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Korean Martial Arts – a brief history

Korean Martial Arts – a brief history

Korean Martial Arts

The history of Korean martial arts, often referred to as “Muye” or “Muyedobotongji,” is rich and diverse, with a lineage that dates back thousands of years. They have been influenced by various factors, including indigenous Korean fighting systems, Chinese martial arts, Japanese martial arts, and more.

Here’s an overview of the history of Korean martial arts:

  1. Ancient Korea:
    • Korea has a long history of indigenous martial arts, some of which were documented in ancient texts such as the “Samguk Sagi” and “Samguk Yusa.” These texts mention the use of martial arts in battles and competitions as far back as the Three Kingdoms period (57 BC – 668 AD).
  2. Influence from China:
    • During the Three Kingdoms period, Korean warriors were exposed to Chinese martial arts techniques through cultural exchanges and conflicts with Chinese forces.
  3. Silla Dynasty:
    • The Silla Kingdom (57 BC – 935 AD) is known for developing a unique martial art called “Hwa Rang Do.” The Hwa Rang were an elite group of young warriors who trained in various combat skills, ethics, and philosophy.
  4. Goryeo Dynasty:
    • The Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) saw further development of Korean martial arts. The “Muyejebo,” an illustrated manual, documented various martial techniques, weapons, and training methods during this period.
  5. Joseon Dynasty:
    • The Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) contributed significantly to the codification and organization of martial arts. The “Muyejebo Beonyeok” (1599) and “Muyedobotongji” (1790) are important texts that outlined the various martial techniques of the time.
  6. Japanese Occupation:
    • During the Japanese occupation of Korea (1910-1945), many aspects of Korean culture, including martial arts, were suppressed. Some Korean martial arts masters continued to practice in secret.
  7. Post-World War II:
    • After World War II and the liberation of Korea from Japanese rule, martial arts experienced a revival. Various martial arts schools and organizations were established. Taekwondo, a Korean martial art known for its high kicks and dynamic movements, was officially recognized in 1955.
  8. International Recognition:
  9. Other Korean Martial Arts:
    • Besides Taekwondo, there are many other Korean martial arts with distinct styles and techniques. Some of these include Hapkido, Tang Soo Do, Kuk Sool Won, and more.
  10. Modern Developments:
    • In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in traditional Korean martial arts and their historical roots. Efforts to preserve and promote these arts continue.

Korean martial arts are diverse, encompassing striking techniques, grappling, self-defense, and traditional weapon forms. They emphasize not only physical prowess but also mental discipline and moral values.

Their history reflects the nation’s cultural heritage and its enduring commitment to preserving these ancient traditions.

korean martial arts

What are some of the characteristics of the different martial arts of Korea ?

  1. Taekwondo:
    • Kicks: Taekwondo is renowned for its high, fast, and powerful kicks, including the roundhouse/turning kick, sidekick, and axe/downward kick.
    • Emphasis on speed and agility: Taekwondo practitioners focus on quick and precise movements.
    • Forms or Patterns (Poomsae / Tul): Practitioners learn a series of choreographed movements to develop technique and discipline.
    • Competitive Sparring: Taekwondo features Olympic-style sparring (WT), with points awarded for controlled and accurate kicks or Traditional type sparring (ITF) which also features more emphasis on hand techniques as well as kicks.
  2. Hapkido:
    • Joint locks and throws: Hapkido places a strong emphasis on joint manipulation, throws, and locks for self-defense.
    • Circular motions: Techniques often use circular movements to redirect an opponent’s force.
    • Pressure points: Hapkido practitioners may target specific pressure points for incapacitation.
    • Practical self-defense: Hapkido is known for its practical and versatile self-defense applications.
  3. Tang Soo Do:
    • Hand and foot techniques: Tang Soo Do incorporates both hand and foot techniques, often focusing on powerful strikes.
    • Forms (Hyung): Forms help develop discipline, balance, and technique.
    • Traditional uniforms: Practitioners wear doboks with specific belt colors to denote rank.
    • Focus on discipline and respect: Tang Soo Do emphasizes the mental and spiritual aspects of martial arts.
  4. Kuk Sool Won:
    • Comprehensive system: Kuk Sool Won encompasses a wide range of techniques, including strikes, joint locks, throws, and weapons.
    • Forms (Hyung): Practitioners learn forms that include various techniques and combinations.
    • Weapons training: Kuk Sool Won includes training with traditional Korean weapons like the staff, sword, and fan.
    • Healing techniques: It incorporates traditional Korean healing methods and acupressure.
  5. Gumdo (Kumdo):
    • Swordsmanship: Gumdo focuses on the use of the Korean sword, known as the “katana.”
    • Forms (Hyung): Practitioners learn various forms that simulate combat scenarios with the sword.
    • Cutting practice: Students often practice precision cutting with a sharp blade on bamboo or straw targets.
    • Emphasis on discipline and etiquette: Gumdo places importance on the mental aspects of martial arts.
  6. Sunmudo:
    • Meditation and breathing: Sunmudo combines martial arts with meditation and deep breathing exercises for physical and mental well-being.
    • Circular movements: Techniques involve circular motions and flowing forms.
    • Stress relief and relaxation: Sunmudo aims to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
    • Minimal contact sparring: Sunmudo typically avoids heavy sparring, focusing more on meditation and energy cultivation.

