Why Moo Hap Sool?

Grandmaster Jimmy Brown taught me that an instructor must instill the right mental attitude along with the technique... That attitude is having the student completely understand the technique, the pros, the cons, the results from the correct use of the technique. Most instructors have never used their techniques in a real crisis situation or have the mental clarity of what they are getting themselves into when conflict survival is indeed necessary.

Moo hap Sool was developed from the experiences in the jungles of Vietnam, the deserts of the Middle East and the street blocks of cities in the United States. Through Grandmaster McMurray's military training in the U.S. Special Forces, with the British Special Forces, Iranian Special Forces and Turkish Special Forces, he has the mental and physical capabilities to put these techniques into premeditated action. Grandmaster McMurray is internationally sought after for instruction in Moo Hap Sool techniques. His superior knowledge of the human and animal bodies brings an insight to civilian and military martial artist throughout the world.

The term "military art", as used herein, describes a system, school, or style in the Korean tradition, whose primary objective is survival in individual self-defense. The secondary objective is the development of the patriotic “warrior within”, with the knowledge and skills appropriate to address the many threats facing contemporary society.

Historically the military arts included horsemanship, fencing, archery, weapon-making, and even underwater swimming. Ironically, they still do, and have added firearm science, knife engagement and much more.

This is where the martial arts begin to separate from the martial sports. In warrior usage, the martial arts place their primary focus on effective and practical self-defense to end the confrontation as soon as possible, as opposed to emphasizing beauty of movement and the scoring of points.

The martial arts, especially in the United States and Europe, are generally based upon the Japanese model of Karate, Judo and Aikido. The model for their content and instruction was the instruction of the Samurai warrior. We at Moohapsool respects these disciplines, but choose to follow the arts of Korea and China.

In Korea, the redevelopment of the traditional Korean military arts began in 1945. The ensuing half-century of academic and scientific study and research into the military arts has produced a new standard in unarmed self-defense training, which is distinctly Korean. It should also be remembered that the Republic of Korea is a nation still technically at war. The ability of the Korea nation, and people, to defend themselves remains a national priority.

South Korea also has a universal male draft. The Hanminjok Hapkido Association, of which Moo Hap Sool is a member, incorporates the basic military training received by male Koreans directly into the curriculum and requirements of the military art. Of course since Grandmaster McMurray is a former Green Beret and combat veteran, he sees that advanced military training is also interwoven into the curriculum and requirements as one progress through the black belt degrees.

Moo Hap Sool also include other subject areas not found in the Japanese martial arts or in the pseudo-Korean martial arts found outside Korea. These include, but are not limited to, anatomy, physiology, use of herbs, acupressure, acupuncture, massage, meditation for strength and clarity, disaster preparedness, anti-terrorist within the community, firearm training and a number of other subjects. The study of Moo Hap Sool is a life-long, and life-prolonging study, of which fighting techniques comprise only a small, although vital, proportion.

The Art of Moo Hap Sool represents a multi-disciplinary field of legitimate academic study and research, representing both art and science. Encompassing history, lineage, ethics, philosophy, applied science, self-development, and service to family, community, and nation, remember the true martial arts are much more than a simple collection of fighting techniques.

MOOHAPSOOL UNEXPEXCTED CONCEPTS

SURVIVE AND COME BACK HOME SAFE "During my many years in the U.S. Army's Green Berets, serving, training and fighting in over 20 countries, I have learned to survive by not only adapting, but learning the fighting culture of a 'people'. I wish to share some of the things i learned that enabled me to come back home."  -James McMurray - Never underestimate your opponent, always assume they are dangerous. - Be aware of your surroundings, not only the people and objects, but weather condition as well. - Stepping, weight shifting and body turning are the keys to avoiding your opponent’s attacks and bringing them into position for your counter attack. - Knowing when to turn your body as a unit instead of as isolated parts will maximize your power and it's effect. - If the ground is bumpy, uneven, rough or slick. You may not be able to maneuver as you would like to. Simple weight shifting and twisting of the hips may be all that is possible. Do not get fancy with your footwork. - Your body can only act efficiently in martial art techniques if you attack from a stable and good foundation with proper balance. When you can not get good, use your opponent's momentum even more so. - Time your blocking and intercepting of attacks with your stepping or weight shifting for maximum effect. - Do not oppose superior power with your power, instead, seek to harmonize your power with your opponents body actions and direct it to your advantage. - Seek to deliver your attack action to your opponent’s weak and vital area instead of the hard areas of the body. - After delivering your initial attack, do not back up or lose sight of the opponent, quickly move to a different angle and attack again, beware of their counter attack on you. - Use discretion in dealing out your punishment to any assailant. Fit the degree of pain and punishment to the situation. Grandmaster James McMurray, Moohapsool Kido (copyright 2000)