly through movies, video games, televised MMA competitions, some series and, with less impact, through specialized magazines. It is obvious, that what is known most about Martial Arts is the ability of those who practice it to fight, to defend themselves. Frequently, it is also common that, between football match and football match, some news of Karate competitors, or that, although they have been world champions, it is really difficult to spend more than 40 seconds on televi- sion sneaks into the news.

But without a doubt, what is least known about Martial Arts, is its essence, its ability to improve people’s lives and the impact that this has on society as a whole. Today, here at MUSUL, we are going to share with you a story that really defines the true Martial Art.

Personally, I have had the opportunity to train Hapkido in numerous countries. In each of these countries, I have found that the idiosyncrasies, and even the economic level of each country, are reflected, quite often, in their martial arts schools. I have been in schools where, when practicing falls, I had to convince the students to

put some mat because, for them, the usual thing is to train on the ground. I have also met schools that seem to be coming from the future, with all the implements and needs that are required and more. Between these two worlds, there is an enormous variety of economic levels, organizational capacities and, most notably, there is a chasm in terms of the resources that one can count on depending on the area of the planet in which you live.

Never, ever, had I seen so many people train on sand on a regular basis. Not like when we want to go to do a camp or a special training on the beach; No! Your day to day, your training place, your Doyang, is outdoors and the ground on which you fall, always, is sand.

A few months ago, I had the opportunity to get to know a little more about the schools run by my friend Prabin Gurung in the Nuwakot-Nepal area. Personally, I need to always be close to humble people, humble projects, schools and teachers who work for people, and not to fill their walls with diplomas and certificates that speak much more of what they lack than what they know.

8 Kyo sa nim Prabin, runs 4 schools where it teaches more than 400 students. Most of them do not pay a monthly fee, they belong to families in rural areas with hardly any economic resources. Prabin, month by month, day by day, tea- ches Hapkido in the knowledge that this benefits his students and helps them a lot to feel good.

Without institutional support, Prabin relies on collaboration with some or- ganizations and, to a lesser extent, on the 150 Rupees a month paid by some of its students. That, is little more than a euro, almost a dollar with seventy Australian...

Maintaining the illusion of tea- ching in these conditions is com- plicated; getting students to keep the desire to learn is almost im- possible; (especially considering that they don’t have too many training teams suitable for Hapki- do); growing a school so much in such circumstances is something that can only be done if you love what you do. Kyo sa nim Prabin started practicing Hapkido barely eight years ago, but he does it with such passion and interest, that he is directly responsible for the dissemination of Hapkido in that area of the planet.

In a timely and extraordinary way, Prabin can travel to countries in the area to continue sharing and learning Hapkido. From the hand of the “Nepali Martial Arts Association”, get some support to be able to make these trips and continue to treasure experiences.

This school is an example to follow. There are no excuses when you want to learn and train. Nor are there any to teach and disseminate any Martial Art. These are the projects that make the human being better, congratulations Prabin!!

SBN J.L.Rueda Castaño

9 INTERNATIONAL HAPKIDO ALLIANCE Traditional Values, Modern Concepts

WE ARE ON 3 CONTINENTS

G.M. Geoff J. Booth (9º ), Presidente www.hapkido.com.au

Hapkido effective, forceful, effective !! Martial Therapy The effect of Martial Arts training on the executive and social functioning of children with Autism.

EAutism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is one of the most prevalent Neurodevelopmental Disorders in the world. Executive functioning abilities are often compromised among children with ASD. However, executive func- tioning skills are crucial for higher-level cognitive abilities such as impulse control, emotion regulation, and problem-solving.

A part from numerous therapies that are used to assist in managing symptoms of ASD, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioural interventions, research suggests that interactive physical activities can be beneficial in improving social skills and executive functioning in children with ASD. A physical activi- ty that may be particularly effective in improving deficits in both social-emotional and executive functioning in children with ASD is martial arts training. Martial arts are traditionally distingui- shed by physical rigour, self-discipline, respect for others, teamwork and cognitive complexity. New research provides evidence that martial arts trai- ning can help improve social skills and the abili- ty to inhibit natural responses in favour of more adaptive ones in children with ASD. A number of recent studies confirmed that after 3 months of martial arts training (2-3 times a week), children with ASD can improve their social skills and exe- cutive functioning deficits, decrease their externa- lising problem behaviours such as aggression and poor temper control; decrease their internalising problems such as sadness and anxiety; decrease hyperactivity such as fidgeting and impulsive acts; and improve their social-emotional skills. They also confirm that after 3 months of training, children can show greater social competence regarding communication, cooperation, assertion, responsibility, empathy, engagement, and self-control.

