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Feature article in TaeKwonDo Times Magazine October 1998 issue

New Martial Art breaks
through onto the Big Screen.
By Mason T.

Black Belts and O.G. Dance Masters Thomas and Paul Guzman-Sanchez bring Won Moo, a new martial art derived from Hapkido, Do Hap Sul (Korean Kung Fu) and Judo to the big screen. In January 1997 the Director of the Warner Brothers feature film "Quest For Camelot" needed what only Thomas and Paul could bring to this animated feature. Thomas was cast as "Ruber", Paul as "Spike Slinger" (originally called "Mace Arms"). They were called on extensively to utilize their Won Moo martial art techniques along with their dance training. Both were combined into the choreography for the film that took months of rehearsing and then filming both martial arts, dance and acting scenes. They were then transformed by the master animators at Warner Bros. studios into the mystic and intense characters featured in the movie.

The brothers learned Won Moo from its creator and true modern day Master Sang Yun Lee. Master Lee moved to the United States in 1984 from Soul Korea and now at the age of 57, not only trains with his students but makes it a true challenge to keep up with him. His intense training method brings out the best in his students.

Thomas and Paul are originally from Reseda California and first studied Moo Do Kwon Taekwondo in 1972. The Guzman-Sanchez brothers have competed in many tournaments (both open and TKD) for the past three years. Thomas says, "It has been the lessons I've learned through these confrontational experiences that have helped me to reach my dreams. Realizing that I fear no one, is what has allowed me to have peace within. I just move forward through my life, not worrying about others. I use techniques that I have learned both physical and philosophical." Paul says, "For me I've realized that there is a deeper long-lasting involvement through the training of martial arts and its importance on staying healthy. Also when learning new techniques it's better not to rush. One must have the patience to feel the techniques, so they can be used at anytime."

Thomas discovered Master Lee in 1993. After a personal demonstration of his completely effective circular techniques and simplistic approach, the brothers started to train with him. Thomas recalls, "I had always searched for a martial art like this. I had known about Aikido but I was looking for a style that had kicking, striking, grappling, joint manipulations and throws. My eyes were opened wide after my first meeting with this very humble martial art master."

Master Lee's Won Moo (originally known as Gyup San Do) focuses heavily on conditioning. Pounding of the knuckles (both front and backfist), open back hand, outside forearm and the abdomen through Dan Jon breathing techniques. Paul likes this aspect of training "I feel you can tell a martial artists commitment by looking at their hands. The conditioning is a key part of mental and physical training."

Literally translated: Won (circular movement) Moo (Martial Art) and compared to original Hapkido, Won Moo has a much more improved circular technique. When asked about Master Choi Young Sul (the Founder of what is called Hapkido today) Master Lee said, "What Master Choi did was good at that time, but martial arts are constantly changing and being refined." One must realize the ancient martial artists and soldiers used weapons of the times. So martial arts were applicable to that period. Won Moo has adapted the martial arts to modern times and developed unique techniques. Through four decades of training and teaching, Master Lee found certain techniques ineffective. He has simplified many useless forms and techniques to be effective and useful. "Many martial arts have many forms" He says, "To many forms are not easy to memorize and are not usable on the street. In fighting, how many techniques can actually be applied."

There is an ancient philosophy from "The Art Of War" that says, "If you know yourself and your enemies ability, you can win." To achieve this Won Moo has kicking, punching, throwing and joint locks. All this combined with rigorous training and an indomitable spirit one can overcome any opponent. Won Moo is yet another important step in the perfection and evolution of the ancient martial arts. It is these hybrids that give us our modern day martial arts like Gracie Jujitsu, Gene La Bell Judo and Shoot fighting.

Like so many others in martial arts, Thomas and Paul have been on a personal journey both spiritual and physical. As they have traveled on their path they a have learned many things about the mystique behind the world of martial arts. The sad thing is that there are many frauds in the martial art business today. Many teachers who put their personal agenda and greed ahead of the art. This is especially true in Hapkido where many teach an assembly line technique. Master Lee feels, "In Hapkido many instructors teach the same techniques decade after decade, never improving on older styles." Master Lee's technique goes beyond standard teachings to extreme effectiveness. After his 30 years of instructing in which 10 years were spent teaching the American armed forces, Master Lee who holds a high degree in Hapkido, Do Hap Sul (Korean Kung Fu), Taekwondo and Judo, has pulled together those techniques that work.

As Martial artists and O.G.(original generation) Dance Masters, the brothers feel there are a few similarities between the dance form called Locking and Martial Arts. They both take extreme agility, physical conditioning and years to perfect the many techniques. There is a move similar to a Jumping double front kick or (Tubal Polio Apchagi) that is performed as a high jumping toe touch usually followed by dropping directly into a knee drop. Another is called a "Scoobot" and it is like a series of jumping side kicks when being attacked from both sides. The multiple clean arm points in Locking are perfect to develop speed in the arms and very fast hands for punching.

At the end of 1998 Thomas and Paul Guzman-Sanchez will be featured in the Clockman Vision film "Underground Dance Masters: History Of A Forgotten Era", which focuses on the history of Urban dance from 1970 to 1985. This first time look at the history and origin of the American dance forms called Locking and Popping which are the true beginning of what has become known today as Hip Hop dance. Through the use of archival footage and interviews it tells what life was like and why these dances were created. The four volume compilation/soundtrack (now available nationally released on VRL Muzic/PolyGram) is called "O.G. Funk - Underground Dance Master Music Series - Locking Volume 1 & 2 and Popping Volume 1 & 2". Thomas and Paul were members of the O.G. Dance Group "Chain Reaction" established in 1974 who were key players in the creation of these art forms. Reebok International has become the corporate sponsor of the "First Annual Underground Dance Master Tournament" to held in California in November 1998. Contestants can find out more about the tournament on the internet (www.dancemaster.com).

These unique brothers have always been able to utilize their martial arts training in their dance. The discipline and philosophy for each are the same says Thomas, "If one does not train, one does not progress." This training ethic combined with a lot of natural ability is what makes up these two individuals. Thomas, "We as martial artists are a special group because through training we create ourselves. Winning or losing, strong or weak, the responsibility is our own. This is who we are."

World Won Moo Hapkido Association.
E mail Thomas Guzman-Sanchez at: powertactic@dancemaster.com