The principle of, focus, is central to the practice of martial arts. Indeed, it is among the most important concepts that form the foundation of effective martial arts. In Korean martial arts, it is expressed as, Chojum. The Japanese martial arts capture the idea in the term, Kime. In both martial arts traditions, focus is understood as the unification of mind, body and spirit; everything we are as human beings is momentarily brought to bear on one point. In the physical sense, technique, the sharp exhalation of breath from deep in our diaphragm, speed and power combine when executing a strike or throw, then are released. The loud yell which accompanies the execution of technique-kihap/kiai-is the, “spirit shout,” found in nearly all martial arts. The mind is filled with purpose, devoid of distractions. In a broad sense, focus also refers to our martial arts practice and, broader still, our life. Focus is to act with singular purpose, unfettered with thoughts of failure or defeat. The idea of focus is also applicable to how we approach our martial arts training; rather than dabble in multiple martial arts, our effort must concentrate on our chosen discipline until we learn its truths. Focus!
A short Korean anecdote…if a man undertakes to dig a well and abandons his effort after a foot or two, only to begin anew in a different spot, he will soon be surrounded by a number of empty holes, but no water. Dig deep and find water!