Components of Yun Jung Do

Mental & Spiritual Development

We often hear the expression 'a sense of well being'. As human beings, our quality of life is often associated with our feelings of inner contentment. As students of Yun Jung Do, we aim to improve our standard of living by nourishing both our spiritual and mental needs, thus providing us with a true sense of fulfillment.

Through the practice of Yun Jung Do, practitioners learn to gain better control of both their mental and spiritual sides. This skill, when harnessed, can then be applied to all aspects of their everyday life to enhance the quality of their well being.

Moral Culture

One of the more important aspects and benefits of Yun Jung Do, other than the improvements that can be made mentally and physically is moral culture.

Since ancient times, humanity, justice, courtesy, wisdom and trust have been recognised as the five virtues of a human being. As martial artists, we should constantly strive to practice and cultivate these virtues throughout our lives.

Through the study and practice of Yun Jung Do, students first learn the importance of possessing these qualities. The membership oath is a means of establishing and reinforcing this belief through a conscious awareness of the ways in which we can cultivate these virtues in our daily life.

In the Do-Jang, humility and respect become the foundation on which relationships between instructors and fellow students are established. These become stronger bonds of friendship as time progresses and allows the student the opportunity of gaining a better understanding of human beings. One obvious result of this is the stripping away of racial barriers which unfortunately existing in our society.

All in all, cultivation is the key to successful living. Cultivate your heart to be a good one and free of bad influences, for one who has achieved this, has won the most difficult battle of all.

1. Scientifically Designed Warm-Up exercises

Throughout many centuries, the benefits of exercise have been acknowledged and well accepted. Since the sixth century AD, Asian cultures have been recorded as incorporating exercise in their daily lives as a means of strengthening their spiritual well-being.

Modern-day practitioners have the benefit of advanced physiological and scientific research to ensure the safety and maximum effectiveness of exercise systems and methods.

The Yun Jung Do stretching and warm-up syllabus is no exception. Its unique system has been based on the latest physiological developments and concepts for the long-term benefits of its practitioners.

In order to achieve optimum development of training and technical skill, Yun Jung Do practitioners are shown how to best prepare their body for the vigors of exercise by warming up properly.

Correct exercise procedures reduce the risk of injury. They assist students in the proper warm-up of muscles and help avoid the agony of that pulled muscle or torn tendon. Improved flexibility, joint mobility, and muscle development are all good reasons for exercising regularly. Exercise will also stimulate your blood circulation and improve the quality of your general health if you work at it daily.

Another advantage of exercise is its mental preparation. Using controlled breathing during exercise will help you relax, clear your peripheral thoughts and open yourself to concentration.

For best results, Yun Jung Do's warming-up exercises and stretches should be incorporated as a part of your daily routine and practiced diligently either at home, work or at the Do Jang.

Regular modifications and developments are made incorporating ongoing research and physiological findings to ensure Yun Jung Do practitioners achieve the best results at all times.

2. Combined Basic Exercises

This is the practice of a combination of basic movements designed to give practitioners a greater basic understanding of their use and various aspects of their execution. These basic combinations must be practiced repetitively until the movements become second nature. The purpose, correct use of the defense or attacking tool and correct stance are all focused upon. Posture and balance must be developed in conjunction with correct use of breath control.

3. Target Techniques

This involves the practice of a combination one particular technique that is introduced with each grade or progressive level. Students are expected to focus on the development of this specific technique until it becomes second nature to them.

4. Four Direction Target Techniques

At this stage of development, the student learns to apply the target technique specific to their grade in four direction applications. Coordination skills, balance, proper stance positions, pivoting ability, and target concentration are further developed to aid the student with his progress.

5. Tuls (Pattern)

By definition, a Tul is a systematically organised series of techniques performed in a set sequence . These Tuls incorporate various hand and foot techniques of defense and attack against imaginary opponents who attack in numerous ways and from different directions.

I believe that Tuls are characteristic of the true spirit of Yun Jung Do.

In examining the role of Tuls in many martial art disciplines, it became apparent to me that many practitioners had lost their appreciation for them. This was due to their loss of practicality, purpose, and consistency over the years; thus proving them pointless and ineffective.

A true Tul should be the basic system of improvement for the student: mentally, physically and spiritually. From the simplest of Tuls for beginners to the more advanced for senior students, this system of training should be a means of allowing students to develop their skills and character.

In designing Tuls for Yun Jung Do, two main objectives existed. This first was to effectively combine the theoretical and practical in a harmonious blend of movements that aimed to teach students the practical application of techniques as used in realistic situations. These techniques must be based on the natural movements and rhythms of the human body. The second objective as to create Tuls that expressed the true philosophy of the art while at the same time reflecting the physical and mental state of the practitioner. The results are Tuls that are explosive in their power and speed and which flow fluently due to the naturalness of the movements.

