warrior-scholar magazine april 2010

Warrior-Scholar Magazine www.warriorscholarmagazine.com

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My name is Daniel R. Segarra I began my martial arts journey in 1974 and I have had the honor and

pleasure to train with some of the most talented martial arts masters in the world. This combined with

my studying the philosophy and mental technologies of the martial arts has given me what some con-

sider a unique perspective which I hope to share with you in the upcoming issues.

The Warrior-Scholar was the first martial art internet website in the world. I started it back before the

actual internet became public. Back in the day when one computer would have to dial another indi-

vidually as a bulletin board. It‟s pretty amazing how far it‟s come.

This magazine is not just about the art I developed (Moo Sa Do Kwan) but all martial arts. In a world

were martial arts is becoming a side show on pay per view or a hobby that people dabble in, I think it

is vital to remind the public how important and effective the ancient and traditional martial arts can be,

the world needs the positive aspects of the traditional martial arts now more than ever.

If you are interested in sharing an article, review of a book, movie or product please contact me at

[email protected] because this magazine is free writers are not financially compensated for

their contributions. But it is an opportunity to reach a wide audience.

In the spirit of the martial arts,

Dan Segarra

Welcome By Master Daniel R. Segarra (7th Dan)

mailto:[email protected]


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Quite often in classical martial arts we devoutly

follow traditions without understanding the pur-

pose of those traditions. Certain salutations,

hyung applications, and basic rituals are often

practiced with either an incomplete understand-

ing, incorrect understanding or no understand-

ing at all. It is often a valuable learning experi-

ence to seek to understand the purpose of

those unknown aspects, not question their

value but understand their purpose. For exam-

ple I will illustrate this point using a movement

common to almost all martial arts the Choon be

usually known as the „ready position‟.

Almost always choon bee (ready position) is

thought of as a combat ready position. But if

one were to really analyze the posture realisti-

cally you would have to come to the conclusion

that it has no tactical combat value and to think

so would invite disaster in a realistic combat

situation. So why is choon be so frequently

practiced and almost always bookends forms,

sparring and drills?

Choon be is a ready posture but it is an ener-

getic ready posture where you wake up your

spirit and center your energy in your hips.

You train yourself not to tense any other areas

unnecessarily and concentrate you energy in

your Dan Jun (center). This is complemented at

the end with Paro or the finishing posture. The

Paro is to calm the energy created to take action

and transform it into a complimentary virtue. Thus

we use conflict to transcend our primitive instincts

and transform them into higher spiritual levels.

This is the Alchemy of the martial arts, we trans-

form the lead of conflict into the gold of spiritual

mastery. This is what makes classical martial arts

so unique and special. In Korean martial arts

there are five elements Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal

and Water. Each is associated with an emotion

that can be transformed into a virtue, each time

an emotion is transformed it feeds a cycle and

each time the cycle is completed you reach a

higher spiritual level. In ancient times these prac-

tices were given interesting names like the “Wood

Test Skill” of the “Fire entrance record”, etc.

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

Traditions By Master Daniel R. Segarra (7th Dan)

The lost Alchemy of Traditional Martial Arts


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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 an-

ger 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 happi-

ness. Invite it in, and you will pass the fire

entrance record. The virtue associated

with fire is propriety. When we have empa-

thy and compassion for ourselves and oth-

ers this leads to respect (propriety) which

transforms the heart.

Earth – Toseunggeup 土昇級 Earth As-

cending Level – Pensiveness is associated

with the Earth element. The Earth element

can be grounding, or when deficient

dreamy. As with all of the emotions, we

must be sensitive to our present level of

centeredness, and adjust ourselves ac-

cordingly. 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 appro-

priate 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 Cultiva-

tion– 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 compas-

sion for ourselves and others this leads to re-

spect (propriety) which transforms the heart

and strengthens faith. Our faith allows us to

believe and gives us the motivation and confi-

dence 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


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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 associ-

ated with water is wisdom. Empathy and com-

passion for ourselves and others leads to re-

spect (propriety) which transforms the heart

and strengthens faith. Our faith allows us to

believe and gives us the motivation and confi-

dence to act righteously, just, and in harmony

with our higher self. Justice

develops wisdom and wis-

dom deepens our compas-

sion. As our wisdom grows

we can see past illusions

and outward manifestations

of our inner selves. Wis-

dom allows us to see past each person‟s

mask and have compassion for their trans-

gressions and struggles. Each time we com-

plete the cycle of the five elements our true

nature becomes more brighter or as Grand-

master Hwang Kee would say more

„luminous‟.

So all the ingredients of the classical martial

arts can be used as a vehicle to self mastery.

From 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 one-

ness. Su Il means literally to keep, protect, guard

the one.

