the secrets of the warrior-scholar · the origins of tang soo do and moo sa do’s symbol / logo by...
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The Secrets of the Warrior-Scholar
The Symbol of Moo Sa Do Kwan
www.warrior-scholar.com
PLEASE READ
A lot of hard work went into this series of books.
This book and the other books in this series are copyrighted by Master Daniel R. Segarra.
It may NOT be copied in whole or in part without the expressed permission
from its author.
Anyone giving out copies of this book or any of the publications in this series will be in violation of copyright laws and be responsible for any monies lost.
In other words DON’T give out a copy of this book!
If anyone wants a copy they can be found at:
www.warrior-scholar.com
For more information about the Moo Sa Do Kwan System of Martial Arts please visit the
link above.
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The origins of Tang Soo Do and Moo Sa Do’s Symbol / Logo By Master Daniel Segarra
When I created the Martial Art known as Moo Sa Do Kwan I did so
out of necessity not desire. I wanted a curriculum that could truly
take you from beginner to master step by step without the pitfalls
and politics of so many martial arts organizations I belonged to
before. To do this I knew in my heart that I had to do so not from
my Ego but from my center. Everyone has an Ego, to for some it‟s
obvious to others it‟s not, they usually have an abnormally large
ego and as we say in the Korean martial arts:
“Large Egos are carried by small minds”
It‟s the subconscious almost invisible role the Ego can play that can infect some of our
decision making in negative ways. So to remove my Ego from the equation I simply and
repeatedly asked this powerful question:
“How would my Grandmaster do this?”
This made me think on a different level or „out of the box‟ if you will. As Einstein said „No
problem can be solved on the same level of consciousness that created it” I elevated my
consciousness with this simple question and the ideas began to flow so fast I could not keep
up with them. Asking yourself power questions like this taps into the magic inside you.
The Logo of Moo Sa Do Kwan is a result of this. It is very special as it has encoded in it the
Moo Sa Do Kwan philosophy and much thought and meditation went into refining it. I hope
this guide gives you a deeper appreciation of the depth and breadth of your art and inspires
you to explore your full potential in it. And I hope you often ask yourself „How would a Master
do this?‟ Then do it that way.
Thank you,
In the spirit of the martial arts;
Dan Segarra
www.warrior-scholar.com
The Five components of the Moo Sa Do Kwan Logo
The MSD Logo comprises of Five components:
1. The hands
2. The Stripes
3. The Belt
4. The Stars
5. The Chinese Writing
The hands
The Hands in the Moo Sa Do Kwan logo represent the Um and Yang opposites of nature. The
left open hand represents Um the soft, defense, expansion, relaxation and friendship.
The closed right hand represents Yang the firm, offense, contraction, and justice. Together
they show balance. The left open hand is in front of the right closed fist to show we prefer
peace but are prepared to defend ourselves and what is right.
The Stripes
The Stripes total five. This represents the five Universal energies (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal
and Water). There are three red stripes within the Blue circle (belt) symbolizing Neh Kang Weh
Yu or Be gentle outwardly with inner strength. The White stripes represent inner purity and
clarity. The three red stripes also represent training the Mind, Body and Spirit or in Korean Neh
Gong (inner), Weh Gong (outer), Shim Gong (spirit).
They also represent the O Kae or Five rules of the Hwa Rang Knights.
In the year 540 A.D., Korean King Chinhung came to power in the Silla Kingdom at the ripe
young age of 7 years old and ruled until 576 A.D. One of his greatest contributions to Korean
History is the foundation of the "Hwa rang" Knights which eventually led to the unification of
Korea for the first time in history under the leadership of General Yoo Shin Kim. King Chinhung
called upon the services of Won Kwang Bopsa, who developed a moral code of conduct, which
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would be harmonious with the laws of nature, the "Hwarang O Kae." As modern day Knights,
we still practice and abide by the Hwa Rang O Kae,
The Knights Five Rules of Conduct – Hwa Rang O Kae
1. Loyalty to one‟s country
Il. Sa Kun E Chung
2. Loyalty to one‟s parent and teachers
E. Sa Chin E Hyo
3. Trust and Brotherhood among friends
Sam. Kyo U E Shin
4. Courage to never retreat in the face of the enemy
Sa. Im Jun Moo Teah
5. Justice to never take a life without a cause
O. Sal Sang U Teck
In 1945 Tang Soo Do/Soo Bahk Do Grandmaster Hwang Kee expanded the original five rules
to ten. This is represented by the ten elements on the belt (the seven stars and the three
Chinese characters)
Ten Articles of Faith (Modern Knights Code)
