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PART 4

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PHILOSOPHY OF KIMUGAN

&

HISTORICAL REVIEW

THE PHILOSOPHY OF KIMUGAN

   It is essential in the Kimugan philosophy the balance between ethics and pragmatism. The results sought for are important, but the means should be carefully observed.

   An advanced student Kimugan should never take anything personally, but stay on its axis, understanding that each person has the right to say anything that comes to mind, although we do not agree. At the same time, every advanced student Kimugan must fight evil, and not accept lies as truth.

   It is true only what can be proven in reality, cleanly, without gimmicks or special preparations. Liars, cheaters and malicious intentions should never be supported or condoned by being honest, but must be unmasked, and if possible publicly so that there are witnesses.

   An honorable warrior must avoid all forms of evil, and use caution when certain feelings are involved such as: fear, jealousy and hatred; he must also move away from the lies and half truths, although he should choose not to talk about a certain topic or answer a question, and this creates an uncomfortable situation for him.

 

The four rules

   1) Find the unity of body, mind and spirit.   

   2) Understand and accept that only God has absolute power and control.

   3) Live righteously and combat evil in all its aspects.

   4) Avoid confrontations, arguments, scuffles and exchanging blows.

 

The four principles

   The practical application of the philosophical foundations together with the observation of actual and specific aspects to an inevitable aggression stands on four pillars:

1) Status

(relevant characteristics)

2) Circumstance

(physical and psychological context)

3) Aggressor

(capacity of actual damage)

4) Strategy

(tactical choice)

 

The seven virtues

1) DETERMINATION

Power of decision, resolution, audacity, courage and boldness. It is the action and effect of fixing the terms of something. A person with determination is one that expresses decision and resolution about something. It involves knowing how to make a decision regarding any situation to resolve.

2) PERSEVERANCE

Having steadfastness, firmness and determination in achieving something. It is to maintain for a long period of time. It refers to remain constant in a project already begun, an attitude or opinion, even when circumstances are adverse or the objectives can not be met.

3) HUMILITY

Absence of pride. It is the attitude of the person who does not boast of his achievements, recognizes its failures and weaknesses and act without pride. It is a characteristic of the modest subjects, who feel no less or more important than others.

4) RESPONSIBILITY

It fulfills the obligations or take due care to do or decide something. It is the moral commitment towards others. It means to repair and compensate the damage. By extension, a responsible person is considered reliable because he o she is dutiful.

5) PATIENCE

It is the ability to endure, resignedly, discomforts, misfortunes or offenses. It is the ability to tolerate a situation without experiencing nervousness or lose your temper. Its opposite is anxiety and its consequences can be very varied: outbreaks of violence or give up.

6) STRENGTH

Strength and vigor. It is the moral force that allows to overcome fear and move forward. It is the ability to withstand adversities and overcome obstacles maintaining firmness in the spirit.

7) CONVICTION

Security that a person has in relation to what he or she: thinks, feels; says and does. It is about to have: clear ideas, intense feelings, consequent actions and (above all things) absolute and unconditional faith. 

All that should be left out

   In the Kimugan there is no bowing between people or to images, because it does not correspond because all reverence should be reserved for God Almighty, the one Creator, the source of Love, Truth and Justice.

   During practice no kind of any music is used in order to set the pace of work, or music that dull the mind or induces automation movements used.

   Never to be performed shows: broken boards, bricks and so on. All that part of the vision of martial arts is  unrelated with the Kimugan.

   Practices do not include "games" or "do some shots" (hits), to avoid incurring the exchange of blows, and never encourage violent or competitive attitudes.

   Kimugan practitioners are prohibited from engaging in pugilistic competencies, either: boxing, wrestling, valetudo, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or any aggressive martial art, on pain of sanctions that may involve suspension and even expulsion from the School.

 

Philosophical meaning of each belt color
 

- White: sincerity and purity.

- Yellow: honor and loyalty.

- Orange: strength and determination.

- Green: resistance and stability.

- Cyan: introspection and meditation.

- Blue: harmony and seriousness.

- Purple: serenity and spirituality.

- Brown stability and vigor.

- Black: authority and humility.

Esoteric basis

   Is taken from the ancient East (India, China and Japan) the ancient origin of some technical aspects, energy management and some of the philosophical issues Zen, which are complemented by the esoteric core of Kimugan, consisting of: the Great Hermetic laborers from Egypt pre pharaonic and ancient Greece, the Arcane Teachings of Yamabushi monks of old Japan (dedicated to the pursuit of spiritual energies, often considered supernatural) and ancestral knowledge Shamanic of native peoples in the Americas, highlighting the incomparable beauty of pragmatic wisdom of Teotihuacan Warriors.

