Most of today's Korean martial artists believe that the origin of martial arts came solely from China. In particular, many think that the great teacher Dharma, known as the founder of the Shaolin Temple, is (also) the father of all types of martial arts. However, this is false. This type of thinking is a misconception, full of flattery. Martial arts are not something founded by any particular individual or even by a group. In other words, martial arts are not something that could have been founded in any one nation.

 

The reason is that martial arts began as a natural result of techniques used in prehistoric times by primitive people to find food and protect themselves and their families from wild animals. Consequently, all areas of the world have indigenous types of combat arts used to develop the mind and body, as well as to fight.

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Furthermore, all types of ancient weapon techniques were developed around the world. Among the various weapons that existed, there were different types of rough and polished stone tools excavated throughout the world. In many parts of the Korean Peninsula, stone swords, stone knives, stone spears, stone arrowheads, stone axes, and so on have also been discovered.

 

The range of findings in Korea extends from the Kyunghung Province; Hae Ju and Anak in the Hwanghae Province; Yangyange Chun in Choon in the Kangwon Province; Ansung in the Kyung-gi Province; Puyo in the Choonchon South Province; Andong and Kyungju in the Kyungsangdo North Province; and Mirang in the Kyungsangdo South Province.

 

It is reasonable to assume that the ancestors of Korea used these types of stone weapons for the purposes of obtaining food and also for self-defense against wild animals and enemies.

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The stone-throwing techniques of those prehistoric Koreans have survived to this day and are called too-suk sool (the art of throwing stones). The tremendous effectiveness of these stone-throwing techniques was widely displayed in the battles at the fortresses in the mountains of Hangjin and Chinju during the Japanese invasions of Korea in the late 15th century under Hideyoshi.

 

Additionally, it was recorded that members of the royal family and students of the high ranks of the Shilla Dynasty enjoyed a game developed for fun called doo-ho (an ancient game of throwing arrows into a pot). Other forms, such as throwing swords and throwing spears, were developed from this, and it is not hard to conjecture that archery was connected to this type of activity.

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As human civilization advanced in Korea, an agricultural society gradually emerged. Ancient Koreans who had originally lived around Mount Bektu (between the borders of present-day North Korea and Manchuria) began to migrate south and establish settlements where the environmental conditions were more attractive. Thus, it can be assumed that due to a growing concern and an increased desire for land ownership, it became necessary for that society to develop and refine new types of combat techniques.

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A sedentary lifestyle led them to a collective social body. In the communal system, there were mergers of clan groups into tribal groups, with a clear distinction between leaders and followers. Furthermore, as a natural result, rivalries and conflicts arose with other tribal groups. Under these conditions, they could not help individuals, but they could try to maintain a force stronger than that of other individuals to protect themselves and their own group.

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To achieve this superior strength, people trained by themselves with running, wrestling, swimming, hand-to-hand combat, and other similar activities. It is also natural to assume that the fundamental development of weapons such as spears, lances, swords, bows, and axes occurred during this time in the history of civilization.

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Unfortunately, there are few detailed reports about ancient Korean martial arts that exist today. In the Samguk Sagi (History of the Three Kingdoms, written during the 12th century), there are only fragmented references to a double-sword dance in the nation of Karak (Karak, also known as Kaya, existed in a small area of the southern Korean Peninsula, between approximately 42 BC and 562 AD).

 

In the Samguk Yusa (Stories of the Three Kingdoms and Memorable Events, written during the 13th century), it is recorded that generals in the three kingdoms of Koguryo, Paekche, and Silla trained heavily in martial arts and often had conflicts among themselves. However, there is no detailed description of the martial arts used or the specific techniques involved.

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Although there is no detailed explanation about the techniques of martial arts, studies of the powerful battles that characterized the era of the Three Kingdoms reveal that there were military officers and soldiers with less prominence who became familiar with a wide range of martial arts. Additionally, it is recorded that most martial artists of that time depended on teachers or martial arts books for their training. So, we can imagine that there were texts explaining the details of martial arts techniques during that time.

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Ancient texts, wall paintings, and sculptures depict people shooting arrows while mounted on horses, as well as scenes of archery, stone throwing, and games resembling martial polo, hunting, and other similar activities. In these scenes, there are individuals or groups of people in strange postures, facing other individuals or groups of people in similar postures. These postures are precisely martial arts stances for attack and defense that are used while facing an enemy. Today’s empty-hand martial arts still use these same postures.

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Part 2

References to Chuk-guk can be found within the Samguk Sagi (kicking a ball - an ancient game played with a leather ball filled with hair), Too-ho (the pot throwing game), Soo-bahk (striking with the hands), Chu-choon (a rope swinging activity), Chuk-ma (bamboo horse), Gum-moo (sword dance), and so on. Additionally, activities such as gak-chuh (headbutting), mok-chuh (pushing a wheel), chuk-ma (bamboo horse), gake-hoe (playing, joking), gake-hoe (leg game), sang-bak (hitting each other), chol-kyo (soldier’s foot school), and cheng-kyo (competing), among others, are mentioned within the section of Tung-i Chuan (Account of the Eastern Barbarians, a section concerning Korea) from the San-kuo Chih (Annals of the Three States, a very famous book written in ancient China).

