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

Before continuing with KOONG JOONG MU SOOL, it is necessary at this point to look at the specific influence that Buddhism, and Buddhist martial arts in particular, had on the historical development of the Royal Court martial arts.

BUL KYO MU SOOL: Buddhist Martial Arts
Throughout history, religion has influenced every major civilisation in the world and Korea is no exception. The oldest form of religion known to Korea is SHAMANISM, or ANIMISM, based on the belief that spirits dwell within the forces of nature, as well as in inanimate objects. One popular example of this belief is the worship of the mountain god or spirit, which is usually symbolised by a white-bearded old man, with a tiger at his feet.

When BUDDHISM was introduced to Korea, during the three kingdoms period, it was able to exist in harmony with Shamanism as certain Buddhist concepts were not entirely in conflict with traditional Shamanistic beliefs. This is quite clearly illustrated by the fact that Shaman mountain-god shrines are to be found in almost all Buddhist temples. The traditional dates of the introduction of Buddhism to Korea are:

• KOGURYO: 372 CE by the Chinese monk SUNDO .
• PAEKCHE: 384 CE by the Indian monk MARANANTA .
• SILLA: 417 - 458 CE by the Korean monk ADO (who had studied in China)

Confucianism and Taoism were also introduced about this time, but were destined not to have the same influence as Buddhism until much later. However, both of these systems of philosophical thought were to make significant contributions to the overall Korean martial art psyche.