1. Be Loyal to your Country.
2. Be Obedient to your parents.
3. Be Loving between Husband and Wife.
4. Be Cooperative and caring between brothers and sisters .
5. Be Respectful to your Elders.
6. Be Faithful and Loyal to your teacher.
7. Be Faithful and Loyal to your friends.
8. Face Conflict with Justice and Honor.
9. Never Retreat in Battle. Don‟t Give up!
10. Always Finish what you Start.
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The Blue Belt
As mentioned in my publication the Secrets of the Warrior Scholar – The
Origins of the Belt Ranking System in Moo Sa Do we wear midnight blue
colored belts. This is actually the ancient tradition in Korea. Black belt being
of Japanese origin/ In Korea the Royal guards wore white uniforms trimmed
with Indigo (midnight) blue. This was originally due to that particular color
dye being very expensive so only Royalty and its vassals would usually wear
it. But colors also have a psychological effect and meaning to us. Blue
represents water, truth, maturity, humility etc. The psychological effect being
when practioners wear a midnight blue belt they understand they have more
to learn, whereas black colored belts symbolize and ending, blue represent a beginning. The
blue belt also represents the center or „Huri‟ in Korean also called the „Dan Jun‟. Emphasizing
that we operate from our center.
So attaining the level of Midnight Blue belt in Moo Sa Do is a major achievement and that is
why it plays such an important part of its logo.
The seven Stars
The Seven Stars symbolize the seven body parts, seven energy centers and the seven levels
of centeredness.
The Seven stars also represent the Dipper (斗宿) constellation which points to the North star.
This harkens back to the ancient times when travelers would use the North star to guide them
safely home, so to we use our training to guide us safely through life.
Seven Levels of Centeredness
1. Connect to your center
2. Maintain your center while being still
3. Maintain your center while moving
4. Maintain your center working in a group environment
5. Maintain your center with a cooperative partner
6. Maintain your center with an uncooperative partner
7. Maintain your center in danger or under stress.
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The Great Bear
The Seven Stars also is represented in Western
Astrology by the Bear archetype. The Bear represents
the first form in Moo Sa Do due to its deliberateness
and power in movement and strong connection to the
Earth. In Eastern culture the Dipper is also central to all
other astrological signs.
Seven stages of being a member
1. Customer
2. Member (Casual member)
3. Jae Ja (Family member)
4. Kyo Jo (Instructors assistant)
5. Jo Kyo (Assistant instructor)
6. Kyo Sa (Teacher)
7. Sa Bom (Master Instructor)
Seven Body Zones
1. Head
2. Shoulders
3. Arms
4. Hands
5. Hips
6. Knees
7. Feet
Seven Human Needs
1. Physiological needs – air, food, reproduction
2. Safety needs – shelter, environment
3. Social/Love needs – relationships, family, groups
4. Esteem needs – personal accomplishment, recognition
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5. Cognitive needs – to learn, understand and grow
6. Aesthetic needs – symmetry, order and beauty
7. Self Actualization needs – exploring your potential
The Chinese characters
The Chinese characters on the Moo Sa Do Kwan
Symbol represent living in balance from our center. The
three characters are Moo (武 warrior) Sa (士 scholar)
and Do (道 way or path). They remind us that our
decisions, choices and actions should be that of a
Warrior Scholar.
They character Do (道) is circled representing the
Warrior and Scholar sides of us should be balanced.
