Learning a form of martial arts can be a fun way to become physically fit while learning to protect yourself. Many types of Korean martial arts exist that have been practiced for thousands of years. Some of the most well-known Korean styles are hapkido, kuk sool won and tae kwon do.
Hapkido
Hapkido is a form of Korean martial arts that includes a blend of kicks, strikes and throws. Like most forms of martial arts, hapkido was developed over centuries to become the art it is today. During the Shilla dynasty in Korea between 676 and 935, young knights were appointed to help defend the kingdom and were taught a form of self-defense that incorporated physical and mental wellness. This art became what is now known as hapkido. Hapkido became the royal form of self defense during the Ko-Ryo dynasty between 918 and 1392 and is taught and practiced today in most Korean cities and worldwide.
Kuk Sool Won
Kuk sool won is a blend of several traditional forms of Korean martial arts: sahdoh musool, boolkyo musool and koongjoong musool. Beginning in 1910 after the Japanese invasion and takeover, and the ensuing ban on any traditional Korean martial arts, martial arts were practiced only in secret. Over the years, because of the threat of harsh punishment for practicing, martial artists began to abandon these ancient arts. In 1958, In-hyuk Suh researched and practiced the traditional forms of self-defense and ultimately created the art of kuk sool won in an effort to preserve the three most treasured forms of ancient Korean martial arts.
Tae Kwon Do
The art of tae kwon do, a weaponless form of self-defense incorporating punches, kicks and blocks, was developed over thousands of years in Korea. Tae kyon, the earliest form of tae kwon do, was developed around 50 B.C., and until A.D. 935, this art was practiced as a form of recreation or sport. From 935 to 1170, tae kyon was referred to as subak and the focus of the art turned to military self-defense rather than sport. In 1397, subak was introduced to the public as a form of self-defense. Japanese control in Korea in 1909 forbade the practice of Korean martial arts, and it was not until 1945, when Korea regained independence, that the public was able to practice this ancient art. In 1955, an appointed board decided to combine several ancient forms of Korean martial arts -- kong soo do, tae kyon, soo bak do and tang soo do -- into one form of martial arts, tae kwon do.
Modern Martial Arts
Today, Korean martial arts are practiced worldwide. Traditional styles are still practiced along with new variations such as taeguk kumdo, a combination of sword fighting and traditional methods of self-defense. Martial arts are a means of self-defense and physical fitness and promote balance, coordination and flexibility. Children and adults find the practice of martial arts an excellent way to stay physically fit while learning a valuable, ancient art.
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