By Scott Shaw

When one thinks of the Korean martial arts, the thought of the devastatingly beautiful kicks of Taekwondo is commonly the first image which comes to mind. Though these kicks have come to define the modern Korean martial arts, there is a rich martial history which dates back for centuries in Korea and has been drawn upon as new systems of martial arts have continued to evolved in modern day Korea.

The Korean martial arts draw their heritage from age old techniques of warfare. Though these arts look to their illustrious history for guidance, it must be understood, that what we now know as the Korean martial arts, are barely fifty years old.

From 1909 until the end of World War II, Korea found itself under the brutal rule of the occupying forces of Japan. Prior to this annexation Korea had been living its, Yi Dynasty (1392 - 1909). This is a period of time known as Korea's "Age of enlightenment." During these centuries, the arts and philosophies flourished. They were much more important to the Korean populous than the pursuit of warfare. Due to this cultural mindset, Korea was easily over powered at the beginning of the twentieth century.

During its period of occupation, Korean culture took a devastating blow. The Korean people were commonly forced into the service of the Japanese Imperial Army or put to work in demeaning occupations run by the Japanese aristocracy. More than simply physical labor, the Japanese occupying forces attempted to annihilate Korean's culture altogether. This entailed the destruction of many ancient Korean Buddhist temples, the burning of all textbooks, written in the Korean language, and the instant destruction of any ancient Korean manuscript which was found. The Korean people's were, in fact, actually forbidden from speaking their own native language while in public.

Though this was a terrible period in Korean history, Korean independence came in 1945, at the end of World War II, when the United States and the Allied forces drove the Japanese military from its control over the Korean Peninsula. With this new liberation came a fervor, on the part of the Korean citizen, to never allow another government to control their country again. Along with a massive Korean military development and armament came the advent of several new system of Korean martial arts. These styles were developed as a method to not only protect the average citizen but to aid in the overall protection of their homeland, as well.

With this new focus on personal freedom and cultural liberation, the modern Korean martial arts were born. Many new styles rose from the ashes of a devastated Korea.

What is the basis of the Korean martial arts?

As is the case with all ancient civilizations, the formalized art of warfare on the Korean Peninsula can be traced back to the dawn of civilization.

What was the first form of hand-to-hand combat devised in Korea?

The first form of hand-to-hand combat which can be historically proven to have existed in Korea is Su Bak.

When was Su Bak developed?

Dating the origin of this system of martial arts relies predominantly upon legend. Korean historians often place su bak's development during the legendary rule of King Tan'gun, in approximately 2333 B.C.E. Though this may have very well been the case, there is no historical data to substantiate the fact that su bak existed during this ancient time. There are, however, historic records of su bak's existence during the 4th century C.E.

What are the historic records documenting the existence of su bak?

There are paintings in the Kak Je Tomb, historically dated to the 4th century C.E., which depict two martial artists sparring.

What fighting techniques did they use?

It is difficult to decipher what actual fighting techniques were employed at this time since the tomb paintings are quite vague. Nevertheless, it establishes the fact that this system of self-defense did exist.

What was Su Bak?

It was a hard-style form of hand-to-hand combat, which also employed the various weapons of the era including the sword, the staff, the lance, and the bow and arrow.

Who practiced Su Bak?

It is known that su bak was commonly practiced by the warrior classes who inhabited the Korean Peninsula during the 4th through 6th centuries C.E. Su Bak was no doubt utilized in response to the continued wars that took place on the Korean Peninsula during this time period.

What happened to Su Bak?

During the late Three Kingdom Period, in the 7th century C.E., practitioners of su bak began to go their separate ways. Su Bak became fragmented and differing schools came into existence.

Were there other ancient schools of Korean martial arts?

Yes, when the schools of Su Bak began to fragment, a new system of Korean martial arts was formed. It was named Yu Sul.

What was Yu Sul and who practiced it?

