Kichun
Encyclopedia
KiChun is a Korean martial art, introduced in the 1960s, origins of the martial art being widely unknown as it was passed from one wandering master to another. Many martial artists claim that forms and postures look similar to the Wing Chun
or Southern Praying Mantis styles of China. However, practitioners purport that focus as well as the discipline of the martial arts are entirely different.
"KiChun" is actually a shortened name for "KiChunMoon", literally meaning "Door to the Heavenly Qi
". With such stress in developing a deeper connection with Qi
or Ki, the basis for the martial art is derived almost entirely from holding 6 different stances, each enumerated with a name of its own.
It is also known that Haidong Gumdo
has roots in this martial art, with each basic stance of Haidong Gumdo originating from Kichun.
, the holding of the first stance while counting up to 60 (about a minute) is required to pass the black-belt test.
into the center of the human body.
One of the rules is to always be in constant movement. There must be at least three points of movement at all points in time in combat, whether it be for defensive or offensive purposes.
Wing Chun
Wing Chun , also romanised as Ving Tsun or Wing Tsun, ; ; is a concept-based Chinese martial art and form of self-defense utilizing both striking and grappling while specializing in close-range combat.The alternative characters 永春 "eternal spring" are also...
or Southern Praying Mantis styles of China. However, practitioners purport that focus as well as the discipline of the martial arts are entirely different.
"KiChun" is actually a shortened name for "KiChunMoon", literally meaning "Door to the Heavenly Qi
Qi
In traditional Chinese culture, qì is an active principle forming part of any living thing. Qi is frequently translated as life energy, lifeforce, or energy flow. Qi is the central underlying principle in traditional Chinese medicine and martial arts...
". With such stress in developing a deeper connection with Qi
Qi
In traditional Chinese culture, qì is an active principle forming part of any living thing. Qi is frequently translated as life energy, lifeforce, or energy flow. Qi is the central underlying principle in traditional Chinese medicine and martial arts...
or Ki, the basis for the martial art is derived almost entirely from holding 6 different stances, each enumerated with a name of its own.
It is also known that Haidong Gumdo
Haidong Gumdo
Haedong Kumdo, also spelled Haidong Gumdo, is a name coined around 1982 and used for several Korean martial arts organizations that use swords. Spelling varies between certain organizations...
has roots in this martial art, with each basic stance of Haidong Gumdo originating from Kichun.
Stances
Kichun is focused on 6 different stances, with the first stance being the most important one. In Haidong GumdoHaidong Gumdo
Haedong Kumdo, also spelled Haidong Gumdo, is a name coined around 1982 and used for several Korean martial arts organizations that use swords. Spelling varies between certain organizations...
, the holding of the first stance while counting up to 60 (about a minute) is required to pass the black-belt test.
First stance: 내가신장 (Nae Ga Shin Jang)
This stance is widely viewed as the main focus of the martial art. Many Kichun practitioners try to hold this stance for as long as an hour. Kichun claims that this opens up channels for natural flow of QiQi
In traditional Chinese culture, qì is an active principle forming part of any living thing. Qi is frequently translated as life energy, lifeforce, or energy flow. Qi is the central underlying principle in traditional Chinese medicine and martial arts...
into the center of the human body.
Fighting Techniques
Kichun's combat techniques vary, as it is a free-flow martial art. The knowledge in combat differ for each follower of the art, but there are a few agreed rules.One of the rules is to always be in constant movement. There must be at least three points of movement at all points in time in combat, whether it be for defensive or offensive purposes.