Muki-do Puerto Rico

https://youtu.be/8vAtnGnftFU

Hankuk Mukido Estilo y armas marciales utilizadas por la organización ICAM-PR.

Shim Soo Do: The "Way" Of The Korean Sword

There are several different styles of Korean swordsmanship. One of the major traditional styles is Shim Soo Do™. Founded by Grand Master James S. Benko (10th Degree Black Belt Founder). The art of Shim Soo Do™ is based on traditional Korean swordsmanship which stresses moral values and emphasizes fluidity, harmony, circular movements, and the theories, concepts and principles of defensive action. This led to the formation of the World Shim Soo Do Federation™ by Grand Master Benko, in 1976. The Shim Soo Do™ style of traditional Korean swordsmanship concerns itself with the development of the mind, body and spirit of its practitioners through physical, mental and spiritual training.

Korean Swordsmanship Grandmaster James S. Benko
In part, Shim Soo Do™ consists of kul-da (drawing the sword from the scabbard), chae-dan (cutting movements), se-tak (cleaning the blood from the blade), and gum-jip (sheathing the sword). Each of these four components must be perfected. The intricacies of these actions may take years to master, and even then can only be maintained through constant practice and dedication to the perfection of oneself through Shim Soo Do™.

There are 17 hyungs (patterns) which must be learned before attaining the first degree black belt level in Shim Soo Do. Another essential part of the training curriculum is gum dare ee on (sword sparring sets). Sparring sets are practiced in order to understand the physical applications of basic and combination techniques of the sword.

A na mu ui gum (wooden sword) is an integral part of sword training. The student must first learn the proper movements of the yul ki bon pe-da (10 basic cuts) of the sword. These are practiced both single-handed and two-handed until the movements are performed correctly. Only later, after the student is able to demonstrate his ability to control the movements of the sword to the finest detail, will he be permitted to use a "live blade".

The yul ki bon pe-da (10 basic cuts) are the foundation of sword practice. Students, using the na mu ui gum (wooden sword), move up and down the training floor repeating each cut over and over again. Each movement takes the student one step closer to perfecting each technique.Korean Swordsmanship - Shim Soo Do - Master John E. McDowell
The scabbard is slid into the belt, sharp edge of the blade facing upward. Some Korean sword schools require the blade face downward, but this is the "exception" and not the rule. The sword was kept in the belt in order to free the hands of the practitioner when not engaged in combat. When using two hands to grip the handle of the sword the right hand (for a right-handed swordsman), is against the hand-guard. The left hand is at the bottom of the handle. If the left hand were to grab further up on the handle the movements would lack both speed and power.

Shim Soo Do involves much more than mere physical training of techniques. The Art also focuses on the development and cultivation of nae gong (inner power) and wae gong (outer power). Shim Soo Do also stresses shim gong (mental powers and development). All of these aspects of the Art are taught in order to help the student attain a deeper understanding of himself through the study of Shim Soo Do.

This traditional Art of Korean swordsmanship also focuses on the development of the positive aspects of the exponent's character. The sword is not merely an extension of the practitioner's hand or movements. This is purely a physical interpretation and concerns itself with only techniques, which are only a small part of the complete Art. The individual who maintains this attitude toward Korean swordsmanship trains strictly on a physical level leading to low levels of personal character development.

The study of the Art of Shim Soo Do™ is a continuous journey, not an attainable goal. Shim Soo Do™ practitioners commit and dedicate themselves to the idea that they will be students all of their lives, each and every day. The Art becomes much more than mere physical or mental training. To the practitioner it becomes a "Way" of life.

Jung B**g (Middle Staff)
by Grand Master James S. Benko, Ph.D.

The Jung B**g (Middle Staff) was used in several different ways throughout Korean history. It was used as a walking stick, to help carry heavy items such as water containers and baskets of grain, and to ward off wild animals and bandits. The illusive maneuvers of the Jung B**g's defenses may be applied to all types of martial arts training.

