history of kuk sool won:
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The will to survive is inherent in all living creatures. From time immemorial, humans have had to fight to survive, and when we look honestly at the world today, circumstances have not changed to any great degree. One has only to pick up a newspaper or listen to a news bulletin on the radio or television to become aware of yet another atrocity of one sort or another. Although as individuals, generally speaking, we have no great control over the events that occur on a global scale, we can, to a certain degree, influence the destinies of our own lives. Therefore, to some it is a matter of great importance whether we allow ourselves, or our fellow human beings, to be robbed, attacked, mutilated, or even killed, without trying to do something to prevent this violation of our peaceful existence. |
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| It was probably this view which compelled the ancient masters of the
Korean martial arts to devise sophisticated systems of self-protection.
Moreover, these systems were effused with a philosophical, ethical and
spiritual framework that helped ensure they would not be used for
retaliation, coercion or aggression. Great care was taken that these
physical, mental and spiritual techniques were developed, controlled
and transmitted from one generation to the next with almost military
precision. This ensured that only those who were worthy might learn the
secrets of the masters. |
 Figure 1: Sunset in the Land of Morning Calm |
In this, the first of three articles on Kuk Sool, although we focus on the History of Korean Martial Arts, to do so, we must also explore the history of Korea, for the country and its martial arts are inextricably interwoven. Modern Korea is as much a product of its martial arts, as its martial arts are a product of the country. What we shall see emerge is the Korean ‘martial spirit’ that has endured throughout. An example of this martial spirit being the heroic exploits of Admiral LEE SUN SHIN,** considered the greatest naval commander in Korean history, who is as famous in the East as Admiral Horatio Nelson is in the West. |
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Therefore, this article traces a chronological route from Korea’s ancient tribal beginnings to the present day, and explores how history, politics and religion, as well as Korea’s early martial arts systems, have helped shape modern Korean martial arts in general and Kuk Sool (traditional Korean martial arts) in particular. |
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**The Korean system of writing the clan name (family or surname) first, and the given names second, has been used throughout this article . For example: Korean: LEE SUN SHIN , Western: SUN SHIN LEE . |
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