Yu Sul was a softer grappling art. With the birth of Yu Sul, there became two very different schools of martial thought on the Korean Peninsula. They were, one, the hard, straight-forward attacking methods, based in su bak, which embraced predominantly striking techniques and, two, the softer, manipulative defenses of Yu Sul.

What happened to Yu Sul?

Yu Sul declined and eventually vanished from the Korean Peninsula. By the end of the 7th century C.E., there was no longer any historical evidence that it was being practiced.

What is the connection between Yu Sul and the Japanese martial arts?

As contact between the Korean Peninsula and the island nation of Japan frequently occurred during this period, it is believed that the defensive understandings possessed by Yu Sul practitioners were embraced by the Japanese warrior classes. It is believed by Korean historians that Yu Sul laid the foundations for Japanese Jujitsu.

Many Korean martial artists refer to the ancient system of martial arts known as Tae Kyon. What was Tae Kyon?

Su Bak evolved and eventually became known as Tae Kyon. Tae Kyon was written in the Chinese characters for "Push Shoulder."

What happened to Tae Kyon?

Tae Kyon was the immediate successor to Su Bak. Thus, it was a very aggressive, hard-style system of martial arts. As peace had come to the Korean Peninsula, due to the unification of the Three Kingdoms, there became little use for its practice among the common man. Martial arts became highly looked down upon by the Korean masses. As such, Tae Kyon fell into rapid decline and was only practiced by the military.

Who were the famous Korean Hwa Rang Warriors?

The Korean term Hwa Rang means, "Flowering Youth." The Hwa Rang were an army of highly-trained Buddhist warriors who were first envisioned by King Chinhung of the Korean Peninsula kingdom of Silla, in approximately 576 C.E.

Why and how were the Hwa Rang formed?

There were three warring kingdoms which existed on the Korean Peninsula. The Hwa Rang were organized as a unit of exceptional warriors in order that the kingdom of Silla may triumph over its neighbors.

The Hwa Rang were made up of young talented, aristocratic, noblemen. They were trained in all forms of martial warfare, as well as the spiritual and meditative aspects of Buddhism. In addition, they were also trained in the fine arts. It was believed that by providing a unique, expansive education to an individual, he would become a superior warrior.

What martial art training did the Hwa Rang undergo?

The martial art instruction program of the Hwa Rang included developing their bodies by climbing rugged mountains and swimming in turbulent rivers during the coldest months of the year. They trained their bodies in all the forms of hand-to-hand and weapons combat that were known at the time.

What weapons did the Hwa Rang use?

The Hwa Rang were taught to unyieldingly use the sword, the staff, the hook, the spear, and the bow and arrow.

Did the Hwa Rang develop their own form of martial arts?

Yes. In addition to Su Bak, the Hwa Rang are believed to have invented the martial art system of foot fighting named Su Bak Gi. This is believed to be the ancient basis for the extensive use of kicking techniques that are employed in the modern Korean martial arts.

Did the Hwa Rang influence the development of the Japanese Samurai?

Yes, there is historical evidence to prove that Japan did not possess any knowledge of ki or the mindset of a formalized group of highly-trained warriors until Korean Buddhist missionaries began to travel there, accompanied by their Hwa Rang escorts, in the 5th and 6th centuries.

What happened to the Hwa Rang?

After the Hwa Rang defeated the armies of the neighboring kingdoms and the invasive Tang Chinese, the mind of the Korean people rapidly began to shift from confrontations to more philosophical thoughts. Consequently, the Hwa Rang fell into decline.

For the next few centuries, they became known more as a group specializing in healing, Buddhist philosophy and poetry than a warrior troupe. By the end of the 7th century C.E., they became virtually nonexistent.

What is the most widely practiced martial arts in the world today?

Taekwondo, a diverse and complex discipline, is reportedly the most popular martial art in the world today, in terms of number of active practitioners.

What exactly is Taekwondo?

