Korean martial arts
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Korean martial arts (Hangul: 무술 or 무예, Hanja: 武術 or 武藝) are the martial arts that are native to, or were adapted and modified by, Korea. Some known Korean martial arts are Hapkido, Kuk Sool Won, Taekwondo, and Tang Soo Do. There has also been a revival of Korean sword arts as well as knife fighting and archery.
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[edit] Early Korean martial arts
Martial arts have existed in Korea since the earliest ages. During the Goguryeo Dynasty, it is believed that subak (수박/手搏, a general term for barehand martial arts imported from China [pronounced Shoubo]), swordsmanship, spear-fighting, and horse riding were practiced. Paintings showing martial arts were found in 1935 on the walls of royal tombs, believed to have been built for Goguryeo kings, sometime between 3–427 CE. Which techniques were practiced during that period is, however, something that cannot be determined from these paintings. Subak is mentioned in government records from the Goguryeo dynasty through the Joseon dynasty (1392–1910).
[edit] Subak and Taekgyeon
It is believed that the warriors from the Silla Dynasty (57 BCE–668 CE) learned subak from the neighboring Goguryeo armies when they appealed for their help against invading Japanese pirates. Practicing subak became part of the training for Silla's Hwarang warriors, and this contributed to the spread of subak on the Korean peninsula. But again, it is not known exactly which techniques the hwarang warriors practiced. Buddhist monks, who added more spiritual aspects to the art, often instructed the hwarang warriors. Their greatest contribution to the development of Korean martial arts is probably adding a spiritual dimension to the training practices, something that Korean martial arts lacked before. Empty-handed combat appears to have played a small role; most of the emphasis was on armed combat. It has only been recently that empty-handed combat has gained more popularity than armed combat.
The Buddhist influence on the hwarang warriors is most notably seen around 600 AD when the moral code Sae Sok O-Gye (세속오계), written by Won Kwang (원광, 圓光), consisting of five rules were documented:[1]
- 사군이충 / 事君以忠 – Loyalty to one's king.
- 사친이효 / 事親以孝 – Respect to one's parents.
- 교우이신 / 交友以信 – Faithfulness to one's friends.
- 임전무퇴 / 臨戰無退 – Courage in battle.
- 살생유택 / 殺生有擇 – Justice in killing.
The development of subak continued also during the Goryeo Dynasty (935–1392). Goryeo records that mention the martial arts always include passages about subak. The Goryeo government, however, outlawed the practice of subak by civilians because people used to bet at subak games.
Subak eventually divided into two separate martial arts, taekgyeon (택견) and yusul (유술), probably in the last years of the Goryeo Dynasty or the early years of the Joseon Dynasty. It is believed that many techniques were lost at this time. Joseon Dynasty records and books often mention taekgyeon, and taekgyeon players are portrayed on several paintings from that era. The most famous painting is probably the Daegwaedo (Hangul: 대괘도, Hanja: 大快圖), painted in 1846 by Hyesan Yu Suk (혜산 유숙, 1827-1873), which shows men competing in both Ssireum (씨름) and taekgyeon.
[edit] Martial art manuals
During the Imjin War (1592–1598), Korean armies fought off a Japanese invasion. The Japanese had imported guns from Portugal and wanted to conquer the mainland. With Chinese assistance, the Koreans turned back the invaders, but with heavy loss of men and cultural heritage. It was also during this war that the famous turtle ships (Geobukseon, 거북선) were used by Admiral Yi Sun-sin. These ships were covered with an iron shield, much like the shell of a turtle, which could withstand the gun attacks of the Japanese.