So as you can see one can practice a tradition

such as choon be ignorantly thinking it is has

value as an actual combat application and com-

pletely miss the opportunity to use it and the

many other aspects of classical martial arts as

steps towards self mastery. There is a schism of

understanding in classical Korean martial arts for

many. Much of the classi-

cal 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 under-

stand 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 prac-

tice understanding the value and purpose of tradi-

tions, techniques and philosophy are rewarded

with something more valuable than all the gold of

the world.

Moo Sa!

“we transform the lead of

conflict into the gold of

spiritual mastery. This is

what makes classical

martial arts so unique and

special”


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Combat By Master Daniel R. Segarra (7th Dan)

Jang Kap Kwon (Long Back fist)

JKK is one of the most practiced techniques in the martial arts in Hyungs (forms) Chinese martial art-

ists practice it in various Kung Fu styles, Tang Soo Do practioners practice it in the Chil Sung (7 star)

forms and Yuk Ro (6 path forms) and of course we practice it in Moo Sa Do as well.

JKK is often practiced as an attack to two opponents one front and one back. This is usually the univer-

sal basic application. However how often do you find yourself in that exact situation? Probably not often

enough to practice JKK as much as you like. In Moo Sa Do we also use JKK as a leg capturing block.

We use the intermediate position to block the actual kick and the extended position to hold the leg and

attack.


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Review By Master Daniel R. Segarra (7th Dan)

The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (少林三十六房,

Shào Lín sān shí liù fáng), also known as The

Master Killer and Shaolin Master Killer, is a

1978 Shaw Brothers kung fu film directed by Liu

Chia-liang and starring Gordon Liu. It was re-

quired viewing at our school

the Five Towns Karate Cen-

ter and is one of the greatest

martial arts films ever made.

It has so many lesson filled

moments it makes it a true

classic.

The film follows a highly fic-

tionalized version of San Te,

a legendary Shaolin martial

arts disciple who trained un-

der the general Chi Shan,

portrayed by the director's

adopted brother Gordon Liu.

36th Chamber of Shaolin is

widely considered to be one

of the greatest kung fu films

and a turning point in its di-

rector's and star's careers. It

was followed by Return to the 36th Chamber,

which was more comedic in presentation and

featured Gordon Liu as the new main character

with another actor in the smaller role of San Te,

and Disciples of the 36th Chamber.

A young student named San Te is drawn by his

activist teacher into the local rebellion against

the Manchu government. The government offi-

cials suppress the uprising and liquidate the

school, killing friends and family members as well.

San Te seeks vengeance. Wounded in an attack by

Manchu henchmen, he flees to the Shaolin temple

and seeks training in kung fu. Initially the Buddhist

monks reject him, since he is an outsider, but the

chief abbot takes mercy on the

young man and lets him stay.

One year later, he begins his

martial arts training in the tem-

ple's 35 chambers and ad-

vances more rapidly than any

previous student. Along the

way, he is depicted as invent-

ing the three section staff.

However, as San Te nears the

end of his education, the tem-

ple officially exiles him as a

disguised way to allow him to

aid the people against the op-

pressors. He returns to the

outside world, namely to his

hometown, and assists the

people by teaching them mar-

tial arts. Before the political

revolution he is inspiring to

complete, he is forced into conflict with the Manchu

governor. Finally, he triumphs and returns to the

Shaolin temple, where he establishes the 36th

chamber, a special martial arts class for common

people to learn kung fu without having to become a

monk first.

From Wikipedia

To view the trailer click here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVx1LW4Ca_c


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Ho Sin Sool By Master Daniel R. Segarra (7th Dan)

Chil Sung Jaseh (Seven Star Stance)

The CSJ is another movement/stance found in many forms and martial arts. In Moo Sa Do we use the

CSJ to step on the opponents foot, trapping it to follow up with a push or strike. We also use the CSJ

to lock out the opponents shin by stepping behind their heel or buckle their knees when we shift for-

ward.


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Ho Sin Sool Continued from the previous page.

As we can see in the following pictures, the CSJ can be used to lock out the opponents shin

from both the inside and outside positions (illustrations 1,2,3,4) and step on the opponents foot

trapping it (illustration 5)

The defender moves his foot to the outside of the attackers placing it slightly behind the heel.

(illustration 1) The defender then shifts their weight forward, applying pressure on the oppo-

nents shin causing it to lock out. From this position the defender can continue to apply pressure

knocking the opponent to the floor or pull their foot back sweeping the attackers foot.

This can also be done either inside the opponents leg (Illustration 3) or outside (illustration 2).

In addition the defender can use the CSJ to step on the opponents foot, trapping it. When step-

ping on the attackers foot use only the ball, this way if the opponent manages to pull their foot

you will not lose your balance.


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Philosophy By Master Daniel R. Segarra (7th Dan)

The Secrets of the Ship Sam Seh

Many Tang Soo Do prationers have heard of the Ship Sam Seh, read about it or heard a reference

to it, but the Ship Sam Seh is an elusive subject for most. In this series of articles I will help explain

what the Ship Sam Seh are and how they can help you.

