|
Due to the pain
and dangers involved in the process of mastering Iron Hand condition,
some modern teachers think it is unwise to go through this severe training process.
They base their opinions on the fact that nowadays there is no need for such ability, as martial arts
became sports and actual fight confrontations are rare and socially
reprehensible.
On the contrary, we think that without the ability to strike
barehanded with the necessary power, you will never be a real Martial Artist.
The ability to fight is the essence of a Fighting
Art. Martial Arts are Fighting Arts with ethical, discipline and Spiritual components (Do).
With this in mind, if properly performed (not as New Age fancy dances or robotic calisthenics), even training Tul (Forms) and
Ki Gong will add to your fighting skills.
The ability to fight depends on proper technique,
proper strategy and timing, control of distance and angles, the
instinct to “sense” your opponent before even he
(she) moves, and the ability to hit hard and consistent, or
hold (if you are into a grappling situation). Cheolsusul conditioning is an essential part of the process to develop those abilities.
Fancy techniques, the lack of preparation to strike properly (and to endure punishment), could be deadly (for yourself) in a fight. Even to sports oriented students, the conditioning of hands, feet, shins and forearms is important to reduce injuries and improve technical consistency.
In ITF Taekwon-Do, practitioners are always encouraged to do Power training, and championships always include kyokpa (braking) competition. Braking boards is a traditional way to demonstrate and measure your Power. To participate, hand and feet conditioning is essential.
Compared to training by simply hitting a Dallyon Ju, Choelsusul is a much more reliable training method, with less risk of injury and chronic ailments, and producing results in a shorter period and with grater effect.
|
