UNSU- Cloud Hands



While on our trip to Korea my group of senior Dan members enjoyed a morning training with Grandmaster Estioko.
First I want to say the setting of overlooking the ocean on Jeju island was breathtaking. Second, having the opportunity to train with the Grandmaster was a privilege onto it’s own. Thirdly, learning a new form is still exciting to me even after fourty two years in martial arts.
Our form today is titled Unsu. Unsu translates as "cloud hands", a very advanced hyung also practiced in Japanese karate. It includes a 360 degree jump, spinning techniques on one leg, one finger attacks from a cat stance, kicks from the floor and several other techniques not seen in any other Tang Soo Do hyung.

The opening sequence of the form highlights the rise of the sun along the horizon, the finger spear represent thunderbolts from the heavens and the jump symbolizes a hurricane.
This form has many different techniques and strategies. One unique quality is employing examples of defense from the ground. You can learn to fight from a disadvantage, and how to fight in a way that helps you get back to your feet after being down. I believe this is a strategy all students should have practice in.
At the beginning of our training we bowed to the sun for its light and warmth that it provided to us. We were taught by Kwan Jang Nim to respect nature as it aids us, including the water, air and wind and how it graces our lives. We were also reminded to respect the power that nature employs on occasions as we anticipated the monsoon that was approaching the island. The day after the training session we just barely made it off the island to Busan before the airport was shut down. At the completion of the training we bowed to mother earth for the richness it provided for us.
As many other USG members trained in different groups on the beachfront I wondered if they were as awed as I was by this unique opportunity that had been presented to us. Thousands of mile from home, here in the heartland of Tang Soo Do we had the opportunity to do what many have dreamed of.
Smiling, sweating and learning, Kwan Jang Nim Estioko demonstrated that at no matter at what age you are, once you tie your belt on you can transform yourself to a spry and springy Dan member. He demonstrated all of the form for us, including dropping to the ground and the 360 degree kick. Wow! He sets a great example to all of us. Thanks for the great class sir!

By Mike Bogdanski, Chil Dan
Putnam, CT.

Comments

Thomas Mason said…
Sounds like you had a great experience. Visiting Korea would be a dream come true! Glad to hear it :)
9:03 PM
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