Interactions with other neurotypical children and instructors create a cohesive community that allow for more opportunities to practice social skills through social modelling, and engage in dynamic interactions with others. The dynamic interaction of working with a partner in the context of martial arts requires the use and practise of social skills that are critical in all interpersonal interactions: eye contact, verbal and non-verbal communication, respect, patience, and impulse control, all within a controlled environment.

Also, mindfulness and meditation, if incorporated within the martial arts class structure, can add another layer of improvement in the psychological and overall well-being of all students, regardless of whether or not they have ASD.

Since ASD affects not just the individual but also the family and their community, more parents and care-givers should consider martial arts as an additional tool to help improve the overall functioning of their children. Martial arts schools should also consider promoting the benefits of martial arts on neurodivergent children, such as those with ASD for the betterment of the society and to create an inclusive community.

KSN Neelab Omar- Australia

11 The Dragon in China

Unlike in other cultures and traditions, the presence of the Dragon as a mythological animal has a positive reading in China. Centuries ago, he was invoked in times of drought, or in vain, he is considered a kind of “god” of water, with the ability to remain present in rivers, waterfalls, seas and lakes and, in addition, with the power, to take water where it is most needed.

The Dragon, in China, is present in many layers of the country’s social life. It is in temples and also on local and national fes- tivals; it can be seen in books, short stories and also on television; in historical rites and in folk dances.

Strong symbol related to good luck, power and strength, the Chinese Dragon has a whole story behind it that, of course, has nothing to do with those other stories of Dragons spitting fire and razing everything within their reach.

We could say, that it is the Frankens ein of mythological animals, since it is composed of parts of up to nine different animals.

Related to good luck, physical power, weal- th and the masculine, the famous “Chinese Dragon dances” to celebrate the new year, have already spread halfway around the world. Of course, a nice way to approach this tradition that, according to chine- se historical culture, scares away negative energy and bad omens.

12 Travel growing up- grow traveling

Departure from Amsterdam

On Thursday I departed on my flight form Schiphol airport, I traveled together with a group form my own team (Yu Sin Kwan), which included my teacher Master Henrie and my brother. I was happy that we managed to travel together in a group because it was quite a challenge to get everyone to- gether on the same flight.

Arrival

Later that day after a couple of hours I arrived on Sevilla airport. When we just exited the security checkpoint, a big surprise awaited us.Grandmaster G Booth, and the entire Sevilla Hapkido team were waiting for us with banners, snacks and drinks. I never expected such a grand welcome, it was quite moving for me.

Apartment

Someone from the Spanish hapkido team brought me to my apartment that I booked in Sevilla, I would stay here with my brother and two other people form my team. When I arrived at the apartment I was looking forward to taking a hot shower, however there didn’t seem to be any hot water, this was our first (mental) challenge this ITS!!! Luckily with a bit of finicking with the boiler we managed to make it work.

First impression ITS

On Monday the Training (Hell week) would finally start. I woke up early in the morning to prepare my gear and have a special breakfast that we would later call the “ITS breakfast”, a banana with a can of redbull light. The Spanish team arranged for busses to bring us to a large sports complex, here the training would take place. The ambiance during the training was exhilarating and the hours of training flew by in an instant. One of the highlights for me was during the kicking techniques, all participants in the complex would make a Kiyap in unison, this energy was indescribable.

Hell week

This was the name the Hapkido organization gave the training seminar, and man they were not kidding. The temperature in sevilla was around 42 degrees and the humidity was killing. This made for a extra challenge because the weight of my increased exponentially with all of the sweat we shed that week. I was extremely thankful that I booked an apartment with a washing machi- ne!!! Although the training was heavy it sure was a blast for me. Among the new things I learned during the week, it was the first time I ac- tually held a sword.

