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Is there a
self-defense value?: Hai Dong Kwonbub
The theory and practice of armed and unarmed engagement seems to be a constant across the spectrum of options. What I mean is, learning to fight or defend yourself in one style or mode can translate directly to another mode if you understand the basic principles. For example, I have been asked to put aside my sword in class and perform a pattern unarmed. What follows is an exciting and unpredictable chain of offensive and defensive maneuvers. The first time I was asked to do this I was surprised at how easily the application of the sword motions translated in my mind to strikes. I suppose I shouldn't have been surprised but honestly, I was. I found myself displaying an ability to control and redirect incoming strikes while providing myself with good opportunities for strikes of my own.
In addition to this foundation, Hai Dong Gumdo has developed an advanced approach using traditional and modern techniques. It calls this set of unarmed combat skills Hai Dong Kwonbub. Kwon refers to the fist and bub means method or rule. This style of fighting is as brutal and direct as the sword techniques and also rests on a foundation of a one strike philosophy. These skills are first touched upon after the student reaches second dan and become a major part of the curriculum after third dan. The skills themselves flow from the basic skills gleaned from the sword techniques, ki gong exercises and standard martial theory. The skill set includes tumbling and falling, throws, locks, nerve strikes and effective kicking.
Am I saying that Hai Dong Gumdo can answer everyone's self-defense needs? No, I am not. I do not feel that all people possess the passion, interest or time to seek out the unarmed combat applications in the sword techniques. People in these categories would have to rely on an instructor to teach these applications specifically. I also feel that if one wants to study self-defense alone, there are a plethora of fantastic arts out there which do not require you to be second or third dan before they teach unarmed fighting.
What I am saying is that if one were to study Hai Dong Gumdo they would not be neglecting self-defense nor would they be specializing in it. In Korea many people choose to study the art to expand their ability to use their unarmed skills by refining their situational awareness, application of force, body control, perception and understanding of tactics. A very real strength of Hai Dong Gumdo is that it constantly addresses the difficult situation of facing multiple opponents.
I feel that exclusive students of Hai Dong Gumdo can develop very effective hand-to-hand combat skills with the caveat of taking the time to become aware of all the deeper meanings of what they are learning in class.
Too many people equate the term 'martial art' to 'self-defense' and it is this misconception which can cause people to doubt the value of weapons arts. Most people have limited time to spend on study. When offered a choice between a 'self-defense' class or a 'weapon mastery class' most people would opt for the 'more useful' class of the two. It is my belief that the definition of 'useful' needs to be addressed. I feel that people allow others to unduly influence their decisions in these areas. The question 'When would you ever have a sword?' crops up often. It misses the point.
I would argue that Hapkido is an excellent martial art with a practical range of techniques. I enjoy many of these techniques but I find myself lacking in the core skills of the curriculum: kicking. Kicking skills are the foundation of many Korean martial arts and Hapkido is no exception. Due to my own limitations I cannot manage to develop these skills to a useful level of proficiency. Is the study of Hapkido useful? Absolutely! Is it useful for me? No. In my educated opinion I lose too much study time to injury and substandard performance - not to mention the increased levels of stress caused by repeated failure to progress and make all aspects of Hapkido work for me. It is perfect for quite a few of my friends however.
We often make hasty decisions and allow ourselves to make choices without enough information. If one wanted to take Taekwondo for the purpose of self-defense then it is absolutely imperative that one does enough research. An entire branch of Taekwondo, practiced worldwide has very little interest in self-defense. It exists to serve goals of sport competition. Joining such a school would not be useful for someone desiring to learn self-defense. A person could read my above comments about Hapkido and decide that, unseen, Hapkido was not for them. A growing number of schools in North America are following the curriculum of John Pelligrini's Combat Hapkido system. The only thing absent from Combat Hapkido which is present in the 'traditional' Hapkido available to me is high kicking. I could flourish under that system and so could many others. A lack of information is always problematic.
My suggestions to those who seek to study a martial art are:
1) Visit schools in your area and watch the classes. Try to find as many different schools as you can.
2) Ask the instructors questions. Do not tell them what you are looking for, ask them what the purpose of their curriculum is. It is a sad fact of life that martial arts schools are businesses like any other. The owners need students. Not everyone is honest.
3)Make an honest assessment of your needs. What skills do you want? What skills do you need? How much time and effort can you devote to study?
4)Make a choice by yourself. Martial arts can become intensely personal. Pick a style that speaks to you. Pick a style that you can grow with and which complements your personality. Muay Thai may be a very effective style but if you have difficulty being aggressive then an art based in a more defensive posture would be easier to learn and use - it would be more useful.
5)Always assess the goals of anyone who gives you advice. Even me.
