ockicks | tang soo do | jujutsu
Call us at 1-949-874-KICK
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Fitness
    • Self-defense
    • Self-confidence
    • Our Style
    • Instructors >
      • David Sgro
      • Larry Gilliland
      • Michael Torchia
  • Programs
    • Sign Up
    • Team Turtle
    • Junior Kicks
    • Teens-Adults
    • Black Belt Club
  • Schedule
  • Students
  • Photos
  • News
  • Contact
  • FAQ
    • A Letter to Parents
    • Fun Facts
  • Tournament

Pyung Ahn Hyung - Peaceful Confidence Forms

1/1/2012

0 Comments

 
Picture
Students of Tang Soo Do typically begin learning the Pyung Ahn series of forms at Orange Belt (8th Gup). These forms are an important part of our Moo Do (martial discipline) development.

The modern Pyong Ahn forms were introduced as a series of five forms in 1901 by Itosu Yasutsune (1831 – 1915), a Shorin-ryu Karate master on Okinawa. The words Pyong Ahn translate to "Peaceful Confidence". The diagrams of the forms resemble a balanced scale. There is some differing opinions as to the exact history of the forms. Some claim that they originated in China and exemplify the southern regional style (Nam-Pa); that they were created by a Chinese military leader named Jeh Nam and were once known as the Jeh Nam Hyungs till late 1800.  Others would argue that they originated in Okinawa and were adapted by Itosu from older forms such as Kusanku and Gojushiho into forms suitable for teaching karate to young students and introducing martial arts practice into school systems.


Both theories presume the basis for the movements came originally from the southern region of China.  Forms introduced from this region are said to be of the Weh Ga Ryu (Outside/External House Style).  Weh Ga Ryu came from Southern Chinese Schools emphasizing speed, aggressiveness and dynamic action.  Examples of the Weh Ga Ryu style are the Gi Cho Hyung, Pyung Ahn Hyung, and Passai.

The exact history behind the origin of the Pyung Ahn series aside, there is great benefit to practicing these forms. These forms were introduced into the Tang Soo Do curriculum by Hwang Kee, who made the turtle the symbol of the Pyung-Ahn Hyungs.  The turtle bears a special significance in Korea culture comparable to that of the dragon in China. Throughout Korea, in gardens and temples especially, one sees turtle sculptures dating from historical times to the present.

In his book Tang Soo Do (Soo Bahk Do), Hwang Kee states (page 350):

"Perfect form, exquisite fusion of mind and body, is a high art and a thing of beauty."

"The practitioner cannot remember only the order of the form. It is more important for him to concentrate on balance, rhythm, breathing control, variation in speed and power control. It is vital to pay attention to these things so that the form is presented as an approach to a living ideal."

The series of forms Hwang Kee introduced to Tang Soo Do are very similar to those introduced earlier by Itosu.  Itosu's innovation when presenting the series for practice in public schools may have been to restructure the form by making it much more symmetrical than the Chinese version. Nearly every movement performed by the left side of the body is repeated on the right. This works both sides of the brain and makes the form's external movements and directions more consistent with the Um-Yang theory. The Pyung Ahn Hyungs have as their purpose the cultivation of harmony between Um and Yang in those who perform them. This entails more than just ability to execute the physical movements involved; a deeper knowledge behind the movements must be explored. Physical techniques must be complemented by spiritual wisdom (Duk), just as Um is balanced with Yang, if we are to find peaceful confidence in practicing the forms. The goal of the Pyung Ahn Hyungs is precisely this integration of contrasting force-um and yang, body and spirit-into a harmonious whole.

When practicing these Hyung it is natural to find defensive applications in the movements. Continuous practice of the forms develops confidence to performing the movements properly and by extension be more effective applying them defensively. Understanding these applications, how and when to apply them, cultivates wisdom in the student. This development of body and spirit occurs naturally.  Having developed confidence and wisdom the student will feel at ease, at peace, in mind and body regardless of the situation.  This is the feeling of Peaceful Confidence and the reason behind the name for the series of forms. The Pyung Ahn Hyung's ideal is equanimity and peace.

In Hwang Kee’s book we find the following passage on page 372:

“by completely mastering the pyong ahn forms one can develop a feeling of pyong ahn in your mind and body regardless of the situation. This feeling is attained because of the self defense ability developed by practicing the pyong ahn forms.”

References:
Hwang Kee (1978). Tang Soo Do (Soo Bahk Do). United States: Sang Moo Sa.
http://www.sfts.edu/faculty/noel/taekwondo/korean.asp
http://blog.wasatchmartialarts.com/pyung-ahn-hyung/259
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinan

0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Picture
    Picture
    Follow OCKicks on Twitter
    Picture
    Email Newsletter icon, E-mail Newsletter icon, Email List icon, E-mail List icon Sign up for our Email Newsletter
    For Email Newsletters you can trust

    About Us

    We are a family-friendly community of martial artists, of all ages, who are committed to providing a safe and supportive approach to improving physical health, confidence and self-esteem. We like to say that “Families that kick together, stick together!”

    One week FREE!

    Classes available for all ages and skill levels! Use the Quick Contact form to schedule a complimentary week of classes. 

    Archives

    April 2013
    January 2013
    September 2012
    August 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    April 2011
    February 2011
    January 2011
    December 2010
    November 2010
    October 2010
    September 2010
    August 2010
    July 2010
    June 2010
    May 2010
    April 2010
    March 2010
    February 2010
    January 2010
    December 2009
    November 2009
    October 2009
    September 2009
    June 2009
    May 2009
    April 2009
    January 2009
    October 2008
    September 2008
    August 2008
    June 2008
    April 2008
    February 2008
    October 2007
    July 2007

    Categories

    All
    8 Key Concepts
    Announcements
    Articles
    Dan Shim Sa
    Diet
    Events
    Exercise
    Gup Shim Sa
    Holidays
    Hyung Training
    Ko Dan Ja
    San Kil Tang Soo Do
    Testimonials
    Tournaments
    Welcome

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.