Cheolsu:
An introduction to the "Iron Hand" conditioning

	TechGate: Han Kuk Mu Sul knowledge base Hanbang in Cheolsu training Why Cheolsu conditioning is necessary? Conditioning method Conditioning procedures Conditioning techniques Forging tools Ki Gong Dr. Daniel Dupré

Some Indo-European cultures also use herbs for healing bruises, bleeding injuries and broken bones, and to assist in conditioning training (using sand bags).

In Korea, some Hapkido and Taekyon teachers attest that there exist oral traditions related to the use of "Iron hand" conditioning methods, applied in Kupso Chirigui techniques.

After the Japanese occupation, a great deal of traditional knowledge was driven into oblivion. And, as in the case of Taekyon, Iron Hand conditioning and Hanbang usage were almost lost.

There is no record of a Korean version of the "Iron hand" (as an organized training system). However, the essential components to put together what could be that traditional knowledge, are there. And, because of that, in recent years, a few Hapkido, Taekyon and Hanbang experts started a research effort to recover it. We've being actively involved in this process since eight years now.

In Korea, the influence of the Japanese tradition of using the makiwara, or Dallyon Ju in Hangul, was brought to Korea in the early 20^th century by the Japanese invaders. Korean Kongsu-Do (Karate) experts were trained in Japan, before and during the II World War. After the War, they created a "new" National Martial Culture from which modern Korean Martial Arts, like Taekwon-Do and Hapkido, were developed. In the inception of those new Arts, the influence of the Japanese training methods, including body conditioning methods, was overwhelming.

Karate was created by Okinawans trained in Southern Chinese Kung Fu styles. Most of them were illiterate and were not able to learn (with a very few exceptions) the sophistications of the Chinese body conditioning methods. Consequently, the Japanese and modern Korean Martial offshoots suffer from the same shortcomings.

For that reason, if they are not careful enough, Japanese and Korean stylists can easily develop pigeon´ egg knuckles with painful and irreversible cartilage calcium deposits. For them, training is a gradual low-impact process, as recovery is painful and very slow.

Conditioning always implies self-injuring repeatedly, to generate protective scar tissue, kill peripheral nerves, and thicken the skin and ligaments, causing several irreversible deformities in the process. Many times, arthritis is a long-term consequence, due to cartilage and bone damaged. Conditioning is a painful and dangerous task. Without Hanbang liniments and complements, conditioning may take 5-10 times longer, as recovery depends only on natural healing processes.

However, in spite of the Japanese domination, some Korean specialists carefully guarded ancient and sophisticated Chinese-derived Korean knowledge related to body conditioning methods, Herbal liniments and preparations, and Ki Gong exercises. Recently, old training methods started to be rediscovered when Korean Traditional Medicine and Hanbang use flourish again in Korea, and autochthonous Martial Arts begun to reappear as organized activities.

Forearm conditioning

I do research on Iron Hand training methods and Medicinal Herbs martial use since 1978. In 2004, when I was (successfully) using Hanbang medicine to recover a long-time injured ankle (after surgery and intensive use of Western medicine), I decided to organize and make public what I've learned along the years.

The information in this Site is part of a life-long personal research activity. I do not claim that Hanbang liniments and preparations are "magic formulae" or any "deadly secret art", as many does for self-promotion and profit.

By the contrary, as a scientist I despise the present day commercial ambience of “magical stuff” surrounding Iron Hand conditioning, Kupso Chirigui and the use of Hanbang in Martial Arts training.

My formal education as a scientist and researcher has being of much use along the years to pursue this project. However, as I am just one person, in early 2005 - during my Hapkido 6^th Dan graduation stay in Korea - I requested the advice of knowledgeable Hanbang experts of my acquaintance, to assist me with their ideas and advice. The structure and the information offered here is the resulting synthesis of this process.

Most of the Cheolsu conditioning material I offer here is based on my personal experience, obtained along the years training and learning with Masters in Korea, China and Japan, where I found knowledgeable herbs specialists.

Then, considering (1) the traditional Iron Hand names found in Oriental countries, and (2) the eclectic approach Koreans have to naming, organizing and improving things, I coined the term Cheolsusul as an appropriate name for this system of Iron Hand conditioning procedures. This is a tentative name and may be changed in the future.

Cheolsu Sul (철손술 in Hangul, and 鐵手術 in Hanja) means Iron Hand Skill, and Cheolsu Bub (철손법 in Hangul , 鐵手法 in Hanja), means Iron Hand Technique. Cheolsu Bub may be a more appropriate name as this is not a complete Art (which is denoted by the term 'Sul'), but a discipline, method or complementary set of techniques, which si denoted by teh term 'Bub'.

Do not forget, this is just a name for an organized set of ancient techniques and procedures. What is new is the method, adapted to Taekwon-Do and Hapkiyusul techniques and fighting strategies.

With different names and conditioning procedures, some Iron Hand methods are already used by some few advance ITF Seniors in the West (mostly using adapted Chinese methods), as in some Hapkido Organizations.

It is my desire that with this work I may help to demystify and popularize the inclusion of Iron Hand conditioning into the Taekwon-Do training curriculum, improving the quality and effectiveness of our Art.

In this Site, I introduce you to the basics of the Cheolsu method. With the information provided, you will be able to safely condition your body, safer and in a shorter period of time.

However, in addition to those techniques presented in the Site, there exist complementary (more complex) strategies of using Hanbang preparations (there is more than liniments), combined with varied conditioning procedures.

The theoretical basis of applied Hanbang formulation and variations is very important and must be studied carefully. Advanced Hanbang and conditioning strategies are offered in Seminars and Intensive Courses, to ensure complete dedication and attention to important details as toxicity control, synergy of ingredients, conditioning cycling, recovery procedures and Ki flow control.

Have fun!

Dr. Daniel Dupré
6^th Dan Taekwon-Do (1997)
6^th Dan Hapkido (2005)

I remind you that improper Cheolsu training may cause injuries, and long term damage.
Information in our Site is not intended as a substitute for qualified instruction. Look for a Certified Teacher with adequate knowledge in Iron Hand conditioning and Hanbang use, to supervise your training.