13 My teacher Master Henrie was busy developing a sword style (HANKIBUDO) from all the experience he gai- ned during his years as a teacher, I later started to practice this style to.

Sightseeing

During the off-hours we had time to explore Sevilla, I mostly went around with my brother and the people from my team. Sevilla is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture, the Spanish team gave us a stamp card with all the mayor locations on it so it was easy to navigate. There was a nice path along the river with a couple of great views from the brid- ges, I think I walked this route every day, it never stopped to intrigue me!

Food

At the end of the bridge we traveled over every day was a great Churro place (this is a Spanish snack), this became our standard stop during our excursions to have a portion of churros and a lime slush, to my great disappointment I am still not able to find anything similar at home. I also had the chance to sample the famous Sevilla Tapas, and many other dishes. I especially liked the gazpacho. My brother kept nagging for a MCdonalds we actually found one when he was still asleep and I sent a picture for him while smiling, it was closed by the time he woke up so mission accomplished (sister 1, brother 0).

Poolparty

The Spanish team arranged for a poolparty one evening, there was a big barbeque and everyone brought some di- shes from home. It was nice to be able to relax and party with my new Spanish friends I met during the ITS.

Departure

During my trip I was able to make a lot of new friends from different countries which I still have con- tact with regularly and I managed to grow closer to my own team- mates. I have learned a lot during the tra- ining and my condition improved a lot. A couple of highlights were the promotions of Master Henrie 7th degree and GM Booth 9th degree.

I look back at this trip with fond memories and hope to repeat it in the future!

Jennish Batenburg

14 Kung Yung Mu Sul- The Martial Art of court

Within the classical Martial Arts of Korea, one of those that remains today and, in fact, has been the source of which others have lived, is the “Kung Yung Mu Sul”.

Taking its greatest heyday in the time of the Choson dynasty (1392-1910), it is consecrated as a complete and forceful Martial Art in which, to the handling of weapons such as sword, fan, rope, archery or daggers, the handling of different types of spears and empty hand techniques is added.

Unlike in other dynasties in other parts of the world, Kung Yung Mu Sul was practiced by the escorts of the kings, and also by them themselves. In a way, it was traditionally a classist Martial Art, practiced by monarchs and soldiers of all ranks, among whom were the kings’ own back guards. There is no other known place in the world where, within the imperial palace, a martial art system was developed as such. The Martial Art of the court was practiced from its ori- gins also seeking to improve the state of health of its practitioners.

This is achieved, mainly thanks to the mere sports practice necessary to train techniques and shapes, but also, thanks to the use of a complete program of techniques that include pressure points to very localized areas of the body and that, of rebound, help to strengthen the body.

Techniques of kicking, attacks and blocks with hands and arms, projections, dislocation technique and even heads, complete the technical programming of an ancient Martial Art that, in addition, also reinforces health through breathing exercises.

Kung Yung Mu Sul is one of the ancient martial arts of Korea that are still practiced today and, in addition, with relative success outside the borders of the eastern country.

15

Quietly

In the south of Spain, in the historic Sevillian town of Santiponce, he works for good, and for many years, one of those martial arts teachers who are so much needed by society, of which there are few and so many are needed. In Santiponce, Roman city, our friend Manuel González, spreads all the good of Martial Arts through the “Modern Jiu Jitsu”a system created by his teacher and friend Alexis Mañas.

Modern jiu jitsu removes labels and adds effectiveness, modifies tradi- tional postures a little and combines them to make the work easier and the movements more accurate, gaining in economy, effectiveness and forcefulness, while offering a complete arc of possibilities in terms of real self-defense techniques.

Manuel González, knows well the bowels of the martial, not in vain, his career as an eternal apprentice and as a book teacher, is already approa- ching forty years of experience. He works with children and adults and works in what is undoubtedly one of the most comprehensive programs in the world aimed at private and public security professionals.

Manuel has worked in countries such as Austria, Italy, Canada or France and treasures an experience and know-how that, thanks to continuous and serious work, is reserved only to people of his human quality and his manifest personal disinterest.

His school,”kokoro do”, already cares with suspicion different generations of children and young people who, understanding the “Modern jiu Jitsu”as trans- mittedby Shi han Manuel González, improve their li- ves and that of the people in their environment.