 

These activities are believed to be different types of empty-hand martial arts practiced in Silla.

It is also recorded that the Chinese consider the ancient Korean empty-hand martial arts, known as Koryo Gi (Korean Techniques) and Yoo-Kyo (style of fighting), as forms of powerful and superior martial arts. Linguistics students have recently discovered that Chu-Mong, the name of the founding king of Koguryo, was a special title given to prominent knights who excelled in archery in the state of Puyo (Puyo existed during the same time that Koguryo was established).

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In Silla, there was an organization known as Hwarang-Do (The Way of Flower Youth), which was made up of young men. These young men were selected from the best of the youth of Silla. They crossed the mountains of the nation while familiarizing themselves with the territorial geography, all while training in martial arts. The Hwa-rang was monopolized with a spirit of tenacity, which included a precept of unconditionality that prohibited retreat in battle.

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Thus, it can be seen that throughout the Three Kingdoms period, national leaders were instilling a sense of patriotism and a deep love for their native lands in their youth. The principles by which a strong body and a firm spirit could be created were well understood by the people of that time. There are many widespread anecdotes to this day about the famous general Kim Yu-Shin, a man who played a decisive role in the unification of the three kingdoms under Silla.

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Among the many stories, one of the most notable is about Kim Yu-Shin, who, while still young, fell in love with a kisaeng girl and began to neglect his martial arts training because of the romance. Kim's mother discovered the problem and scolded her son severely, making him promise that he would never see that young woman again. One night, Kim Yu-Shin fell asleep mounted on his beloved horse, which was unusual for him, and the animal carried him to the doorstep of the kisaeng girl's house.

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When Kim Yu-Shin realized where he was, he became furious and decapitated the horse with his sword. Then, he fled into a cave in the mountains to purify his spirit. The story recounts how Kim Yu-Shin's diligent training moved the gods. A divine figure appeared to him and gave him an engraved sword and some special texts. It is said that these heavenly gifts helped Kim Yu-Shin accomplish his great task of unifying the Korean peninsula.

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There are also stories about the son of General Kim Yu-Shin, Won Sullong, who fought against the Tang army in a territorial dispute. When Won Sullong returned home, defeated, his father stripped him of his position for breaking the Hwa-rang precept against retreating in battle. Depressed and humiliated, Won Sullong retreated into the mountains and focused on martial arts training. Some time later, he infiltrated the enemy camp as a civilian and, alone, decapitated the enemy leader. He then died there, a heroic death.

 

The existence of such moving stories like these may simply reflect the inspiration that the martial artist gave to society as a whole.

The development of Korean martial arts flourished through the Three Kingdoms period and the establishment of the Unified Silla Dynasty. However, after that, martial arts declined as a result of a stabilized government and a peaceful society.

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It was the superior military power behind the reunification of the Korean Peninsula under the Koryo Dynasty. However, although the succession of Koryo kings were proficient in martial arts methods (techniques and applications), they made Buddhism the state religion. Buddhism was a religious philosophy in conflict with the way of life. The official promotion of this conviction led common people to lose interest in practicing martial arts.

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Meanwhile, only hidden within the confines of the palace, the secret techniques of an esoteric and highly developed martial art were practiced privately. This marked the beginning of the Koong-Joong Mu-sol (Royal Court Martial Arts), which were kept out of reach of the common people. However, these Royal Court Martial Arts were not something hastily created to adapt to new circumstances. In fact, they were integrations of ancient martial arts methods that had been passed down through countless generations.

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At the same time, these arts were carefully selected from the vast group of techniques known at the time and were considered the most excellent. The reason for this is that martial arts techniques are not something that can be developed overnight. Only through a long period of practice can these martial arts techniques be improved and developed.

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The historian An Cha San, who wrote after the Japanese occupation of Korea (after 1945), declared in his work Mu-Sá Young Oong Chun (Annals of Military Heroes) that Korean Yu-Sool (light-style martial arts) gradually became popular after the reign of Suk Chong (the 15th monarch of the Koryo Dynasty, 1095-1105). This name Yu-Sool was applied to Soo-Bak and Kwon-bup, among other arts.

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The position of military officials began to gain power again around the time of Em Jong (the 17th monarch of Koryo, 1122-1146). It is recorded that military figures, such as Chong Chung-Bu (who led the successful military revolt against the government in 1170), carried out their feats using Sang-Yae (common arts).

 

However, the carved engravings on the walls show martial arts of unarmed fighters from Koguryo and the Silla period. This can be seen in Soo-Bak and Kwon-Bup, which are included in Yu-Sool and were widely known during the Three Kingdoms Period—centuries before the Koryo Dynasty.

