Kichun

KiChun (기천/氣天) is a Korean martial art, introduced in the 1960s, origins of the martial art being widely unknown as it was passed from one wandering master to another. Many martial artists claim that forms and postures look similar to the Wing Chun or Southern Praying Mantis styles of China. However, the focus as well as the discipline of the martial arts are entirely different.

"KiChun" is actually a shortened name for "KiChunMoon", literally meaning "Door to the Heavenly Qi". With such stress in developing a deeper connection with Qi or Ki, the basis for the martial art is derived almost entirely from holding 6 different stances, each enumerated with a name of its own.

It is also known that Haidong Gumdo has roots in this martial art, with each basic stance of Haidong Gumdo originating from Kichun.

Stances

Kichun is focused on 6 different stances, with the first stance being the most important one. In Haidong Gumdo, the holding of the first stance while counting up to 60 (about a minute) is required to pass the black-belt test.

First stance: 내가신장 (Nae-Gah-Shin-Jang)

This stance is widely viewed as the main focus of the martial art. Many Kichun practitioners try to hold this stance for as long as an hour. Kichun claims that this opens up channels for natural flow of Qi into the center of the human body.

Fighting Techniques

Kichun's combat techniques vary, as it is a free-flow martial art. The knowledge in combat differ for each follower of the art, but there are a few agreed rules.

One of the rules is to always be in constant movement. There must be at least three points of movement at all points in time in combat, whether it be for defensive or offensive purposes.