In 1593, Korea received help from China to win back Pyongyang. During one of the battles, the Koreans learned about a martial art manual titled Ji Xiao Xin Shu (Hangul: 기효신서, Hanja: 紀效新書), written by the Chinese military strategist Qi Jiguang. King Seonjo (1567-1608) took a personal interest in the book, and ordered his court to study the book. This led to the creation of the Muyejebo (무예제보, Hanja: 武藝諸譜) in 1599 by Han Gyo, who had studied the use of several weapons with the Chinese army. Soon this book was revised in the Muyejebo Seokjib and in 1759, the book was revised and published at the Muyesinbo (Hangul: 무예신보, Hanja: 武藝新譜).[2]
In 1790, these two books formed the basis, together with other Korean, Chinese, and Japanese martial art manuals, of the richly illustrated Muyedobotongji (Hangul: 무예도보통지, Hanja: 武藝圖譜通志). The book does not refer to taekgyeon, but shows influences from Chinese and Japanese martial arts. It deals mostly with armed martial arts like sword fighting, double-sword fighting, spear fighting, stick fighting, and so on. The chapter that deals with a style of empty-hand fighting called Kwon Bub ("fist methods," a generic name for empty-handed combat; the word is the Korean pronunciation of quanfa) shows techniques that resemble Chinese fighting—quite different from taekgyeon. According to the Mu Ye Do Bo Tong Ji, empty-handed combat should be learned before armed combat, since it forms the basis of a martial education. It also states that internal styles are better suited for fighting than external styles, which is remarkable since Koreans never developed their own internal styles until then. The interest in Korean martial arts began to decline during the later Joseon Dynasty, under the influence of Neo-Confucianism, and it was only because of the interest the common people had in traditions like taekgyeon and because of the Mu Ye Do Bo Tong Ji that these traditions managed to survive. The name for the martial arts of the Mu Ye Do Bo Tong Ji is Sibpalki.
[edit] Modern Korean martial arts
These Japanese arts were introduced to Korea during the occupation or brought to Korea by Koreans who had studied in Japan. (Korean martial arts were banned but survived through underground teaching and folk custom.) Ancient books like the Mu Ye Do Bo Tong Ji became popular study material for Korean martial artists, and influenced the development of many modern Korean martial arts. Although martial arts like taekwondo (태권도) and tangsudo (당수도) were influenced from Japanese version of martial art karate. In a similar manner, hapkido (합기도) developed from Daito Ryu (大東流) Aiki Ju Jutsu, but also with influences from traditional Korean and Chinese martial arts, developed into a distinctively Korean martial art.
[edit] Martial arts
[edit] Taekkyeon/Taekgyeon
The oldest Korean martial art was an amalgamation of unarmed combat styles developed by three rival Korean kingdoms of Goguryeo, Silla and Baekje.[3] Young men were trained in unarmed combat techniques to develop strength, speed, and survival skills. The most popular of these techniques was subak, with taekkyeon being the most popular of the segments of subak.
As the Goguryeo kingdom grew in power, the neighboring Silla kingdom became comparatively weaker, and an effort was undertaken among the Silla to develop a corps of special warriors. The Silla had a regular army but its military training techniques were less advanced than those of the Goguryeo, and its soldiers were generally of a lesser caliber. The Silla selected young men, some as young as twelve, and trained them in the liberal arts. Those who demonstrated strong natural aptitude were selected as trainees in the new special warrior corps, called the Hwarang. It was believed that young men with a talent for the liberal arts may have the grace to become competent warriors. These warriors were instructed in academics as well as martial arts, learning philosophy, history, a code of ethics, and equestrian sports. Their military training included an extensive weapons program involving swordsmanship and archery, both on horseback and on foot, as well as lessons in military tactics and unarmed combat using subak. Although subak was a leg-oriented art in Goguryeo, Silla's influence added hand techniques to the practice of subak.
In spite of Korea's rich history of ancient and traditional martial arts, Korean martial arts faded into obscurity during the Joseon Dynasty. Korean society became highly centralized under Korean Confucianism and martial arts were lowly regarded in a society whose ideals were epitomized by its scholar-kings.[4] Remnants of traditional martial arts such as subak and taekkyeon were banned from practice by the general populace and reserved for sanctioned military uses although folk practice by the common populace still persisted into the 19th century.[3]
Although practice of the art nearly vanished, taekkyeon survived through underground teaching and folk custom.[5] The Japanese colonial government totally prohibited all folkloric games including takkyon in the process of suppressing the Korean people. The martial art Taekkyeon had been secretly handed down only by the masters of the art until the liberation of the country in 1945. Song Duk-ki, one of the then masters, is still alive with the age of over 80 and testifies that his master was Im Ho who was reputed for his excellent skills of Taekkyon, "jumping over the walls and running through the wood just like a tiger." At that time 14 terms of techniques were used, representing 5 kicking patterns, 4 hand techniques, 3 pushing-down-the-heel patterns, one turning-over kick pattern and 1 technique of downing-the-whole-body. Also noteworthy is the use the term "poom" which signified a face-to-face stance preparing for a fight. The masters of Taekkyon were also under constant threat of imprisonment, which resulted in an eventual of Taekkyeon as popular games.
