TSL Blog

A MARTIAL ARTS MASTER PROGRAM

by
Thien-Si Le
(Certified Fourth Degree-Black-Belt Master
&
Doctor of Computer Science in Bigdata Analytics)
March 12, 2020

A. Title of Master

1. Philosophy and knowledge of the Mu Han Martial Arts

Martial Arts origin comes from human structure in creation. Human structure consists of (a) 4 legs to 2 legs, (b) a flexor and an extensor, (c) a voluntary muscle and an involuntary muscle, (d) hormone. In Martial Arts development, an adaption of Martial Arts to a residential nature environment includes a region (i.e., weather, size of land, elevation), food source, transportation, and geographical position with enemy. The Skill to Art is the power source of main weapon in war from ancient time to present time through a stone age, bronze and metal period to gun powder today.

A variety of the Martial Arts is the rules in the artificial environment. The rules include (a) floor material and size such as the ring, mat, etc., (b) protector, i.e., protective gears, mouth guards, (c) permissible range of attack, and (d) belts and ranking. Martial Arts are classified into 4 categories:

· Martial or military: Instant action/reaction, momentary knowledge. It is inefficient and nonsense.

· Martial Technique: Constant teaching, continuous knowledge. It is efficient and making sense.

· The Way of Martial Arts: How to pass technique from one generation to another generation. For example, instructor class, Taekwondo, Kung Fu, Karate, Judo, Kendo, etc.

· Martial Arts: Through The Way of Martial Arts, martial technique becomes the Art. For instance, we are the Arts.

During learning and teaching Martial Arts, especially Tae Kwon Do (TKD), Mu Han Total Martial Arts requires all masters, instructors and students to focus on three principal aspects, i.e., (a) Jeong, (b) Ki, (c) Shin with Joong Yong. To be an ideal martial artist, Mu Han recommends that students, particularly masters, should keep in mind a good balance between these aspects in TKD.

2. Forms

Forms are techniques, patterns or poomsaes. In traditional martial arts, there are 18 techniques. Later, great grand masters/founders add 6 more techniques such as bow, arrows, horse riding. Therefore, modern martial arts have 24 techniques. Technique comprises (a) physical technique and (b) strategy (mental technique):

a. Physical technique: To make a strategy successful, one or more basic motions are combined together. For example, a martial artist’s left hand block on an opponent’s punch is followed by his back turn for a right elbow on the opponent’s face/jaw, then the martial artist’s front turn to deliver a roundhouse kick to the opponent’s belly. A combination of basic motions intends to make an opponent confuse and unpredictable.

b. Strategy is a mental technique which a martial artist can use to offense, defense, counter-attack, protect, disable effectively the opponents. A martial artist can use strategy on the motions at really quick momentum/inertia, actual action with great impact or strong delivery.

For Master Level, a candidate requires to perform:

a. World Taekwondo: Tae Baek

b. International Moon Mu Kwan: Um Yang Soo II

c. Kung Fu: Mae Hwa Ran

d. Mae Hwa Kwon

3. Physical

Physical or Shin is one of 3 principal aspects (Jeong (Mentality), Ki (Technique), Shin (Physical body)) in Martial Arts. Physical is body, physical conditions of the martial artists.

· Mu Han Physical and Target

This aspect focuses on the requirements for testing, including 12 hand motion sets (6 offenses, 6 defenses), poomsaes, Mu Han kicks, and board breaking. All activities such as warm-up, sit-up, push-up, fast-paced movement, stretch, etc. that improves the body for better kicking and punching require a martial artist’s body strength. Martial artists need to be in top physical shape in order to perform their best.

1^st Quarter	2^nd Quarter	3^rd Quarter	4^th Quarter
Isolated	Flexible	Multi Join	Martial Arts Basics

4. Sparring

Sparring is essential training for martial artists because it teaches students how to use distance to control their own attacks and defenses. It teaches blocking and kicking techniques (actually trying to hit a target rather than just the air). It teaches control of one's own techniques. It is testing your marital art skills against another person in a controlled environment.

