PILSUNG MOO DO
Meaning of Pilsung Moo Do
The Martial Art of Pilsung Moo Do was founded by Grand Master Young H. Kwon and is a dynamic and modern blend of the techniques found in the Traditional Korean arts of Tang Soo Do & Tae Kwon Do. PILSUNG (as mentioned before), means “Certain Victory”, MOO represents “Martial skills or techniques”, and DO means “art, philosophy, or way of life”.
Roughly translated: PILSUNG MOO DO means “Martial Art/Way of Certain Victory
Philosophy of Pilsung Moo Do
The philosophy of Pilsung Moo Do is based on unity of mind, body and spirit. To effectively defend itself, the body is trained by the mind to coordinate movement. However, the development of the body and the coordination of Pilsung Moo Do techniques are not fully effective unless they occur in conjunction with the development of respect, moral character, courtesy, self-discipline, patience, forgiveness and humility. Pilsung Moo Do is a combination of a state of mind, working in unison with a trained body. When courtesy, respect, and humility accompany mental and physical skills, the use of Pilsung Moo Do becomes an art.
Meditation is practiced to unify the body, mind, and spirit. Knowing (i.e. , understanding that the individual is complete) provides the ability to act with confidence. Concentration helps to achieve peak performance, as does a sense of calm determination, which overcomes confusion and anxiety.
Unlike the Western idea of expert technique and physical skills as the ultimate goal in defense development, the Eastern idea incorporates Martial Arts as a way of being and becoming. Consciously living in harmony with all around you on a daily basis is the philosophy of Pilsung Moo Do, not the use of the body as a destructive too for uncivil, discourteous purpose and behavior. What is learned in Pilsung Moo Do is the ability to distinguish essential from unnecessary conflict in the goal of self-preservation and rejuvenation, not wasting energy through fear and destruction. The individual overcomes a lack of faith in self through the development of mental and physical skills, and the ultimate goal, rejuvenation of the spirit, mind, and body is achieved.
Training in Pilsung Moo Do consists of hardening the body and sharpening the mind through practice of the various attack and defense techniques and forms. This system of unarmed combat involves the skillful application of punching, kicking, blocking, jumping and parrying actions directed towards the goals of preserving life and neutralizing an aggressor. Its techniques are essentially linear motions but also include the use of circular hand and foot movements, throwing techniques, and falling techniques. An essential characteristic used to meet an opponent’s attack is the control of breathing to focus and increase power. However, Pilsung Moo Do is not merely a fighting skill, but rather it is a way of thought and life. Through strict discipline, Pilsung Moo Do trains both the mind and body, placing the great emphasis on the development of moral character (courtesy and respect). Learning physical techniques without the underpinnings of philosophical thought is to burden society with “street fights” of unscrupulous character. In other words, control of the mind, self-discipline, kindness, and humility must accompany the physical grace and prowess.
In regards to Pilsung Moo Do and its roots in traditional Tang Soo Do and Taekwondo we have come to adopt the following principle:
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Bosu (守/ 보수) "protect", "obey"—traditional wisdom—learning fundamentals, techniques, heuristics, proverbs
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Pa (破/파) "detach", "digress"—breaking with tradition—detachment from the illusions of self
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Bunli (離/분리) "leave", "separate"—transcendence—there are no techniques or proverbs, all moves are natural, becoming one with spirit alone without clinging to forms; transcending the physical
A fully evolving martial art that holds dear important traditional principles and concepts, but at the same time grows, and learns from those concepts; is truly alive and changes with the times to stay fresh and relevant in an ever changing, modern world.