As a certified studio under the US Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Federation, and World Moo Duk Kwan. Wasatch Martial Arts Academy upholds to the highest standards of martial arts instruction. All classes are taught by Brian Corrales, Sa BomNim, who is a 5th Dan and master-level, certified instructor.
Our general curriculum includes the following items:
- Ki Cho (Basics)
- Hyung (Forms)
- Dae Ryun (Sparring)
- Ho Sin Sul (Self Defense Techniques)
- Ki Gong (Energy Exercises)
Ki Cho (Basics)
The most noticeable defining characteristic of our technique is our unique use of hip (huri). All of our techniques can be broken down into two distinct movements: Defensive and Offensive Hip. In the center of our hips is our physical center of gravity and the source of our technique’s strength. It is during ki cho training that we scientifically analyze each movement to ensure that each block and strike is as powerful, efficient, and effective as possible.
Ki cho training will enable you to move from your hip, thus putting your entire body into harmony, giving you an added coordination of balance, speed, and power. Many consider this feeling a type of “moving meditation”.
Hyung (Forms)
Forms are a fundamental and elemental part of our training. Ancient people had a deep interest in the development of forms as well as a profound understanding of them. Below is a quote from the Moo Yei Do Bo Tong Ji, which is the oldest documentation of Korean Martial Arts (300 Years), the author is unknown:
“Performing with hands and feet and conditioning the body is the beginning of the study of the art of Soo Bahk. In actual combat, form does not seem in an obvious way to be a necessary part of the martial arts. However practicing forms perfects the ability to perform hand and foot techniques freely. This is fundamental to making the best use of one’s body at all times.”
Basic to all martial arts is this: After the basic movements are learned they are applied to and transformed into forms. As established, traditional and clearly defined sets of steps, jumps, blocks, kicks and punches, each of the forms in our art has a unity and purposed. The elements which make up the character or personality of a form are as follows:
- Form Sequence
- Power Control
- Tension and Relaxation
- Speed and Rhythm Control
- Direction of Movements
- Spirit or Attitude
- Power of Technique
- Understanding Form Technique
- Distinctive Features of the Form
- Perfect Finish
- Precision of Movements
- Intentness
The forms unique to Wasatch Martial Arts Academy and Soo Bahk Do include:
- Chil Sung Hyung (set of 7)
- Yuk Ro Hyung (set of 6)
- Hwa Sun Hyung
The Chil Sung Hyung set likened unto the polar star who guided sailors to their destinations. The Chil Sung forms likewise teach us the essence of Soo Bahk Do technique and philosophy. The Yuk Ro forms are Grandmaster Hwang Kee’s interpretations of the some of the techniques found in the Kwan Bup version of the Moo Yei Do Bo Tong Ji. This book is the oldest document portraying Soo Bahk techniques. Along with the Yuk Ro techniques, the Moo Yei Do Bo Tong Ji has a complete form. Hwa Sun Hyung is Hwang Kee’s interpretation of the form.
Besides Soo Bahk Do forms, Wasatch Martial Arts Academy teaches the following Hyung sets that are very similar to those taught in other martial arts systems:
- Ki Cho Hyung
- Pyong Ahn Hyung (also known as Pinan or Heian)
- Naihanji Hyung (also known as Tekki)
- Bassai Hyung
- Jin Do (Gankaku)
- Lo Hai
- Sip Soo (Jutte)
- Kong Sang Koon (Kushanku)
- Sei San (Hangetsu)
Dae Ryun (Sparring)
Dae Ryun can be subdivided into Il Soo Sik (One Step Sparring) and Ja Yu Dae Ryun (Free Sparring).
Il Soo Sik are pre-determined fight sequences where the offending side throws a punch to his/her partner’s face. The defending side has an opportunity, in a controlled environment, to learn various theories of defense. After the student has been armed with enough practice drills, he/she moves on to Ja Yu Dae Ryun, or free sparring. In a non-contact environment, students test their reflexes in both offense and defense. Harmony and balance are stressed.
Ho Sin Sul (Self Defense Techniques)
Self Defense begins with awareness of your surroundings and your own circumstances. This allows you to prevent dangerous situations from happening. Nevertheless, when faced in a difficult situation, it’s important to be armed with the needed tools to survive or protect a loved one. Ho Sin Sul teaches escape techniques from various grabs and attacks. Emphasis is more placed on joint manipulations and throws, rather than strikes.
Ki Gong
There are two main purposes of the martial arts:
- Effective Self Defense
- Increased health and well-being
Ki Gong training deals with the latter of the two. Ki is an abstract term used in East Asian medicine to describe the force that sustains life. Ki Gong is then learning how to develop and cultivate Ki through various exercises. These exercises gently work the bones, ligaments, and muscles, as well as the internal organs, circulatory, immune, lymphatic and meridian (energy) systems.
Wasatch Martial Arts Academy teaches modern stretching and strengthening exercises along with two ancient Ki Gong exercises: Moo Pahl Dan Kuhm (Martial exercises) and Moon Pahl Dan Kuhm (Scholarly exercises).