At MUSUL, we are delighted to be able to publish this presentation of a humble and hardworking great teacher like few others with whom, surely, we will carry many more pages of our magazine.

17 Eat like there This session talks about the gastronomy of eastern countries, mainly Korea, Japan, China, Vietnam and some other...... Normally, we try to bring to this session information about typical food, some culinary curiosity of those countries, or even the origin of certain foods. On this oc- casion, we will not talk about food, but about how to eat when martial artists are at the table. To do this, we will share different customs of discipline at the table according to Korean tradition. For example, something important is that no one can start ea- ting if the teacher of the highest degree of all those on the table has not done so. Although when there are Westerners at the ta- ble, all these rules can be “softened” a little, the right thing to do is to wait for the teacher to start eating to follow everyone else. other? Well, if someone thinks of proposing a toast on the table, the glasses or glasses will collide gently and, always, our glass will be below the highest degrees. In addition, when it comes to drinking, the most correct thing is to turn, turning your back on others. In line with this, we could say that there are two ways to toast. If people exclaim in Korean: “con be”, it means that: toast. This toast has nothing special other than what was explained above. But if people exclaim,”wuan chan,” that means you have to drink all in one drink, so if what you’re drinking is the famousKorean”Soyu,”be preparedbecause, even if it’s just a drink, it’s the closest thing to dynamite...

In Korea,when you finish eating, you do not place the cutlery on top of the empty plate as is usually done in Western cultures. There, that can be considered a lack of education. This is so, because the shape of the chopsticks on the plate, is similar to that of the incense rods in rituals that are traditionally done to the dead. So better, leave them on the table on the left side, right where they were when they started eating. It is also not common to see people conversing while eating. Rather, it is eaten first, and then it is conversed. Another important thing is that no one fills their own glass. Out of courtesy, you always drink to others and someone should offer it to you. The appropriate thing is to always offer first to the most adult person or to the highest degree if we are talking about martial artists. In addition, whenever we serve something or serve us, we will do so using both hands.

Regardless of whether we are eating in a restaurant, or if we do it as guests in a house. Koreans love to know that we are at ease, that we face food with desire and enthusiasm. So, the right thing to do, what they expect, is for us to tell them, and if it’s in Korean, so much the better. So, before you start eating, the ideal is to say: “Chal moh ke subni da” which comesto mean: I will enjoy this meal. It is a very well-accepted gesture of courtesy that shows respect and discipline. In addition, it is a way of also thanking the preparation of food.

As a rule, the cutlery and the food that is for each, is placed to the left of the diners (sometimes also to the right). The accompanying meal will be placed in the center of the table, from where we will all serve ourselves (never to ourselves, always to others). It should also be noted that the dishes should not be taken off from the table, but we should approach the dishes.

Try to eat at the same pace as others, don’t make noises at the table or talk loudly. Don’t use spoons and chops- ticks at the same time and wait for the most adult person at the table to get up first at the end of the meal. It may seem like too much information, but they are gestures that bring harmony and order to the table and that, of course, do not represent a major effort for any Westerner.

J.L. Rueda Castaño

18 Stories to grow The BANNER AND THE WIND – Zen Tale

It was a beautiful spring day, and the Zen master was retur- ning to the monastery after taking a walk in the country- side. The weather was deli- cious, neither hot nor cold. A light breeze was blowing and, arriving in front of the portal of the monastery, the master noticed that the banner with the effigy of Buddha waved gently in the afternoon wind. Two young novices were the- re, in front of the gate.

- It’s the banner that moves! - No! it’s the wind! - According to doctrine, what matters is what we now see in front of us, and that’s the standard! and it moves! - No way! Your vision is wrong, because the agitation of the banner is only the consequence of the wind; the wind is the first cause, the reality is beyond the appearance. - But the existence of the wind is a hypothesis! - The banner does not move without reason! and that reason is none other than the wind! - Pure speculation! - That goes without saying! - Not at all! - Of course!

The two monks were increasingly exalted, and what began as a polite conversation had turned into a heated and bitter dispute. It was then that they realized that the master of the temple was looking at them impassively. A little confused they turned to him:

- Tell us, master, is the banner what is stirred, or is it the wind? - It is not the banner that is waved; nor the wind. What is really agitated are your minds.