The length of a Jung B**g varies from forty-two inches to fifty inches. The physical characteristics of the Jung B**g are quite unique. Some are made of hard wood, others of flexible bamboo. The shaft could be completely smooth or it may have notches at one or both ends to permit picking up objects. These notches may also be used to inflict damage to an opponent by cutting and slashing his face and limbs. Some Jung B**g's are tapered at one or both ends. The Jung B**g should be constructed to suit the individuals needs and specification.

To increase the effectiveness of Jung B**g strikes the hips are usually rotated in the direction of your strikes and blocks. This helps put your body-weight into the force of your strike or block. Using a "snapping" motion with your wrists increases the speed of your Jung B**g movements. This increased speed also adds to the power of your maneuvers.

Another often overlooked aspect of generating more speed and power to Jung B**g movements is the rotation of the wrists. Rather than simply shoving the tip of the Jung B**g toward the aggressor, execute the same motion but this time rotate the back hand as you slide the Jung B**g forward. This will not only greatly increase the speed of your movements but the power as well.

When retracting the Jung B**g, again use the wrist rotation action to quickly withdraw. A quick withdraw is vital to Jung B**g techniques. It lessens the chance of the aggressor grabbing the Jung B**g. Quick withdrawal also enables you to be prepared to block another attack or to be ready to execute a counter-strike.

The Jung B**g may be used at a variety of ranges; long, middle and short (close-quarters). By thrusting the Jung B**g forward with one hand as the other hand remained stationary, as the Jung B**g traveled forward, the range could be extended and quickly retracted to again vary its length.

The ends of the Jung B**g were used to strike, stab and jab an aggressor. The ends could also be used at close-quarters to trap the aggressor's arm and apply a controlling technique.

Being able to use the Jung B**g from a myriad of ranges enables the practitioner to use a wide variety of varied techniques. Positioning is an important factor when apply defensive maneuvers. By stepping to your right rear of left rear you can avoid an attack. This "distancing", while placing you beyond the reach of an aggressor, puts him into the striking range of your Jung B**g.

How far you step to the side or rear to evade an attack will be a determining factor as to the type of defense you use. You may, from one range, be able to strike the attacking arm or leg then quickly follow up with a trust with the tip of the Jung B**g.

From a slightly closer distance you might block with one end of the Jung B**g then strike with the other end to disable the aggressor. At a different range you could stun the aggressor and apply a joint-locking technique to immobilize the opponent.

Footwork is important to all aspects of martial arts physical training but perhaps even more so when working with weapons. When using the Jung B**g you should move at angles to avoid an attack while at the same time putting yourself into a position to quick counterattack your opponent. Use the forward momentum of the aggressor to increase the power of your strikes and blocks.

Being able to evade an attack while maintaining a safe distance from the aggressor is one of the Jung B**g's strongest features. Not only are you capable of avoiding being struck or grabbed, but you are able to place yourself in a position of safety while at the same time inflicting damage to the aggressor.

When using the Jung B**g your training should stress evasion rather than direct contact. Place yourself at angles to avoid his attack while at the same time counterattacking with a strike.

Focus your strikes on the attacking arm or leg and specifically to sensitive areas of the body. The radial nerve on the arm, the floating ribs, the head, the solar plexus, etc. If you wish to only stun the aggressor then a sharp jab or snapping blow will deter his initial attack. If the danger to you is greater, as in the case of multiple opponents or an armed aggressor, then a more forceful technique may be called for.

Evading by moving at different angles to the attacking force in and of itself may not be enough to end the encounter. It is just as important that you place yourself in a position by which vital areas of the opponent's body are exposed. These exposed targets now present you with the opportunity to stop the opponent from being a threat.

The angles of evasion are common to all forms of martial arts; Karate, Aikido, Jujitsu, Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, Wu Shu, etc. However, training with the Jung B**g often opens our minds to the possibilities of using these angles more efficiently than we have in the past. The Jung B**g frees us from concerning ourselves with which type of hand strike or kick to counter with since the Jung B**g itself is the instrument with which we counterattack.

