Kuk Sool Won History

The roots of Korean martial arts date back to ancient times. Tan’gun, the mythological founder of Korea, was credited with shaping the nation through martial skills and divine origin. In practical terms, the history of Korean martial arts began when individuals defended themselves or crafted simple tools and weapons for hunting or self-defense. 

The recorded history of Korean fighting arts started later, with many traditional Asian martial arts emerging from three key subgroups: 

→ Sah Doh Mu Sool (사도무술): Tribal Clan or Family Martial Arts 

→ Bool Kyo Mu Sool (불교무술): Buddhist Temple Martial Arts 

→ Koong Joong Mu Sool (궁중무술): Korean Royal Court Martial Arts 

In exploring the history of Korean martial arts, we’ll delve into each development within these significant categories.

Korean Tribal or family martial arts can be traced back to the Late Neolithic period (2000 BC to 900 BC), when family or clan structures prevailed for protection. Early weapons were essential stone tools used for hunting and defense. The Bronze Age (9th to 4th century BC) revealed artifacts showcasing a blend of social and martial arts development. As the Iron Age began (4th century BC), confederations formed for mutual protection, marking a shift in power dynamics. 

Stone, bronze, and iron weapons, including Suhk Guhm, Suhk Chahng, Suhk Boo, and Koong Shi, were prevalent. Techniques like Too Suhk Sool and Sah Lahk Sool practiced remain vital in Kuk Sool WonTM today. Aside from mastering weaponry, warriors engaged in physical training like running, wrestling, swimming, and hand-to-hand combat for peak conditions. 

Hierarchies emerged within confederations, leading to social stratification. Ancient burial methods indicate increasing control by leaders over more prominent groups. Walled towns marked the early political structure. Laws during this period were simple and severe, often tied to religious beliefs. Tribes held contests to determine leadership, setting the foundation for the modern Doo Rai, existing today as cultural entertainment. 

Ethically bound by a strict code, Moo Sah (tribal warriors) faced specific punishments for transgressions. Crime severity, reflected in punishments like restitution, slavery for theft, or death for murder, highlighted societal values. Historical evidence, including sculptures and wall paintings, depicts martial arts activities from this period, contributing to the development of Korean martial arts. 

Despite the ban on village-level militia units in 1393, the practice of Sah Doh Mu Sool continued in rural Korean areas. During Japan’s invasion in 1592, these martial arts skills played a crucial role in resisting forces. The clandestine preservation of banned martial arts during Japanese annexation in the early 20th century laid the groundwork for the development of the present system of Kuk Sool Won .

In the context of traditional Buddhist teachings, emphasizing non-violence and abstaining from taking lives, Korean Buddhist temples played a unique role in martial arts history. Unlike elsewhere in Asia, during specific periods in Korean history, these temples were sanctioned to wield bladed weapons and field large armies of warrior monks for national defense.

Buddhism’s introduction to Korea during the Three Kingdoms period involved cultural exchange with China. Initially embraced in the Koguryo Kingdom in 372 AD, Buddhism became the state religion in various kingdoms, fostering spiritual unity and social order. The unique development of a Buddhist form of martial arts arose from the monks’ health concerns due to a Spartan lifestyle and extensive meditation. Moreover, their need for self-defense during travel away from the monastery led to the evolution of Bool Kyo Mu Sool (Buddhist martial art teachings). 

The monks, often meditating for extended periods, faced health issues. They concentrated on exercises developing Ki (internal power) to address this. Techniques like Hyuhl Buhp and Whahl Buhp emerged, enhancing physical and mental well-being. Breathing practices like Nae Gong and Wae Gong, essential for health and martial arts, were refined and integral to present-day Kuk Sool Won training. 

The development of Buddhist martial arts focused on internal power cultivation and practical self- defense. Unarmed for daily travel, Monks needed reliable protection against wild animals and marauding gangs. In adherence to Buddhist teachings, they avoided bladed weapons and mastered an intricate system based on impact-type weapons like the Bohng (pole), Dahn Bohng (short sticks), and Ji Peng Ee (hooked walking cane). These skills promote non-lethal control and are aligned with Buddhist principles. 