Also the circle plus the seven stars represent eight
compass points on the circle. The eight compass points represent the eight Natural forces,
which are similar but different from the Five Elemental energies.
The Eight Elemental Forces:
1. 火 Fire ☲
2. 地 Earth ☷
3. 澤 Lake ☱
4. 天 Heaven ☰
5. 水 Water ☵
6. 山 Mountain ☶
7. 雷 Thunder ☳
8. 風 Wind ☴
This combined with the Five elements Fire (火, Earth 土, Metal 金, Water 水 and Wood 木)
creates what we call the Ship Sam Seh or 13 martial forces and is covered in detail in Secrets
of the Warrior Scholar the Ship Sam Seh. The eight forces are symbolically represented using
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a series of broken and solid lines called trigrams. When combined these form sixty four
hexagrams and are the basis for the oldest book in the world the I Ching and is an important
part or the Moo Sa Do System. The I Ching can be used as a tool to think beyond the Ego and
in accordance with nature. It is the basis for the Eastern Culture and Philosophy and due to its
simple beauty it also has had a dramatic impact on the West. The binary language which
ultimately led to the modern computer was developed in 1679 by Gottfried Leibniz who was
inspired by the trigrams in the I ching. When this Eastern philosophy met Western
Science the world was forever changed in a positive and profound way.
The three phases of development
The Moo Sa Do Kwan Symbol represents three
phases of Universal and Human development:
Phase 1 Universal - Cosmocentric
The Universes energy takes the form of Negative (Um
represented by the open hand) and Positive (Yang
represented by the closed hand) which creates the
Five Elements (the Five stripes), the Five Elements
creates the physical Universe (represented by the
Seven Stars). The Universal Laws are the “Do” or way. People that follow that way are called
Moo Sa Do In (Warrior Scholar People) represented by the three characters: Moo 武 Do 道
Sa 士.
Phase 2 Personal - Egocentric
Since you are a part of the Universe your energy also takes the form of Um (negative) and
Yang (positive) which manifests itself in Five elements. Balancing these we become centered,
we then test our center through seven levels of centeredness to explore our full potential as
human beings in accordance with the natural Laws this is the Warrior-Scholar Way. We learn
technically to deal with physical conflict through martial arts motions while at the same time
learning to transform our inner conflict into positive virtues within ourselves through Moo Sa
Do‟s unique martial art philosophy.
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Phase 3 Interpersonal - Worldcentric
The hands also represent the senior/Junior relationship. The student goes through the five belt
colors (five stripes) and through the seven levels of membership (customer, member, jae ja,
kyo Jo, Jo Kyo, Kyo Sa and Sa Bom) we help them along their paths as Warrior-Scholar‟s so
in this way Moo Sa Do has the potential to positively impact many people through its members
sharing their knowledge with others. The modern Knights of the Moo Sa Do style have helped
spread Moo Sa Do‟s positive philosophy throughout the world.
1. Phase 1 Cosmocentric you understand you are part of nature
2. Phase 2 Egocentric you begin training yourself to begin connecting with nature
3. Phase 3 Worldcentric you understand your role in Moo Sa Do and help others through
your example.
道
Cosmocentric
Universe
Egocentric
You
Worldcentric
Othes/Society
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The Universal meaning
The Universes energy manifests as Um/Yang the positive and negative forces (The hands)
create the: 5 elements; Wood, Fire, Earth, Water, Metal (represented by the 5 stripes) which
create; The (7) Stars and all things in the Universe.
The Stars nourish life and growth (represented by the belt)
Life inspired the Moo Sa Do philosophy (represented by the Chinese characters)
So the logo reminds us to be in harmony with Nature as we are a part of it, from the inner to
the outer, the Microcosm to the Macrocosm.
This also reminds us that everything in us originates from the inner to the
outer in training. The outward manifestation of our presentation is actually
an expression of our inner self.
