KONG SANG KOON

THE MEANING AND HISTORY OF KONG SANG KOON HYUNG

Kong Sang Koon Hyung will be discussed, looking at its history, meaning and the names used in various martial arts around the world.

This form is named in honour of a Chinese missionary, Kong Sang Koon, who first introduced this form. Kong Sang Koon is credited with the creation of this Hyung approximately three hundred years ago in the Ha Nam (southern) region of China. Kong Sang Koon is often translated as the Eagle Hyung.

There are a total of 67 movements in Kong Sang Koon Hyung. Kong Sang Koon is performed in an active and practical manner. This form is extremely enjoyable to perform, this means that it is often performed at demonstrations. It is offensive and defensive towards imagined opponents from many angles.

This Hyung is from the Southern Style So Rim Pa. The movements portray the repelling of enemies from four directions. It is regarded by many as the Hyung of all Hyungs and symbolises the Eagle.

Kong Sang Koon hyung is taught in many Martial Arts systems. Below is a short list of some of the names used in various regions of Asia:

CHINA	OKINAWA	JAPAN	KOREA
Kanku Ko Sho Kun Dai	Kanku Kusanku Kushanku Kwanku	Kusanku	Kong Sang Koon Kongsangoon Kung San Kun Kong San Goon

I find that after a little thought on these names, they all appear to have very similar pronunciations and seem to stem more from translations into English and culture differences in pronunciation between countries.

I have researched a few of the names given and found that there are many sources. Below are some thoughts on where this name has come from, derived from one source on Okinawan Karate. This is just one resource that I found quite interesting particularly as it has images of the performance of this hyung.

The Kanku Kata were taught to the Okinawans by Master Kwang Shang Fu – Military Attaché to Okinawa in 1724. The Okinawan way of saying his name is Kushanku and this was the Okinawan name for these Kata.
Master Funakoshi changed the name to Kanku which means “to view the sky.”1

Many similarities can be seen between the Hyung as we are taught it and how others are taught it. It is quite obvious that they are derived from the same source and equally obvious that there are differences in the application of individual techniques.

There are also many meanings associated with the name and depending on where you are taught and by whom there will be differences in the interpretation. Below is a list of a few of the many meanings of the name(s).

• Viewing the sky
• Gazing Skyward
• Observing the sky
• Watching the Sky
• Observe the universe
• Emptiness
• The name of the man, who popularised its use
• The name of a Chinese public official from the Ming Dynasty

Most of these meanings seem to indicate an association with the sky, which makes me think of openness. By this I refer to an opening of the mind to new learning. I have no evidence of this other than my own personal experiences while learning and performing this Hyung, which always seems fresh and new.

It is also quite apparent that the meanings above are related to the opening movement in particular. Where the gaze is directed upwards and the breath is concentrated on, this is why I think there is openness when performing this Hyung. This also creates a sense of Oneness with nature.

– Derek Koina Sa Bom Nim (Dan Bon 34126), Sa Dan Essay, September 2005