Training and Learning

Baek Nyon Chon Mah (백년천마/백련천마), as articulated by Dojunim Ji Han Jae, emphasizes a disciplined approach to learning: "Train 100 times, shine/polish 1,000 times." This philosophy underscores the importance of extensive practice and refinement, where '1,000 polish' symbolizes an ongoing, perhaps infinite, commitment to improvement.

In the context of psychological and neurological learning theories, this principle aligns closely with the stages of memory formation: (1) encoding (initial learning or exposure), (2) consolidation (the process by which memories become stable), and (3) retrieval (the ability to access information after it has been stored). Initially, information in Hapkido, as in other disciplines, is acquired visually and auditorily. This corresponds to the encoding phase, where sensory information is connected with neural activity.

For Hapkido, which involves complex physical movements, the consolidation phase is heavily reliant on kinetic replication—repeated physical practice. This aligns with the neurological concept that repetition strengthens the neural pathways responsible for the specific actions, enhancing muscle memory and the integration of these skills into long-term memory.

Dojunim's emphasis on polishing a skill 1,000 times speaks to the importance of refining and perfecting these movements beyond mere competence. This reflects an advanced understanding of perceptual learning and attention to detail, where the sensory (visual and auditory) and motor systems are finely tuned through continuous practice. It also highlights the role of attention in learning, suggesting that focused, detailed-oriented repetition (the '1,000 polishes') can significantly enhance the quality and precision of a skill.

This approach is profoundly insightful and is supported by contemporary research in cognitive psychology and neuroscience. It suggests that while initial learning requires basic repetition, mastery demands focused, intentional, and repeated engagement with the material or skill at a deeper level. Thus, Dojunim's teachings encapsulate profound psychological truths, offering a roadmap that integrates both the foundational and sophisticated aspects of learning, often overlooked in more esoteric or metaphysical interpretations. This method not only fosters skill acquisition but also ensures the integration of these skills into one's daily life and higher-order thinking processes.