At Mu Han, sparring comprises full contact (Olympic style), light contact, no contact and step sparring.

a. World Taekwondo style:

b. Wushu:

c. Judo:

d. Aikido (Step sparring)

e. Moon Mu Kwan (Step sparring)

5. Self Defense:

Self Defense is awareness. While Martial Arts is a study subject, Self Defense is a survival skill. Self Defense only concerns a martial artist’s safety. On the other hand, his/her opponent’s safety is not in concern. The knowledge of Self Defense is not only to physically attack from someone but also how to keep healthy mind and strong body.

Self Defense Technique is divided into 3 objects: Men, Women and Martial Arts joint locking principle.

a. For Men: Awareness, Throat, Fist Swing and Tackle

b. For Women: Awareness, Holding from the front, Holdig from the back, Ground defense, and Escaping ground.

c. Arts joint locking principle:

Outside in: Shoulder and Throat

Inside out: Throat and Wrist

High to Low: Head

6. Teaching:

Assistant Instructor (AI) Course: two-year program (4 semesters) for leadership students who support all activities carried out at each do jang during class as well as testing and special occasions or events. The AI is responsible of taking attendance using management software from Martialytics. After 2-years training, the assistant instructor will be graduated with a certified title Martial Arts Instructor at Mu Han.

Instructor is responsible of following the “2-1 Color Belt Instruction” sheet in preparation of the class. This position is responsible of guiding and instructing the students’ progression in requirements implementing MU Han’s curriculum. The instructor must strive to maintain the quality of instruction of the class as per Mu Han’s quality standards learned during the 4-semester instructor course.. Give support to the Head Master, Director of Discipline and Masters as per their request.

Communication Lead Instructor (CLI) manages communications between Mu Han and the students/parents, supports managerial activities at the dojang. CLI is responsible for reports requested by the Head Master, as well as maintenance of the student database Martialytics in that dojang. Give support to the Head Master, Director of Discipline and Masters as per their request. Keep track of trial students and report to the Head Master, Director of Discipline, Masters and/or Lead Instructor.

Lead Instructor (LI) oversees the general management of the dojang and instruction of students. LI is responsible of all reports as well as maintenance of the student database Martialytics in the dojang. Oversee that the instructors and assistant instructors in the dojang uphold Mu Han’s values and code of respect at all times within the school grounds and surroundings. Give support to the Head Master, Director of Discipline, and Masters as per their request.

Masters have responsibilities and duties similar to Lead Instructor. In addition, the masters have more freedom to overlook and support all activities and events at Mu Han. They may provide vision and determine the growth of Mu Han under the guidance from the Head Master and Director of Discipline. Also, they should find their own path in Martial Arts through Mu Han by seeing and realizing boundary and build up standard or benchmark for subject based on the main purpose of contact, the style of Arts, the methods and the standard of contact power level.

B. Certifications

1. World Taekwondo Federation by Kukkiwon

World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) is located in Seoul, Korea and established in 1973. WTF is the international organization governing the sport of Taekwondo and it is a member of the Association of Summer Olympic International Federation. The Kukkiwon conducts standardized Dan promotion tests and issues black belt certificates to Taekwondo practitioners through member nation associations of the WTF.

2. Moon Moo Kwan Taekwondo

Moon Moo Kwan Taekwondo (MMK), also called Professional Taekwondo, is an organization established in 1966 to train Korean Army and Navy forces. International MMK. It was found by Master Young Park in Korea. The IMMK certification indicates the practitioners go a step further in their martial arts journey.

3. Jing Fu Kung Fu

Jing Fu Kung Fu focuses on “mastering others is strength; mastering yourself makes you fearless” Certifications of the Jing Fu Kung Fu point out that the practitioner masters his/her technique, mentality and physical body.