Upon liberation of Korea from the Japanese colonial rule after world war II , the Korean people began recovering the thought of self-reliance and the traditional folkloric games which resumed their popularity. Song Duk-ki, afore-mentioned master of Taekkyeon, presented a demonstration of the martial art before the first Republic of Korea President Syngman Rhee. Taekkyon has had a slight resurgence in recent days, getting the classification Important Intangible Cultural Asset No. 76" on June 1, 1983. It is the only Korean martial art which possesses such a classification.
[edit] Hapkido arts
Choi Yong Sul returned from Japan after World War II and started teaching a martial art style that he said he had learned form Sokaku Takeda. He called his style Yawara, but it was later renamed to Hapki Yusool and again renamed to Hapkido. Students of Choi Yong Sul, such as Ji Han Jae, helped to spread this art. Hapkido helped to re-vitalize traditional Korean martial arts by providing systemization and becoming incorporated into other martial art styles. This process complemented modern Korean martial arts like Kuk Sool Won and Hwarangdo.
[edit] Revival arts
Many modern Korean martial arts have been influenced by both traditional and imported Korean martial arts, while some have also relied on manuals like the Mu Ye Je Bo and the Mu Ye Do Bo Tong Ji. People trying to revive the old martial traditions of Korea studied these books and started new arts like Muye24ban and the re-enactment group Muye24gi.
[edit] Others
There are also many modern Korean martial arts that are recompilations or reorganizations of techniques from traditional or imported arts. Many of these arts visually appear to have more of a Chinese influence than other Korean martial arts (except for taekgyeon). Others have been influenced by boxing or other Western influences as well.
Additionally, it is not clear who created these arts in the first place in their most ancient form—often, exponents of Korean martial arts argue that Korea in fact created these arts in ancient times, which then passed over to Japan, and then were later re-imported back to Korea. Historically, many cultural features, including Chinese calligraphy, Buddhism, pottery techniques, city design, and political systems, were transmitted from China to Korea, and in modified form, retransmitted to Japan, which further modified them. As with other adjacent cultures, constant borrowings and adaptations in various directions make claims of origin very difficult to prove.
The forms of martial arts that may today be viewed as being traditional Korean martial arts (as opposed to modern Korean martial arts) are taekgyeon and a handful of other martial arts such as subyokchigi, mudokkwan subakdo, and various weapon and archery martial arts, as well as Buddhist martial arts such as seonmudo and wrestling such as ssireum. Taekgyeon is also the only Korean martial art that received the status of 'intangible cultural asset' (no. 76) from the Korean government.
[edit] Teaching methods
Modern Korean martial arts systemization and presentation are very similar to modern Japanese martial arts (i.e., barefoot, with uniforms, classes executing techniques simultaneously following the teacher's commands, and sometimes, showing respect to portraits of the founder by bowing to the picture or national flags). Many modern Korean martial arts also make use of colored belts to denote rank, tests to increase in rank, and the use of Korean titles when denoting the teacher. These include:
- Sabumnim (사범님 / 師範님): teacher.
- Kwanjangnim (관장님 / 館長님): training hall owner/Kwan leader.
- Dojunim (도주님 / 道主님): keeper of the way.
These Korean terms are based on Confucian rank systems (with the same Chinese characters). Many schools also make use of Korean terminology and numbers during practice.
