Introduction
Chil Sung Chil Ro Hyung when translated is “Seven Star Form Number Seven” the final form in the Chil Sung series. Chang Shi Ja (founder) Hwang Kee was responsible for creating this series of Hyung that draws on the formidable knowledge of Martial Arts he had been exposed to during his life (B Corales SBN 2014):
In a sense the purpose of the Chil Sung Hyung are to guide our development as martial artists. This development is with respect to Um/Yang philosophy and the philosophy of the O Heang (five elements – Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water).
In order to place the Chil Sung Hyung and the Chil Sung Philosophy in context it is necessary to have an understanding of not only the history of the Moo Duk Kwan & Chang Shi Ja Hwang Kee but to also understand the Philosophical tenants of the Um/Yang, Five Elements and Ryu Pa.
The author of this article feels that the philosophy of Weh Gung, Neh Gung and Shim Gung Should also be considered in relation to these Hyung.
- Tae Kyun
- Tang Soo Do (Ka Ra Te)
- Tae Guk Kwan (Tai Chi Chuan)
- So Rim Jang Kwon (shaolin long fist)
- Dham Doi Sip E Ro
- Moo Pahl Dan Khum
In a sense the purpose of the Chil Sung Hyung are to guide our development as martial artists. This development is with respect to Um/Yang philosophy and the philosophy of the O Heang (five elements – Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water).
In order to place the Chil Sung Hyung and the Chil Sung Philosophy in context it is necessary to have an understanding of not only the history of the Moo Duk Kwan & Chang Shi Ja Hwang Kee but to also understand the Philosophical tenants of the Um/Yang, Five Elements and Ryu Pa.
The author of this article feels that the philosophy of Weh Gung, Neh Gung and Shim Gung Should also be considered in relation to these Hyung.
What’s in a Name – Sung – Star
The use of star in the name is to reflect the North Star which was used as a navigation guide for many years. Polaris the Guiding star is an inspiration for the Chil Sung Philosophy that needs to be remembered by all who practice these Hyung. Chil Sung Chil Ro Hyung is the last form in the series Hyung which are intended to guide our development as Martial Artists. Presented in figure 1 are two images of the Northern Sky showing where Polaris (North Star) is found one is unaltered view and the second is labelled for convenience. The North Star has been used for the navigation since the late Antiquity Period (2nd to 8th centuries AD) (Dava Sobel 2007, Celestial Navigation Net).
Guidance as related to the Martial Path is in relation to concepts Um Yang and the Oe Heang philosophies (DK Chang – Korea 2013).
Guidance as related to the Martial Path is in relation to concepts Um Yang and the Oe Heang philosophies (DK Chang – Korea 2013).
figure 1 – North Star (Polaris) in Red is the end star of Ursa Minor constellation (yellow) and can be found by following a straight line (dotted line green) from the end 2 stars of the Ursa Major constellation (orange). The orientation of the constellation varies with time of year and time of night.
Ryu Pa
Ryu Pa translates as river flows divided. Ryu Pa can be used as term when tracing the lineage of practitioners or in a broader way referring to the major types of techniques used. Traditionally in martial arts there are two styles:
In the Chil Sung Hyung the movements of all three styles are present. Motions that are of the Weh Ga Ryu (outside house style (the jumping spinning kicks of #6, and the open bold fast swinging arm groin strike in #7)) and the Neh Ga Ryu (inside house style (the open breathing motions in #’s 2-7 and the numerous breathing motions throughout all of the Hyung.)) are present within the Hyung but perhaps most telling is the presence of motions that fit neither of these Ryu and are truly Choong Ga Ryu (middle house Style) in nature.
In the 7th Chil Sung the 9th motion is a combination that could be considered of the Choong Ga Ryu with a strong breathing (Neh Gung) aspect coupled to a large open application.
- Weh Ga Ryu – fast, grandiose motions of the external styles. Flying, spinning rapid motions. Jin Do, Ro Hai, Kon Sung Koon for example.