All this is further enhanced by the systematic teaching syllabus that has been designed to progressively encourage the development of students. Practitioners are motivated to aspire to their own highest level of achievement.

Not only are Tuls a means of successfully arousing greater levels of interest and enthusiasm for the art, but above all, they increase a student's understanding of the philosophy of Yun Jung Do.

6. Jung Spirit Option Tuls

When I first set out to develop Yun Jung Do I aimed predominantly to cater for males and females of all ages and indeed, as Yun Jung Do began to grow, it gave me especially great pleasure to notice the growing number of mature aged practitioners who had taken up the challenge of this art.

This growing trend in Yun Jung Do has indeed revolutionised previous preconceptions of martial arts. Yun Jung Do was the first human art to recognise that in order to cater for these age groups better, a modified training system and syllabus would be beneficial. Thus, the introduction of the Jung Spirit Option.

With the Jung Spirit Option, basic techniques and required discipline levels are the same. However, in areas where the main stream techniques may not be suitable, another option is provided. Obviously, the challenge still exists to perfect these techniques to the best of one's abilities.

I strongly believe that a progressive art form will seek to be practical and maximise the training efforts of its students regardless of their age, sex or ability.

Due to the natural physical limitations of age or injury, not all people are able to perform certain techniques. Whilst younger members - due to their natural suppleness - may find no problem in performing techniques such as the side kick, full turning kick, reverse turning kick and of course, the flying versions of these kicks; the no-so-young members may find these techniques overwhelming to say the least.

As dedicated as they may be in their training, it would be more practical and logical for mature-aged students to spend their time and effort perfecting techniques that are simpler in nature, but can be performed more effectively in a real life situation. This concept is the foundation of the Jung Spirit Option's success.

It is also noteworthy to point out that the Jung Spirit Option is exactly that; an option. Students have the choice to decide which system they wish to adopt.

By all means, if a practitioner feels they are capable of achieving the standard required of the more physically demanding techniques and they prefer to follow the main stream syllabus, then they are encouraged to do so.

However, the Jung Spirit Option should always be considered as a positive alternative. I firmly believe that the Jung Spirit Option is an invaluable part of our syllabus and beneficial for many members as a means of maximising their training effectiveness.

7. Defense Techniques

A. BASIC DEFENCE

This is the first experience students have against a living partner.

At this introductory stage, strict rules of non-contact exist to ensure the safety of students as they develop their skills in timing, distancing and accuracy.

The main objective of this form of defense is to improve reaction speed and develop instantaneous counter-attack skills to various vital points of the body. Not only must the practitioner be able to attack in a manner unpredictable to the opponent, but they must also learn counter-attack skills, using the most appropriate technique applicable to certain situations.

To achieve this, Yun Jung Do practitioners are taught a number of preplanned defense tactics which are proven in their effectiveness. With continual practice, these skills are expected to become spontaneous reactions.

During the initial stages of training, only basic movements are practiced. Later, as standards and skills improve, more advanced techniques are introduced at each grade and refined by the student.

Always, this form of defense is based on the objective of gaining victory with a single counter-attack. This is where Yun Jung Do's unique non-contact system allows students the opportunity to develop these techniques to their fullest power and potential without fear of injury.

Alternative turns in attacking and defense are taken. With practice, practitioners gain the necessary composure to confidently face their opponents. As with all levels of defense, mutual trust between practitioners is the key factor.

Through continual training, students will improve their targeting and timing skills which will as a result prepare them for their next stage of learning.

B. CONTROL DEFENCE

The purpose of Yun Jung Do Control Defense techniques is to effectively minimise the possibility of an assault or to defend oneself against assault without relying on great strength or physical power.

These techniques are easy to learn, simple, and an effective way of dealing with a threatening opponent. Men, women and children of all physical abilities are able to learn these skills without any previous history of martial arts training.

Within the set teaching syllabus, there are approximately eighty control defense techniques that have been selected to effectively handle a wide range of situations and scenarios.

These techniques are divided into several main categories such as head grips, underarm locks, etc; one of which is taught to students at each grade or level.

Overall, it is important to point out that these techniques are not automatic but they are learnt skills which require much practice and dedication, as they are effective only if executed in the manner that is second nature to the defendant.

Ultimately, it is the practitioner's ability to react instantly and instinctively that will ensure the effectiveness of these techniques.

C. DEFINITE DEFENCE

This form of defense is designed primarily to refine a student's defense reaction skills based on visualisation, sight and hearing factors.

Once again, students focus on the execution of their target technique; this time with the freedom to combine their target technique with any other defense movement.

