Contents

United World Haedong Kumdo Federation

Kim Jeong Seong  Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu

-. Ssangkumbups(Forms with two swords)

-. Ssangkyeokkum(Sparring with two swords)

-. Ssangkum Chackbaldosul(Drawing & sheathing with two swords)

-. Ssangkum swords dance(Sword dance with two swords)

-. Ssangkum Begi(Cutting with two swords)

-. Ssangkumgoksul(Kicking with two swords)

-. Based on many kinds of skills with  one sword  by both hands together and a single hand (Ssangsu kumbups and Woisu Kumbups etc.)

-. Ki-Mu (without  swords)

What is Ki Mu?

The word Ki is the same as Chi or Qi.

This means energy, or more accurately the bodies vital energy, or universal energy.

Mu refers to the Martial Arts, or again more accurately, just Martial.

So put together we have Martial Arts Energy,

but the study of Ki Mu is more than that.

Perhaps people will understand better if it is compared to Tai Chi.

The development of vital energy through breathing and movement,

and facilitating the healthy movement through the body of Ki energy is the purpose of Ki Mu.

Jin Young Ssangkum Ryu Australian Haedong Kumdo

When I was a much younger man I spent some time studying traditional Chinese Medicine, and eastern “medical philosphy”. Further to my recent post I would like to share my own experience and knowledge of this thing we call Ki, Chi, Qi or even Pranic energy, and to further explain how this affects our lives in general……

This mysterious energy is also sometimes referred to as the universal energy. It can be found in all things and if we can learn to recognise it and how it flows and moves not only within us but also in every thing around us, we can benefit in many aspects of our lives.

Take for example the natural flow of energy in the human body. This happens along invisible pathways called meridians. These meridians have a direct correlation with the organs of the body. Along these meridians are points were the energy can be located, tapped or manipulated.

This is where Acupuncture needles are inserted and manipulated or Moxa is burned over, or even just finger pressure can be applied. These methods are implemented depending on the complaint or the desired effects.
But I digress slightly.

How does an understanding of Ki affect our daily lives?

If we understand how the energy SHOULD be moving, then we can learn to recognise when there is problem.

That is when we can implement treatment (anything from dietary to perhaps a better or different chair and even including emotional or psychological counselling through to needles or Moxa) to help fix the problem.

The flow of Ki reflects our state of mind, how we feel, how we think, and breathe. And so, negative thoughts can block the Ki flow, just as positive thoughts can build Ki. A blockage effects levels of stress and even the way we eat food, and how it gets digested. Sleep patterns and disorders are also a result of how the Ki flows. A Ki blockage can result from stresses, traumas and injuries. Ki imbalances can also cause mental, emotional or physical problems.
Also when see the natural flow around us we can easily see when something is not right, and it could be that is what our “intuition” is…. our natural universal Ki monitor!

How can the understanding of the flow of energy affect our Martial Arts training?

This is very similar to our general health, but with a few other specifics. If the Ki is moving as it should through the body, then the movements in our martial arts become easier and more natural. The power flows through the movement and into the “target”, generating power at and through the point of impact without unnecessary muscular skeletal strain.

We learn to direct the flow of energy through our movements.When we learn correct posture, correct breathing, correct Ki energy management, this can help with the treatment and prevention of sickness and disease. It can improve our martial arts. But importantly with Ki energy these things are all connected anyway!

When we learn the universal path of Ki energy in everything around us, then life may become easier to understand and we may be able to see the natural order in things, thus making them easier not only to accept, but also to resolve.When we practice the Ki Mu, we can align our bodies correctly, we can relieve physical or emotional stress.

We can assist with sleeping patterns, release Ki blockages, and help to heal Physical or psychological injuries or traumas. We can connect with other human beings in a more positive way, we can connect with the universe.

These are just a few of the benefits of understanding Ki and practicing the Ki Mu.

Explained  in English

by Stuart D Campbell,

 JY-HK Rep &  president

of Australian Haedong Kumdo Association