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The history of Tae Kwon Do is tied directly to the history of the area of the world we now call Korea. It seems that what Tae Kwon Do is today, has more in common with what it was during and after the Silla unification and what it has become in recent decades, than it does with any of the intervening centuries. Indeed, much of the underlying philosophy practiced in quality Tae Kwon Do educational centers stems from the Silla Hwarangdo. In addition, much of the techniques used are a collection of the most effective techniques from martial arts in Japan and China.
Evidence of the existence of martial arts practice in the area of the Korguryo kingdom dating back to about 50BC was found in 1935. These paintings on the walls of tombs are the earliest evidence found, but may, as argued by many, merely represent some form of dancing or other sport. When martial arts were practiced in the north, they most certainly were influenced by those of the Chinese. Proximity and the need for military security in the area led to the need for martial art and the influence of the Chinese.
To the south the Silla Kingdom spent considerable time and effort in the development of the Hwarangdo. This elite group of young martial artists spent all of their time training so that they would become the warriors of the king. Their code of honor plays a big role in the modern day philosophies of Tae Kwon Do. Practicing the arts called Taekyon and Soo Bakh Do the Hwarangdo were elemental in the unification of the three separate kingdoms around the year 670AD. After the unification the area entered an era of peace. The Hwarang turned toward the arts of music and writing. In 936AD the Koryo dynasty was established and again there was a rise in the practice of martial art. The Koryo dynasty experienced frequent invasions from the moguls and military protection was again needed to defend the people and the culture. The Tae Kwon Do blackbelt form Koryo is said to represent the indomitable spirit of the people of that era.
The Yi dynasty was established in 1392AD and lasted more than 500 years. King Taejo made Confucianism the state religion. The martial arts became something for the common man. The upper classes were said to engage in the finer arts such as music, poetry and drama.
The Yi dynasty ended with the occupation of the area by the Japanese. This occupation lasted from 1910 until the end of the Second World War. During this time the Japanese tried to erase the culture of the people of the area. The martial arts became a target as well. Many of the people fled as they could but many of the men were forced into military service and trained in the Japanese styles of martial arts.
After the end of the war Korea achieved independence and there was a resurgence of the martial arts in Korean styles. Of course, these styles were heavily influenced by those of the Japanese. Many different schools of martial arts arose, and unification of the art in Korea was attempted in the mid fifties. The name Tae Kwon Do was selected for its similarity to the ancient name Taekyon. Some of the individual schools wanted to remain separate. These include Hapkido, Hwarang Do and Kuk Sool.
During the late fifties and into the sixties the art of Tae Kwon Do was used as a standard training mechanism for the military and the police forces in Korea. There are some who feel that this standardized training was really just a form of Shotokan Karate.
An analysis of the period of history ranging from 50BC to the present day may cause the reader to conclude that the art of Tae Kwon Do is really a conglomeration of many of the other martial arts. Claims to its uniqueness are valid because of two very important things. First the retained philosophy of the ancient Hwarangdo, and second the fact that Tae Kwon Do has really taken the best features of other martial art styles to combine with its own techniques and philosophies to offer a robust and powerful art. Furthermore, the most significant periods of development seem to be prior to 1000AD and after 1960AD. This is because the initial period was crucial to the development of the culture and philosophy central to the Korean people and Tae Kwon Do and the later period brought Tae Kwon Do to the international scene. In addition recent years have really brought Tae Kwon Do and the martial arts in general out of the dismal back streets and into the mainstream of western culture.
In our school and many similar schools nationwide a student’s mental and physical development are equally important. Character enrichment combined with physical fitness and martial arts training constitute the road to becoming a martial artist. Physical training alone can achieve results but only when students pursue the development of spirit and character can they truly succeed as a martial artist and a contributing citizen in today’s world.
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