19 Curiosities The Union Olympics

South Korea and North Korea submitted to the interna- tional Olympic committee a joint bid to hold the 2032 Olympic games. Without a doubt, sport and culture are two of the fundamental pillars that can bear the burden of reunification between both parts of the same country.

In 2018, athletes from both nations paraded under the flag of reunification at the winter games in “Pyong chanag” (SouthKorea). In recent years, there have been important rapprochements between governments on both sides of the 38th parallel that, since the beginning of the 50s of the last century, divides the nation.

The games would be held mainly in the capitals: Pyon- gyang and Sheol. There is no doubt that this would be a very important step towards definitive peace and a great start to one day opening up the borders once and for all.

Training clothes

Often, the general public calls kimono the clothes with which he trains Martial Arts. It’s called Kimono to everything, Karate, Aikido, Taekwon- do, Hapkido.... On the other hand, there is another range of people who, a priori seems to be somewhat better informed than the first and, also erroneously, calls Kimono the clothes worn by those who make Karate. Kimono, however, is the name of traditional Japanese clothing, not the costume with which karate is practiced. That one is called Karategui. The term gui means “suit”.

20 Kwan Nyom Hapkido- Polishing the Martial Art

In June 1999, “Kwan Nyom Hapkido” was officially born, which, translated, means “the school of concept”. What this way of seeing a Martial Art as complete as Hapkido proposes, is to make it less convoluted, more effective, more current and direct. Often, Hapkido’s more traditional styles have a technical programming that, over time and from a constructive analysis, permanently manifest a feeling of always being relatively far from learning things that are really useful. There are many groups of techni- ques that, to varying degrees, offer very few technical variations and yet add techniques and more techniques to a training that seems to be outdated.

Obviously, the vast majority of Hapkido styles are complete self-defense systems and, no doubt, most are serious and have their reason to be, well defined. However, what “Kwan Nyom Hapkido” proposes is to simplify, to make it more real and effective in order to be able to face real situa- tions; to ensure that even students who have been around for a short time can be able to defend themselves in a relatively short time. The school of concept proposes to learn, from white, a series of methods and ways of working that the student himself then completes and develops.

It is a question of laying a foundation which will then allow the bricks to be laid in the way that suits us best.

Today, the International Hapkido Alliance is one of those strong organi- zations globally. It has delegations and friendly schools in Australia, Fin- land, Mexico, Holland, United States, Croatia, Norway, Romania, Spain, England, Morocco, Russia...

Something peculiar that should be the usual, but it is not... because, in this organization, everyone, regardless of the degree they have, has to continue working constantly if they want to move forward. Nobody gives away or sells Danes. It doesn’t matter if you’re red belt or you’re a 5th Dan black belt; in this organization, you either train and study, or you stay behind. All black belts are required to follow a series of guidelines that are designed so that no one gets stuck and no one focuses exclusively on dan climbing.

“Kwan Nyom Hapkido” talks about being blunt if necessary; knows the tradition but adapts to the new times; it teaches the handling of weapons and adapts them to the times. “kwan Nyom Hapkido” speaks of Hapki- do as a science that, in both children and adults, requires a high level of involvement to obtain the best benefits.

21 The importance of warm-up in Martial Arts

To be able to practice the Martial Art in class minimizing the risk of injury it is essential to perform warm-up exercises. This part of the class also helps us to strengthen body and mind.

When we are warming up, we can reach up to 38.5 degrees in our muscles.

Defining what a warm-up is and what it is for may not be as easy as it might seem a priori. There are a lot of books and different theories that dig into it and the truth is that the concept of “warming up” is really broad. But, in reference to what concerns us in this written work, it serves us with knowing that: The warm-up, is the set of exercises (Of different nature and intensity) that is carried out in a first stage of training with the aim of progressively conditioning our body for the realization of subsequent exercises more specific and concrete of each activity.

Warm-up is a mandatory part of training, and should be done whether what is going to be carried out later are high intensity exercises, or if what is going to be done is a lighter workout.