Introduction

Many years ago, when people tilled the land, counted the seasons

and pondered the mysteries of the universe. The philosophy of Do

(Tao Chinese) was born. Ancient people’s survival depended on

their observation and harmony with their environment. They devel-

oped a simple and profound holistic philosophy of why things are as

they are, and do as the do. They learned when to apply them-

selves, when to stand firm and when to yield. They applied this

simple philosophy towards their relationships with heaven, earth

and themselves. Since ancient people communicated first in pictures, this philosophy expressed

itself in a basic universal symbol which evolved as the people did. This is not a static symbol but

an animation of forces it is called Um (Yin) Yang. The actual Um/Yang diagram is called Tae Geug

Do 太極圖. The Um and Yang were illustrated as complementary forces; Fire/Water, Heaven/

Earth, Male/Female etc. They also were illustrated as lines; Yang being a solid line ------ and Um

being a broken line -- --. The ancient people observed that at various stages the two forces Um &

Yang resulted in four various combinations of lines:


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So action and reaction, harmony and discord, all relationships were reduced to a simple formula.

The strong Yang force represented by solid lines and the gentler Um force by weaker lines. This

formula eventually evolved into a three line formula. The top line representing Heaven, the mid-

dle line man and the bottom line the earth. These 3 lined symbols became to be known as "Gwe"

they represent the final evolution of the force continuum. The Pal Gwe or "eight forces" can be

applied to many things and the ancient people applied this knowledge to all their relationships.

Their relationships with, heaven, nature and themselves.


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These eight symbols became archetypes universal forces;

☰ "Heaven" The three strong Yang lines represent the power of the heavens.

☱ "Lake/Marsh" The two yang lines that seeped through the gentle Um/Yin line represents water

pooled into a lake.

☲ "Fire" The soft Um/Yin line surrounded by the two hard Yang lines represents the flame hotter on

the outside and cooler wick in the center.

☳ "Thunder" The hard Yang line ready to break through the weak Um/Yin lines like thunder.

☴ "Wind" The strong Yang lines float above the weaker Um/Yin line.

☵ "Water" The two soft Um/Yin lines surround the hard Yang line, represent the hardness inside

the soft.

☶ "Mountain" The strong Yang line capping the two softer Um/Yin lines representing the zenith of

the mountain.

☷ "Earth" The three Um/Yin lines open and receptive like fertile earth.

These trigrams when juxtaposed upon each other create sixty-four hexagram permutations eventu-

ally developing into the Chinese classic the Yi Ching (Chu yeok; Korean). The Yi Ching is a record

of the sixty four hexagrams (See chart opposite page) and their comparative relationships with the

various stages of birth, life, decay, sociological cycles, government and much more. For years it has

been used as an oracle for looking into the possible paths of any given situation.

This application of the "Do" philosophy permeated every aspect of ancient life. Agriculture and ar-

chitecture (Pung Su bop), Astrology (Ku Sung bop), Medicine (Sa Sang), Acupressure, and also the

combative arts (Kwon bup).

Each of the Pal Gwe were eventually assigned a direction forming the eight points of the compass.

Which in turn indicated possible directions of movement and attack. So now we have eight direc-

tions of movement and eight directions we can move our hips (forward, backward, left, right, up,

down, clockwise and counterclockwise) and combining that with the five basic steps (forward, back-

ward, left, right and center) and you have 13 possible kinetic energies that can be produced. These

energies are called the Ship Sam (13) Seh (actions/postures). 8 + 5 = 13.

To be continued next issue…...


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Final Thoughts

By Master Daniel R. Segarra (7th Dan)

Thank you!

Thank you for reading issue one, I hope you enjoyed it and if you would like to contribute to future is-

sues you an email us at; [email protected] and we will review your submission.

Some idea submissions for future issues;

Story, lesson, proverb

Movie, Book, Product, DVD, Seminar review

Comments, rebuttals, feedback

Upcoming seminar, tournament, clinic or special event

Articles on any martial arts related topic with pictures. We may even use for future cover shots.

Use your imagination, we are open to your suggestions.

Next issue we will cover; Peet Cha Gi (Diagonal kick), How to make and apply Warrior Balm, Secrets

of the Ship Sam Seh Part 2, and much more.

See you next issue.

D.Segarra

Next Month


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Next Month

PEET CHA GI

Next issue we will cover; Peet Cha Gi (Diagonal kick). Specific

stretches, and ways to apply it in sparring and self defense.

Secrets part 2

Next issue we will pick up where

we left off in issue one and discuss

five element theory.

How to make Warrior Balm

Next issue we will start an herbal medicine series beginning

with how to make and apply Warrior Balm (similar to Tiger

Balm)

And of course there will b self defense, sparring articles an

much more.


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warrior-scholar magazine april 2010

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classical martial arts

martial arts journey

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combat ready position

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