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Over time, the martial arts techniques of common people and the regular army gradually disappeared as a result of preferential treatment given to civil officials, general disdain for military personnel, and a weakened government leadership due to persecutions through literature at the expense of martial arts development. In the 4th year of Ye Jong's reign (16th monarch of Koryo, 1105-1122), the Kukchagam (National University) was established. And Mu-Hak (martial studies) was included among the seven curriculums offered.

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However, this only increased the friction between civil officials and military personnel, and the Mu-Hak course ended up being just a name. After that, since the development of martial arts had been officially opposed, the practice of martial arts by common people took on a secretive nature, with techniques passed down from father to son.

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At the beginning of the Yi Dynasty (1392-1910), there was no change in the political structure, only a change in royal authority. Society and civilization of the new Yi Dynasty were also well standardized afterward and, for the most part, a continuation of the Koryo civilization.

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The founder of the Yi Dynasty, Yi Song-Gye, was able to seize the throne through military power. Well aware of the threat of being defeated himself, Yi imposed strict restrictions on the practice of martial arts by common people. The offensive anti-Confucianism was promulgated throughout the nation, with preferential treatment given to civil officials and showing disdain for military officials. The morale of military officers dropped extremely, and things reached a point where practicing martial arts was seen as a shameful activity, unworthy of a true gentleman.

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The final result of this incident was that Japan invaded Korea twice (in 1592 and 1596), and Manchuria invaded the Peninsula in 1637. However, something unusual happened during the time of the foreign invasions in Korea. In the face of these uprisings, people from all over the country, filled with deep patriotism, quickly rose up and formed Ui-Bying (integrated armies, a type of militia) to fight the enemy.

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Among the countless local guerrilla leaders who emerged during the Japanese invasion were Kwak Chae-U, Kim Si-Min, and Kim Chon-Il, who were all local Confucian students and highly respected by the residents of their areas. There were also great leaders of the monk army, such as Sosun Taesa and Samyong Taesa. Records show that these local militia leaders raised the flag of national salvation high and killed Japanese tribes using supernatural fighting techniques.

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If martial arts are not something that can be learned in a day, then how is it possible that students who only studied books and monks or nuns who spent all their time focusing on the way of Buddhism were ready, in the middle of a fierce battle, and fought better than the professional soldiers of the Government Army?

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To answer this question, one must search for and examine the fragmented or pieced-together evidence recorded about the private lives of these local militia leaders during their youth, as well as the documented evidence of the success of martial artists of that time. Then, it is possible to state that each of those individuals who led militias had undergone rigorous physical discipline and martial arts training.

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Even modern sports, which have developed outside of martial arts, are impossible to learn without the guidance of a teacher or coach. If this is the case, then how is it possible for someone to master the numerous types of martial arts techniques, which are more complex and difficult to learn? There is only one answer. The answer is that there may have been some teaching book that contained secret esoteric martial arts techniques, passed down from generation to generation within families, or the knowledge was passed on orally by a teacher who secretly taught the members of those families.

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If one or both of the previous conditions did not exist, it would have been impossible for martial arts to have survived. The foundations for this statement become sufficiently clear if one looks at the society and political structure of that time in Korean history. During the reign of Sunjo (14th King of the Yi Dynasty, 1567-1608), Han Kyo scientifically researched the secret techniques of traditional Korean martial arts and compiled a book called Mu-yae Tong-ji ("Comprehensive Manual of Martial Arts").

 

He taught martial arts to more than 70 individuals so that these arts could be used against the Japanese invaders of that time. This may be the first recorded example of a martial arts training hall, or Do-Jang, as they are known today.

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As a result of the corrupt government at the end of the Yi Dynasty, social chaos began throughout the Peninsula. Korea found itself in a helpless position against powerful foreign nations. In this situation, Korean martial arts flourished for a brief time, thanks to some patriots who were aware of what was happening to their nation. However, the ancient classical weapons inevitably disappeared in the face of modern weaponry (rifles, cannons, etc.), and only empty-hand martial arts seem to have remained in people's minds.

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Korea was annexed by Japan in 1910. Every aspect of martial arts in Korea went through an extremely serious crisis, and the entire tradition of martial arts began to disappear. This was truly the darkest period in the history of Korean military arts. During the 36 years of Japanese occupation in Korea, nearly an entire generation lost its freedom and identity.

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The Japanese authorities tried to completely eliminate Korean thought, Korean cultural arts, and the foundations of traditional Korean martial arts that had been preserved in Korea for thousands of years. Ironically, it was the Japanese who, in the past, took traditional Korean martial arts to their own country and then modified these arts by incorporating Japanese culture.

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Then, in this century, the Japanese tried to assert that Korean martial arts originated in Japan. In reality, today's Karate, Kendo, and Aikido were probably influenced by the tradition of traditional Korean martial arts.

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Source: http://www.usadojo.com/articles/history-korean-ma.htm

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