The ability to vary its length also contributes to the option of seeing how we are able to use long, middle and close-quarters techniques both with and without the Jung B**g. The illusive defense of the Jung B**g create a doorway for our minds to continue to refine our defenses techniques with an almost limitless abundance of variables.

Tahn B**g Sul(Short Stick Techniques)
by Grand Master James S. Benko, Ph.D.

The literal English translation of tahn b**g sul is "short staff techniques". This may seem confusing at first because we tend to associate a "staff" as something which is quite long. A more figurative interpretation of "tahn b**g" would be "short stick". However, in order to maintain the integrity of the literal translation "short staff" will be used.

Tahn b**g techniques can be found in martial arts styles in almost every country in the world. Throughout Asia it is often one of the training tools and/or weapons of fighting arts in many countries; Japan, Okinawa, Philippines, China, Viet Nam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Burma, Thailand, Korea, and many more

Tahn B**g Techniques

Though there are many types of traditional Korean martial arts weapons, one of the most practical of these weapons of self-defense is the Tahn B**g (short stick). It may be found almost anywhere. It may be a pencil, ruler, or a piece of stick found on the ground. It may be easily adapted to practically any self-defense situation.

The tahn b**g ranges in length from six inches to thirty-six inches. Tahn b**g sul (short stick techniques) are helpful in developing concentration and physical awareness of techniques, both in empty-hand and weapon training.

The tahn b**g is versatile for quick blocks, strikes, traps, disarms, and counterattack movements. It can be easily concealed, as in being hidden in a jacket or behind ones back. It is practical, since you are able to use many everyday objects to apply and take advantage of tahn b**g applications. Police and other law enforcement personnel, as well as the military, use the tahn b**g in different forms of batons, for enforcing the law and to maintain the peace.

Tahn b**g techniques and training methodologies have guidelines which are designed to direct the practitioner in order to help insure the applications are both practical and precise. Though specific training methodologies may vary from school to school and even from instructor to instructor, the basic theories, concepts and principles of tahn b**g techniques remains constant.

Once educated in these methodologies, an individual, under the guidance of a qualified instructor, is able to create an almost limitless series of techniques. How many techniques and variations to each technique is only limited by the knowledge and imagination of the individual.

Beginning To Train:

In tahn b**g training, the practitioner is first taught the twenty-four inch tahn b**g. Once the basics have been learned, the student is taught how to use the tahn b**gs of other lengths. When learning the tahn b**g, basic movements are stressed. One must master each basic movement if he is to ever create combinations which have power and are practical.

But knowing the basics is not enough. The practitioner must understand the principles of tahn b**g techniques. The principles of tahn b**g techniques instill in the individual the ability to develop his own techniques. By following these principles the student can create an almost unlimited amount of variations to the techniques he has already learned.

The techniques of the tahn b**g are almost limitless. The tahn b**g can be used to strike, punch or block with. When striking is performed, the tahn b**g is held loose and done in a snapping motion. The hand holding the tahn b**g tightens just before it impacts against its target. Using the ends of the tahn b**g, you can punch an opponent. In all types of blocking and striking with the tahn b**g, proper muscle tension, breathing, body movement and centralization of Ki power is essential.

Muscle Tension And Relaxation:

One factor to take into consideration when practicing tahn b**g techniques is the proper tensing of the muscles. If you tighten the muscles in your arm and try to punch as hard as you can, you will be much slower than if your arm muscles are relaxed until just before the point of impact. This same principle is applied to the application of tahn b**g blocks and strikes. You must be like a cat, relax. Then, in a split second, move quickly and relax again. This will help you conserve your energy and increase your speed. By increasing your speed you will be able to generate more power, thus making your techniques much more effective.

Correct Breathing:

Another factor which is a must for the performance of proper tahn b**g techniques is correct breathing. When you begin to move you should inhale. As you execute your block or strike you should exhale quickly through your mouth, while at the same time lowering your center of gravity and tensing your muscles. Breathing between movements should be normal. This type of breathing also helps conserve energy and increases your speed and mobility.

