National Commission for Certification of Traditional Martial Arts

Do In Che Jo - “The Natural Healing Method and Traditional Martial Arts”

The importance of exercise is a well-known concept in the realm of maintaining a healthy life.  Let’s examine the definition of good “balanced” exercise.  Balance is the key word.  Exercise is good, but too much or too little is harmful, if not wasteful.  Our bodies are born into a physically well-balanced state.   When we are young, our bodies are healthy and flexible which allows the energy to flow freely throughout the body maintaining a perfect state.  As we age, such things as environmental factors, nutritional factors and the general lack of health maintenance upset this balance.  As this balance is lost, then we begin to see the affects of disease.  How do we maintain this balance?  The answer is rooted in Do In Che Jo. 

Martial arts and the natural healing methods are the safest approach to enhance the natural healing process of the body.  These natural healing techniques come from the traditional martial arts and may be traced back thousands of years in history.  Martial arts and eastern medicine have been intertwined ever since mankind discovered the concept of “Ki”.  The initial benefits from the martial arts and the natural healing methods are at first easily recognized. The immediate effects are to stimulate the body and help improve circulation.  Techniques help increase flexibility, strengthen the body and increase the range of motion of areas such as back, neck and the major joints.  Training in traditional martial arts and natural healing methods decreases the risk of physical injuries. Additional benefits include muscular balance and good posture. Overtime, the body structures often times become out of balance and poor postural habits may develop.  Flexibility helps realign body structures and builds the strength necessary to maintain good posture.  If muscles are relaxed, then this helps promote healthy circulation and nutrition directly to muscles. 

“Do In Che Jo” is the traditional study of creating a healthy physical condition.  This form of physical study may be likened to Yoga and the basic calisthenics performed in many athletic fields of study.  Do In Che Jo is rooted in the art of “Yeuk Geun Kyong”, which is the method of training and development taught to the Shaolin Monks by a man named Dal Ma.  Dal Ma is considered the founder of Shaolin martial arts.  “Hwal Bub” is translated from its Korean pronunciation as the “Natural Healing Art” and is a method of healing in Do In Che Jo.  Martial arts natural healing methods focus on promoting health, as well as the treatment and prevention of acute and chronic disorders.  Common disorders may include spinal disorders associated with back pain, sciatica, lower back problems, arm pain and numbness in the fingers associated to cervical problems.  Exercise is the most natural way for our body to maintain health.  The physical health of the body comes from flexibility.  Flexibility helps Ki flow.  Ki flow is likened to the flow of water.  Any stagnation in the flow of Ki will cause the energy to spoil like standing water.  When the muscles are flexible, the softness or flexibility of the body will absorb Ki quicker.     

It is the “Infant State” that we are striving to maintain.  Specifically, in this section of discussion we are focusing on the flexibility of youth.  Overtime, without proper guidance and physical maintenance the body becomes unbalanced.  Flexibility helps to regain that balance and improve our physical health.  An improvement in our physical health reflects on our mental health.  This creates a balance of life and a greater overall healthy condition. 

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