[edit] Terminology
Korean martial arts are usually practiced in a dojang (도장), which may also be referred to as cheyukkwan (체육관 / 體育館, i.e., gymnasium). The practitioners wear a uniform or dobok (도복) with a belt or tti (띠) wrapped around it. This belt usually shows which grade the practitioner has attained. A student usually starts with a white belt and moves through a range of colored belts (which differ from style to style) before reaching the black belt. The grades before black belt are referred to as geup or kup (급), while the black belt grades are referred to as dan (단). In some cases, students less than 16 years old are not given dan grades, but rather poom (품) or "junior black belt" grades. Some styles use stripes on the black belt to show which dan the practitioner holds. It is common for a system to have nine geup grades and nine dan grades. While it might only take a few months to go from one geup to the next, it can take years to go from one dan to the next. Most of the above terms are identical to those used in Japanese styles (such as karate), but with the Chinese characters read in Korean pronunciation, with a few exceptions (dobok and tti have been altered to fit the Korean language).
In some styles, like taekgyeon, the hanbok is worn instead of a dobok. The v-neck of many styles of taekwondo uniform was supposedly fashioned after the hanbok.
[edit] Styles of Korean martial arts
| Martial art | Annotations |
|---|---|
| Chung Do Mu Sool Won 정도무술원 / 正道武術院, (정도무술원 / 正道武術院), also spelled Chungdo Musulwon, Jung Do Mu Sool Won, Jeong Do Mu Sul Won, etc... (literally meaning "True-Way Martial Arts," also "Right Way, Correct Way, and/or Best or Proper Method of Martial Arts Training.") | This was the original form of the martial arts used by the Korean Royal Army, Royal Palace Guards, and Royal Bodyguards. Reference to this form can be found in the Muyedobotongji and the Korean National Archives. This form uses multiple styles of fighting, and unlike many other Korean styles Chung Do retains a fair amount of weapons training. Skills employed vary from joint locks, fist arts, kicking arts, and pressure point throws. Chung Do also incorporates the arts of Jiapsul (Accupressure) and Chimsul (Acupuncture, etc.). Chung Do Mu Sool Won is officially organized under the World Chung Do Mu Sool Won Association (세계 정도무술원 협회 / 世界 正道武術院 協會) and its sister organization the Chun Tong Han Kuk Koong Joong Mu Yea Sool Hyup Hye (전통한국궁중무예술협회 / 傳統韓國宮中武藝術協會), the Traditional Korean Royal Court Martial Fine Arts Association. |
| Charyeok (차력/借力) (literally meaning 'Stance Art') | This is an art that mainly focused on various forms and stances. |
| kwansunmu(관선무) | |
| Gukgung(국궁/國弓) | Korean archery, making use of a traditional composite horn bow. |
| Gungsul | |
| Gungsido | |
| Gungdo Archery | |
| Joseon Sebeop (조선세법/朝鮮勢法) | This is a sword style originated in Chosun. It has many hand and a half techniques along with slicing with little movement. |
| Seonmudo (선무도/禪武道)/Bulmudo (불무도/佛武道) /Seon-Kwan-Moo | These are Korean martial arts passed down by the Buddhist monks and mostly preserved until today |
| Shippalgi (십팔기/十八技) | This is the martial art of the Muyesinbo and Muyedobotongji. The crown prince Sado named the 18 martial arts of Korea 'Muye Sippalki' when compiling the Muyeshinbo in 1759. |
| Ssireum (씨름) | This is Korean Competition wrestling. It is a folk martial art. The art requires the opponents to grasp each other in the sash belts that they wear. Whoever lets go first is the loser, or the person that falls first through a technique like a throw, trip, or a strike. This art is still used in Korean culture today. Mostly used as a contest in festivals and such. |
| Subyeokchigi (수벽치기) (literally translated, it means 'Bare Block Striking') | It is a breaking art in Korea that trains the martial artists to break stone, Metal, and wood with their bare hands. Many martial artists from different art backgrounds take this art to further discipline themselves. |
