history of kuk sool won:
1:7 THE JAPANESE OCCUPATION: 1910 - 1945

In 1919, after nine years of suppressive military rule in Korea by the Japanese, there emerged an organisation called the 'KOREAN NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE MOVEMENT'. Over two million people from all walks of life rose in revolt. The uprisings were nation-wide. The Japanese authorities were taken by surprise as the Korean people had no weapons, and it took over six months to finally suppress the demonstrations. The Japanese realised that as long as they used oppressive force they would continue to create civil unrest.  They had underestimated the Korean people's determination in their desire for freedom and independence. In order to maintain peace and order, and more fully exploit Korea, the Japanese government also realised that a change from strong military rule to a more liberal form of government was necessary to obtain the co-operation of the Korean people. A programme of social reforms was outlined and promised. These reforms were to include non-discrimination between Japanese and Koreans, respect for native customs and culture, freedom for the press, as well as freedom of speech at meetings or gatherings, economic and industrial development and educational opportunities. Most of these promises were never fulfilled. Only a few Korean people co-operated fully with the Japanese, who continued to treat and regard the Koreans as an inferior race.

3)  THE NAE SUN IL CHE JUNG CHI PERIOD: 1930 - 1945 
(Japanese and Korean Oneness)
It was during this period that the Japanese influence on Korea was to reach its zenith. A policy of Japanese and Korean ‘oneness' once again led to the suppression of all social and religious organisations that had been allowed to flourish under the Liberal Reform period.

In 1938, the Japanese government ordered that the Korean language be replaced by the Japanese language as the official national language of Korea.  At this time, Korean people were also forced to change their family names into Japanese.  Every Korean was required to memorise and be able to recite the oath of the Japanese Imperial Subject, which was:

Once again, tens of thousands of Korean people were imprisoned for their opposition to Japanese authority and ideology.

During the Second World War (1939-1945), Japan used Korea and the Korean people to further its war effort. Over one million Korean people were shipped over to Japan to work as labourers in the coalmines, or in industry. Thousands of young Korean men were conscripted into the Japanese army. Many were sent to the front line, either to fight, or to act as servants for the Japanese troops. When the Second World War came to an end in 1945, the Japanese were forced to leave Korea. For thirty-five years, the Japanese had ruled over and (almost) totally dominated Korea and her people.