Kong Sang Koon Hyung is one of the most well-known and favorite hyungs in the martial arts community.  It is practiced among Korean, Japanese, and Okinawan martial arts.  Here we will examine the history of the hyung from its creation to its inception into the Moo Duk Kwan curriculum.  We will also consider the hyung’s meaning and characteristics.

History

            Kong Sang Koon was named after a Chinese military man, who was also an expert in So Rim Kwon Bup (Shaolin Chuan Fa).  Kong Sang Koon, also known as Kushanku or Kwang Shang Fu, was sent on an envoy to Okinawa in 1756 during the Ming Dynasty.  He settled there for about six years near the current city of Naha.

            During his stay in Okinawa, Kong Sang Koon chose a disciple named “Tode” Sakugawa (佐久川寛賀 – 1733-1815).  Sakugawa was also a martial art student of Takahara Peichin.  After studying with Kong Sang Koon for six years, Sakugawa compiled what he had been taught into a hyung, naming it after his master, Kong Sang Koon.  Though the major influence of the hyung is based on the teachings of Kong Sang Koon, it is likely that there are also elements of the teachings of Takahara Peichin as well. 

            Sakugawa’s martial posterity runs through Mr. Idos (Master Yasutsune “Ankoh” Itosu), who is credited with creating the Pyong Ahn forms.  The Pyong Ahn forms, especially Pyong Ahn Sa Dan, was influenced by Kong Sang Koon Hyung.  Many sequences are found in both Kong Sang Koon Hyung and Pyong Ahn Sa Dan. 

            Kong Sang Koon Hyung was adopted into the Moo Duk Kwan curriculum in its early years when Kwan Jang Nim Hwang Kee decided to integrate Tang Soo Do (Okinawan Karate) into his Hwa Soo Do system (History of Moo Duk Kwan 26).  Kwan Jang Nim came into contact with Okinawan Karate through books he found at the library and later by meeting other kwan founders such as the founder of the Chung Do Kwan, Lee Won Kuk. 

Meaning and Characteristics

            As a part of the Moo Duk Kwan curriculum, Kong Sang Koon Hyung evolved according to the laws of Ryu Pa into a hyung that is unique to Soo Bahk Do practitioners.  It is important for Soo Bahk Do practitioners to understand the history behind Kong Sang Koon in order to have a better understanding of its characteristics.

For example, the meaning of the term “Kong Sang Koon” could be “to view the sky.”  This would explain the beginning movements of the hyung and why Kwan Jang Nim Hwang Kee decided to correlate Kong Sang Koon Hyung with the eagle.  The eagle is not only in the sky, but has excellent vision.  By “viewing the sky” and examining the eagle, one can get a better understanding of the characteristics and energy of Kong Sang Koon Hyung. 

It has been said that Kong Sang Koon Hyung was designed to be done at night, in a large field, and with multiple attackers.  It uses many spontaneous and deceptive techniques to gain a dominant position against a mob.  It consists of 67 movements varying from techniques on the ground, in the air, and everywhere in between.  Much like the eagle, the form requires agility to be able to move and attack from earth to sky. 

Since its creator was well trained in Kwan Bup, Kong Sang Koon Hyung is influenced by the Ha Nam area of China and is a Weh Ga Ryu hyung.  The form should be performed with quick, alert, and spontaneous movements.  There should also be a presence of power and majesty when performing the hyung, while maintaining grace and beauty. 

Perhaps the best way to characterize Kong Sang Koon Hyung is with its opening move.  Both hands lift up towards the sky in an upward arc, eyes gazing up to the night sky.  The hands form a symbolic “moon-shape” between the sky and earth.  Then swiftly, the hands separate in a quick, spontaneous movement.  The hands then slowly trace a perfect circle down to your dan jun.  Now the true spirit of Kong Sang Koon Hyung can be demonstrated.  

Most languages have various verb conjugations for the past, present, and future. Korean also has various word endings denoting a certain level of respect. Some common terms in Korean are

• Annyong – Hello
• Anjo – Sit
• Ilohsut – Stand Up

Each of these terms are very informal, and almost condescending. A more common rendition that you will hear native Koreans say is Annyong-haseyo and Anjeu-seyo. A very formal rendition that connotes a deep level of respect would be as follows:

• Annyong-hashimnikka
• Anjo-shipshio
• Ilosu-shipsio

These latter terms should be used during our Soo Bahk Do training in order to preserve the level of discipline, respect, and professionalism that should exist in our training. We are also staying true to our Korean tradition.

