Chung Moo Doe
Chung Moo Doe
Chung Moo Doe is a martial art of Chinese origin. Chung Moo Doe may be translated as ?True (or right or traditional) martial arts?. It is actually a combination of eight separate martial arts taught together. It is also known as Oom Yung Doe, Chung Moo Quan, and Eight Martial Arts for Health.
Though the present line of Chung Moo Doe was practiced since sixteenth century, similar martial arts were reportedly practiced in China and in other countries in East Asia using different names, for over two thousand years. As such variety of different influences from different sources can be discerned in its movements.
The person who was responsible for introducing Chung Moo Doe to United States is Chong Su Nim (Honorable Founder) John C. Kim, also known as Grandmaster "Iron" Kim. He hails from Korea and is reportedly the only non Chinese person to attain the level of grandmaster in Chung Moo Doe.
The eight martial arts taught together under Chung Moo Doe are Bagwa Chung ? This consists of variety of defensive and offensive techniques based on a theory of continuous change. Tai Chi Chung ? This is a Chinese exercise form which aims to maintain and improve the body?s natural balance and circulation. Kung Fu (Goong Bu) - This makes use of movements based on animals and other forces of nature, in order realize various benefits. Hapkido or Aikido ? From Korea and Japan respectively, these consist of various self defense techniques and movements. Jiu-Jitsu (Udo) - This makes use of flexible movements to take advantage of attacker?s strengths in order to deflect the attack away. Ship Pal Gye (18 Weapons) ? This consists of learning the movements required for use of large number of traditional weapons, initially through weaponless movement. Kom Do (Samurai Sword) ? This involves practice sparing with weapons, usually using bamboo. Kong Su (Tae Kwon Doe) ? This involves using hand and forearms like weapons in order to perform offensive and defensive movements
The philosophy behind this combination is to derive great long lasting physical and mental benefits through the use of the body and mind as a whole; instead of limiting the movements to benefit particular muscles, as is the case with normal exercise routines or most martial arts. As such Chung Moo Doe goes beyond teaching of self defense techniques against an attacker and aims to develop qualities such as strength, dexterity, flexibility, endurance, awareness, fortitude, and self-assurance, in the student. Many practitioners of Chung Moo Doe believe that it also helps to reduce stress, and various disabilities and illnesses.
People of almost all ages can take up this martial art under the guidance of competent instructors. Training in Chung Moo Doe involves learning and remembering the movements, and practicing them accurately till they become part of one?s nature. To achieve true mastery of Chung Moo Doe may take most of one?s lifetime. It is believed that most masters of Chung Moo Doe are selective when it comes to passing on their knowledge to students in order to safeguard against deterioration of the art. Grandmaster Kim has upgraded the training methods used, taking into account present day lifestyles, availability of modern technology, and effects of toxic and stressful environment under which most people live.
There is some controversy regarding Chung Moo Doe. Critics say it is mainly a personality cult that worships Grandmaster Kim and have questioned his credentials. They have also raised questions regarding its benefits. However Chung Moo Doe practitioners and schools assert the contrary and are ready to offer testimonials regarding its benefits.