THE HISTORY OF HAPKIDO
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The history of martial arts in Korea is based more on legend and speculation
than fact. It is generally agreed however, that the foundation for
the striking and kicking arts came from China through trade and commerce,
although there is no historical fact to prove this.
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map of the 3 Kingdoms |
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The birth of the
Korean fighting arts can be placed during the period of the
Three Kingdoms, over 1,300 years ago. Korea was divided into
three sections Silla, Koguryu and Paekche. The smallest of these
kingdoms, Silla, was constantly under threat from not only the
other two kingdoms but also the Japanese.
Consequently, Silla developed a very strong army. |
Under the leadership of King Chin Heung, Silla's military might soon
became superior to both Paekche and Koguryu. During this period, King
Chin Heung organized an elite fighting corps known as the Hwa Rang
Do (Way of Flowering Youth).
A Korean monk known
as Won Kwang Bopsa, was instructed to give the Hwa Rang Do the
finest training not only in the fighting arts but also in scholarly
pursuits. Won Kwang Bopsa originated the five tenets that still
form the basis of most Korean martial arts:
1. Loyalty to ones country.
2. Loyalty to ones parents.
3. Bravery in battle.
4. Courage never to retreat in the face of the enemy.
5. Justice never to take a life without cause.
Because of this philosophy and their superior fighting ability,
the Hwa Rang Do were never defeated in battle and their deeds
became legendary. |
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