Movement and physical conflict
When the mind is balanced like the Yin (Um) Yang it tells the Hips
(center) to begin moving using the Five elements as reactions to the
threat. For example when someone aggressively attacks that is akin to
the Fire element. The balanced response would be to yield like water
extinguishing the fire. So the hips tell the other body parts (which equal
seven like the stars in the logo; head, hips, shoulders, knees, feet,
elbows and hands) to move accordingly.
In martial arts the body can also be likened to an army, the mind is the
general or ‟primary actor‟, the hips the captain, the elbows and
knees the sergeants and the feet and hands the soldiers. If this chain of
command is kept then movements will be natural and powerful.
Capitan
General
Sergeant Sergeant
Sergeant Sergeant
Soldier Soldier
Soldier Soldier
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For example the General (Mind) tells the Captain (hip) to move, the Captain tells the sergeants
(knees and/or elbows) to move and they in turn move the soldiers (hands and feet). Like
clockwork cogs connected together, one affecting the other. Just like an armies victory
depends on quality leadership and good soldiers, quality technique depends on good basics
and a proper connection between mind (leader), captain (hips), and body (soldiers). And just
as in an army, a general must communicate clear instructions, so to must our consciousness
communicate clear instructions, and allow the natural chain of command to be followed. In
order to do that our minds (generals) must be prepared through proper training, attitude and
focus.
Inner Conflict
The Five elements are not just tactical responses which trigger physical responses but also the
key to inner alchemy turning the lead of negativity into the gold of self mastery. Each of the
Five elements has a positive and negative virtue:
Wood – Mokshijae 木試才 Wood Test Skill – The element wood is associated with anger. Just
like fire needs wood to burn, so, too, does anger. As with all emotions, we do not want to
suppress them; nature gave them to us for a reason, but it is equally important not to let them
get out of control. To pass the wood test skill, take away the fuel, and the fire dies out; focus
on being centered, and the anger subsides. Transform the anger into compassion.
Compassion for others leads to propriety.
Fire – Hwa-Ipjeok 水受牌 Fire Entrance Record – Joy is the emotion associated with fire. As
with all of the elements, we want to have balance. We want to cultivate our center, finding joy
where ever we are. Even the most mundane tasks can provide us with joy, if we apply the
proper attitude. Focus on the present moment; find joy in the simplest things. Don‟t chase
happiness. Invite it in, and you will pass the fire entrance record. The virtue associated with fire
is propriety. When we have empathy and compassion for ourselves and others this leads to
respect (propriety) which transforms the heart.
Earth – Toseunggeup 土昇級 Earth Ascending Level – Pensiveness is associated with the
Earth element. The Earth element can be grounding, or when deficient dreamy. As with all of
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the emotions, we must be sensitive to our present level of centeredness, and adjust ourselves
accordingly. Aspirations are important but to turn our dreams into our reality we must balance
aspiration with perspiration. In other words, dreams are nothing without being grounded in
action. Acknowledge the present, take appropriate action and center yourself, to pass the
Earth ascending level. The virtue associated with earth is faith. When we have empathy and
compassion for ourselves and others this leads to respect (propriety) which transforms the
heart and strengthens our faith.
Metal – Geumsureon 金修練 Golden Cultivation– The metal element is associated with
sadness. It is natural to feel sad at times, but it is important to acknowledge the emotion, let it
happen and let it go. Instead of letting the sadness overwhelm us, we can cultivate the emotion
and turn it into something positive, like the alchemist who turns the metal lead into gold. The
virtue associated with metal is justice. When we have empathy and compassion for ourselves
and others this leads to respect (propriety) which transforms the heart and strengthens faith.
Our faith allows us to believe and gives us the motivation and confidence to act righteously,
just, and in harmony with our higher self.
Water – Susubi 水受牌 Water Reception Pillar – Fear is the emotion associated with water.
