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The Five Moo Do Values
History, Tradition, Philosophy, Discipline/Respect, and Technique, are the backbones of our proud Moo Do identity. These values coexist interdependently with each element strengthening the meaning of the other four. When we apply the Five Moo Do values to our daily training we strengthen our self not only as a Moo Do practitioner, but also as an individual who provides a positive influence within our society.
History (Yuk Sa)
History defines us. We understand who we are by knowing our history (past). This knowledge helps guide our actions with an awareness of our foundation, our history, our past, and helps us understand where we are in the present as we create our future.
Tradition (Jun Tong)
There are traditional means of conduct and beliefs which were handed down since the inception of the Moo Duk Kwan®. Some originated even before the Moo Duk Kwan®. These traditions began at some point in history. The tradition of bowing is a show of respect and/or appreciation.
Discipline/Respect (Jon Kyung)
Discipline will strengthen your professional conduct. Respect will strengthen your kindness.
Discipline and respect should coexist with each other to gain their full benefit for human relations. Furthermore, they should be strengthened by the other four Moo Do values in order to fulfill their meaning.
Philosophy (Chul Hak)
Our philosophy includes the 8 Key concepts, the 10 articles of faith on mental training, and many other ideas and values. Our active study of these tools and our application of them as a Moo Duk Kwan practitioner strengthens our life and demonstrates the philosophy we live by.
Technique (Ki Sool)
Seeking to apply all our Moo Do values during our technical performance of techniques helps us to understand the relationships between our Techniques and the other four Moo Do values.
Techniques when performed based upon, and strengthened by, History, Tradition, Philosophy, and Discipline/Respect will develop beyond just physical techniques.
Moo Do – Action Philosophy
Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan is an Moo Do art. Our art and actions are dominated by this concept, but what does it mean?
Moo Do, roughly translated means “Martial Way”, Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan as a “Martial Art” adheres to military hierarchy and discipline. However, Moo Do means more than that- though the character Moo does mean Martial or Military and when you think of the Military you often think of action, or action to help control combat, but Moo actually means to “stop conflict”. The techniques that Soo Bahk Do teaches us do have effective combative applications, but they should be used as a last resort.
The character Do means Path or Way. It is not a Path or Way in the terms of a physical road to travel, but rather a mental road. The Do or Path that the Moo Duk Kwan teaches is one of human relations. Although we are learning combative techniques, they are not the final answer. The philosophy of the Moo Duk Kwan teaches use to solve conflict both within our self and between others through human relations, not violence. It gives us the mental strength and guidance to properly use our techniques for defence.
Together Moo Do translates to Martial Way/Path, or to a simpler translation, ACTION PHILOSOPHY. So what do we mean by Action Philosophy? Kwan Jang Nim gave a good example:
If someone were to try to hit you in the nose, would you think about blocking the attack, or physically block it?
If you think about the block you will be hit, if you act and do the block you will defend yourself. Action and thought should be one in the same.
Everyone talks about doing this or that, but often they do not follow through with the physical action. We should not just think about how well we want to do on a test or in an activity; we should do the work that is required to make those thoughts reality. This takes discipline and strength.
Don’t accept the excuse that there is always something else to do, or time later to do it.
So this Moo Do concept of an Action Philosophy - how does this apply to Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan? We know how techniques should be performed (use of hip, practice, power….), so we should perform them that way. We are taught respect for our self and others, show it. We can remember what the eight Key Concepts are, so we should apply them.
Action speaks louder than words. Everyone likes to talk about what he or she knows or what he or she can or want to do, but not everyone has the discipline to apply and do it. This is what we must strive for while training in Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan, not to just learn and be able to recite lessons but to apply and demonstrate them.
