Following on from the introduction in an earlier column we shall now continue our look at the 8 Brocade Warrior set. “Ji Gam” means energy awareness. These are methods to help you better understand and experience your energy. Each is designed to give you a deeper connection to each of the Moo Pal Dan Khum techniques. Although most of these exercises should allow you to connect with your energy in the short term try not to get discouraged if it takes a little longer. Energy is very subtle and if you try and force it you will miss it, relaxed concentration is the Ki!

With continued Moo Pal Dan Khum practice you can feel a growing sensation of tingling, heat, vibration or a similar feeling in the hands, it feels almost like a magnetic repulsion getting stronger as the palms get closer. To experience this directly, hold the hands relaxed several inches apart. Close your eyes and inhale for 5 seconds naturally opening the palms slightly as your energy expands then pause for 5 concentrating attention at the Dan Jun, finally exhale for 5 and gradually bring the palms closer together. Progress by slowly rotating the hands as if you were holding a balloon between them, expanding and contracting as you breathe. Get to know this feeling and with practice you will be able to experience it on command. 

Most of you will know that literally Ki, the Chinese character for energy translates to ‘steam’ or ‘air’ so it is commonly referred to as Universal breath or energy. The concept of Ki goes far beyond air. It is a combination of elemental forces that are manifested by our body’s energies and the universe. There are many types of Ki just as there are many types of energy.

These ancient warrior exercises use the body’s intuitive knowledge and movement to unlock unecessary tension (the wrong placement of energy) in the body and allow the energy to flow naturally. Without realizing it our instinctive reaction to stress known as the ‘fight or flight’ response, results in maintaining an unhealthy level of tension throughout our day. It can be subtle such as hypertonicity (tightness) in the neck and shoulders or not so subtle such as walking around with a scowl most of the day. The sad fact is that it becomes “normal” and most times we don’t even know it is there until we experience symptoms such as pain or headache. 

By practicing the Moo Pal Dan Khum Tang Soo Do practitioners learn to relax and ‘pay attention to the slightest change from full to empty’ as stated in the ancient poem the “Song of the Thirteen energies”. We can then sense the tension rise in us and take conscious control by breathing and relaxing, allowing our energy to flow unimpeded, adding valuable time to our lives. The Song reinforces this point - “What is the purpose of the martial arts ?  To prolong life beyond the normal span”. Furthermore, we should also ask the question “Is there a martial benefit to the “Warrior” set “ ?  As we progress in our MPDK practice and become proficient at generating energy through the kinetic chain, mind/body connection there is a direct transfer into our Tang Soo Do technique. Concentration and focus to the “one point” is enhanced resulting in a smoother and more powerful flow of useable power. Tension is added only where tension is needed...

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AARON Cook was denied a chance of revenge at London’s  ExCel despite winning the Olympic test event.

The 20-year-old from Dorchester took the gold medal  by default after Azerbaijan rival Ramin Azizov withdrew from the final  through injury.
 
But Cook’s success in the -80kg division bodes well  for Britain at next year’s Games-one of the four weights to be  contested by GB players in the capital.
 
He now hopes to improve his record against  Azizov, who has already qualified London Games, at this  weekend’s French Open.
 
However, it wasn’t too much of a hollow victory for  the reigning British Open gold medallist.
 
En route to the final he knocked out Iran’s reigning  world champion Yousef Karami.
 
And his golden point, semi-final success over  Spaniard Nicolas Garcia was one of the highlights of the two-day  tournament.
 
“I would loved to have fought him (Azizov) in front  of family and friends,” agreed Cook.
 
“I’ve lost three times to him this year so it would  have been good to get my own back.
 
“I didn’t fight that great but I put in a couple  of good wins. So, who knows what would have happened?.
 
“I’m quite good friends with Ramin  and we talk to each other a lot.
 
“But it looks like he has picked up a little injury  and probably wants to fight in the French Open this weekend like  myself.”
 
It was the first time Cook had fought under the GB  umbrella since leaving the Academy set-up last June.
 
However, the Manchester based star was quick to  praise the help of coach Joseph Salim.
 
“It was the first time I’d worked with  Joseph. He is a fantastic coach and we are really good  friends.
 
“We have got a good relationship and hopefully it  continues and I get selected next year and we can work together  again.”
 
Londoner Lutalo Muhammad also fought in the -80kg  weight division but missed out on a chance to impress his home  fans.
 
However, the Walthamstow hopeful went out in the  quarter-finals after an encouraging opening victory over Oceania Olympic  qualifier, Vaughn Scott.
 
“You always want to do the best you can and get to  the podium,” he said. “Sadly, it wasn’t to be but hopefully I can put in a  better performance at the French.”
 
Britain’s other test candidates also suffered early  exits from the ExCel. Indeed, senior newcomer Julian Marton limped out of  contention just 30 seconds into his debut contest against Iranian Mohammed  Bagheri.
 
Marton from Brent undergoes a scan tomorrow (Monday)  to determine the full extent of a knee injury.
 
Yorkshire duo Stella Whitehead and Sophie Threlfall  won just one contest between them but will be better for the experience  of top class international competition.
 
“My focus is on Rio 2016 not next year,” said  Whitehead. “So for me this event was very much about gaining experience and  I’ve accomplished that.”
 
GB Performance Director Gary Hall was delighted with  the weekend’s work in the capital...

Read more in Combat Magazine available from WHSmith and all good newsagents