Taekwondo translates as, "Hand Foot Way." More precisely meaning, "The Way of the Fist and the Foot." The Korean word "Tae" refers to "Hand" and/or "Fist." The Korean word "Kwon" means "Foot" or "Kick." And "Do," means "Way" or "the way of. "

Taekwondo is a Korean martial art that is most well known for its extensive arsenal of kicking techniques. Essentially, it is a discipline of mind, spirit and body molded through a systematic training regimen that allows an individual the ability to refine his training through competition with others, yet preserving the competition with one's self as its most valuable tool.

Are kicks the only weapon used by the Taekwondo stylists?

No. Although kicks are a defining element to this system of self-defense, Taekwondo employs a wide range of offensive and defensive techniques.

When was Taekwondo originated?

What is known today as Taekwondo originated in 1955 when several schools or "Kwans" of the modern Korean martial arts came together and merged under one banner. It was not until 1961, however, when the leaders of the various kwans could fully formalize into one body. This affiliation became known as the Korea Taekwondo Association and General Hong Hi Choi Hong Hi was elected its inaugural president.

What is a Kwan and how is it related to the Korean martial arts?

The Korean word "Kwan" is translated as "School." More specifically, a Kwan is a school of martial arts. Collectively, the Kwans were schools of martial arts which were formed in post-1945 Korea, at the end of World War II, when the country gained its liberation from Japan.

Why were Kwans not formed earlier in Korean history?

Because the Japanese military forces occupying Korea forbid indigenous Koreans to practice martial arts unless they were in the service of the Japanese military.

Who formed the first Kwans?

Lee, Won-kook opened the first martial art school in post war Korea in the Yong Chun district of Seoul in 1945. He founded Chung Do Kwan or the Chung Do school of martial arts. Soon after this, also in Seoul, Hwang Kee established Moo Duk Kwan, which later became more popularly known as Tang Soo Do, "Way of the Knife Hand." In that same year Sup, Jun-sang established Yun Moo Kwan. In 1946, Chang Moo Kwan was founded by Yun, Pyung and Chi Do Kwan was created by Pyang, Yon-kue. These were the five original Kwans of the modern Korean martial arts, which laid the foundation for what was to become Taekwondo.

In 1953 Yoon, Gae Byong founded Ji Do Kwan, Byung, Chik-ro created Song Moo Kwan, and in 1954 General Choi, Hong Hi, in association with Nam, Tae-hi founded the Oh Do Kwan.

Where did the original Kwan founders study the martial arts?

They were all influenced, to varying degrees, by the Japanese martial arts. Many were forced into service in the Japanese military, where they were exposed to the hard-style Japanese systems. Some, like General Hong Hi Choi, had lived in Japan prior to his forced service in the Japanese army, where he became a black belt in Shotokan karate.

Why are these systems considered Korean if the founders all studied the Japanese martial arts?

Because they were founded in newly liberated Korea by Korean citizens. Each founder drew upon his heritage to the ancient Korean martial arts and each integrated the overall mindset, if not various techniques, from Tae Kyon into his system of self-defense.

Where did these founders obtain their knowledge of Tae Kyon?

From ancient manuscripts and from a few Korean Buddhist monks who secretly passed down the system during the Japanese occupation.

Do the Kwans still exist?

Yes. Though it was hoped that they would merge under the banner of Taekwondo and then completely dissolve, they never fully disappeared. Today, many Korean and Western masters still hold a tight lineage to the specific kwan of which they initially became a part.

What are the most important Taekwondo associations that govern the art and sport today throughout the world?

The first, as previously cited, is the Korea Taekwondo Association, which is still in existence today.

In 1966, due to ongoing conflicts and ideological differences within the organization, General Hong-Hi Choi resigned his post as president and founded the International Taekwondo Federation. Choi relocated to Montreal, Quebec, Canada, where he continues to govern his worldwide organization..

