kali-martial-arts For Your Reading Pleasure
The Confusion About Korean Martial Arts

It is unknown to many that Korea has more martial forms other than Taekwondo and Hapkido. This is because the term Korean martial arts loosely embraces all the art forms that either originated in or were modified in Korea. There are several other forms that use the sword, knife and even archery that are not so well known outside Korea.

To comprehend how Korean martial art evolved, we must analyze the social, political and religious influences that the country went through. The Koreans were colonized by the Japanese for a long time and they embraced Neo-Confucianism. At that point in time, the Koreans developed a disinterest in martial arts.

Years after, the indigenous Korean art forms barely survived in the original and there is little in terms of archives that one can refer to. The lack of documentation makes it difficult to pinpoint the original art forms of Korea. Purists argue that it was in Korea that several martial art forms originated and then traveled to China, from where they went to Japan and then came back to Korea.
However, when the Japanese colonized Korea, many of the latter's pure martial art forms were suppressed.

After their liberation in 1945, Korean martial artists made conscious efforts to re-establish Korean martial arts and cleanse themselves of the influence of Japanese occupation. In this revival the martial artists did not have much to rely on in terms of written records.
Muyedobotongji is perhaps the only surviving ancient text on Korean martial arts, the only authentic reference manual for Koreans keen to discover their old traditions. As a result this revival phase saw recompilation or reorganization of techniques that are not wholly traditional but also imported by Koreans studying the arts of the neighboring regions. It is only in the 20th century when Taekwondo, the form synonymous with Korean martial arts, was organized into its present form.

The present set of Korean martial arts has a very strong visual resemblance to art forms of China. Influences of boxing as well as western martial arts are also visible. Taekyon, a dance-like martial art features kicks, sweeps, and strikes while Ssireum (Korean wrestling) resembles Mongolian wrestling. Yudo, Kumdoo, Tang Soo Do, Mudokkwan Subakdo have all be reconstructed with considerable Japanese and Chinese influence. On the other hand Gukgung, Sonmudo and Bulmudo more or less survive in their pure forms.

So if you happen to learn a Korean art form and get a sense of d?j? vu, do not worry. Chances are you would have seen similar moves made by artists across the Orient.

About the Author

Callie Armstrong is a writer for http://www.AllergyHero.com. Her insights on dieting, exercise and health can be read at http://www.body4beach.com

kali-martial-arts Products we recommend
Japanese Wall Flag

Japanese Wall Flag
3' x 5' full color flag comes ready to hang. Grommets sewn into each corner provide asecure attachment and assist in easy mounting. Each sold separately.

UFC Soft Mesh 3-D Emblem Logo Flexible Fit Hat

UFC Soft Mesh 3-D Emblem Logo Flexible Fit Hat
Keep your head cool in a new soft mesh-back cap with the UFC 3D logo on front. Flex fit one size fits most.

Ninja High Top Tabi Boot

Ninja High Top Tabi Boot
Soft Hi Top Canvas Boot. Very comfortable secure footing with non-slip soles. Velcro closures - black.

Bokken

Bokken
Beautifully crafted to resemble a real samurai sword. Weighted to resemble a usable sword but without the danger of a sharp weapon. Made of select hardwood. 40".

Cardio Hand Wraps

Cardio Hand Wraps
Soft 100% herringbone woven cotton. Help protect your fingers and knuckles. Velcro closure for adjustable and snug fit. 2 inches wide x 180 inches long. Sold as a pair.

Martial Arts Champ Child - L

Black Ninja Child Costume (Large (12-14))

Black Ninja Child Costume (Large (12-14))
Child Black Ninja includes: black hooded shirt with gold design, pants, face mask, arm & leg bands and belt. Sword sold separately.

3-D Ninja Child Costume (Small)

3-D Ninja Child Costume (Small)
A stealthy group, ninjas are secretive warriors. Now you can join their ranks with this 3-D Ninja costume. This costume includes: black hooded shirt, black pants, decorative tunic, two (2) arm and shin guards. Available in Child size: Small, Medium, and Large. Sword (may differ slightly from shown) sold separately. Be sure to take a look at all of our ninja costumes and accessories (sold separately).