If you look in Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Volume 2 the following is indicated about O Sip Sa Bo:
Name of Form: Origin of Name: Name of Creator: Date of Creation: Place of Creation: Total number of Movements: Characteristics of Form: Level of Form: Style of Form: | O Sip Sa Bo. Unknown. Unknown. Over 400 years ago. Ho Nam region of China. There are 77 moves in O-Sip Sa Bo Hyung, excluding Jhoon Beh (ready Stance) at the beginning and Ba Ro (return) at the end of the form. This form contains movements that were contained in the previously discussed forms and is characterised by the speed at which it is performed and the accuracy required in the focus of the delivery of its techniques. O-Sip Sa Bo Hyung possesses the characteristics of the tiger. It is recommended that this form be practiced by Ko Dan Ja. Southern style. |
A search on the internet brings up over 300 000 results with, results for text, videos and photos all present. The Hyung is known in some Karate styles as Gojūshiho, and is also present in the syllabus of some Kung Fu styles. With such a widespread Hyung it is difficult to accurately determine the true history of the Hyung as there is much contention between styles. |
The preference here is to examine the philosophy of the Hyung and the characteristics of the animal it represents (Tiger). This is in lieu of repeating the many investigations already made into the history of the Hyung O Sip Sa Bo. The discussion however will start with an anecdote from a training session in Dae Gyu – Korea 2013 the real driver for examining the characteristics of the Tiger as a hunter.
Korea Story
In 2013 I attended the Korean Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa as a Guest, the first time I have had the opportunity to do so. There was a single Yuk Dan Candidate from Australia (M Austin Sa Bom Nim #23754) at the event myself and another Australian O Dan. We were lucky to be able to train together as a group.
Kim Yoo Op Sa Bom Nim, was our instructor for the majority of the sessions a Ko Dan Ja and tested as a senior candidate in Sok Cho in 2005, when I undertook my Sa Dan and Sa Bom testings. While working on O Sip Sa Bo taking advantage of the glorious Autumn weather in Dae Gyu, struggling with the language barrier Kim Sa Bom Nim finally found the English words he was searching for “Walk, Like Tiger.” From the tone used it was clear the intent was to Stalk/Move/Hunt like a tiger to become more like the tiger in our performance of the Hyung.
Kim Yoo Op Sa Bom Nim, was our instructor for the majority of the sessions a Ko Dan Ja and tested as a senior candidate in Sok Cho in 2005, when I undertook my Sa Dan and Sa Bom testings. While working on O Sip Sa Bo taking advantage of the glorious Autumn weather in Dae Gyu, struggling with the language barrier Kim Sa Bom Nim finally found the English words he was searching for “Walk, Like Tiger.” From the tone used it was clear the intent was to Stalk/Move/Hunt like a tiger to become more like the tiger in our performance of the Hyung.
Tiger - the Hunter
Tigers are predominantly solitary animals and will avoid conflict with other predators if possible. However they will vigorously defend a kill or fight for prey in times of need. The tiger requires up to 18kg of meat every 8-9 days and will usually eat from the same kill twice.
During the hunt tigers typically hide in grasses or bushes and sneak forward from the side or rear of the prey. The goal is to be as close to the target as possible before striking. This is within the range of 6-9m. Considering that the tiger is capable of leaping up to 9m this is close indeed. The tiger uses its front legs to pull the animal to the ground either breaking its neck or grabbing the throat to make the kill. Once a kill is made the tiger drags prey away to feed and may return later to the kill for a second meal. It has been estimated that a tiger may only be successful in hunting as few as one in twenty attempts.
During the hunt tigers typically hide in grasses or bushes and sneak forward from the side or rear of the prey. The goal is to be as close to the target as possible before striking. This is within the range of 6-9m. Considering that the tiger is capable of leaping up to 9m this is close indeed. The tiger uses its front legs to pull the animal to the ground either breaking its neck or grabbing the throat to make the kill. Once a kill is made the tiger drags prey away to feed and may return later to the kill for a second meal. It has been estimated that a tiger may only be successful in hunting as few as one in twenty attempts.
Tiger characteristics: Examining the Hyung itself we can see similarities to the tiger characteristics. The opening motions are rapid as the attacking tiger bring to life instantly the speed of the tiger. Tigers are strong and capable of some amazing feats but are not able to maintain maximum speed for long. The initial speed in the Hyung is followed by breathing motions, like peering through grasses assessing what is about to happen. In the fifth line of the Hyung are what I term strength posturing type motions Palm up Ha Dahn Mahk Kee in motions 32 and 37 (Tang Soo Do Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Volume 2). Motions move through a variety of motion types: rapid high speed combinations, breathing (resting) motions, changes of direction, strength/ posturing. All these are characteristics of the tiger that should be embraced to give character to the Hyung without sacrificing the effectiveness of the techniques.
Through timing (wan gup) and at times a shift in the emphasis of the motions we can bring to life the characteristics of tiger in our performance. The Yo Sik (clearing motions) by a minor change of hand position can become reminiscent of claws striking enhancing the appearance without sacrificing the effectiveness of the motions.
By an attempt to place ourselves in the mind of a specific animal we create opportunities for understanding nature and developing our own skills. Besides the potential learning chances created it is fun to investigate and think how an animal would move in a human body. When you consider the tiger it is truly a versatile animal with a combination of strength, agility and speed that are admirable. They can hunt for prey that is significantly larger or smaller than they are and feed on a variety of animals that includes other “large” predators. They take advantage of their great speed and account for limited endurance (at speed) in the way they hunt.
Through timing (wan gup) and at times a shift in the emphasis of the motions we can bring to life the characteristics of tiger in our performance. The Yo Sik (clearing motions) by a minor change of hand position can become reminiscent of claws striking enhancing the appearance without sacrificing the effectiveness of the motions.
By an attempt to place ourselves in the mind of a specific animal we create opportunities for understanding nature and developing our own skills. Besides the potential learning chances created it is fun to investigate and think how an animal would move in a human body. When you consider the tiger it is truly a versatile animal with a combination of strength, agility and speed that are admirable. They can hunt for prey that is significantly larger or smaller than they are and feed on a variety of animals that includes other “large” predators. They take advantage of their great speed and account for limited endurance (at speed) in the way they hunt.
Conclusion
O Sip Sa Bo is a Hyung that is performed with the characteristics of the tiger. This is why there are sections of slow breathing, rapid speed and essentially posturing in a display of strength. The tiger in addition to being a great hunter leads a solitary life and because of this will avoid conflict in times of plenty. However, the tiger will vigorously defend its territory and kills when required.
All the motions are there to represent the nature of the animal, one of the supreme hunters of the wild. The tiger has a variety of skills that it utilises in the hunt and has precisely recognised limits as well. We should have the versatility to embrace approaches in our lives too, taking advantage of our strengths and recognising our limitations.
All the motions are there to represent the nature of the animal, one of the supreme hunters of the wild. The tiger has a variety of skills that it utilises in the hunt and has precisely recognised limits as well. We should have the versatility to embrace approaches in our lives too, taking advantage of our strengths and recognising our limitations.