| Taekgyeon (택견) | This is a traditional Martial art that Subak was divided into. It uses many sweeps with straight forward low kicks using the ball of the foot and the heel and flowing crescent like high kicks. There are many kicks that moved the leg outward from the middle and inward from the outside using the side of the heels and the side of the feet. The art also used tricks like inward trips, wall jumping, fake outs, tempo, and slide stepping. the art is also like a dance which the fighter constantly changes his or her stance from his or her left to his or her right by stepping forward and backwards while his or her arms are up and ready to guard. This art requires traditional Korean white robes which were worn commonly in the past of Korea. |
| Martial art | Annotations |
|---|---|
| Danmudo | This art comprises many empty hand techniques Ho Shin Sool, as well as weapon elements. Similar to other circular Korean arts such as Hap Ki Do, Dahn Moo Do is one that utilizes an opponents energy and weight against them. |
| Geomsul (검술/劍術) (literally meaning 'Sword Techniques') | Many scrolls were passed down, spoken through mouth, and taught to many young warriors. |
| Hankumdo | This is a newly created Korean sword-art where the basic techniques are based on the letters of the Korean alphabet, hangeul. |
| Gwon-gyokdo (권격도/拳擊道) | This is a Korean style of Kick Boxing. |
| Gyongdang | This is the name of the association where the martial art Muye24ban was practiced. The founder is Lim Dong Kyu who studied the Muyedobotongji and reconstructed its martial arts. |
| Haidong Gumdo (해동검도/海東劍道) (literally meaning 'Techniques of the Eastern Asian Sword') | This is a sword art created by Kim Jeong Ho and Na Han Il around 1980. Its original name (as they learned it from Kim Chang Sik) was Shim Gum Do. It is more concentrated on field techniques and combos rather than having only one opponent. |
| Hankido (한기도/韓氣道) | This is a martial art developed by Myung Jae Nam based on both Hapkido and Aikido as well as a lot of own creation. |
| Hanmudo (한무도/韓武道) | This is an art created by Kimm He-Young; a martial arts historian and a student of Lim Dong Kyu. This art is also one of the arts that claims to have deep roots in Korean culture. The art consists of many different striking, grappling, and weapon techniques. Its signature feature is the mu han de, or infinity symbol, shaped movement incorporated into blocking, grappling and striking. Han Mu Do should not be confused with a martial art of Han Moo Do. |
| Han Moo Do | Han Moo Do (also Hanmoodo) is a Korean-style martial art founded in Finland by Young Suk. It is mainly practiced in the Nordic countries. Hanmoodo contains almost all sectors of traditional martial arts and its exponents may participate in full-contact competition. |
| Hapkido (합기도/合氣道) | This martial art has the same roots as Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu, but many kicks, acrobatics, and weapons added later. |
| Hoejon Musul (회전무술/回轉武術) | This is a form of Korean martial arts that was developed by Myung Jae Ok which uses circular motions in order to direct an opponent's power against him/her. |
| Hwarangdo (화랑도/花郞道) | Hwarangdo is also an art that is said to have deep origins of Korean martial arts.[citation needed] Joo Bang Lee reportedly studied with an old hermit master in the mountains with his brother to master the art. |
| Geomdo-gwan | A modern Tae Kwon Do Kwan with strong emphasis on Self-Defense oriented techniques originating from the Allen Steen line of the Chung Do Kwan with strong influence from Shotokan, Hapkido and Arnis. |
| Kumdo (검도/劍道) (literally meaning 'Sword Art') | Korean version of Kendo. |
| Kuk Sool Won (국술원/國術院) | This is a martial arts branch from Suh In Hyuk, a student of Choi Yongsul's hapkido school. The art is based on three branches of traditional Korean martial arts: Family/Tribal martial arts, Buddhist Temple martial arts, Royal Court martial arts. |
| Kwonbup (권법/拳法) (Kwonbup literally means 'Fist Methods') | Kwonbup is the Korean translation of the imported Chinese word, quanfa. Various old documents and scrolls in Korea depicted barehand techniques and referred to them as "Kwonbup." |