4. Mu Han Total Martial Arts

Mu Han Total Martial Arts is based on different Eastern culture strking techniques. “To be the best of the best……!” Students all come to Mu Han with different goals and expectation, but together we will travel the same path of discipline to achieve all the goals the students have set and most likely more. Mu Han conducts Black Belt promotion tests and issues Black Belt certifications to students through Mu Han Total Martial Arts System.

C. Subject to study

1. World Taekwondo Federation style

World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) is renowned for its involvement in international competitions, primarily Olympics developed by General Choi. WTF is quick, tactical, and more commercial in nature. WTF has the forms or poomsae and does not allow punch to the face though it’s a full-contact sport.

2. Moon Moo Kwan

Moon Moo Kwan Taekwondo (MMK), also called Professional Taekwondo, is an organization established in 1966 to train Korean Army and Navy forces. International MMK helps TKD practitioners and schools to expand their current curriculum with modernized martial arts skill based on traditional movements developed by MMK founders, i.e., Master Young Park. MMK’s striking techniques have a very exlosibve impact, rendering this art to be used in battle rather than sports. Therefore it is only suitable for the Special Force, West Point, President body guards, and Police 707 Special Task Team in Korea.

3. Sip Pal Ki

Sip Pal Ki is a Korea Martial Art first organized in 1759. It consists of a system of eighteen traditional military practices followed in Korea. These techniques are classified into three categories: thrust slice, and strike. They reflect the strong influence from Chinese Martial Arts and the tactical military situatopn of the 16^th and 17^th centuries, before firearms and modern military technology replaced bladed weapons as a primary-use in the Korean Army.

4. Kung Fu

Kung Fu was derived from traditional Chinese martial arts. It was developed in China after 1949 in effort to standardize the practice of traditional Chinese martial arts. The forms include basic movements such as stances, balances, jumps, sweeps and throws,

It bases on aggregate categories of traditional Chinese martial art style. It can be changed for competitions to highlight a practitioner’s strengths. Modern Kung Fu competitors are increasingly training in aerial techniques such as 540 and 720 or even 900 degree jumps and kicks to add more difficulty and style to their forms.

5. Kum Do

Kum Do is a modern Korean martial art derived from Japanese Kendo. Kum Do means the way of the sword or Korea martial arts based upon swordsmanship in 1927.

Kumdo practitioners generally favor a dynamic style of play, focusing on using fast, aggressive, and effective small motion strikes to create openings for attacks more in line with battlefield use.

D. Testing for 4^th Dan

1. Eligibility

To be eligible for Sa Dan promotion test, a martial artist must satisfy 3 conditions:

a. Mu Han 3^rd Dan: A martial artist must have Mu Han Sam Dan.

b. Four years in training and practice: Fully completed eight semesters

c. Over 24-years-old

2. Focus Training Period

a. 6 months in training focuses on 3 principal aspects: Mind, Body, and Technique

b. Video recording each month

6-Month Focus Training
Aspects	1^st	2^nd	3^rd	4^th	5^th	6^th
Mind	Origin of Martial Arts	Basic Knowledge	History of Martial Arts	Conditions to live, culture and Martial Arts	Select subject of Essay	Writing Essay
Body	Isolated	Flexible	Multi Join	Multi Join	Flexible
Technique	Moon Moo Kwan	Moon Moo Kwan	Sip Pal Ki Kung Fu	Taekwondo	All

3. Subject to Training

All requirements

4. Division of Intensity

- Senior: Less than 39 years old

- Mid senior: Less than 55 years old

- Golden Senior: 55 years old or more

5. Actual Schedule

Note: Subject to be changed every Testing

Training Schedule
Days	Dojang	Time
Monday	Taunton	6:40 PM – 7:30 PM
Tuesday	N. Attleboro	6:20 PM – 8:00 PM
Thursday	Franklin	6:20 PM – 8:00 PM
Meeting	Taunton	30 Minutes after every Taunton Color Belt Testing
Summer	Outdoor Training	2 nights and 3 days (To be determined date and location)

Note:

This paper was submitted to Head Master Oh Jin of Mu Han Total Martial Arts on March 09, 2020

Sĩ Quan Hải Quân Việt Nam Cộng Hòa (HQ/VNCH) : Họ là ai ?

