Author: Ian Kempe
The do-jang into which I have been led is enormous. It has the air of peace and sanctuary one feels upon entering one of those ancient stone cath~drals that can be found in most major cities in Europe. That, however, is where the European influence ends. The style, open, uncluttered space, polished timber floors, the unobtrusive decor, are unmistakably Oriental.
I am now standing in the centre of what is possibly the largest single martial arts complex in Australia if not in the southern hemisphere!
The man I’m here to see is Grandmaster Young Ku Yun. He is of average height for an Oriental gentleman, very quietly spoken and immaculately dressed. There is about him, however, a respectinspiring presence. Here stands a true Grandmaster.
Grandmaster Yun is by no means unknown in the martial arts world, having been involved in the arts since 1953. In 1966 he became an International Tae Kwon Do Federation (LT.F.) instructor, soon after the formation of LT.F., and travelled to many countries as an ambassador of the Federation to promote tae kwon do.
Having travelled through Hong Kong, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia carrying his art with him, Grandmaster Yun finally introduced tae kwon do to Australia, his new homeland, in 1971. Over the next 15 years he established organisations in New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Western Samoa, the Solomon Islands and the Cook Islands.
Befire resigning from LT.F. in 1987, Grandmaster Yun had been Chairman of the Techniques Committee (which was responsible for standardising the techniques and teaching methods throughout the world), Chairman of the Expansion Committee, and the Executive Director of the LT.F. Having shown me around the complex, the Grandmaster explained that he had built his world headquarters in Brisbane because, having travelled throughout the world, he had come to the conclusion that Australia was the best country in the world, and since his family had grown roots in Brisbane, it seemed the logical place to base his art. Also, he explained, Brisbane was the geographical centre of his present organisation. “Even when my organisation expands worldwide, I will stay in Brisbane, as I feel this city has given me a lot and I feel I should give something back.”
He then invited me to his office to continue the interview. As I was being seated in the comfortable, spartan surrounds of the Grandmaster’s office I asked the most obvious question;
IK: Why, having had so much success and position in LT.F., would you suddenly resign from not only your position but from the art that has been your life?
GM Yun: Having had a couple of decades of teaching experience, and having conducted numerous seminars throughout the world, I realised I was doing a great injustice to my students by following a traditional system which does not allow complete development of a student’s full potential. Many of the existing martial arts disciplines are based on what I believe to be inappropriate theories and concepts. I felt that it was my duty to develop a system which incorporates today’s technology and one that is in line with the true purpose and spirit of a real martial art.
It was with this goal in mind that I began rationalising all the theories and concepts of martial arts over the past decade. The final result being the emergence of Yun Jung Do.
IK: Why the name Yun Jung Do? GM Yun: After the completion of the new concept, I organised the first seminar for the instructors and senior members within our organisation. Since the new concept was totally different from the existing discipline, we recognised that we would have to give the art a new name. It was suggestged that it be named Yun Jung Do. ‘Yun’ after the founder, which literally means first, and ‘Jung Do’ meaning True Way. It is also my belief that a martial art should centre on the development of the individual, physically, mentally and spiritually, therefore Yun Jung Do appropriately named ‘The First True Way’.
Techniques used in practical selfdefence situations do not relate to the traditional basic movements practised.
IK: In the physical sense why did you find it necessary to redevelop your art rather than taking the traditional line?
GM Yun: I found that many of the existing styles placed tradition over the need for development. Consequently many stereotyped rigid techniques are kept despite their obvious restrictions on the fluidity of movements, making them impractical for self-defence applications, which is what most people originally join a martial art to achieve. Furthermore there is a conflict between the practice and application of many techniques. For example, techniques used in practical self-defence situations do not relate to the traditional basic movements practised. This is one of the major reasons I saw a need to develop a logical and practical system.
Yun Jung Do movements are specifically designed to develop practical self defence skills and express the philosophy of the art and, at the same time, reflect the physical and mental state of the practitioner through movements that have been totally developed around the human body and its rhythms. As a result, Yun Jung Do movements are not only fluent, explosive, fast and powerful but, more importantly, rich with the true spirit of martial arts. It is also a program that harmoniously combines both the theoretical and actual application of techniques. Consequently, benefits are maximised with minimal wastage of time and effort. Furthermore, Yun Jung Do movements are not based upon brute strength, therefore it is suitable for everyone, not only for the young or the athletically gifted.
IK: I understand Yun Jung Do exponents do not compete in tournaments. Why is that?
GM Yun: Over the past few years I have been saddened by the sports orientation of martial arts which is gradually eroding the true philosophy of the arts. Tournaments are just another sport as there must always be a winner and a loser. I believe that in true martial arts there can only be winners. After all, the greatest rival you will ever encounter will be yourself!
It is for this reason that Yun Jung Do is not designed for competition in tournaments, but rather within oneself. Also we believe that practical self-defence skills cannot be obtained through tournament training because of the difference in training for tournaments and training for real attack situations.
IK: What do you believe you are offering on the cerebral side of martial arts that is not catered for by others?
G.M. Yun: Yun Jung Do is designed to capture and retain the interest of students and progressively motivate the individual to aspire to their own highest level of achievement because, of course, one can never win in a battle against oneself. This art is also greatly beneficial to young children as it instils in them discipline, self-confidence, good social adjustment, strength of mind along with good moral and mental character. It provides a direction in life and promotes excellent health along with practical self defence skills.
IK: In your literature you state that perhaps the greatest difference between Yun lung Do and other martial arts is its basic philosophy. Can you tell me a little about that side of your art?
GM Yun: It is very difficult to explain any philosophy to someone who has not experienced it, otherwise it just sounds like empty words. Our basic philosophy is the Love, Care and Protection of all Things, and it is morally uplifting and correct, no matter what society you come from. Only by living to this philosophy in our everyday lives can we really appreciate the quality of life it promotes. The philosophy of Yun lung Do is to find inspiration and motivation to achieve the ultimate victory of self-perfection through the refinement of one’s spirit and in the determination to defeat all odds in the battle for inner peace and harmony.
IK: You mentioned before about your plans to expand world-wide. Would you care to elaborate on that?
GM Yun: In order to expand globally, I must first train instructors to be ambassadors of this art. To achieve this, I will be conducting regular seminars at world headquarters, and will offer scholarships to those who are interested in becoming instructors. I am also about to publish a 10-volume set of Yun lung Do textbooks.
IK: I’ve heard of scholarships to university or college, but what exactly does a scholarship in martial arts entail?
GM Yun: Firstly, I don’t know of any other martial art that offers scholarships at all! Our scholarships are very much like a university scholarship. We offer free accommodation at headquarters and provide the best instruction and facilities for .the time required to become qualified as an instructor. I am very proud to offer this opportunity to any applications who I feel have the potential and necessary qualities.
IK: Are there any prerequisites needed to obtain one of these scholarships?
GM Yun: Firstly the applicant must be a minimum of black belt in their chosen art, and aged between 21 and 40. Also they must be of commendable character and have impeccable moral standards.
IK: If I were to apply how would I go about it?
GM Yun: You would simply write to Yun lung Do Headquarters we would send you an application form which would ask for all relevant information.
IK: Have you anything you would like to say to martial arts practitioners in conclusion?
GM Yun: Well… Today’s martial artists are thinking men and women, so much so that I predict that in the next decade only the best arts will survive.
If we don’t want to be left behind, then we must make a conscious effort to be actively involved with the moving times. It is up to us now, to seize the opportunities of today for tomorrow.
IK: Thank you for your time, Grandmaster, and I wish you the greatest success in your efforts to bring martial arts into the 21st century.
GM Yun: Thank you .
