Taekwondo is one of the most common forms of martial arts in the world today. It traces its origins to Korea where it is both an art and a sport. The Korean interpretation of the name is as follows: “tae” means “to break with foot”, “kwon” means “to strike or to break with the fist”, and “do” means art, method or way. Taekwondo is a martial art that incorporates a number of different defense martial art styles borrowed from nations surrounding Korea. It is an art that has evolved for over 2000 years, with the modern one having aspects of some earlier styles such as T’ang-su, Kwon Su, Kwonpup, Subak(also called Taek kyon), Tae Kwonpup, judo, and Karate.

The earliest evidence of Taekwondo goes as far back as 50 BC. Martial art styles at the time involved a combination of various forms unarmed combat, aimed at developing speed, strength, and survival skills in young warriors. At this time, Korea was divided into 3 kingdoms, namely Koguryon (37BC- 668AD), Paekje (18BC- 600AD), and Silla (57BC- 935AD). Taekwondo was first developed in Koguryon, but the Silla kingdom is credited with its growth and influence. Silla unified the three kingdoms after it defeated the Paekje and Koguryon kingdoms in 600 AD and 668 AD respectively, led by an elite nobility of young men, called Hwa Rang Do(meaning the way of the flowering manhood).

The Hwa Rang Do warriors were devoted to developing the mind and body in service to the Silla kingdom. They spent their lives studying history, Taek kyon, Confucian philosophy, ethics, military tactics and Buddhist morality. They lived by an ancient honor-code referred to as “The 5 Codes of Human Conduct”. These were loyalty, trustworthiness, filial duty, justice, and valor. Over time, the Hwa Rang Do transformed from a military outfit to a group that specialized in music and poetry. Taek kyon became a recreational activity and a sport. When the Koryo Dynasty came to power in 936 AD, it reverted to being a military art.

People later traveled to different places to learn other forms of martial arts. Those who were experts in Subak also begun teaching the public. The Yi dynasty (1397-1907), oversaw the writing of the first Taekwondo book. It was also at this time that Subak gradually begun to fade with people preferring to use debate instead of military options to settle conflicts. Thus, the art reverted to being a recreational sport again. When Japan conquered Korea in 1909 and ruled there for 36years, the need to learn Subak as a military art was once again rekindled. After the liberation of Korea, there arose many variants of Taek kyon due to the influence of other forms of martial arts. The first Taekwondo School started at this time. Thereafter, more schools came about with each claiming to teach the ancient Subak. At the height of the Korean War, the various forms of Taek kyon were harmonized and referred to as Taekwondo.

Kuk Sool Won is probably one of the greatest martial arts unknown to most of the world right now. It’s not only an art, it is a complete system of martial arts stemming from ancient teachings of the buddhist monks, the royal courts of Korea, and Family Tribal martial arts of Korea. From punches and kicks, to pressure points strikes and grapples, this art truly covers it all, including weapons training upon reaching first degree black belt. To top it off, this art is not only a young man’s arena, it’s for all people of all ages.

Kuk Sool Won covers an extensive variety of techniques and martial art methods, but it is not merely concerned with the physical methods of attack and defense: Kuk Sool Won includes the study of healing techniques, the development of internal power, and physical conditioning. Training in Kuk Sool Won also helps to instill self-confidence and self-discipline, a calm self-assurance, and the psychological and spiritual values, which are traditionally associated with the martial character. Mental and physical well-being are of primary importance in Kuk Sool.

Although Kuk Sool as it is practiced today is relatively new, its roots stretch far and deep to the very beginnings of the history of Korea. As students of Kuk Sool, this early history and the ancient traditions upon which our art is founded should be as important to us as the physical techniques themselves, for it is only from our understanding and appreciation of these classical roots that we are able to grow as students of the martial arts.

Etiquette above all else is taught to all KSW students, because it doesn’t matter if you can kick the highest or break the most bones, it’s being able to have the control to stop yourself from getting into trouble that helps the most, and that’s where martial arts etiquette comes into play. I have been to several other martial arts centers and taken a few, I have found that this art combines everything I found in several styles into one complete style. Kuk Sool Won may not always look like its anything tough to do, but then again, if you have never walked on fire you never know how much it burns. In other words, come give it a try and see yourself become a stronger, better person.