Dr. Un Yong Kim was elected the new president of the Korea Taekwondo Association. Believing that Taekwondo was a genuinely Korean martial art and therefore its governing body should be based in Korea, Dr. Kim dissolved the relationship between the Korea Taekwondo Association and the International Taekwondo Federation.

In 1973, the World Taekwondo Federation was formed with Dr. Kim as its elected president. It is the governing body for Olympic-sport Taekwondo and represents the only system of Taekwondo which is officially practiced in South Korea. This organization was solely responsible for establishing Taekwondo as an official Olympic sport.

What is the difference between the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) and the Internal Taekwondo Federation (ITF)?

Though they are both based in the same art, their emphasis is somewhat different. WTF practitioners have streamlined the art and focus predominately upon very linear, straight-to-the-point, offensive and defensive techniques. ITF practitioners, on the other hand, practice the style as it was originally developed -- embracing a more expansive system of self defense.

One of the main differences between the two large governing bodies is that they each practice a different set of established patterns or forms, known in Korean as "Poomse" but more commonly known by the Japanese word "Kata."

Are there other established Taekwondo organizations in the world?

Yes. There are several. As Taekwondo has continued to spread across the globe, several organizations have formed, each administrated by its own set of criteria.

What is Olympic-style Taekwondo?

Olympic-style Taekwondo is Taekwondo streamlined to its most essential elements. This streamlining took place under the direct guidance of the World Taekwondo Federation in order that Taekwondo could become an accepted Olympic sport.

In Olympic-style Taekwondo competition, punches toward an opponent's head are prohibited. Only body strikes are allowed with the fist. Kicks, on the other hand, may be and are commonly targeted to any location on the opponent's body so long as they are delivered above the waist.

These innovations were designed to enhance Taekwondo competition as an almost purely kicking sport.

Many of the original practitioners of Taekwondo harbor distaste for Olympic-style Taekwondo. This is because of the fact that they believe it robbed the art of many of its former self-defense-orientated techniques.

Do Taekwondo students practice forms or just fighting?

One of the key elements to Taekwondo, as an art, is its reliance upon forms. Forms, known as "Poomse" in Korean, are highly-organized patterns of movement using precise punching and kicking techniques against imaginary opponents. Put simply, it is shadow-boxing using punches and kicks.

Why does Taekwondo place such an important emphasis upon forms?

Taekwondo stylists believe that by practicing forms one gains an enhanced sense of body coordination. In addition, it is believed that the practice of forms leads one to new levels of understanding of how offensive and defensive techniques are correctly executed.

The forms taught at a school are the encyclopedia of that school's techniques. They are practiced regularly and reinforced through thousands of repetitions until they become ingrained.

How is a Taekwondo class conducted?

A Taekwondo class usually begins with stretching, leading to the delivery of various basic punches, blocks and kicks. These techniques are delivered into the air, but are mentally targeted towards imaginary opponents. In some cases, they are directed towards a mirror so the student can check his accuracy and form.

A Taekwondo class then usually progresses onto the execution of forms. Upon the completion of the forms segment of the class, partner-practice usually gets underway by practicing various self-defense techniques and/or noncontact kicking drills with an opponent. The Taekwondo class usually culminates with sparring.

How long does it take to earn a black belt in Taekwondo?

In Korea, it takes approximately one-and-a-half years to earn the 1st-degree black belt. The training in Korea is quite vigorous, however, in comparison to the Taekwondo training of other countries. It is not uncommon for a child to begin studying Taekwondo by the age of five.

In other countries, the time required to reach the rank of black belt varies by school and by organization. Commonly, it takes approximately three years.

Are Black Belt Certificates issued by the large Taekwondo organizations, by the kwans, or by individual schools?

The answer is, "Yes" to all three question depending upon the circumstance of the instructor.

