14 Attitudes to Master Tang Soo Do

 1.  The purpose of training should be enhancement of mental and physical betterment.

 2.  Serious approach.

 3.  All out effort.

 4.  Maintain regular and constant practice.

 5.  Practice basic techniques all the time.

 6.  Regularly spaced practice sessions.

 7.  Always listen and follow the direction of instructors and seniors.

 8.  Do not be overly ambitious.

 9.  Frequently inspect your own advancements.

10. Always follow a routine training schedule.

11. Repeatedly practice all techniques already learned.

12. When you learn new techniques, learn thoroughly the theory and philosophy as well.

13. When you begin to feel idle, try to overcome this.

14. Cleanliness is required after training. Keep yourself and your surroundings clean.

My Martial arts profile

I started learning Martial Arts in Japanese Style ShitoRyu under the guidance of Master Devaraj from 1999. I was practicing in that style for more than 7 years. Right from childhood, I was grown in a community where education is given more importance than anything. So I studied well and got a seat in prestigious engineering college in 1999 but I was weak both physically and mentally. I needed something which could make me strong. So for the first time in my life in 1999, I started showing serious interest in something(Martial arts) other than education. I never thought this is going to be significant part(or way) of my life.

Martial arts made me strong both mentally and physically. It gave me immense joy and energy. My perspective towards life changed a lot. Life has started becoming fresh and interesting. I participated in many karate tournaments in India and I met many Masters there. They all had some things in common. They are very strong and lively. It looked very attractive to me. Days were going fine. Due to job location, I’ve to move away from my master(who is in Coimbatore) to a different place called Chennai in 2003. Till this time, I had a pretty good experience in Martial arts but without clear understanding about it. I always needed my master to practice the art. I lacked discipline to practice on my own and hence I was very imbalanced.

I came to Fremont, CA in 2007. I met Master Bell there and started training in Tang Soo Do with him from March,2007. Master Bell revealed me the inner spiritual aspects of Martial arts and taught me the strong philosophy along with the art. Each single movement in the art is practiced with Mind-Body-Spirit balance concept. I started learning the secrets of the Magic(Martial arts). I begin to become centered on myself which gave me stability, balance, clarity and peace. I understood the connection between the life and the art. It is more than punching, kicking, doing some forms or breaking boards. It is a beautiful system to elevate the human consciousness or awareness about oneself and about life.

I learnt to look at whole picture of my life and also learnt to look inside myself to find solutions for the life situations. My life started to become simple and cool. Things at my job are getting done with less effort. I'm no more looking towards weekends for enjoyment. I'm pretty excited everyday. My relationships with my family and friends has become very smooth. I learnt to share my love, happiness and clarity with them.

Apart from martial arts, Master Bell also taught me Yoga and Chi kung which complement each other.With deep stretches in yoga, the mind-body-spirit comes together in a beautiful balance and I experienced a profound peace or bliss which words will not be enough to explain it.Chi kung is the profound system to become aware of the life energy and to rejuvenate one's energy to maintain inner harmony. After started practicing Chi Kung, I became very aware on my habits like eating, sleeping, breathing and thinking. And also I became conscious of my conversation with people around me.

Today as a blackbelt and instructor, when I look at my character, I came long way. I become more mature, strong and humble in my character with more patience and tolerance. And the most beautiful part is the understanding of the system behind my growth or the path that I travelled. I think this will be the most important tool which will help me to evolve continuously in future and also to help my beloved people in my community.

Blackbelts Photoshoot

OBJECTIVES OF TANG SOO DO

To help the individual develop Mentally, Physically, and Spiritually, and in doing so gain more knowledge of the self by increasing self-awareness and developing a greater sensitivity towards all things in nature.
"in nature be like water
At rest, like a mirror
Respond like an echo
Be subtle, as though non-existent"

1. Mental Development
Tang Soo Do develops the intellectual capacities of the student. It concentrates on developing the students ability to analyze new situations; to reason quickly, and to think and act through knowledge and spirit. It also offers the student a higher degree of mental development by introducing each individual to a state of mental consciousness that is non-intellectual (anti-intellectual). This is achieved by helping each student to perceive experiences, interactions, and situations as they occur through the utilization of all of the senses. In Tang Soo Do, the student learns to further develop and utilize all of the senses and is not restricted to the belief that the human mechanism consists only of the five senses as recognized by the Western World.

2. Physical Development
Each individual has different physical abilities and limitations. In Tang Soo Do, students learn to recognize and cope with their limitations but more important, they learn to develop all of those qualities and physical abilities they are capable of attaining. The practice of Tang Soo Do exercises .both the internal and external systems of the human anatomy which results in keeping one younger, healthier, and more physically fit for a longer period of time. Since Tang Soo Do practice involves the utilization of the entire body, the student develops better coordination and quicker reflexes. Also, the muscular fibers of the body do not deteriorate and atrophy, and the internal and autonomic systems of the body function more efficiently. Within cacti living thing in the Universe, there exists an internal physical force that is the necessary ingredient for the perpetuation of life. The student of Tang Soo Do does not learn to develop this physical force (since it already exists) but rather develops an awareness for it and develops a means of utilizing it in conjunction with all other physical properties of the human body. Mere physical or muscular strength is not all that is involved but instead, each student strives to develop a means of getting "in touch" with their inner force and strength in an attempt to become a more complete physical being that is part of and not separate from the Universe.

3. Spiritual Development
The practice of Tang Soo Do enables one to grow spiritually by developing within each student a positive philosophical approach to life. One of the main purposes of Tang Soo Do is the development of character. Students strive to improve their character and mental perspective through a system of training that requires a high concentration and disciplining of the mind and body. The ultimate goal of the art is creation; a spiritual awakening of the mind and body towards a sensitivity and appreciation for the beauty of life and love and reverence for nature. Students develop humility and a change in personality by gaining a sensitivity of which they are not usually aware of. They learn to respond to their innermost feelings and become more self-confident, self-sufficient as a person, more independent, mature, and inner-directed. Students able to maintain this communion with themselves outside the school are able to meet with any conflict or situation in a more able manner, using their entire "being" to deal with life.

Rare poem of Sip Sam Seh

Never neglect any of the Sip Sam Seh.
The source of the will is in the waist.
Pay attention to the slightest change from full to empty.
Let energy flow through the whole body continuously.
Stillness embodies motion, motion stillness.Seek stillness in motion.
Surprising things will happen when you meet your opponent.
Give awareness and purpose to every movement.
When done correctly all will appear effortless.
At all times pay attention to the waist.
Relaxed clear awareness of abdomen, the energy can be activated.
When the base of the spine is erect, energy rises to the top of the head.
The body should be flexible.Hold the head as if suspended from a string.
Keep alert and seek the meaning and purpose of your art.
Bent and stretched, open and closed, let nature take its course.
Beginners are guided by oral teaching.
Gradually one applies himself more and more.
Skill will take care of itself.
What is the main principle of the martial arts?
The mind is the primary actor and the body the secondary one.
What is the purpose and philosophy behind the martial arts?
Rejuvenation and prolonging of life beyond the normal span.
So and eternal spring.

Every word of this song has enormous value and importance.Failing to follow this song attentively, you will sigh away your time.