   All Kimugan techniques are based on the 4 natural elements: earth, water, air and fire. The number four symbolizes stability, are four points which express the third dimension. A point is dimensionless, two points generate a linear dimension, three points express a flat or two-dimensional space width and height... but four points generate depth.

   Each of the four forms originating immobilization has three other variants, through each element generating 16 basic techniques, ( 4 x 4 = 16... 1 + 6 = 7 ).

   The basic techniques of Kimugan can be expressed through each of the 4 elements, instead of becoming rigid or static, and from the 16 forms emerge variants and chains, generating broad technical repertoire of own cautions the Kimugan.

   Originally, the theory of the 4 elements emerged in some unknown site and spread to ancient Greece. In most Japanese schools a theory of five elements is postulated, adding ether to the original theory already mentioned, or placing the human being as the fifth element. Instead, in most Chinese schools they have ruled the air, and another theory postulated five different elements to the Japanese, which is composed of earth, water, fire, wood and metal. This theory has been widely developed through fashion "new age" and known worldwide by feng-shui den. In the Kimugan only considered the theory of the 4 elements (from the ancient Greek sages) as correct. The 4 elements are clearly expressed in the 4 seasons: autumn earth, winter water, air spring, summer fire. The order is not earth, water, fire and air; It should be considered first earth, secondly water, thirdly air and fourthly fire. The latter is the true order, because land and water are complementary, as are air and fire, while land and water found its opposite in air and fire respectively (touch, taste, smell, sight, hearing represents the ethereal and emptiness).

 

Number Seven… symbol of: Magic and Perfection

   7 represents perfection, the complete work, magic, and all that is invisible to the eye. There are 7 days a week and the days of creation and there are 7 energy centers of the human body... the 7 seals, 7 colors of the rainbow, 7 keys, 7 heavens, 7 steps alchemical process, etc. Many important aspects of life relate directly to this issue... 7 capital sins (pride, lust, gluttony, greed, envy, anger and sloth)... the 7 main virtues of Christianity (humility, chastity, temperance, simplicity, charity, patience and diligence), the 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit, the 7 Elohim, etc. There are a number of symbols related to the physical plane on a global level from the point of geographical, religious and political views: the 7 seas, 7 kingdoms, 7 hills, 7 oceans, 7 continents, etc.

 

The philosophical approach in theory and practice

   The 4 moon phases consist of 7 days and there are 4 elements used in the techniques of Kimugan: earth, water, air and fire, which when combined generate 16 forms (1+6=7). And above all things mentioned number 7 represents Divinity, because they are seven laws that control the universe.
   Displacements of Kimugan are 16 and are divided into four groups of four: the first one is composed of four linear displacements in diagonal, the second is four circular shifts diagonally, the third is mixed (as it consists of displacements lateral) the first and second linear half circular portion; Finally, the fourth group, which is formed by four linear displacements crosswise.

( 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 = 16... 1 + 6 = 7 ).

Doshu Words

"Ki is energy and it is also mind; so, to consciously direct the power of vital energy, the first thing to do is train hard and assume, a sustained manner, some degree of control in relation to dream of earthly experience, also called life."

(Gabriel Gagliardini)
 

"The Universal Manifestation indicates that the fundamental essence is Mind, so the base of Kimugan should and must be clearly mental."

(Gabriel Gagliardini)
 

"The Kimugan is a path to self-improvement, and its doors are open to all honest, persevering and goodwill students. It should be understood that as a Spiritual Martial Art, because the Kimugan form warriors, which involves preparing beings for peace and war, yet it does not generate aggression or endorse violence... but, on the contrary, it is to overcome evil in all its manifestations, overcoming all obstacles, through self-correction and self-discipline."

(Gabriel Gagliardini)

"The Kimugan is original, legit and genuine... It is sui generis! (from its own kind or species). From every point of view, it would have been easier to create a style of an existing martial art. To establish a revolutionary new Martial Art like Kimugan, outside Asia, has not only involved decades of extreme constancy and immeasurable efforts, but also pay very high prices (outside the imagination of people not initiated into esoteric knowledge). I've lost a lot of things. Truly has been extremely difficult to create and sustain the School of Kimugan during the early stages, but it's done. Now I leave my legacy to all my students and their apprentices. I am happy to note that for all of them that it is very easy to learn the techniques in the safety of the dojo... They should only attend classes, train for awareness and fulfill their ethical obligations."

(Gabriel Gagliardini)
 

"We need to train outdoors, at least once a week; and if possible every day. Thus, the body is revitalized, and there is not much room for the darkness of the soul, chronic fatigue and general deterioration. In addition, the sun's energy strengthens from the inside, giving greater resistance and optimizing all vital systems."

(Gabriel Gagliardini)

"As for the technical aspect, it should be very important for the beginner, but from the seventh year of training technical issues must go to the second plane, to give priority to mental energy place, that powerful invisible region of being."