For those instructors affiliated soley with a large organization, such as the WTF or ITA, a Black Belt Certificates will be issued to the student by that organization. If an instructor is a member of both a Kwan and a large organization, then a Black Belt Certificate will commonly be issued by both. Some instructors feel, however, that a large governing body such as the WTF or the ITF or even a Kwan limits the scope of the martial arts which they are allowed to teach their student. In these instances, some instructor will forgo membership in one of these governing bodies. In which case, the Black Belt Certificate will simply be issued by the instructor.

What other martial arts were established in modern Korea?

In alphabetical order, Hapkido, Hwa Rang Do, Kuk Sool Won, and Tang Soo Do are the most commonly known and practiced. There are a few lesser-known systems which came into existence in recent years, however.

What is Hapkido?

Hapkido means, "The Way of Internal Power."

Hapkido is unique among the modern Korean martial arts in that it emphasizes deflection as opposed to forceful blocking. Hapkido is known for its extensive arsenal of joint-locks, throws and advanced kicking techniques.

Who founded Hapkido and where did he study the martial arts?

Hapkido was founded by Yong Shul Choi in 1945. Choi studied Japanese Daito-Ryu Aikijutsu while he was living in Japan during Japan's occupation of Korea. Choi's teacher was Sokaku Takeda, the 32nd patriarch of Daito-Ryu Aikijutsu.

Was Hapkido the original name of this self-defense system?

No. The system of self defense went through several name changes until it finally was formalized as Hapkido in 1963. Among the previous names were: Yu Kwon Sul, Yu Sool, Ho Shin Mu Do, and Bi Sool.

Has Hapkido maintained its original techniques or has it evolved?

As is the case with all of the modern Korean martial arts, Hapkido has gone through a long period of refinement. As the advanced kicking techniques of Tae Kyon were being rediscover by the other leaders of the modern Korean martial arts, Hapkido also began to integrate these advanced methods of offense and defense into its self-defense arsenal.

What is Hapkido's connection with Japanese Aikido?

Like the founder of Hapkido, Yong Shul Choi, Aikido's founder, Morihei Ueshiba, also studied Daito Ryu Aikijutsu from Sokaku Takeda. In the case of Uyshiba, he studied Daito Ryu for seven years. This is the reason many historians draw a comparison between the two systems of martial arts.

What is the difference between Hapkido and Aikido?

Though Hapkido and Aikido share similar origins and, in some cases, possess similar techniques, there exists a big difference in self-defense philosophy between the two styles of martial art. Aikido is a wholly defensive system of self-defense, whereas Hapkido employs an extensive array of offensive techniques as well.

Was Hapkido one of the original kwans?

Yes and no. Although Hapkido was one of the first systems to be formalized on the newly liberated Korean Peninsula in the 1940s, it did not draw from the same original sources, namely the hard-style Japanese martial arts, as did the other kwans. Thus, it evolved separately.

Are forms practiced in Hapkido?

Traditionally, no. The Hapkido practitioner believes that it is essential to move and react uniquely to each type of confrontational situation. For this reason, forms are never employed because they hold the practitioner too closely to the belief that one specific movement must follow the last.

It must be noted, however, that over the years some Hapkido teachers have, in fact, added formalized patterns of movement to their specific Hapkido curriculum.

What are the important organizations that govern Hapkido?

There are three major organizations, all based in Korea: the Korea Hapkido Federation, the Korea Hapkido Association, and Ki Do Hae. In addition, there are a few smaller organizations located in Korea as well as in other countries in the Western world.

How is an Hapkido class conducted?

A Hapkido class commonly begins with warm-up and stretching, followed by Ki (internal energy) development exercises. It then progresses to kicking and punching drills. Then, self-defense applications with a partner are practiced.

The advanced student of Hapkido commonly trains with various weapons including the sword, the staff, the short staff, and the cane during class sessions.

How long does it take to earn a Black Belt in Hapkido?

Of all the systems born in modern Korea, Hapkido is one of the most elaborate. For this reason, it takes approximately three-and-one-half years to earn the 1st-degree Black Belt in this system.

What is Tang Soo Do and how is it different from Taekwondo?