- Neh Ga Ryu – deliberate, slow motions of the internal styles. Breathing, heavy motions. Nai Han Ji Hyung, Sip Soo for example.
- Choong Ga Ryu – middle way style, a combination of both Weh Ga Ryu & Neh Ga Ryu combined with new motions that fit neither of these categories satisfactorily. These are Choong Ga Ryu style motions developed from the translations of the MYDBTJ.
In the Chil Sung Hyung the movements of all three styles are present. Motions that are of the Weh Ga Ryu (outside house style (the jumping spinning kicks of #6, and the open bold fast swinging arm groin strike in #7)) and the Neh Ga Ryu (inside house style (the open breathing motions in #’s 2-7 and the numerous breathing motions throughout all of the Hyung.)) are present within the Hyung but perhaps most telling is the presence of motions that fit neither of these Ryu and are truly Choong Ga Ryu (middle house Style) in nature.
In the 7th Chil Sung the 9th motion is a combination that could be considered of the Choong Ga Ryu with a strong breathing (Neh Gung) aspect coupled to a large open application.
Um/Yang
Um/Yang, complimentary opposites or polarities is one of the major philosophies of the Chil Sung Hyung. Part of this is the transition from one to other Male to female or Female to Male.
In the Hyung we move from Slow (internal) motions to Fast (external) motions as occurs in the first two motions of the seventh Hyung. This is not the only manifestation of the Um/Yang philosophy in the Hyung, for example there are transitions between:
In the Hyung we move from Slow (internal) motions to Fast (external) motions as occurs in the first two motions of the seventh Hyung. This is not the only manifestation of the Um/Yang philosophy in the Hyung, for example there are transitions between:
- High and low motions
- Ground work and upright work (height variation)
- Linear and circular motions
- Expansion and Contraction
- Tension and Relaxation
- Hard and Soft
Five Elements
he five elements are Wood (New Yang), Fire (Mature Yang), Earth (Equal Um/Yang), Metal (New Um) and Water (Mature Um). The five elements are related to a myriad of different things in table 1 a few examples are presented.
Table 1 - the neutral sound is not a part of the five elements but is required in the practice of the Hyung. The sounds are also linked to different major organs and as such enhance the internal (Neh Gung) aspects of the art. They also have for example associations with energy types and movement.
The balance of the cycles is critical to maintain a healthy individual and the practice of the Chil Sung Philosophy.
While studying this aspect after hearing the words of DK Chang Sa Bom Nim, my thoughts turned to how these elements could apply to our motions.
While studying this aspect after hearing the words of DK Chang Sa Bom Nim, my thoughts turned to how these elements could apply to our motions.
- Wood relates to the initiation of our motions, Ui Do and the initial preparation for our motion. That is the slight Hu Ri preparation and the expansion/contraction in preparation for our movement
- Fire relates to the use of our Hu Ri to create our movement, in Ha Dan Mah Kee for example it relates to pushing off our rear leg and the use of Defensive Hu Ri.
- Earth relates to our Moo Do Ja Seh, our posture and stability throughout the motion.
- Metal relates to the way our upper body is passively involved in following the direction dictated by our Hu Ri
- Water relates to our settling at the completion of our motion. A return to stillness.
The Chil Sung Philosophies
Integrating the philosophies of Um/Yang and the Five Elements is complex. However one needs to remember that the philosophies form part of set that in many ways are treated as one.
Simple to complex combinations and motions are seen in the evolution of the Chil Sung Series where in E Ro Hyung there are predominantly simple Gi Cho and a relatively rudimentary introduction to the Neh Gung Aspects of the art. In Chil Ro Hyung we see complex interrelationships of the motions/breathing and mental focus.
