Hyung Training

A new week and a new focus. It’s time to practice those Hyungs again. Hyung is perfect for solo practice, and it’s from the hyung that we derive the rest of our art. While we are suspended from practicing as a group, I really want you to contemplate how your body is moving within the hyung. (Tip: every “block” is a strike. Mahk Ki really means defense not block). Check out this great video from Jesse Enkamp, and you will be gin to see what I am trying to get you to think about. (also…kata is Japanese for Hyung which is Korean for For).

”A kata [hyung/form] is not fixed or immovable. Like water, it’s ever-changing and fits itself to the shape of the vessel containing it. However, kata are not some kind of beautiful competitive dance, but a grand martial art of self-defense, which determines life and death.”

– Kenwa Mabuni (founder of Shito-ryu Karate) 

In additional to your Hyung practice, I want you to work on your looping drill as well. Practice both sides (the attacker and the one providing target). This will be a bit of a shadow box, but i think you can do it. I am more concern that you get familiar with the techniques of the attacker.

As you practice and as you discover something, share a video on our facebook page.