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Wild Things

For centuries, martial artists learned how to fight by paying attention to the world around them. Many times, the moves that the practitioners used were based on the elements or things they found in nature. Most often, warriors modeled their fighting techniques after members of the animal kingdom.

If you think about it, each animal, no matter how big or small, has some type of defense mechanism. While a bear may be large and powerful, it can still be hurt or distracted by the sting of a tiny bee. To be a good fighter, you should examine the wildlife you see around you and pay attention to the way different species use their different abilities to their advantage.

The next time you’re looking for a change in your training routine, try this: think of your favorite animal and the way it moves. Think about its body size and type, whether it takes light steps or thumps along, and what it does to defend itself. Then, try to do Sae Kaye Hyung Il Bu as that animal. Try to move like it moves and ki hap like it ki haps. Then think about how you could apply those moves in a fight.

For example, pretend that you’re a tiger. A tiger is known to pounce on its victims. You may do your form jumping from move to move. Each block and strike would be fast and powerful. Your ki hap would be a loud roar. Picture using those moves as a tiger in a fight. Try the same thing with a variety of animals and see how each one can be strong and victorious, and then apply those thoughts to your sparring. Pretty soon, you’ll be an unbeatable opponent, you wild thing you!