| Mudeokgwan Subakdo (무덕관수박도/武德館手搏道) | Soo Bahk Do is the present incarnation of Hwang Kee's style of martial arts; previously it was known as Tang Soo Do (some schools still use the latter name). These include use of the hip and interesting kicks. Similar to old-style Taekwondo, there are some unique methods (such as the "reverse roundhouse kick"). Forms taught and practiced include many adopted from Japanese version of Chinese martial arts Shotokan karate, as well as Hwang Kee's own creations; at higher levels certain forms adopted from Chinese martial arts are also taught. |
| Muye24gi (무예이십사기/武藝二十四技) | This is a branch of Muye24ban, made by Kim Young Ho a former student of Dong Gyu Lim. The Muye24ki community is a re-enactment group that tries to revive the history of the Muyedobotongji. The martial arts of Muye24ki is inspired by contemporary Sippalki. |
| Sul Ki Do | Rooted in traditional Korean Martial Arts, SulKiDo emphasises practical self defense techniques. |
| Taekuk Musul | This style was founded by Grandmaster Suk Ku Kim. It is a traditional Korean martial art that teaches falling techniques, kicks, strikes, hand techniques, pressure points, joint locks, katas and weapon katas. |
| Taekwondo (태권도/跆拳道) | This is a modern martial art that is based on Korean style kicks and punching techniques that are some mixed on Karate forms. Much of its emphasis is on sparring, similar to that of Kyokushin Karate which was also made by a Korean, Choi Yeong-Eui (more commonly known as Masutatsu Oyama). Taekwondo is now an Olympic sport. |
| Tangsudo (당수도/唐手道) (Tang Soo Do (tangsudo) literally means 'Tang Influenced Techniques') | Tang Soo Do is the Korean pronunciation of the old way of writing (唐手道, i.e. "Way of the Chinese Hand"); for many years, Koreans referred to their striking martial art as Tang Soo Do and Kong Soo Do (the Korean pronunciation of the new way of writing Karatedo (空手道, "Way of the Empty Hand"). In the West, Tang Soo Do often refers to Hwang Kee's specific style of martial arts (see Mudukkwan Subakdo above). |
| Tugong musul (특공무술/特攻武術) (literally meaning 'Techniques of the Korean Special Forces') | |
| Kang Duk Won | A martial art that places more emphasis on punching than kicking. |
| Yongmudo | A modern combination of Taekwondo, Hankido, Ssireum, and Judo developed at Yong-In University. |
| Gongkwon Yusul | This is a martial art style combining Hapkido, thai-boxing, Yudo and Jujutsu. |
| Martial art | Annotations |
|---|---|
| Subak (수박/手搏) (Means 'empty-handed') | This is a term that was used for martial arts that didn't involve weapons. (Chinese translation 'Shoubo') |
| Yusul (유술/柔術) | Means grappling martial arts of the past. The Chinese characters are identical to Jujutsu and it is thought by some to have been the origin for Japanese Jujutsu. |
[edit] See also
- List of Korea-related topics
- Korean culture
- History of Korea
- Korea
- International Taekwondo Alliance
- World Taekwondo Federation
- World Tang Soo Do Association
- Kyung Sun Shin
- Korean bow
[edit] References and further reading
- ^ (Korean) http://100.naver.com/100.nhn?docid=92933
- ^ Kim, Wee-hyun. "Muyedobo T'ongji: Illustrated Survey of the Martial arts." Korea Journal 26:8 (August 1986): 42-54.
- ^ a b Capener, Steven D.; H. Edward Kim (ed.) (2000). Taekwondo: The Spirit of Korea (portions of). Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Republic of Korea.
- ^ Cummings, B. (2005). Korea's Place in the Sun. New York, NY: W.W. Norton.
- ^ Tekkyeon Korea [1] (Korean)
- Adrogué, M. (2003): Ancient military manuals and their relation to modern Korean martial arts. Journal of Asian Martial Arts, 12:4.
- Della Pia, J. (1994): Korea's Mu Yei Do Bo Tong Ji. Journal of Asian Martial Arts, 3:2.
- Henning, S. (2000): Traditional Korean martial arts. Journal of Asian Martial Arts, 9:1.
- Kim, S. H. (2001): Muye Dobo Tongji. Turtle Press.
[edit] External links
- Taekwondo Hall of Fame
- The Official Taekuk Musul Website
- The Dojang email discussion forum, for all Korean Martial arts
- The Korean Martial arts FAQ
- The Martial arts Resource
- A Historical Background of the Korean Martial arts
- Korean Martial arts Terminology
- History of Korean Martial arts
- The Tae Kwon Do Network
- Lineage of the Korean Martial Arts