Crying and bladder control, weak knees are all effects rooted in fear. Fear happens when we
are thinking outside the present moment thereby protecting our minds into imaginary
situations. You cannot have fear when you are centered. Also fear affects the posture, usually
making you hunch your shoulders; straighten your posture like a column (pillar), breathe and
center yourself and you will pass the water reception pillar. The virtue associated with water is
wisdom. Empathy and compassion for ourselves and others leads to respect (propriety) which
transforms the heart and strengthens faith. Our faith allows us to believe and gives us the
motivation and confidence to act righteously, just, and in harmony with our higher self. Justice
develops wisdom and wisdom deepens our compassion. As our wisdom grows we can see
past illusions and outward manifestations of our inner selves. Wisdom allows us to see past
each person‟s mask and have compassion for their transgressions and struggles. Each time
we complete the cycle of the five elements our true nature becomes more brighter or as
Grandmaster Hwang Kee would say more „luminous‟.
So all the ingredients of this unique martial art can be used as a vehicle to self mastery. From
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the most basic actions to the challenges
of combat we must practice them with
the original intent in mind. Which is to
transform ugliness of conflict into
the beauty of mastery. This practice is
called Su Il (守一) or keeping oneness.
Su Il means literally to keep, protect,
guard the one, or to be so strong no
one can disturb your peaceful mind.
Each time you go through the cycle of
the Five elements you progress higher
and higher in levels, at first you must
train yourself to enter a centered state
of mind. You extend this state through practice which leads to Stages. States are temporary
but repeated practice will lead to advancement in stages. States are temporary, stages are
permanent.
So as you can see one can practice traditions such as bowing, sitting, standing at attention
ignorantly thinking they only have value as an actual combat applications and completely miss
the opportunity to use them and the many other aspects of classical martial arts as steps
towards self mastery. There is a schism of understanding in classical martial arts for many.
Much of the classical martial arts were taught by people that were born of its culture and some
naturally and intuitively understood these concepts, many if not more did not, and with each
passing of these traditions especially when passed to the West the real value of them began to
fade and was lost. But when seeking to understand their original intent their value still echo‟s
hundreds of years later to those sincere few that seek it. Those few that put this alchemy into
practice understanding the value and purpose of traditions, techniques and philosophy are
rewarded with something more valuable than all the gold of the world.
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Final Thoughts
So as you can see a tremendous amount of thought and care went into the development of
this special symbol or our art. Wear this symbol proudly and study its philosophy to explore
your full potential as human beings. One of the most beautiful things about the Eastern culture
is it can simplify a sometimes complex subjects so we can better understand them intuitively. It
is not in opposition to the Western philosophy but a different way of explaining the same
Universal concepts.
It is the Science of developing your full potential.
Moo Sa!
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Well here we are at the end of this book. I‟d like to thank you for
your time and I hope some of my ideas and concepts are helpful to
you as you progress in your martial arts journey in Moo Sa Do.
If you are not yet a member of our organization and would like
more information about our style Moo Sa Do Kwan™, please feel
free to ask me any questions via our face book page:
www.facebook.com/moosado or visit our webiste: www.warrior-
scholar.com you can also contact me personally there and I will be happy to answer any
questions you have.
I am available to teach clinics both nationally and internationally to share the Moo Sa Do style
with those interested. Clinics can be on various topics and combinations of topics:
Ki Gong (energy exercises)
Advanced Ho Sin Sool (Self Defense) & Body guarding skills.
Sparring strategies
Meditation and mental technologies
Weaponry and improvised weaponry
And much more.
My extensive credentials and resume are online at; http://www.warrior-
scholar.com/blog/?page_id=178
My meditation book is available at; http://www.lulu.com/content/770689
My email is; [email protected] Thank you,
In the spirit of the martial arts;
Dan Segarra
www.warrior-scholar.com
Secrets of the Warrior-Scholar Series
Mastering your Goals – Your guide to detting goals from white belt to master
From Tang Soo Do to Moo Sa Do the History of the FTKC
The Moo Sa Do Symbol
The Origins of the Belt Ranking System
The 13 Secret Principes
Leadership – The 12 Qualities to become a Leader
Mind Mastery Series
The Power of the Mind
Advanced Memory Techniques