history of kuk sool won:
1:3 The Three Kingdoms Period: 57 BCE - 668 CE

KAYA: 42 - 562 CE
It is appropriate to mention that there was a fourth, relatively smaller kingdom, situated in the south, between PAEKCHE and SILLA. The traditional founding date for this kingdom, which was called KAYA, or KARAK, is 42 CE. Although a small kingdom, KAYA had a considerable influence on Japan before it was finally absorbed by SILLA in 562 CE.

KOONG JOONG MU SOOL: Royal Court Martial Arts
With the establishment of the three kingdoms came the creation of royalty, royal armies, and in turn, Royal Court Martial Arts.

Throughout their entire existence, the three kingdoms were (almost) constantly in conflict with each other, with frequent alliances of two of them against the third, and sometimes alliances were formed with China or Japan; these foreign powers were always looking for an opportunity to eventually rule the entire peninsula. This relentless struggle for expansionism and supremacy over the peninsulaensured that the royal armies were kept in a state of constant battle readiness.

At different times in each of the three kingdoms, elite warrior forces were formed, made up from the sons of royalty, noblemen and families of good background. In SILLA, the elite force was called the HWA RANG, in KOGURYO, it was known as the SUN BAE, and in PAEKCHE it was known as the SU SAH.

These warrior groups were variously encouraged to study martial art skills such as archery, swordsmanship, knife throwing and unarmed combat. Contests were held, such as archery while riding on horseback; and, as an incentive to warriors to become more proficient, the winners were awarded high positions in the royal court. Competition was keen, and it was not unknown for contestants, especially those engaged in unarmed combat (fighting with just their bare hands and feet), to be fatally injured.

In general, similar military systems existed in all three kingdoms. As the warriors of these elite corps were to become their respective kingdom’s future military and political leaders, they were also tutored in the fine arts, literature and music, as well as being educated in political and social skills. Although these differing military institutions existed in each of the three kingdoms, it was in SILLA, with the order of the HWA RANG that this elite core was ultimately to claim the prize of the overall control of Korea. However, as the kingdoms developed, so did their cultural, philosophical and religious perspectives, all of which were to have a profound effect on their collective military and social psyche.