These are just a few examples of Korean martial arts, each with its own unique characteristics, techniques, and philosophies. Additionally, there are many more traditional and modern variations within the Korean martial arts spectrum.

fate

Choose your fate

Choose your fate

choose your fate

The Day has come ……. Choose your fate.

The World’s cinemas once again play host to the much anticipated latest edition, and of Hollywood’s most successful movie franchises, the Terminator, featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger.

What better way to celebrate the occasion than by registering for the first Arnold Classic Taekwondo World Championships, being held in Melbourne, Australia from March 20th – 22nd, 2020.

Yes, Arnold will be attending and checking out the Taekwondo.

With participants from 11 countries already registered, and still almost 5 months to go, it promises to be a most memorable event.

But don’t put it off any longer as time will slip away……..and you’ll risk being Terminated !

Read our Latest Event Newlsetter for all the updates

arnold classic tkd

The event is OPEN TO ALL TAEKWONDO PRACTITIONERS regardless of age, rank, nationality, style, gender or organization.

100% politics FREE

Tiny Tots, Pee Wees, Juniors, Teenagers, Adults, Veterans & Ambassador age categories

Traditional style (ITF), Olympic Style (WT/WTF) or Freestyle/Independents welcome

We have Events to cater for all styles

Exciting New Events

Sparring (WT style) – Individual & Team

Sparring (ITF style) – Individual & Team

ITF Traditional Sparring

WT Poomse – Individual, Pairs & Team

ITF Patterns – Individual, Pairs & Team

Self Defense Demonstration

Creative Forms

Weapons Forms

Special Needs

Individual Forms / Poomse / Patterns (SN)

Self Defense Demonstration (SN)

Creative Forms (SN)

Weapons Forms (SN)

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN 

Visit the following links below for all the info you need – regular updates will be posted

Competitor Registration Form

Coach Registration Form

Umpire Registration Form

Event Information – logistics

Competition Rules

Purchase Spectator Passes

Event Organizer

Arnold Sports Festival Australia

Contact the Organizer

 

Subscribe to our YouTube channel

 

Visit Event Page

arnold classic

Master Michael Muleta running Arnold Classic Martial Arts

Master Michael Muleta running Arnold Classic Martial Arts

master michael muleta arnold classic

Master Michael Muleta was recently appointed to oversee the Arnold Classic Australia Martial Arts Festival from March 17th – 19th, 2017 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Center.

Under his direction, Master Michael Muleta will co-ordinate over 11 rings of action across 3 days, including ITF Taekwondo, WTF Taekwondo, Kickboxing, Boxing, Mixed Martial Arts, Kyokushin Karate, Fencing and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

There will be something for all martial arts enthusiasts to come along and participate, or as a spectator, in addition to all the other attractions of Australia’s most renowned fitness expo.

Check out all the sports on show as part of the multi-sports festival here.

For those looking to take part in the Taekwondo event, registrations are closing soon.

Register here

Taekwondo Olympics 2016

Olympic Taekwondo 2016

So as another installment of Olympic Taekwondo comes to a conclusion, it’s time for us to once again reflect on the bigger picture that is Taekwondo.

Every 4 years the same debates roll out regarding the presence of Taekwondo in the Olympics, and many self-proclaimed traditionalists will testify that the Taekwondo on public view to the millions is not the martial art as the Founder intended.

On the flip-side, those who are indeed heavily invested in the Olympic version do not even hear  or regard the arguments that resonate from the outside, as they strive to win Gold for their country.

So how can two groups of people have such polarized views on the Olympic version of Taekwondo, and one wonders whether other sports suffer the philosophical same divide.

When Taekwondo was first included in the Seoul Olympics back in 1988 as a demonstration sport, and then went on in 1996 to be a full medal sport, it was regarded as a major coup for the organizations who were involved, and the death knell for those who weren’t.

Just as we have been every four years before, the end of another Olympic campaign leaves us with more questions than answers.

The future of Taekwondo

But has it panned out that way all these years later,  what has become of the public perception of Taekwondo in 2016, as we get engulfed by the popularity of MMA and UFC ?

Concerns about the standard of competition, the range of techniques used, the attractiveness to a television and live audience and hence the appeal to potential lucrative sponsors leave Taekwondo delicately poised in terms of its future as an Olympic  sport.

Have Taekwondo organizations, and their member schools flourished since the inclusion of Taekwondo as an Olympic Sport ? What value was derived from the millions of dollars each nations government pumped int the sport version fo Taekwondo ?

With a large group on anti-Olympic practitioners defending their traditional, or original martial art, why do these same organizations still pin their hopes on one day being included in something they so vehemently oppose ?

Is our main concern about which organization is represented, and hence reaps the rewards of government and corporate backing, or is our primary concern what the sport/art actually looks like in the public domain ?

At this juncture nothing should be taken away from the countless hours of hard work done by the athletes and coaches themselves, as with any other Olympic Sport, they have given their all to represent their country with great pride and they only compete within the rules that govern the sport.

At the end of each games we reflect the positives and negatives of Taekwondo’s inclusion in the Olympic schedule.

2016 Rio Olympics Medal Board – Taekwondo

 

 

 

 

 

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Post Sponsored by Global Fitness Institute

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

by Michael Muleta, 8th Degree

 

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Article sponsored by – Global Fitness Institute

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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