Hong Ik Martial Arts: HST (Hyunsa and Susa Training) November 9, 2025
Hyunsa SuSa Training
November 9th 2025
Tarrytown, NY
Every month, all Hyunsa (Masters) and SuSa from all Hong Ik Martial Arts locations meet at the Tarrytown Dojang to train under Grand Master Yoo. It is a chance for SuSa and Masters to study the SuSa curriculum more in depth, strengthen their understanding of specific techniques, and gain a deeper understanding of the Hong Ik Martial Arts philosophy, which is essential as Susa’s are required to lead by example. This month’s HST was special as we had special guest Dr. Edward J. Grippe, PHD as a guest speaker on the Socratic Method.
November 9th HST Training –
1. Warmups – Directed by 2 Select SuSa
2. Qigong led by Grandmaster Yoo
a. Series of movements involving blocks, punches, kicks, and postures
b. Emphasis on transitions and remaining centered
c. Helps to slowly raise energy levels and bring the class to a heightened level of focus and awareness.
3. Kicking / Punching / Blocking Combinations
a. Roundhouse 2x, Double Punch
b. Hop Back 2x, Face shield (Raise arms to protect face)
c. Roundhouse kick, Back Kick, Rear hand punch (Other hand protects face)
d. Slide back, Step Back, Back Hook Kick
4. Partner Target training
a. Above techniques using targets to enhance speed, accuracy, and overall technique
b. Must coordinate with partners creating another level of fun and challenge
5. Duck / Jump Target Reactions
a. Target holders clap at head and hold in front of belt
b. Students must react by ducking and jumping as quickly as possible
c. Grandmaster Yoo encouraged students to aim for 10 full sets as that would mean your body is in a strong condition.
6. Calming Qigong
a. Hap Jaang Sushik
b. Haak Ik Shik
c. Sushik
Dr. Grippe was nice enough to speak about many ideas Socrates had on his pursuit of Truth. One thing that was noted before going into Socrates’s philosophies was that he, at one point, had to help defend his city-state of Athens against outside aggressors. His experience in battles may have played a part in him concluding that keeping the physical body in good health has an effect on maintaining a clear mind. In regard to fitness, Socrates viewed it as a source of discipline and a “foundation stone to the self”. This aligns with the Hong Ik Martial Arts principle of Jung Choong (Physical Strength), Ki Jaang (Matured Emotional Energy), Shin Myung (Spiritual Brightness). Seeing the human being as one whole is important to illuminating the True Self.
Introspection can be an important aspect to evolving in one’s way of life. Socrates often walked around asking the people of Greece questions on their thoughts to both better examine his own and their philosophies. Dr. Grippe mentioned this was done from an earnest and humble perspective. If that is done, then the collective consciousness grows, no matter how small. One widely known quote from Socrates is “I know that I know nothing.” This parallels the HIMA red/black belt principle of Conquer. The story in that study guide involves different people having various viewpoints on their journey of a mountain. One statement made by a traveler who had explored for many years is “I am still walking on it”. That exemplifies the hidden lesson to be discovered. The hidden lesson being that we should not let arrogance block us off from continual growth in our life endeavors.
This November HST lecture was interactive. We appreciate Dr. Grippe implementing Socrates’s preferred choice of teaching through discussion. It allowed the students to give their ideas and Grand Master Yoo to clarify the Susa program: As we are studying the color belt principles and Susa curriculum guides, we are to read them with an open mind. And as we move through life, certain circumstances may come up as opportunities for us to actualize what we read about in the past. For example, we study about Self-Control at the green belt level. It is much easier to speak about stepping away from a heated argument than actually do it. Nonetheless, it is still very beneficial to learn about ideal ways to handle general situations of conflict.
Hong Ik Martial Arts aims to create a better human being. As we study more, we may start to see that any genuine seekers of wisdom in the past become awakened to similar truths, even if on different paths. Some key takeaways from the day are 1) Sincerity – don’t be a fake and let the motivation for becoming insightful be fueled by the adulation of others. 2) Pass Knowledge Forward – experience happiness from giving rather than just receiving. 3) Where Focus Goes, Energy Flows – we have the power to focus on the good and that will allow the flourishing of more good. The opposite is also true. Socrates said “He who is not content with what he has, would not be content with what he would like to have.” Thank you Dr. Grippe for inspiring all of us to live a more virtuous life of integrity through your discourse on the Socratic Method!