history of kuk sool won:
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trained in the martial arts. It was at this point that the Buddhist monk WON KWANG DAE SA is thought to have had a major influence on the HWA RANG and concomitantly the development of Korean martial arts.** |
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WON KWANG DAE SA was not only a scholar of Buddhist and Confucian classics, but had also developed and become a master of his own comprehensive system of martial arts. |
 Figure 13: WON KWANG DAE SA Venerated Buddhist monk and (possible) first teacher of HWA RANG |
Under the supervision of WON KWANG DAE SA at his temple school in the mountains (possibly the HWANG NYONG SA temple on SAM GI SAN Mountain), the members of this warrior force trained themselves unmercifully. They utilised all aspects of martial ways to such a degree that, if they should lose their weapons in battle, they could be as deadly and lethal with just their bare hands and feet. Not only did they develop deadly fighting skills, making them as warriors almost invincible, they were also instructed in matters of government and state, as well as encouraged to study the arts, literature and music. |
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However, due to the very nature of their way of life in the service of their king and country, the HWA RANG were unable to embrace all Buddhist doctrine. Nevertheless, they were instilled with the highest ideals and virtues, and it is reasonable to assume that the assimilation of this very humane philosophy played an important role in the formation of their overall character. |
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The 8th century SILLA historian, KIM TAE MUN, wrote the records of the HWA RANG, which were known as the HWA RANG SEGI. These records are not now extant; however, from later writings using those records as their source, we are told that two young HWA RANG, KUI SAN and CHU HWANG, were instrumental in receiving from WON KWANG DAE SA the SE SOK O GYE or Five Commandments of the HWA RANG. The HWA RANG also received the KYO HOON, or Nine Virtues of the HWA RANG. Both the SE SOK O GYE and the KYO HOON are still honoured and adhered to today by many masters and students of the Korean martial arts. |
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**Although the evidence of the link between WON KWANG DAE SA, King CHIN HYUNG and the HWA RANG is equivocal, it is generally accepted as being highly plausible. |
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