This study guide will focus on Ki Cho Hyung Il Bu, the main requirement for your first promotion to 9th Gup (white belt with a blue stripe) in Soo Bahk Do. Please visit SooBahkDo.tv in the White Belt Instruction category to view all of the material that we cover at the white belt level. Please note that children requirements are different. For specific requirements to compare with SooBahkDo.tv, please see my list of testing requirements.

Ki Cho Hyung Il Bu

Ki Cho Hyung Il Bu (Basic Form #1) is the first form you have to learn and the main requirement for your first promotion to 9th Gup (white with a blue stripe) in Soo Bahk Do.  This form was created by the late Grandmaster Hwang Kee, founder of Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan, in 1945 in Seoul, South Korea.  It has a total of 22 movements including the Jhoon Bee Jaseh (ready stance) at the beginning and ending of the form. Some concepts I hope you will learn as a result of continued practice of Ki Cho Hyung Il Bu include:

• Stepping and turning in a front stance
• Basic understanding of defensive and offensive hip twist
• Proper crossing for a low block and proper fist for the center punch.
• Good chamber hand discipline.
• Improved awareness through Shi Sun (eye focus)

Memorization Patterns

The form diagram is a capital “I”.  Each corner of the “I” has the combination low block, stepping center punch.  The middle of the I has the combination: low block, stepping center punch, stepping center punch, stepping center punch (ki hap or yell).  Whenever you change directions, step and turn towards the center of the “I” with the FRONT foot.  The exception to this rule is after a ki hap.  After the 3rd punch down the center of the “I”, you will turn in the drection of the center of the “I” but with the REAR foot.  The turns are probably the most difficult part of the form for a beginner.

Below you will find myself performing Ki Cho Hyung Il Bu deliberately to show the various intermediate positions.  On the right, you will find Kwan Jang Nim (Grandmaster) H.C. Hwang, current President of World Moo Duk Kwan demonsrating the same hyung.

Performance Tips

1. Cross your arms with the blocking hand on top for a preparation for the low block.
2. Before the stepping center punch, raise the low block up to center level and hold your rear hip back in an offensive hip preparation for the punch (notice my pause in the video before each punch).
3. Before turning, always do a strong look, demonstrating proper intention.
4. Don’t forget about your chamber hand (the hand not performing the technique).
5. The only stance is the front stance.  Your legs should be shoulder width a part, front knee bent, rear knee straight with your rear foot facing in a FORWARD direction.  If the stance is correct, your belt should be facing forward.
6. A center punch should be targeted at your own solar plexus.
7. Don’t forget to inhale on the preparations and exhale on the contractions.
8. Practice this form regularly at home until it is engrained in your muscle memory.