To breath correctly, inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth. You should not try to fill your lungs with air. Rather, you should gently force your stomach out as you inhale. This is where your Dan Jun is located. The Dan Jun is where you store your internal energy, known as KI (pronounced Kee). By breathing in this manner you will also fill the lower third of your lungs, which is usually not brought into use when you are simply trying to concentrate on filling your lungs. Proper breathing is required if tahn b**g, or any other type of techniques are to be executed with maximum power.

Correct Body Movement:

Correct body movement is the third factor to understand in order to execute correct tahn b**g techniques. Body movement is concerned not only with evasive tactics, but how the body itself moves. Evading a direct confrontation with an on-coming blow is vital when applying tahn b**g techniques. Therefore, tahn b**g techniques are used in conjunction with evasions and counter attacks.

When a person is in an on-guard posture he is ready to defend against your attacks. However, as soon as he begins to move, openings in his defense are created which in turn expose targets the tahn b**g practitioner can attack. Also, it is hard to change direction once a person begins to move. With Tahn B**g Sul, in the beginning, the student is taught to wait for the opponent to make the first move so he will be easier to neutralize. Correct body movement is taught in order to increase the student's ability to move quickly with balance, speed and power.

Centralization Of KI Power:

The next factor to take into account when learning Tahn B**g Sul is the centralization of KI power. There are two types of power, external and internal. External power comes from developing strong muscles. A person can possess great physical (external) strength and be able to lift heavy objects or move huge obstacles. However, though Tahn B**g Sul helps build a strong body, it reaches toward the cultivation of internal strength, known as KI.

As time passes, a person's physical strength will diminish. Yet, internal strength, if proper training is maintained, will increase with age no matter how old a person becomes. Learning to centralize one's KI will greatly increase the power of the techniques of Tahn B**g Sul, giving the practitioner not only power but confidence and control.

The tahn b**g is a universal defensive weapon which can be found almost anywhere, yet by many, never seen. Its techniques are natural, fluid and practical. The traditions of this ancient Korean weapon teach the practitioner control, confidence, respect, discipline and humility. It is a weapon which will help you develop effective self-defense techniques if that is your goal. But, tahn b**g training will aid you in cultivating something much more valuable than the ability to defend yourself, family or country. Tahn b**g training gives you, continued peace of mind both in and out of the training hall.

There are many different types of tahn b**g (short sticks) used in the Korean martial arts. Some are pointed at one end, others at both ends. Some have a leather strap or rope attached at one end for wrapping around the practitioner's wrist in order to provide added speed and power to strikes and blocks. Tahn b**gs also vary in length from six inches to thirty-six inches. They are usually made from a hard wood, like oak, or a more porous material such as rattan or bamboo.

The Mini Tahn B**g:

The shorter tahn b**gs are known as the mini tahn b**gs, because they are only six to twelve inches in length. The most common mini tahn b**g is twelve inches long. When applying techniques the ex*****on of the tahn b**g's movements are done in a quick snapping action. This is accomplished by holding the tahn b**g loosely, then quickly snapping the tahn b**g toward its target with a flip of the wrist. Blocks are directed to hyel do (vital points) and sensitive areas of the body.

If an opponent is holding a weapon, the radial nerve which runs along the top of the forearm is a prime target. A sharp blow to this area could cause the opponent to drop the weapon and may temporarily paralyze his arm. While the opponent is momentarily stunned another strike to a different target could disable the opponent and give the defender the time needed to get away.

While the shaft of the mini tahn b**g may be used to block and strike, the ends are principally used for striking targets. The length of the mini tahn b**g dictates that it is generally used as a close range defensive weapon. The defender usually will move his body out of the line of attack while closing the distance with the opponent. At the same time, the tahn b**g is used to either block the attacking weapon (if the opponent is armed), block the attacking arm, or if the opponent is in range, strike the opponent somewhere other than the attacking arm. The tahn b**g may also be used to re-direct an attack.

