3 WHEEL MATRIX

REALIZE TAI CHI’S MIND/BODY BENEFITS USING MUDO TAI KWAN DO … TAI CHI KWAN DO STYLE

Individuals realize the mind-body benefits Tai Chi is known for by performing the choreographed movements assigned to Tai Chi’s different “forms.” Mudo Tai Kwan Do also uses choreographed movements in performing its many forms. Tai Chi’s forms are slower and less pronounced, yet both require keeping the body relaxed while moving with intention.

MEDITAION IN MOTION

Both require a relaxed yet focused mental state. The martial artist must be in a state of relaxed alertness … mindful and present while doing the form. Their focus cannot wander off into thinking about what they want for dinner or maybe who might be watching them.

THE PATTERNS … THE FORMS?

“Patterns are a varied series of attacking, defending, sparring, power and speed techniques. Executing patterns requires a total concentration of effort, perseverance and strong self control.

By constantly practicing patterns a student will become aware as his body movements and his mind begin to flow as one. This will become am intuitive action. He will no longer have to work at summoning his total attention. As mastery builds, he will acquire an intense and impenetrable spirit which will automatically unite his physical and mental self. This will enable him to channel his whole being into a singleness of purpose at will. Such an ability of control can assist him in his daily life in a world which constantly challenges him to overcome its frantic pressures.”

… THEIR VALUE

“The students begin by first becoming aware of their bodies. Martial arts teach us to develop and discipline our bodies and make them able to respond to our commands. From those first moments we begin learning forms, we are putting into practice with our physical being the principles of the martial arts. As time passes the forms we have learned take on new meaning, as do the principles themselves.

You begin to comprehend the nature of change, redirection of force, the feeling of dynamic balance, and the difference between hard and soft.

As you master the forms they will become smooth and automatic, and you can see how you are expressing the basic martial arts principles and philosophy spontaneously through you body movements. You will notice that your mind and body will function as one. You will begin to feel more “together”. The initial body awareness you acquire through the forms will soon begin to generalize throughout your entire being.

The forms teach you to summon and direct your energy toward mental as well as physical tasks. You will be better able to clear your mind of extraneous thoughts, to concentrate, and you will also be better able to react more quickly to situations.

The goal of most Western physical activities is simple: to perfect the execution of that activity. But the purpose of martial arts is very different. Initially you must acquire the necessary skill, and must perfect the activity-in effect, master the forms. But that is only the beginning. Look for the true meaning of the forms and you will see what I mean. They have a twofold goal. First, to teach you (through body movements) a practical philosophy of life and second, to unify your body and your mind thereby incorporating the principles of that philosophy into your total being. and influence the way you live your life.”