You are standing on the Kyongju plain in the ancient kingdom
of Silla. The year is 669 A.D. In an effort to secure unification,
war has been declared against the neighboring
kingdoms of Paekche and Koguryo. All around a battle is raging
and sounds of combat fill your ears. Without warning, a soldier
on horseback bears down on you. His razor sharp sword gleams
brightly in the midday sun. Subordinating all conscious
thought, you execute a high, arching crescent kick. The charging
animal is startled as the kick makes contact and the horse
tumbles to the ground, pinning its rider beneath. Astonished at
the potency of this technique, you think back on the endless
sessions of intense training this kick took to develop. The gratitude
you feel towards your instructor is reflected in a renewed
burst of confidence.