Most Common Tahn B**g:

The most common length of a tahn b**g is twenty-four to twenty-eight inches. This length of tahn b**g is ideal for almost every type of both defensive and offensive tahn b**g technique. This length permits application of easy traps and disarms while at the same time allowing the practitioner to maintain a safe distance from an attacker.

This length also provides for a larger blocking area thus enabling the practitioner to protect a larger portion of his body with each block, parry, or deflection. The added length further provides longer range strikes than shorter versions of the tahn b**g, while at the same time permitting the practitioner to move to a closer range and apply disarms and immobilization techniques.

Training Methodologies:

Here are several methodologies which can be used with the tahn b**g to defend against both unarmed and weapon attacks. The following are the: "Principles of Tahn B**g Defenses":

Block the weapon.
Re-direct the weapon.
Srike the arm holding the weapon.
Re-direct the arm holding the weapon.
Strike the attacking arm.
Re-direct the attacking arm.
Strike body targets.
Trap the attacking arm.
Disarm the opponent.
Apply chokes.
Attack pressure point targets.
Let's take a look at each of these principles.
Block The Weapon: The shaft of the tahn b**g may be used to block the blade of a knife, a club, or other weapon. It is important that the block be applied as close to the opponent's hand, which is holding the weapon, as is possible. If you attempt to block the end of a long weapon, his strike may overpower your block. The end of a baseball bat which is furthest from the player's hand will generate much more power that a section of the bat which is much closer to his hands. Imagine trying to block the end of a baseball bat when it is swung full force. So, position yourself so that you are able to block an oncoming force, arm, club, etc., as close to its pivot-point as possible.

Re-Direct The Weapon: If a downward attack with a weapon, such as a club or sword, is directed toward you, you could step to the side to avoid the initial attack then, with the tahn b**g, strike or push the weapon in the direction it was initially traveling. This would tend to off-balance the opponent allowing you the opportunity to strike or disarm him.

Strike The Arm Holding The Weapon: By striking the arm which is holding a weapon you could possibly disable and/or disarm the opponent. The intensity of your strike will determine how the opponent will react to your strike. Striking the arm which is holding the weapon also includes other targets of the arm including, but not limited to, the wrist, elbow, biceps, triceps, and forearm.

Re-Direct The Attacking Arm: You can re-direct the attacking arm and maneuver the opponent into an immobilization, submission, or throw. Re-directing the attacking arm may also contribute to off-balancing the opponent, will create openings in his defense, and may lead the opponent into a disarm technique.

Strike Body Targets: Vital points of the body may be struck in order to render the opponent unable to harm you. To strike these targets you must get close enough to the opponent in order to make your strikes effective. You must be selective about the targets you choose, for once an opponent is able to get close to you, he shall be in a position to possibly grab you even after you strike him. Strikes must quickly disarm an opponent or place him in a position where he is unable to reach you.

Trap The Attacking Arm: The tahn b**g is excellent for applying traps. The shaft of the tahn b**g is used to exert pressure against joints and sensitive pressure points of an opponent. By using leverage the tahn b**g can greatly, if not completely, immobilize an opponent no matter what his size. Traps are often used to control an armed opponent while at the same time securing his weapon so it no longer poses a danger to you.

Disarm The Opponent: Disarms can be executed by striking the hand, arm, elbow or other portion of the extremity which holds and/or controls the weapon. The tahn b**g itself may be used to apply pressure to disarm an opponent or as a lever to pry or easily rend a weapon from the grasp of the opponent.

Apply Chokes: The shaft and the ends of the tahn b**g may be used to apply a wide variety of choking techniques to an opponent. Chokes are extremely effective when attempting to immobilize and control an opponent.

Attack Pressure-Point Targets: It is usually the ends of the tahn b**g which are used to exert force to pressure points. These pressure points are nerves and sensitive areas of the body which are extremely susceptible to pain. With the use of the tahn b**g, you can induce pain, paralyze portions of the body, and disable an opponent. It is attacks to these areas of the body which help make tahn b**g techniques so effective against even the largest opponent even if he is armed.