Despite their commitment to non-violence, Buddhist monks showcased unique martial prowess during invasions or emergencies. Monasteries fielded armies of warrior monks, defending temples with fierce nationalism. These monks were titled “Defenders of the Nation,” emphasizing their role in safeguarding Korea during turbulent times. Their influence extended to shaping the Korean Hwarang, an elite group of warriors, and training warriors like the Soo Sah of Paekche, impacting the broader landscape of Korean martial arts history.

The roots of Kuk Sool Won are deeply intertwined with the history of Korean martial arts, particularly Koong Joong Mu Sool (Royal Court Martial Arts), which originated during the Three Kingdoms Period on the Korean peninsula, beginning around the 1st century BC. This era marked the emergence of the Silla, Koguryo, and Paekche kingdoms, whose constant conflicts fostered the development of a warrior class and unique martial arts systems influenced by neighboring China and Japan. 

The Silla Kingdom, which evolved from the older kingdom of Sorabol, became known for its Moo Sah warriors, later called Hwarang. These warriors were more than just fighters; they were scholars, balancing martial prowess with education, particularly in penmanship and ethics. This balance influenced the Japanese samurai’s Bushido code long after the Hwarang’s establishment. During King Chinhung’s reign (540-576 AD), the Hwarang became an elite warrior class trained in combat and statecraft. Their code of ethics, Hwarang Do Sesok O-Gye, emphasized five core tenets:

• Loyalty to one’s country 
• Respect for parents 
• Sincerity in friendship 
• Courage in the face of the enemy 
• Justice in taking life only with cause 

These principles are integral to Kuk Sool Won today, reflecting the deep respect for tradition and ethical conduct. 

In the Koguryo Kingdom, the warrior class, Suhn In (virtuous person), was dedicated entirely to martial training and held the highest social rank. Their rigorous training included archery, swordsmanship, horsemanship, Too Guhm Sool (knife throwing), and education in state affairs and the arts. The Suhn In warriors were celebrated for their martial prowess and commitment to virtuous living, embodying the principles that inspire Kuk Sool Won practitioners today. 

Established as a confederate kingdom, Paekche became a centralized society under the formidable warrior King K’un Cho-go around 350 AD. Martial arts and archery were vital to Paekche culture, with warriors excelling in horsemanship, swordplay, and Soo Sool (weaponless combat). The legendary master instructor Hai Dong Un Ki was renowned for his ability to use his hands like swords—a technique that remains a cornerstone of Kuk Sool Won training.

The unification of Korea under Silla in 688 AD led to a period of peace, during which the widespread practice of martial arts declined, influenced by Buddhist non-violence principles. However, the martial spirit was revived by General Wang Kon during the Koryo Dynasty (918-1392 AD). The Yi Dynasty (1392-1910 AD) also saw a resurgence of martial arts during periods of foreign invasion. 

Commissioned by King Jung Jo, the MooYea Dobo Tong-Ji was a comprehensive martial arts manual detailing techniques for various weapons and empty-hand combat. The manual emphasized the importance of moral character—virtue, trust, intelligence, courage, and discipline—as prerequisites for advanced training. These principles are deeply embedded in Kuk Sool Won ’s philosophy today, ensuring that practitioners develop not just physical skills but also strong ethical and moral foundations.

Kuk Sool Won uniquely integrates these diverse martial arts traditions, carrying forward the ancient practices of the Silla, Koguryo, and Paekche kingdoms into a comprehensive system that emphasizes physical skill, ethical conduct, and continuous learning. The legacy of these early warriors lives on at Kuk Sool Won Family Martial Arts, where students are taught not only to defend themselves but also to cultivate discipline, respect, and a strong moral character. 

At Kuk Sool Won Family Martial Arts, we honor this rich history by offering a training experience that blends traditional techniques with modern instruction. Whether you seek to enhance your physical abilities, develop mental discipline, or connect with a community rooted in respect and tradition, Kuk Sool Won has something to offer you.

Join us to experience the legacy of these ancient warriors and register for a class today. Discover how the principles of Kuk Sool Won can empower you to achieve excellence both on and off the mat.