Taekwondo may be the best-known Korean fighting style, but it's not the only fighting method that originated in Korea. Few Korean individuals claim to have "founded" a particular martial arts style, in contrast to other Asian countries, but Korean history contains a rich, gradual evolution toward a family of different fighting styles.
Taekwondo
Taekwondo became an Olympic demonstration sport for the 1988 Games, then became a full Olympic sport for the 2000 Games. While Taekwondo is often taught as a tournament fighting art, Taekwondo students also learn practical self-defense techniques, and the art stresses developing discipline and moral character.
Hapkido
Hapkido, which translates as the way of coordinated power, combines elements of Japanese Aikido with the traditional Korean art of Yu-Sol. Hapkido is almost purely defensive; you wait for your opponent to make the first move, then perform joint locks, throws or low strikes, using the momentum of his attack against him.
Tang Soo Do
Tang Soo Do, believed to have originated from the ancient art of Soo Bahk Ki, emphasizes integrated development of the whole self. Techniques include empty hand and foot strikes, forms and weapons use. Soo Bahk Do and Moo Duk Kwan are specific systems of Tang Soo Do instruction developed by Grandmaster Hwang Kee.
Tae Kyon
Not to be confused with Taekwondo, Tae Kyon might be the earliest Korean fighting style; grave paintings from the fifth and sixth centuries depict Tae Kyon techniques. Tae Kyon is a fluid art based on circular movements and continuous motion, placing balanced stress on physical techniques like evasion, blocking and attacking for beginners, then shifting to an emphasis on internal techniques, including ki energy, at more advanced levels.
Kum Do
Kum Do, the Korean art of swordplay or fencing, encourages complete control over your body and weapon. Students train with a bamboo practice sword called the Juk Do and must demonstrate striking forms, sparring forms and sparring ability in order to advance in rank.
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