On August 16, 2008, the following students participated in the Soo Bahk Do National Championships: Grace Greis, Mia Brickey, Elle Sweetland, Stephanie Nolan, Daphne Mitchie, Olyvia Mugweh, Davis Kahler, and Alex Kahler. I ended up placing first in hyung and 3rd in sparring. Their dedication to Soo Bahk Do does not go unnoticed and they have represented our school and the art with dignity and respect. From the competition, Mia Brickey placed 3rd in sparring, Stephanie Nolan placed 2nd in hyung, and Olyvia Mugweh placed 2nd in hyung. Grace, Elle, Daphne, Davis, and Alex received participation medals for their superb performance in hyung.

In fact, their conduct was so excellent, that a member of the Technical Advisory Committee, Jang Sa Bom Nim, awarded their group with a first place trophy for being the most well-mannered, good kids at the competition.

I believe they had a wonderful time competing and taking seminars during the Moment with the Masters and will come back to training with a better understanding of the art and refined confidence in their own abilities.

A special thanks goes out to the parents who made the sacrifice to allow their children to go to San Diego and take part in this historic event. Without their support, Soo Bahk Do would not be able to exist in Utah.

Note: Previously, I recorded that the Region 8 Hyung Team did not place. On the contrary, the Region 8 Hyung Team did a superb job! They placed 2nd. The Region 8 Sparring Team (of which I was a part), did not place. I apologize for the misinformation.

This weekend I returned home from my 8 day “Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa” in Ramona, California. It was an experience I will never forget. I’m sure many posts will be dedicated towards the event. Here I’d like to give a general overview of my impression of the event.

The shim sa had the theme “Standardization, Connection, and Strengthening the Philosophy through Action.” This was the goal of the entire week. I do not know of any other martial arts organization that maintains the same standardization that we do. We are truly connected worldwide with professional, standardized material. The same philosophy, terminology, and phyiscal technique is used in every dojang (studio). Much of the week was devoted towards standardizing our ki sool (techniques), hyung ( forms), il soo sik (one step sparring), and ho sin sul (self defense techniques).

The Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa began in San Diego, California as a part of the Moment with the Masters Seminars. There we took part in seminars of our own choice, along with a few seminars directed towards the Sa Dan and Sa Bom Candidate Groups. Next, we participated in the National Championships where I participated in Hyung, Sparring, and Team Sparring (I was a Region 8 representative). I was happy to share this experience with many of my students who participated. Later, I will relate a detailed post on the occasion.

Following the Championships, we went to Ramona and stayed at a quiet mountain lodge for the remaining of the Ko Dan Ja experience. On Sunday, I taught a class with Greg Booker, Kyo Sa Nim, fulfilling a requirement for my sa bom examination. The theme was “ki-seh” with an emphasis on practical application of kyo cha rip jaseh. The class was well received and many encouraging comments were made after class and during the evaluation that evening.

Immediately following my class, Griggs Sa Bom Nim, my TAC proctor, elaborated on my concept. I was teaching a defense against a front kick by stepping back into a cross-legged stance and performing a low block. From there, you counter with a roundhouse kick with the front leg. The proper preparation and execution of the roundhouse from this position is particularly difficult. Apparently, my kick was too linear. From this position your partner’s solar plexus is positioned to the side. Therefore, the roundhouse should come around, in a circular fashion, parallel to the ground. Instead of preparing your knee into your chest, you should focus your heel towards your buttocks.

The following days were pure training from early morning moo pahl dan kuhm till late at night trainings and evaluations. I enjoyed every session, being taught by some of the world’s best! The highlights of course was receiving instruction and counsel from Kwan Jang Nim Hwang himself. Each day we received new insights in all of our standardized material, history, and philosophy.

Many friendships were created among the candidates. We had plenty of time to get to know each other through training. The last part of Ko Dan Ja was principally dedicated towards unity and harmony within the group. Griggs Sa Bom Nim taught a class at midnight on unity. He said the 7 steps towards group harmony was

1. Huri
2. Ho Hoop
3. Shi Sun
4. Shin Chook
5. Completion
6. Effort
7. Success

We worked on one hyung, Yang Pyun, until close to 1:30 attempting to complete the hyung without any mistakes and with group harmony. By midnight, we were all extremely fatigued and our brains were mush. The exercise required every ounce of shim gong we had. It is an experience I will never forget. Thank you Griggs Sa Bom Nim!

