Civilize the Mind, But Make Savage the Body by Richard Hackworth

Civilize the Mind, But Make Savage the Body by Richard Hackworth

In the ancient tradition of the Hwarang, the “Flowering Knights” of Korea’s Silla Dynasty, the ideal human was not merely a fighter, but a scholar-warrior. They lived by a code that demanded the refinement of the soul and the forging of a body capable of enduring the impossible.

The philosophy of “civilizing the mind, but making savage the body” (often referred to in the East through the concept of Bun-Mu Il-Che, or the unity of the literary and martial arts) is the ultimate blueprint for a balanced life.

The Philosophy: Why Wisdom Needs a Sword

In Korean culture, the balance of Bun (the civil/scholarly) and Mu (the martial) is essential. We believe that wisdom without strength is fragile. You may have the most beautiful ideas in the world, but if you lack the strength to stand for them or the physical vitality to enact them, your wisdom is easily crushed by the chaos of the world.

Conversely, strength without wisdom is dangerous. A powerful body without a civilized mind is a blunt instrument. It reacts with ego and aggression rather than purpose. In the dojang (training hall), we teach that a black belt is a person who has the power to destroy, but the discipline to never need to. To be “savage” in body means to be capable of high-intensity output and resilience; to be “civilized” in mind means to be a person of peace, culture, and empathy.

Three Ways to Civilize the Mind

To ensure your emotions do not control you, the martial artist must engage in “internal” training (Nae-Gong).

1. Seon (Meditation) and the Concept of Mu-Sim

Seon (the Korean equivalent of Zen) is the practice of finding “Empty Mind” or Mu-Sim. By sitting in stillness and focusing solely on the breath, you train the mind to observe emotions like anger or fear without being swept away by them. When a practitioner masters Mu-Sim, they can stand in the middle of a conflict and remain as calm as the surface of a mountain lake.

2. The Ritual of Ye-Ui (Etiquette)

In Korean martial arts, we bow with respect, to our teachers, our opponents, and the flags. This is not empty tradition; it is a psychological tool to kill the ego. By practicing strict etiquette, you reinforce the civilized mind. You learn that respect is not something you give only when you feel like it, but a discipline you maintain even when you are tired or frustrated.

3. Poomsae (Moving Meditation)

Poomsae (forms) are choreographed patterns of combat. To perform them correctly, you must achieve a state of total presence. If your mind wanders to your grocery list or a recent argument, your balance falters. Training in Poomsae forces the mind to stay in the “now,” teaching you to direct your mental energy with laser-like precision.

Three Ways to Make Savage the Body

To “make savage” the body is to prepare it for the hardships of reality through Oe-Gong (external power).

1. Dan-Ryun (Body Hardening and Conditioning)

Traditional Korean training involves striking heavy bags, wooden posts, or even bundles of bamboo to condition the skin and bones. This “hardening” isn’t just about physical toughness; it is a mental contract with pain. You learn that your body can endure more than your mind initially believes, turning your limbs into reliable tools of defense.

2. Go-Hang (Endurance under Hardship)

Historically, Korean martial artists would train in the freezing mountains or under waterfalls. In a modern context, this means pushing the body to the “red zone” through high-repetition drills or long-duration stances (like the horse-riding stance). By voluntarily seeking physical hardship, you strip away the softness of modern comfort, making your body a resilient fortress.

3. Kyorugi (Controlled Combat Sparring)

Sparring is the laboratory where the “savage” body meets the “civilized” mind. It requires you to maintain physical intensity and explosive power while keeping your heart rate low and your thoughts clear. Training for full-contact sparring forces the body to adapt to the stress of an actual threat, ensuring you are “ready for the storm” rather than just looking good in a mirror.

By balancing these two poles, you become a person who is helpful to the weak and a formidable obstacle to the unjust. You move through the world with the grace of a scholar and the quiet confidence of a wolf.

About the author: Richard Hackworth is a multi-arts Grand Master who has dedicated his life to the research and development of the martial arts lifestyle. He is the author of the book, Be a Life Champion: The Martial Arts Way. Hackworth is the host of the annual USA Hapkido Union Instructors Certification Course and Dan Rank Exam held in Florida. To reach him for information on seminars, private lessons, or business coaching email him direct at richardhackworth2@gmail.com .

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