Sĩ Quan HQ/VNCH gồm nhiều thành phần:

- SQ HQ Hiện Dịch : Họ được vào Trường Võ Bị Liên Quân 4 năm. Học đến năm thứ 3 thì được chuyển sang TTHLHQ/NT để học về hải nghiệp 3 tháng vào mùa hè, rồi trở lại Võ Bị học và thi ra trường. Họ được học 4 năm và ra trường với câp bậc thiếu úy hiện dịch

- SQ HQ học từ trường HQ Pháp Brest: SQ HQ được huấn luyện bởi Pháp về VN đa số nắm giữ các chức vụ quan trọng trong HQ

- SQ HQ xuất thân từ TTHLHQ/NT Trường SQHQ/VNCH- Đây là các SQ trừ bị ký giấy tờ phục vụ HQ 5 năm. Nhóm SQ HQ này gồm 2 ngành : Chỉ Huy về hành quân biển và Cơ Khí. Học trình 2 năm sau này do nhu cầu chiến tranh nên giảm còn 1 năm. Nhóm SQ này khá hổn tạp : Tối thiểu Tú Tài II từ các trường trung học phổ thông, Kỹ Thuật, Mỹ Thuật, Nông Lâm Súc, Khoa Học, Y Khoa.... - Họ ra trường với cấp bậc chuẩn úy, 1 năm sau sẽ lên thiếu úy. Riêng các khóa học tại TTHLHQ/NT 2 năm ra trường mang lon thiếu úy trừ bị.

- SQ HQ Chiến Binh : Được tuyển từ Trường Võ Khoa Thủ Đức phải có Tú Tài II trở lên. Họ thường nắm các chức vụ như an ninh, nội vụ,...

- SQ Đoàn Viên : Đây là các đoàn viên có Tú Tài II học làm SQ HQ. Nhóm này có học ít nhất là đã có Tú Tài I, tay nghề cứng về các ngành nghề trong HQ như Giám Lộ Vận Chuyển, Truyền Tin, Cơ Khí, Điện Khí, ...

- Hàng Hải Thương Thuyền: Có Tú Tài I học 2 năm ở trường Cao Đẳng HHTT ở Trung Tâm Kỹ Thuật Phú Thọ ra cán sự HHTT được tuyển vào Hải Quân

- OCS Offcicer Candidate school : Tú Tài II khá Anh Văn được tuyển chọn thụ huấn ở trường HQ OCS ở Rhode Island . Nhóm này được học 6 tháng về hành quân sông thường được đưa về các giang đoàn - Ra trường mang cấp bậc Chuẩn Úy, 1 năm sau lên thiếu úy

- AOCS : Austalian OCS - tương tự như nhóm OCS vì nhu cầu được huấn luyện bởi HQ Hoàng Gia Úc

- Khóa Sĩ Quan Đặc biệt để các sĩ quan các ngành nghề về học bổ túc hải nghiệp

- HQ/VNCH có 1 sĩ quan VN được học ở US Naval Academy Annapolis : Trần Minh Trực, con của Tư Lệnh Trần Văn Chơn

Ghi chú : Năm 1970

- Lương hằng tháng của SVSQ/HQ : 7,800 đồng
- Lương hằng tháng của thiếu úy HQ : 19,000 đồng
- Thiếu úy có đi chiến hạm có phụ cấp hải vụ : 2,000 đồng + 19,000 = 21,000 đồng

- Đi chiến hạm trên 2 năm có thể được Hải Vụ Bôi Tinh !!

- Bên Nhảy Dù, họ có thêm 4,500 đồng tiền chuyên nghiệp
- Nếu có bằng Dù : được thêm 1,200 đồng !