The main objective of students is to defeat their opponent with a single strategic defense based on the "Victory with one blow" principle.

In practicing Definite Defense", students must visualise their opponent as a true threat and react as if the boundaries of their personal space are being invaded. They must react with the full realism of an attack.

High levels of concentration are required for Definite Defense to be practiced effectively. Students must focus on maintaining their calm and control in order to speed their reactions.

It is important to point out that because the techniques of Yun Jung Do are extremely effective, there is a very real possibility that students will cause serious bodily harm if they were to practise with a training partner.

For this reason, all forms of definite defense are based on an imaginary opponent. The advantage of this is that it allows the student to execute techniques with maximum power and speed without the fear of injuring someone. For this same reason it is important that ample space be given to all students when practicing this exercise.

There are three main components of Definite Defense:

A. Initiating Defense

The primary purpose of this exercise is to develop the initiating skills of the student. This involves students visualising an imaginary opponent and executing the first move of action before their imaginary opponent has an opportunity to do so. Realism is most important as students must exert maximum force, focus, and speed with their techniques.

B. Reaction Defense by Sight

This exercise develops a student's reaction to movement by sight. Students concentrate on executing an immediate definite defense reaction as soon as a visual command is given. This command can be any slight movement by an instructor or fellow class member.

C. Reaction Defense by Sound

The primary focus of this exercise is to practice reaction skills to sound. Students are blindfolded and upon hearing a noise command, must execute a definite defense with as much speed and focus as possible.

The Psychological Factor of Definite Defense

The art of Yun Jung Do involves far more than mere physical contact with a number of opponents. In any definite defense situation, genuine danger must always be pre-supposed, which is the reason why psychological factors play an important role during one's training and performance.

To this day, the full extent of a human's psychological powers is unknown but no one can deny their existence or the influence these powers have on our lives.

Yun Jung Do is based on this knowledge and it challenges practitioners to overcome their psychological barriers in order to make them much stronger people than those who merely conquer over others.

In numerous cases, psychologically stronger people have won against opponents despite the fact they may be physically exhausted.

The ideal way to train is to practise concentrating on perfecting your psychological state. Of course, this can only be achieved through perseverance during training. Movements must be repeatedly exercised both physically and mentally until they can be executed unconsciously rather than intellectually.

Work with total concentration in spirit. I cannot stress enough the importance of possessing spirit, as it is only when the body and spirit are unified, that your own abilities can be maximised.

When faced with an opponent, aim to achieve a state of spiritual serenity and mental tranquility. This can only be done in clearing your mind of all thoughts of defense and attack so that your responses come instinctively and immediately. If you preoccupy your head with visions of victory or defeat, or aim to show-off, your self-consciousness will interfere and cause you to make mistakes and misjudgments.

The mind must at all times be calm and like the undisturbed surface of a lake, accurately reflecting the image of all objects that pass over it, holding no trace of them when they have gone, but ready to catch the slightest blowing of a wind when it next occurs. The practitioner must be able to quickly catch any movement that the opponent might make, as well as being able to reflect the tone of any movement around them.

One of the important skills in a defense situation is the ability to recognise only true threats. If the opponent is too far away to cause any harm, then there is no need to react unnecessarily. Be relaxed and only fight in cases where the opponent is within your personal space, and where no retreat is possible. Until such time though, you must maintain your control and distance.

Stand calmly back and allow your opponent to make his attempts at intimidation. Your opponent will gradually wear himself out, making his attack weaker.

It is at this stage that you should be confident enough to realise that there is no need for you to fight, for if necessary, you could defeat them easily.

Definite defense, as practiced in the class, is used to develop the timing of reflexes and reaction in a pre-supposed 'real' situation. In that way, every movement must be 'definite' with full speed and power.

Practitioners must learn and exercise mental discipline by visualising that they are entering their partner's personal space whenever they act or react to an action. In doing this, the practitioners build their skills in the correct manner without learning to hold back on techniques for fear of injuring their fellow practitioner.

These aspects are important because when your life is endangered and you must defend yourself, it is not worth the risk of 'playing' with an attacker, as one chance may be all that you get.

8. Jungercise

Jungercise is an unique form of exercise similar to shadow boxing. It's purpose is to warm up the body, limbering up muscles and as an aerobic workout to increase cardiovascular fitness and endurance.

Regular Jungercise also prepares the student more effectively for the vigorous Yun Jung Do training. It is a combination of techniques or movements learnt so far combined to form a constant movement.

Jungercise is to be practiced in two or three sets of two minutes with a thirty second interval between each.

9. Cool-Down Exercises

After a vigorous training session, it is important that the body be given an opportunity to return to its normal heart rate and temperature. A series of cool-down exercises followed by a slow breathing or meditation session is recommended.