The diagram presented in figure 2 is a representation of how many of the concepts/philosophies of our art are related to each other. Do – Way/Path is the integrated whole found within the centre. Um/Yang the next layer is complimentary opposites or polarities followed by the five elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) the relationships and this leads to the manifestations – 10 000 things. Thus we have a complex interaction of all to develop and represent each individual or action. The goal of the Chil Sung Hyung as a series is to develop all of these aspects and Chil Sung Chil Ro Hyung is the pinnacle of the path towards achieving this. In no way does this mean the journey is complete as the path is never ending and there are always opportunities and areas that we can improve.
Simple to complex combinations and motions are seen in the evolution of the Chil Sung Series where in E Ro Hyung there are predominantly simple Gi Cho and a relatively rudimentary introduction to the Neh Gung Aspects of the art. In Chil Ro Hyung we see complex interrelationships of the motions/breathing and mental focus.
The diagram presented in figure 2 is a representation of how many of the concepts/philosophies of our art are related to each other. Do – Way/Path is the integrated whole found within the centre. Um/Yang the next layer is complimentary opposites or polarities followed by the five elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) the relationships and this leads to the manifestations – 10 000 things. Thus we have a complex interaction of all to develop and represent each individual or action. The goal of the Chil Sung Hyung as a series is to develop all of these aspects and Chil Sung Chil Ro Hyung is the pinnacle of the path towards achieving this. In no way does this mean the journey is complete as the path is never ending and there are always opportunities and areas that we can improve.
Examples of Teaching and Integration of Philosophy
Presented below are three examples of the Chil Sung Philosophy teaching from a number of events around the world. Although these highlight specific cases as can be seen there is great scope to expand upon these examples and develop examples specifically suited to every individual MDK Instructor.
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Personal Thoughts on Chil Sung Chul Hahk
My personal thoughts on the Chil Sung Hyung, in addition to those above, are that they are also able to guide the practitioner in the integration of Weh Gung, Neh Gung and Shim Gung. This is by developing these parts of ourselves in stages throughout our training. Often it is said that the development of the mechanics of movement (Weh Gung) starts as a Gup member, progressing to the internal art (Neh Gung) as a Yo Dan Ja and finally Spirit (Shim Gung) as a Ko Dan Ja. Although there is often an emphasis at different levels this does not mean that the individual solely works on a single aspect at each of those levels. We should all be striving to work on all three aspects simultaneously. The Chil Sung Hyung through the range of motions allows for the development of the external/Physical, the internal/breath and the Spiritual/mind. Application of the concepts of Ui Do, Ho Hoop and Hu Ri enable the practitioner to develop to the full their understanding of the Art at a deeper level.
"We strive to develop as a useful member of society, not just another fighter"
Conclusion
The Chil Sung Hyung’s intention as method to guide the study of the practitioner in different aspects of philosophy with particular emphasis on the Um/Yang and the O Heang provide extensive areas to evolve as an individual.
By applying different aspects of philosophy a greater understanding of the Art as applied is made. However the integration of the philosophy into our daily lives serves to enrich the lives of us all. The philosophies of Um/Yang and the Five Elements are closely related and in essence are about bring balance to our lives and Martial Art.
The Chil Sung Hyung can be considered the hallmark of Soo Bahk Do and represent the Choong Ga Ryu Style a source of material for study created by our Chang Shi Ja (Founder) Hwang Kee.
By applying different aspects of philosophy a greater understanding of the Art as applied is made. However the integration of the philosophy into our daily lives serves to enrich the lives of us all. The philosophies of Um/Yang and the Five Elements are closely related and in essence are about bring balance to our lives and Martial Art.
The Chil Sung Hyung can be considered the hallmark of Soo Bahk Do and represent the Choong Ga Ryu Style a source of material for study created by our Chang Shi Ja (Founder) Hwang Kee.
References
- Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time, October 30, 2007 Dava Sobel.
- http://celestialnavigation.net/history/
- DK Chang Sa Bom Nim, spoken word at Korean Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa 2013 and 2015.
- B Corales Sa Bom 2014.