(Gabriel Gagliardini)

"I am often asked about the origin and technical development which enabled the founding of Kimugan, and the answer is that variants were not sought by me, but appeared spontaneously during the extensive and hard workouts, like old memories that came to light. In my case, the practice has been fundamental, like the development of intuition. It is also true that sometimes, technical and philosophical issues have come to me through very real dreams."
(Gabriel Gagliardini)

"Kimugan serves to defend one’s self, to purify the spirit, to strengthen the mind and to stay healthy. But if practiced for decades, it may also serve to gain a thorough knowledge of the use of ki and on various topics that are of order philosophical and practical."
(Gabriel Gagliardini)

"While the ordinary men entertains with games, the warriors reflect and deepen their workout."
(Gabriel Gagliardini)

"In the Kimugan there are no theories or traditions, I am sure of the effectiveness of the techniques has to be demonstrated in class, and if the immobilization fails is not due to the technique in itself but it is to the person who executes it incorrectly."

(Gabriel Gagliardini)

"After years... and years of training, to some extent the body of the student is strengthened, but not from there that originates its power, but in his mind, nevertheless it will no longer be logical to direct your actions, but your instinct, which does not come from the basic instinct of survival, but of his warrior's wisdom."
(Gabriel Gagliardini)

"Training others should never be taken as a burden, it must be a privilege! ... Because all martial artists are required to transmit, at least, a part of all that they have learned."

(Gabriel Gagliardini)

HISTORICAL REVIEW

   The origin of martial arts goes back to immemorial time in India. It is said that the Indian pilgrims (who usually were thin, peaceful and of short stature), had the need to create a self-defense class that did not have as a basis the use of muscle strength. In principle, the method was developed under the concept of "using levers against the brute force of the adversaries."

 

Brief history of martial arts

   Subsequently it came to China, then to Okinawa, Japan and other regions where these systems were developed. It was in Japan, around the year 1600, all these martial activities were referred to as: jiujitsu or yawara, disciplines that became too large and highly complex; and from there arose many schools, with their different styles.

   Because of this complexity and mixing techniques, the original old yawara went dividing into different schools of martial arts. Fragmenting each of the parts of that basic technical conglomerate, so it would be easier for the conceptualizing and the teaching. In addition, it would become easier to organize and systematize. Moreover, being more specific the schools became more attractive to students.

   Over the years, the students began to split into many factions, and this is how the different martial arts schools were created.

   The techniques used in martial arts are of ancient and unfathomable origin, but it was not until the mid-twentieth century that these disciplines became popular globally.

Ancestral teachings

   Welcome to Wisdom! In this section we will share diverse knowledge from Zen teachings of ancient warriors and great martial arts instructors of all time.

 

The True Warrior (Japanese Legend)

     There was once in ancient Japan, an old Warrior; already retired that was dedicated to teach his Martial Art to his young students despite his advanced age, the legend ran that he was still capable of defeating any adversary.

     One day an evil warrior appeared with the reputation of being the best of its kind. He was known for his total lack of scruples and for being a specialist in the technique of provocation. This "fighter" expected his opponent to make the first move and then with a privileged intelligence to catch the opponent's mistakes and attacking with a fulminating speed. He had never lost a combat.
     Knowing the fame of the old man, he was there to defeat him and thus increase his reputation as an invincible combatant. The old man accepted the challenge and they met in the public square with all the students and people of the place. The young quarrelsome began to insult the noble Master. When he did not react he spit the ground in his direction, threw several stones which fell very close, then offended with all kinds of contempt to him, his relatives and ancestors. For several hours he did everything to provoke him, but the old Master remained impassive. At the end of the afternoon, exhausted and humiliated, the young fake warrior withdrew.
   The disciples ran to their Master and asked him how he had endured so much unworthiness in a cowardly way without drawing his sword, before which the Master said: -If someone gives you a gift and you do not accept it, to whom does that gift belong? -Who tried to deliver it! replied a disciple. -Correct, the same is valid for rage, anger, insults and envy -said the Master-, when they are not accepted they continue to belong to the one who carried with them. Some people prefer that evil directs and consumes them... I am my sovereign!

THE TRUE WARRIOR BECOMES A SOVEREIGN MAN BY REJECTING ALL MANIPULATION.
(Text modified and edited by Prof. Gabriel Gagliardini, Founder and Director -Doshu- of the School of Kimugan)
 

"...The lips of wisdom are closed, except for the ear can understand... ...The principles of truth are seven: one who understands this perfectly possesses the magic key to which all temple doors open wide.

"(The three Initiates - The Kybalion)
 

"...There is nothing in this world which a warrior can not give a reason. You see, a warrior is considered already dead, and so has nothing to lose. And the worst has already happened, and therefore feels quiet and his thoughts are clear, judging by his actions or his words, one would never suspect that a warrior has witnessed all..."