It is essential to perform warm-up exercises so that our body can be safe and prepare progressively for a sub- sequent “action” without risks. In addition, the warm-up, helps our body recover better at the end of the class and prevents us from suffering those strange sensations that we notice in our body when a good adaptation has not been made, and that are, no more and no less, than the signals that our body sends us to tell us that it is not at the right level to perform the activity.

When starting any physical activity, our body (Especially the muscles) needs more energy, at that time, it in- creases our heart rate (Which is the number of times the heart beats per minute) and also the respiratory rate (Which is the number of times we breathe per minute) Therefore, through the circulatory system (Mainly through the arterioles) , increases the blood supply to the whole body to meet the demand of the moment, and also increases the frequency of exchange between carbon dioxide and oxygen, which provides better oxygena- tion throughout the body and helps the cleansing of our body.

It should not be forgotten that this increase in heart rate to which we subject our heart, must never exceed the established values. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is established that a person has as a maximum heart rate the figure that indicates the operation resulting from subtracting the age of the person to 220. For example, a person in his 30s should not exceed 190 beats per minute.

As I say, warm-up is a fundamental and inescapable part of martial artist training. Its effects on our whole being are more than evident. On the one hand, the muscles become up to 80% more flexible when their tempe- rature rises (That is why stretching exercises should always be performed with the hot muscle).

Ligaments and tendons also become more flexible. In addition, heating improves the necessary coordination between the commands given by the brain and the action that the muscles must perform. This occurs because the elevation of muscle temperature can increase by up to 20% the speed with which nerve impulses “travel” through our body.

22 On the other hand, it is worth highlighting the importance of introducing in the warm-up exercises some exercises whose movements are the same or similar to those that are fenced to perform later in the class. This will cause our neuromuscular system to adapt to the type of work that will later be required. In this way, we are preparing our body in a good way to perform an optimal class and obtain the greatest benefits from it, since in addition, with the realization of this type of warm-up exercises, we are also working on the attention span, increasing sensory perception and reaching, therefore, an adequate level of concentration that precedes the performance of technical exercises.

Heating helps to better nourish the muscle and increases the elasticity of the muscle, thus reducing the risk of injury. In addition, when the muscles have acquired the right temperature with the exercises, it increases its contraction capacity and is able to generate more strength.

At a psychological level, warming contributes significantly to the practitioner goingandintroducing himself to the technical subject of the class in a progressive way. While warm-up exercises are being performed, the Hap- kido-in is immersed in a process of mental energy loading that will serve as a “set-up” to respond in appropriate conditions to the rest of the class.

It should also be noted how the “distribution of blood” is carried out during the time we are doing physical exercise. It is important to know that the more intense the exercise that is being carried out, the less blood that will be reaching the kidneys. That’s why during exercise we barely notice the urge to go to the bathroom. Failing that, our wise organism secretes sweat through the skin. On the other hand, the digestive system barely receives blood during exercise, so it is essential not to have in- gested food for at least 2 hours prior to training.

Excerpted from the book “Hapkido- truths?”

23 A book, a movie, and some internet...

A Book Taiko It is very likely that this is the saga that best narrates the life and acts of the legendary Toyotomi Hydeyoshi who undoubtedly marked Japanese society to the point of changing the course of an entire nation in the 16th century. Taiko is a novel written in several volumes by Eiji Yoshikawa. The first part: “The skillful face of a monkey” already hints, from the beginning, the narrative quality of the story and the importance of this historical character who came to try to invade Korea.

A Movie The Forbidden Kingdom Not so much for its quality, but certainly becau- se, after many years, the followers of Jakie Chan and Jet Li finally saw both in a great super pro- duction. The story engages, and is also suitable for watching with children. Good choreography, good photography and, without a doubt, the best, the encounter between these two great geniuses.

Some internet

In the digital edition, click on this link: https://youtu.be/30Sa0PLquFg For the print edition, search youtube: Morihei Ueshiba O Sensei - Rare Aikido Demonstration. It is a visual historical document in which you can see the founder of Aikido(Morihei Ueshiba)explaining and performing empty hand and weapon techniques.

24 Barrio Bukchon- Seúl (Korea del Sur)

Very close to the imposing imperial palace of Kyongbokkung, is this neighbor- hood of traditional houses where, today, people still live. With respect and in silence, you can visit. It offers beautiful views of part of the city and, without a doubt, an indescribable charm.

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