Tang Soo Do is one of the original Korean kwans, created in Korea in the 1940s. It was originally known as Su Bak Do or Moo Duk Kwan.

What does Tang Soo Do mean?

The Korean term, "Tang Soo," means, "Knife Hand." Thus, Tang Soo Do means, "Way of the Knife Hand." Tang Soo Do is written in the Chinese characters which are the same as the ones used for the Japanese term, "Karate."

The name Su Bak Do, was interchangeable with the early schools of Tang Soo Do. This name was used as a means to drawn upon Korea's ancient martial art of Su Bak. Therefore, Su Bak Do means, "Way of the Su Bak warriors."

Was Tang Soo Do one of the original kwans which merged to formed Taekwondo in 1955?

Yes and No. Though the process was begun, when the other kwans were consolidated under the banner of Taekwondo, Hwang Kee, the founder of Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan eventually chose not to join. He wanted his system to remain free from domination by the politics of an organization.

Isn't there a branch of Taekwondo also known as Moo Duk Kwan?

Yes. Moo Duk Kwan means, "School of martial virtue." Several of the originally students of the Hwang Kee method of Moo Duk Kwan broke away when the Korea Taekwondo Association was formed in 1961. They formed the branch of Taekwondo known as Taekwondo Moo Duk Kwan as they wished to become part of the larger national organization.

Today, this branch of practitioners are referred to as Moo Duk Hae.

How is a Tang Soo Do class conducted?

Similar to Taekwondo, a Tang Soo Do class commonly begins with stretching. Then, various punches, blocks and kicks are performed - delivered into the air. The Tang Soo Do class then normally progresses to partner-orientated self-defense applications, followed by the performance of forms. In some classes, sparring then follows these activities.

How long does it take to earn a Black Belt in Tang Soo Do?

Tang Soo Do practitioners do not wear the Black Belt. Hwang Kee believed that black is the color which encompasses all other colors. Therefore, by wearing the color black, one sends the message that he or she knows all there is to learn about this art. Since this is considered humanly impossible, the Tang Soo Do practitioner, at this level, wears a belt colored dark blue instead of the more conventional Black Belt.

Because Tang Soo Do is very similar in style and technique to original Taekwondo, in Korea it takes approximately one-and-a-half years to two years to earn the 1st-degree Dark Blue Belt. Outside of Korea, it commonly takes approximately three years.

Is there a specific school of swordplay in the Korean martial arts?

Yes. Korea has a modern system employing the sword called Kumdo. "Kum," is the Korean word for sword. "Do," means the way of.

What is the history of Kumdo?

Kumdo is a direct descendant of the Japanese sword arts of Iaido and Kendo. Many modern practitioners of Kumdo attempt to claim historic lineage to the ancient Korean sword arts. Traditionally, this is not the case, since all Kumdo movements can be witnessed in the various schools of Japanese Iaido and Kendo.

Where is Kumdo taught?

Initially, Kumdo was taught as part of the curriculum among the early kwans. Thus, many of the Korean martial art stylists who later congregated under the banner of Taekwondo, were schooled in this sword arts. With the advent of WTF Taekwondo, however, and the exacting rules which now define this system, Kumdo is rarely taught to the modern practitioner of Taekwondo. Thus, to study Kumdo one must seek out specific Kumdo schools.

How many degrees of Black Belt are there in the Korean martial arts?

There are ten. Traditionally, the 1st through 3rd degree Black Belts are considered simply advanced students. Upon obtaining the 4th degree Black Belt, one is considered an Instructor. At the 5th degree level, one is understood to be a Master. The 10th degree Black belt is reserved for the founder of the system.

Who wears the Red Belt in the Korean martial arts?

In the Japanese martial arts, the Red Belt is commonly worn by advanced masters and founders of the various systems. In the Korean arts, however, the Red Belt is worn at the stage just before the Black Belt -the level where the Brown Belt is more commonly worn by other, non-Korean, systems of self-defense.