(Don Juan - Carlos Castaneda)


"I make my no-mind my sword."

(Zen teaching)

 

"Never underestimate the opponent. You should always think that is very dangerous."

(Masatoshi Nakayama)

"...In the practice of every form of life and any work, there is a state of mind which is said to be lost. Although you strive diligently on your way day after day, if your heart does not agree with him although you think that you are on the right track, from the point of view of justice and truth, it is not a real way. if you do not follow a real way to the end, a small evil at first will later become a great perversion. Reflect upon this..."

(Mishamoto Musashi)


"...Those who have learned the true life walking the earth, are not afraid of rhinoceros or tigers and entering a battle, are not afraid of armed soldiers. The rhinoceros has no place to plunge its horn in these people , the tiger has nowhere to put their claws on them, and armed soldiers have nowhere to hit them with their swords Why is that? Because for such people, death does not exist..." (Lao Tse)
 

"...If your superiority is five to one, says Chang Yu attack him. If my strength is five times higher than that of my enemy I alert his vanguard, I take the surprise from the behind, I weaken them to the east and to the west I am victorious..."

(Sun Tsu)

 

"I do not know how to outdo the other. All I know is how to beat myself."

(Zen teaching)
 

"...As soon as you take care of" good "and" evil "of your fellows, you create an opening in your heart by entering malice. Examining, competing and criticizing others weakens and defeats you... ...life itself is always a test. As you train yourself, you should put yourself to the test to refine yourself to face the great challenges of life. It transcends the boundaries of life and death, and then you will be able to be calm and security in any crisis that comes your way..."

(Tsnne Mori -Morihei Ueshiba-)


"Mentality over technique."

(Gichin Funakoshi)


"Intellectual ability does not cover the entire field of the subject. The achievement of the ultimate reality, which is the absolute emptiness. The latter transcends all modes of relativity."

(Lee Jun-Fan -Bruce Lee-)
 

"Lear the virtue of patience during the time of inactivity. Choose the course of justice, and pattern of your life. Do not let your heart be controlled by the influence of pleasure, desire or dependence. Wear out resentment without natural events , which plagues the human spirit, to cultivate the still spirit. Encourage in your heart the importance of loyalty to the family, and continue the study of martial arts with determination and firmness."

(Shinryuken Masamitsu Toda)
 

"The use of body weight and rotation of the torso are the keys to avoid the attack of an opponent, which must be located in an ideal counter position. For maximum effectiveness, you should turn the body as if were a block and not of different parts.
You can not answer a superior force with force itself but must be harmonized with the action of the body and direct it, to get some advantage. Attempting to launch the counter to the vulnerable anatomical parts of the enemy, not to the toughest. After the break, do not lose sight of the enemy, stay alert: they could try another attack. The counter should not be too thorough to avoid incurring the risk of one's integrity and not break the natural harmony of the universe, from which it follows that it must be proportional to the situation."

(Masatoshi Nakayama)

"The 5 Stages Warrior:
-The First phase may be called the acquisition of skills, adept shown insecure and judges others according to the acquired  knowledge.
-The Second stage or middle stage is characterized by the incorporation of skills, these are no longer outside him but have become part of his reflexes.
-The Third phase, or upper stage, is characterized by the ability to make tight and not impulsive decisions. The warrior no longer cares about their own safety. His or her skills are perfectly blocked in, it becomes one.
-The Fourth phase can be called wisdom, the warrior hides his skills, generates false signals, feigns ignorance and clumsiness, shows incompetence, thus wins the match before fighting.
-The Fifth stage or final stage, also called permanent or unlimited training, is characterized by the higher road. a true warrior devotes all his time to perfecting himself. That is why training is an endless process."

(Zen Teaching)

Modern times

   Since World War II, many martial schools transcended the Asian territory, but the massive influx of martial arts was through film: first with the appearance of Bruce Lee in the 1970s, and then in 1980 here were emerging movies with ninjas, some with kungfu, until came "Karate kid", which marked a huge global trend in favor of martial arts. Also action movies had a great influence, such as the ones starring Chuck Norris, Jean Claude Van Damme and Steven Seagal in which martial arts played a fundamental role.

   As for the Kimugan, its founder lived in the craze of martial arts during the 1980s and, having been part of numerous schools, started generating different techniques for his own self-defense system, which was very gradually developed... until, after more than thirty years of hard and constant work, this Art was consolidated, and gave life to Kimugan, proper discipline to the current reality of the West, free of ceremonies and archaic protocols; a Martial Art of the American Continent, with an ethical and pragmatic approach.

   The KIMUGAN is a safe and enjoyable activity,

which could be summarized as: 0% of tradition and...

100% Efficiency !!!

INFORMATION PART 5