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When one thinks of the Korean martial arts, spectacular jumping, spinning aerial kicks usually come to mind. But like a rare jewel, the Korean martial arts are multifaceted. One of the little known facets of the Korean martial arts is it's Ho Shin Sool. Literally translated Ho Shin Sool means "Protect body method" Technically it is the art and science of protecting the body when threatened before or during combat.

This can come in the form of grabs, stabs, pulls, pushes etc. Now it is important to point out that Moo Sa Do Kwan’s™  Ho Shin Sool (Self Defense) is not just a subsystem nor a hodgepodge of wristlock's, escapes and throws but a philosophy! and that "philosophy in action" contains a series of responses to various simple and unique self defense situations. This can range anywhere from a simple shove to a grabbed kick during sparring, to what parking spot in the lot is safest when shopping.
Before we discuss the technical aspects of Ho Shin Sool first lets explore it's philosophy. My Instructor once said "The spirit behind Ho Shin Sool can be compared to this situation: When you approach your home you are faced with two different paths or ways of entry. One is a short cut through a wide inviting door but it is a dangerous entrance. However another door a few feet away is perfectly safe. If you take a little longer and use a little bit more energy to step the few extra feet, you will enter safely into your home and reach your destination. This is the true concept behind Ho Shin Sool. It is better to avoid danger, but in our lives unexpected things can occur. In this case we need to prepare for the unexpected. It gives us peace of mind to be capable to protect ourselves. Of course, our daily training in Moo Sa Do Kwan™ can be effectively used to protect ourselves. However, Ho Shin Sool training has specific applications to be used in unfavorable situations, for example, when you are gripped by someone or someone has a weapon."
Through application of the philosophy and mental training (Shim Gong) we can possibly see potential trouble (Awareness) and avoid it, If unavoidable we use our experience (a*sess/Nae Gong) to plan a successful strategy and implement it (Action/Weh Gong).
Strategic planning will help uncover your available options, set priorities for them, define and implement methods to achieve them.

Three stages of self defense
主意/   Ju we (Awareness)
評價   Pyong Ga (assessment)
行動    Haeng Dong (Action)

Problems and pitfalls
Wether you study Moo Sa Do Kwan™, Tang Soo Do, Soo Bahk Do, Tae Kwon Do or any martial art, One pitfall that must be avoided if any success is to be achieved in learning the martial arts is the trap of false security. Just because you've memorized a few escapes and manipulations doesn't mean you can defend yourself in a real conflict. Remember the old maxim "A little knowledge can be a dangerous thing". Experience gained through diligent, consistent training and application of that wisdom powered by the proper philosophy, will prepare you. "Courage alone will not prepare you" explains Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Grandmaster H.C Hwang, "You must have a learned technique and skill!" Don't be fooled into thinking one or two defenses against this or that grab will save you. To do that is to invite misfortune. "Philosophy in action" or as we say in the states "Walk your talk" in your daily endeavors will lead you to success. This is what the "Do" in the martial arts means. Application of natures laws and Moo Sa Do's philosophy in daily conduct, decision making and living will help you avoid personal and interpersonal conflict, and when conflict is unavoidable, Moo Sa Do Kwan™ will empower you to be safe with Ho Shin Sool.

Moo Sa!

D.Segarra