MARTIAL ARTS TODAY
C
hoi Kwang Do is known as a ‘Holistic Martial Art’, meaning that it caters for the complete development of the individual, i.e. the mental, physical and spiritual aspects of a human being. At the beginning of each class we have a Korean practice known as “Mook Yum” which literally means ‘Meditate’. The word ‘meditate’ can infer a number of different practices depending on the context in which it is used. In a Choi Kwang Do class, “Mook Yum” means to sit silently and focus your attention. Students often ask, “Why do we have to sit silently? and what is the benefit in doing so?”
SILENT SITTING
WHY DO WE PRACTICE THIS IN CHOI KWANG DO? By Master Keith Banfield
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HOLISTIC HEALTH FEATURE
OPTIMUM HEALTH - SELF DEFENCE - PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
The practice of Silent Sitting and the process of
“IF YOU WANT
focusing your attention,
TO SEE THE BENEFITS OF SILENT
on the breath, for example, will improve your physical and mental health. It reduces stress,
SITTING, START BY CLOSING
which is extremely toxic to the body and the brain, it also reduces high blood pressure and improves
YOUR EYES.”
your mood. The practice of Silent Sitting, need only take a few minutes of your precious time and when performed over a long period of time has cumulative benefits. Silent Sitting produces
The practice of Silent Sitting and the cerebellum. and focusing your attention However you may be on the breath or on something specific is known as ‘focused attention’ or ‘mindful meditation’.
cognitive, psychological and Neuroscientists have recently discovered that physical benefits that will
wondering: “How do changes to these structures of the brain benefit me?” Well, the simple answer is
last for many hours after it
mindful meditation actually
that these brain structures
has been practiced. When
produces physical changes
are involved in learning and
you perform the Silent
to certain structures of the
memory, control of
Sitting exercise at the
brain; this proves how
emotions, increase sense of
beginning of a Choi Kwang
powerful your thoughts
self worth and perspective
Do class, it mentally and
really are. The structures of taking. In other words, all-
physically prepares the
the brain that scientists
important attributes which
student for learning. When
have so far found to
enables one to live a more
performed at the end of a
undergo physical changes
socially adjustable,
class it naturally relaxes,
are as follows: the
balanced and productive
calms and produces an
hippocampus, the posterior
life.
overall sense of holistic
cingulate cortex, the
well-being.
temporo-parietal junction
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Here are a few more benefits of Silent Sitting:
OPTIMUM HEALTH - SELF DEFENCE - PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
HOLISTIC HEALTH FEATURE
Improved Focus: Having good
first glance, but more grey matter
focus enables us to stay on a set
can lead to increased focus during
task for longer periods of time
daily life, longer lasting emotional
without getting distracted. When
stability and more positive
you perform the Silent Sitting
emotions.
exercise you are focusing your attention; you therefore become more aware of when it drifts. Having this awareness actually improves your focus not only when you are performing the Silent Sitting exercise but more so when you are engaged in your day-to-day activities where focus and attention is required. Better Memory: Silent Sitting has been linked to improving rapid memory recall. Researchers found that individuals who practiced Silent Sitting were able to alter the brain wave that screens out distractions and increases their productivity. This explains why
Reduced Stress in Stressful Environments: A study conducted in 2012 found that managers who practiced Silent Sitting for just eight weeks where able to perform better under pressure than those that did not. Not only did they out perform their peers they also felt less stressed when it came to being tested. It has also been proven that Silent Sitting before a stressful situation such as an exam, can help reduce stress during the examination, thereby creating favourable conditions for exam success.
individuals who practice Silent
My recommendation for all Choi
Sitting possess the ability to
Kwang Do practitioners would be, if
rapidly remember and incorporate
you want to see the benefits of Silent
new facts.
Sitting, start by closing your eyes.
More ‘Grey Matter’: Scientists have found that Silent Sitting increases the practitioners ‘Grey Matter’ in the hippocampus and frontal areas of the brain. This may not sound so important at
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For more information about Choi Kwang Do and its benefits contact Master Keith Banfield on 0208 819 3436 or please visit: www.choikwangdouk.com