십 팔 계 Ship Pal Gae/18 Weapons

Ship Pal Gae encompasses eighteen different weapons. The proper steps of Ship Pal Gae practice at an intermediate level include:

• The weapon and body combine as one.
• Breathing and movement harmonize together with control and coordination.
• Practice speed is a combination of fast and slow body movements. 

Ship Pal Gae forms are soft and hard, the weapon and body must move in coordination with proper timing. If the weapon moves in one direction and the body moves in another direction, it will eventually result in injury. Movements are usually offensive, and strong eye contact is maintained with the opponent.  The hands and feet are used in all different directions, with both angles and circles. 

Someone can practice with any weapon to understand the correct movements, but to specialize in a weapon at the intermediate level, the weapon must be properly matched to the practitioner’s body. For example, it is improper for someone with a small body to specialize in Chung Yun Doe or Chong Bong. Rather, a Doe or Kom would likely be more suitable because smaller weapons are easier for a smaller person to handle. 

These forms develop flexibility, coordination, strength, and speed. With proper practice, one also develops accuracy of the weapon strike, increased strength in the hands and fingers, and improved overall body control and reflexes. Proper weapon training utilizes unused muscles and areas of the brain not normally used in daily activities. This increases one’s overall capability and potential and can significantly slow down the deterioration (aging) of the mind.