Popular Korean martial arts such as tae kwon do and hapkido had their beginnings in the mid-20th century, following Korea's independence after World War II. These and other modern martial arts reflect not only Korean, but Chinese and Japanese influences as well. However, ancient documents and the work of Japanese archaeologists in the 1930s have helped uncover information about traditional Korean martial arts practiced more than 1,000 years ago and that nearly vanished from existence.
Su Bak Gi
This ancient martial art may have originated in sixth-century Korea during a time of war among rival kingdoms on the Korean peninsula. A warrior group known as the Hwa Rang, or Flowering Youth, may have invented the art, according to Scott Shaw, the author of books on Korean martial arts and a longtime practitioner. Shaw says the Hwa Rang practiced extensive mountain running, which strengthened their leg muscles. As a result, the warriors incorporated kicking techniques into su bak gi (or soo bak gi). For this reason, Shaw says, su bak gi may be the genesis for the kicking techniques that are so prominent in modern Korean martial arts, such as tae kwon do.
Yu Sul
In contrast to su bak gi, yu sul is a softer martial art that emphasizes grappling and wrestling rather than hand and foot strikes, according to Shaw. Yu sul may have influenced the Japanese martial art of jiujitsu. Yu sul led to opposing martial arts styles on the Korean peninsula. One emphasized the hard strikes of su bak gi while another emphasized the softer approach of yu sul. As a martial art, however, yu sul was short-lived, becoming virtually extinct by the end of the seventh century, according to Shaw.
Taekkyon
Practiced in Korea for more than 1,400 years, taekkyon (sometimes spelled taekgyeon) is the only Korean martial art listed as an important cultural asset by the Korean government, according to the Korean Taekkyon Federation. Before the sixth century, Korea's ruling classes practiced this bare-handed martial art, which grew in popularity among the commoners in the ninth century. Japan colonized Korea in the early 20th century and banned Korean martial arts; consequently, taekkyon nearly disappeared. The Korea Taekkyon Federation reported that Song Duk-Ki passed knowledge of the art to others, enabling taekkyon to survive. The Korean federation states that taekkyon is sometimes confused with tae kwon do, the popular martial art that began in Korea after World War II. In reality, the two martial arts have nothing in common, the federation says.
Haedong Kumdo
A martial art based on swordsmanship, haedong kumdo may be the Korean equivalent of the Japanese swordfighting art of kendo. The Martial Arts Resource says that the art has its roots in the ancient Koguryo Kingdom, which ruled much of the Korean peninsula as one of the "Three Kingdoms" from the first century B.C.E. to the sixth century C.E. Students of haedong kumdo practice with swords, working on basic drills and forms.
Kuk Sool Won
The Martial Arts Resource calls kuk sool won a comprehensive blend of traditional Korean martial arts rather than a style of its own. The art originated in early 20th century Korea when the Japanese took control, banning Korean martial arts and confiscating weapons. An instructor of Korean arts, Suh Myuhng Duk, trained his grandson, Suh In Hyuk, who then trained with other practitioners of traditional Korean fighting styles. As a result of the blending of styles, kuk sool won includes hand and foot strikes, grappling, joint locks and internal techniques, such as meditation and breathing methods.
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