The Most Renowned Korean Martial Art Forms for Self Defense

Every culture has its own methods and tactics for war, including Korea. In order to best defend against attackers, the Koreans developed their own martial art form called Korean martial arts. The Korean martial art forms are very famous and have earned a lot of respect worldwide. Some of the most common Korean martial arts include:

Hap Ki Do: Hap Ki Do is a defensive technique where attackers are unarmed and use circular techniques such as joint locks, foot sweeps and kicks. It also incorporates some punches and circular throws. Hap Ki Do is very similar to Daito Ryu Yawara, and its yielding standard is similar to the Aikido. The prominence of circular motions in Hap Ki Do allows a more free-flowing form of war in which one technique can integrate with the next. The direction can be altered at any point by changing the rotational axis. Hap Ki Do can be used for self-defense or spiritual growth, as well as in free- sparring contests combined with the Hwa Rang Do or Tae Kwon Do types. The name Hapkido comes from three different characters – hap (meaning joining or coordinated), ki (meaning internal energy, power, or strength), and do (meaning way). Thus, the word could literally be translated into the "way of coordinated power."

Hwa Rang Do: Hwa Rang Do is a renowned Korean martial art dating back about 1800 years. This martial art form was originally practiced by the Korean troops. Its armed and unarmed techniques made it renowned in the entire Asia continent. 35 years ago, Hwa Rang Do was conserved for the particularly chosen Buddhist monks. Now, it has spread across the world.

Kuk Sool Won – this form of martial arts is similar to tae kwon do in that is an eclectic system that combines the entire spectrum of traditional Korean fighting knowledge, including weapons training, mental development, and intense body conditioning techniques. This school of fight emphasizes self-defense, weapon improvisation, and endurance building. Tae Yun Kim says that another characteristic aspect of Kuk Sool Won is that it incorporates a lot of low fighting stances, rolling, and primarily utilizes smooth, fluid motions. Students are also taught the various pressure points of the body and are introduced to effective joint locks. By combining forceful strikes with circular, effortless movements, this fighting style helps you build finesse, agility, and power.

Tae Kwon Do - this comprehensive form of martial arts was developed in the 1950s in South Korea during the Korean War, after the South Korean president recommended that martial arts be introduced to the Korean army. This resulted in various fighting schools being unified into a single martial arts system which became tae kwon do. For this reason, it is actually a conglomeration of many different styles of Korean martial arts that have evolved over the centuries. Some names that might be familiar include Tang Soo Do, Hwa Ryan Do, and Mu Duk Kwon. Tae Kwon Do differs from other styles of martial arts like kung fu and karate because of the unique kicking techniques employed. Many martial art styles tend to emphasize hand techniques over foot techniques, but Tae Kwon Do strives for balance of hand and foot techniques. Since hand techniques are generally easier to perform than foot techniques, a lot more practice in kicking techniques are usually required and thus it is very physically demanding. Like many other forms of martial arts, practicing tae kwon do aids in the development of speed, strength, balance, flexibility, and endurance. Great Grandmaster Tae Yun Kim says that Tae Kwon Do, means Foot – Fist – Way of life. She goes on to explain that “Do-the way of life implies that through the dedication of the training in the martial arts, the benefits can go much deeper than just physical self-defense. The hard work, and honorable and disciplined life style have tremendous physical, emotional, mental and spiritual rewards.

Jung SuWon Martial Arts – This martial art form starts where Tae Kwon Do leaves off. Tae Kwon Do became an Olympic Sport in the year 2000. When it became an Olympic sport, throughout the world, many Tae Kwon Do instructors were intensely focused on competing, winning, and the bringing home lots of medals. It took away deeper spirit and more personal reasons for training in the martial arts. Thus “the way of Life” was overridden by the sport and competition side of martial arts. So Jung SuWon Martial Arts goes back to what Tae Kwon Do was originally supposed to be, and it emphasizes strong martial arts training, Ki Energy, but it emphasizes “the way of Life”, and strives to bring back the spirit and personal development benefits of the martial arts. These total lifestyle benefits include: improved health, self-defense techniques, discipline, positive mental attitude, courage, honor, respect, etc… At Jung SuWon students learn that through the hard work and discipline of the martial arts, can learn to conquer insurmountable obstacle in their lives. Many of these positive benefits can also help people in the modern day world with overcoming obstacles and achieving goals in their relationships, careers, and lifetime goals.

The martial art of Jung SuWon, founded by Great Grandmaster Dr. Tae Yun Kim is another Korean martial art form. Grandmaster Dr. Tae Yun Kim is considered as one of the highest ranking martial artists in the world. Being the founder of Jung SuWon Martial Art Academy, Dr. Tae Yun Kim teaches Jung SuWon, a form that emphasizes maintaining a mental focus as well using your energy to execute the technique.

Great Grandmaster Tae Yun Kim is also an author. For more information see her books: - Seven Steps to Inner Power, Silent Master, First Element…

Reference sites include: www.taeyunkim.com, and www.jsw.com.