We trained hard and before you knew it, the last day approached and we were demonstrating our hyung in front of Kwan Jang Nim and the senior Soo Bahk Do officials. I enjoyed the presentation and felt good about the experience. I’ve learned many things about myself and I have a deeper appreciation for the art. My hope is to be able to pass on my appreciation for the art to my students so they too may receive the rich benefits I have received.

On Thursday I leave for San Diego, California along with 8 of my more senior students. We all will be participating in this year’s Soo Bahk Do National Festival and Championships. My students will be participating in the Moment of the Masters seminars and then competing in forms and sparring. I am extremely proud of them for taking this opportunity to participate in the largest Soo Bahk Do event of the year and want to recognize the dedication of their parents who have made the sacrifice to allow their children to participate. The success of our school is not just dependent on the dedication of its students, but also the love and support of the students’ families.

While my students are participating in the National Festival, I’ll be beginning the infamous Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa, an 8 day test reserved for those working to attain the rank of 4^th dan and up. I will also be testing to become a “Sa Bom” or master level instructor. There is a clear distinction between a 1^st through 3^rd dan (called Yu Dan Ja) and a 4^th dan or above (called Ko Dan Ja). The prior is considered a dan member and wears a midnight blue belt. In Soo Bahk Do, midnight blue is the Korean equivalent of the Japanese black belt and is symbolized by the season autumn—a fruitful result of training. It symbolizes a new beginning and denotes a practitioner who has a firm foundation in the art of Soo Bahk Do. The midnight blue belt also symbolizes um, or passive energy.

After a minimum of 9 years as a Yu Dan Ja, you can apply to take the Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa. Ko Dan Ja members (4^th dan and up) wear a midnight blue belt with a solid red stripe down the center. The red stripe is yang and the two colors combined symbolize completeness, harmony, and unity of the two cosmic forces—Um and Yang. This harmony should be seen in a Ko Dan Ja member’s demeanor, words, and actions. Ko Dan Ja members are also referred to as masters of the art.

For the past year, I have been preparing for this week. The process begins by receiving a letter of invitation to apply to test for Ko Dan Ja. If you have a desire to apply, then you will fill out some paperwork and then your instructor may choose to recommend you. Members of the Technical Advisory Committee, the Hu Kyun In (Guardians of the Art), and your Regional Examiners (currently Sa Bom Nims Jennifer Gibbons and Andy Tyzzer) also must recommend you. If you are recommended, then you will receive a formal invitation by mail along with a thick packet of study materials and further instructions. I wrote a total of 11 essays on various topics of history, philosophy, application of technique, and teaching methodologies.

Now begins the remaining portion of the test, which is 8 days of physical and mental training in the hills of California. I’ll be testing with 35 other 3^rd dans and during those days we will learn from the top masters in the world, including Grandmaster H.C. Hwang—the son of the deceased founder Hwang Kee. A key purpose of these 8 days is to go over all of the standardized material and make sure that all of the Ko Dan Ja are in harmony with one another. This will maintain the integrity of our art and greatly help the quality of instruction at Wasatch Martial Arts Academy.

I am sincerely grateful for the support of my dear family, Helena and Eli, who have made tremendous sacrifices to allow me to pursue this art. I am also thankful for the support and dedication of my students and their families. I hope to represent all of you well during the Shim Sa and promise to bring back as much as I can and in due time, all of the information will be transmitted to you.

Soo Bahk!

A few weeks ago I went to Hailey, Idaho to train with my instructor, Oliver Whitcomb Sa Bom Nim, to prepare me for Ko Dan Ja. Ko Dan Ja is an 8 day test reserved for “senior dan members” in Soo Bahk Do. Completing and passing your first Ko Dan Ja examination qualifies you to receive your 4th dan. If you choose, you can also pursue your Sa Bom or master-level instructor certification. In a few weeks, I’ll be testing for both.

While I was in Hailey, I assisted in Sawtooth Martial Arts‘ second Warrior Arts Camp. 27 kids gathered for four hours every day for a full week. They learned warrior skills in Soo Bahk Do, archery, art, and the Korean staff called “Kan Bong”. The kids really enjoyed the camp. On the last day, they chose to either work on their archery or Kan Bong skills rather than have free time. This told us that the camp was a huge success.

I was in charge of teaching the kids the “Kan Bong”. They did very well and all of them learned at least a good majority of Bong Hyung Il Bu which is the first Bong form that I teach students. I am considering doing something similar in Utah next summer. If anyone has suggestions, I’d really enjoy a comment. I’m posting a few images of the camp.