Ip Sun, an internal martial art much like Tai Chi, was developed by Buddhist monks living at the Dae-yeon Sa Temple located in the Korean mountains. The martial art is a moving meditation that develops self-awareness, confidence, and inner-strength while emphasizing techniques that improve balance, coordination, concentration, and self-defense. Ip Sun fundamentals include breath control, awareness, and fluidity of motion. Brought to the United States in 1981 by Grandmaster Wonik Yi, Ip Sun training was included as an integral part of the Tukong Moosul system. Ip Sun form training covers three basic elements: spiritual philosophy, physical application, and energy flow.
Grandmaster Wonik Yi began martial arts training at the
age of five when his parents placed him at the Dae-yeon Sa Temple, a Buddhist
Temple located in the Korean mountains. During his 18 years at the Temple,
he received the equivalent of four academic degrees: Philosophy, Martial
Arts Theory, Accupuncture, and Chinese Manipulative Therapy. He was trained
by 36 masters at the Temple. Military service is required of all South Korean
men and he served in the Korean Special Forces, where he created Tukong
Moosul. Tukong Moosul has since been adopted as the hand-to-hand combat
system for all Korean military. In 1979, Master Yi became the World Martial
Arts Champion of Seoul, South Korea in the Traditional Full Contact Tournament.
In 1981, he was honored by the Temple with the distinction of 18th generation
Master Warrior.
In 1982 Master Yi began teaching Tukong Moosul in Austin, Texas, where there
are now five schools, including one dedicated to Ip Sun. Other schools are
located in Odessa, Texas; Seattle, Washington; Seoul, Korea; and other places
around the world. Today, Master Yi serves as the President of the World
Tukong Moosul Federation, and is the Chief Commander of the Anti-Terrorist
& Hostage Rescue Training School of South Korea.
In May, 1996, Master Yi opened the Master Yi Martial Arts Academy located
in Edgewater, New Jersey.
Eun Kwan Pup Sa (left), Headmaster of the Dae-yeon Sa Temple
in Korea, and beloved mentor for Grandmaster Wonik Yi (right), died in April,
1996. Eun Kwan Pup Sa was 101 years old at the time. Knowing that his time
was near, he called Grandmaster Yi and others to his side. Having completed
everything he wanted in life, he died sitting up. The Headmaster's final
message to the Tukong Moosul students was: "Train hard and remember
what you've learned."
The students of Tukong Moosul world-wide mourn Eun Kwan Pup Sa's passing.