KOREAN YOGA
SUN DO
“Korean Yoga” is a simple way for new students to view the art of Sun Do. From a modern perspective Sun Do (literally...immortal way) combines the stretching and breathing of yoga with the movements and ki (chi) flow development of tai chi, but it predates many yoga and tai chi systems, and has been practiced virtually unchanged since it was founded almost 10,000 years ago in ancient Korea. It is very popular in Korea and on the east and west coasts of the US. Grand Master Kim has one of the few Midwest locations to teach this art.
A Sun Do practice begins with a series of stretching exercises to loosen and relax the body. Next, the practitioner holds various postures, some with slow movements, during a 40 minute period of tancheon (lower abdominal) breathing with a rhythmic chanting playing in the background. Afterward, a Sun Do practice concludes with a series of cool-down stretching exercises that circulate energy which promotes healthy functioning of the internal organs. The practice ends with some calisthenics and strengthening excercises.
The practices of Sundo originated from the ancient Korean people of Northeast Asia. Sundo had been passed on from teacher to student for thousands of years. With the arrival of foreign influences and philosophies, practitioners retreated permanently to live as mountain hermits in order to preserve and protect this art from extinction.
It has only been in the last 35 years that this practice was re-introduced into mainstream culture by Taoist hermit Be-Kyung (Secret Boundary). Originally, Be-Kyung's name was Chung-San (Blue Mountain). Chung-San, as a young boy, was wandering in the mountains of Korea when he met a strange man. This man said, "If I teach you to break stones, will you follow me?" The young boy was more curious than serious and he answered, "Yes." The man, Chung-Woon (Clear Clouds), proceeded to break stones with his fingers, so the boy (Chung-San) decided to follow this mountain hermit and learn his teachings. Chung-San lived an esthetic life for about 20 years taught by Chung-Woon and Moo-Woon (No Clouds) who was Chung-Woon's teacher. Toward the end of this period, Chung-Woon announced to Chung-San that it was time he returned to humanity to bring the wisdom of the ancient Sundo teachings into society. At this time, Chung-Woon gave him another name, Be-Kyung (Secret Boundary).
Be-Kyung spent some time preparing to re-enter normal life - adjusting his diet, obtaining clothing, remembering the ways of the people who don't live in nature. In 1970, under Be-Kyung's supervision, the first Sundo main school opened in Seoul, Korea. After 15 years of service to his fellow human beings, Be-Kyung, in 1984, quietly returned to the hermit life in the mountains.
Techniques are easily modified for those with physical limitations and you progress at your own pace. It is especially effective at increasing the overall health of older students by increasing energy, flexibility and circulation.
Grand Master I K Kim, 9th dan black belt, President of the World Martial Arts Federation and founder of Ja Be Ryu Tae Kwon Do, is a first generation practitioner of Sun Do, studying under founder Be Kyung when he brought Sun Do to the US in the 1970’s. Grand Master Kim supervises the Sun Do instruction.
Master Roy Bushman, 7th dan black belt in Ja Be Ryu Tae Kwon Do, teaches the Sun Do classes and began Tae Kwon Do under Grand Master Kim in 1972, met Be Kyung during his stay in the US, and uses Sun Do to keep his martial arts abilities sharp though in his forties.
Ages 18 and over
Fridays 6:30 am to 7:30 am; Saturdays 7:00 am to 8:15 am
Please contact Grand Master I. K. Kim at 513-251-0333 for locations, more information.