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It began when I was eight years old. I joined the Windsor Chito-Kai Karate Club in Three Mile Plains, Nova Scotia. I
studied there for just under seven years, eventually earning the rank of Junior Black Belt. Then I moved away, and began
to study other forms of the fighting arts. Since then I've studied Aikido, Muay Thai boxing, Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do, Wing Chun
Gung Fu and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
I started ordering instructional books and DVDs from mail order companies, increasing my
experience through arts like Krav Maga, Kali and Escrima, Shotokan and Western Boxing.
I began to notice some interesting similarities between Martial Arts and Magick.....
AIKIDO
The Way of Harmony
BREATHING
"Now and again, it is necessary to seclude yourself among deep mountains and hidden valleys
to restore your link to the source of life. Breathe in and let yourself soar to the ends of the universe; breathe out and
bring the cosmos back inside. Next, breathe up all fecundity and vibrancy of the earth. Finally, blend the breath of heaven
and the breath of earth with your own, becoming the Breath of Life itself.
Consider the ebb and flow of the tide.
When waves come to strike the shore, they crest and fall, creating a sound. your breath should follow the same pattern, absorbing
the entire universe in your belly with each inhalation. Know that we all have access to four treasures: the energy of the
Sun and Moon, the breath of heaven, the breath of earth, and the ebb and flow of the tide."
- Morihei Ueshiba, Aikido Founder
(1883-1969)
Jeet Kune Do
The Way of the Intercepting Fist
On Zen
"Jeet Kune Do favors formlessness so that it can
assume all forms and since it has no style,
Jeet June Do fits in with all styles. As a result, Jeet
Kune Do uses all ways and is bound by none and,
likewise,
uses any technique or means which
serves its end. In this art, efficiency is anything that scores.
Empty your mind. Be formless, shapeless, like water. When you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup; When you put water
into a bottle, it becomes the bottle; When you put water into a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Now water can flow-or it can
crash.
Be water, my friend."
- Bruce
Lee, Founder of Jeet Kune Do
(Nov. 27,1940-July 20,1973)
Tae Kwon Do
The art of unarmed combat
Got Ki?
Ki energy is force that governs the human body functions. Ki energy is LIFE energy, which
is only found in living beings. When a living being is born into the world, Ki energy enables this being to exist. Ki
energy exists as negative (Yin) and positive (Yang), and these two forces should be balanced in order to maintain optimum
health.
In the human body, Ki energy exists as Wae kong (Ki Energy based on physical
strength) and Nae kong (Ki Energy based on the life force). Wae kong is supported by physical fitness and strength
(ie. Cardio vascular health, muscle strength, bone density). Nae kong is supported by breathing techniques and
meditation. As martial artists, we regularly practice the strengthening of Wae kong.
However, in Tae Kwon Do there are many ways to strengthen the Nae Kong
force within you.
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Tanjun Chi-Gi (Tanjun Conditioning Exercise) |
(a) Stand tall with feet shoulder width apart, lift heels slightly off of the ground. |
(b) Hold both hands in fists. |
(c) Methodically hit the tanjun (Two inches below the belly button) with one inner fist then the
other with gentle strength |
(d) Bring heels to the floor with each contact then lift again upon release |
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Explanation: |
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With this exercise, you are conditioning the tanjun area. This will help you to develop basic strength
in the tanjun. This exercise should be practiced morning and night, fifty times each. Gentle strength should be
used at first, and gradually this can be built to medium strength with further conditioning of the tanjun. |
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Warning, if excessive strength is used too early, this could cause diarrhea, stomachaches or fever. Please
exercise caution and patience. |
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2. Tanjun Ki Ma Sae (Tanjun Developing) |
(a) Spread legs twice shoulder width (horse stance) |
(b) Keep toes pointed outward at 45 degree angle |
(c) Bend knees outward following 45 degree angle |
(d) Keep back straight, weight slightly forward (rear must be bend outward slightly, 15 degrees
for males, 30 degrees for females) |
(e) Cover the tanjun with the right palm, and left palm over the right hand. |
(f) Breathe-in deeply, using tanjun (instead of chest). |
(g) Hold breathe for 10 to 30 seconds in still position. |
(h) Exhale with knees gradually straight. |
(i) Repeat exercise three to nine times.
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Explanation: |
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This exercise will assist in gathering Ki Energy into the tanjun. Upon continuous practice, you
will be able to hold your breathe for longer periods of time.
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Warning: Do not attempt to hold your breathe beyond your ability in the beginning. Practice
patience and persistence when judging your ability. |
When you practice these exercises regularly, you will experience the following benefits:
- A clearer and more focussed mind
- A more energized physical, mental and spiritual existence
- Greater physical strength.
(Author: Grandmaster Hyung Chul Kim, D. Ac. 8th Dan Black Belt) |
There are countless other ways to incorporate Martial Art techniques into your daily Magickal work, like directing energy
in a straight line to the recipient using a palm heel strike, or ground and center using a kneeling Karate bow. Try learning
the classical Kata of Shotokan Karate or developing one of your own as a moving meditation. Repel negativity or frighten
away unwanted entities using a Karate Kiai, or primal shout. Spinning a Bo or Jo in a clockwise motion creates a
whole lot of energy....
Can you think of any other ways blend Martial Arts with Magick Arts? The very spiritual nature
of Martial Arts allows for many of its components to be integrated with Magick, and vice versa....
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