Korea Research Papers

The Korean martial art of Tae Kwon Do is probably the most popular style of Asian martial art in the United States and is recognized as one of the oldest forms of martial arts in the world. This empty-handed combat martial art is used for self-defense and involves the skillful application of techniques that include punching, jumping kicks, blocks, and dodges. Tae Kwon Do isn’t just a way to defend yourself, but a way of life that requires strict discipline. T’ang-su, Taek Kyon (Subak), Tae Kwon, Kwonpup, and Tae Kwonpup are a few of the earlier martial art styles that contributed to Tae Kwon Do and there are also influences from Karate (linear, abrupt movements), Judo, and Kung-fu (kicking techniques). Tae Kwon Do means “The Way of the Fist and Foot”, however, the name has only been used since 1957, while the roots trace back about 2,300 years ago in Korea.

Back then, Korea was divided into three kingdoms - Koguryo, Paekche, and Silla. Koguryo, founded in 37 B.C., was the largest of the three kingdoms that occupied the southern section of Manchuria and the northern section of the Korean peninsula. Paekche, founded in 18 B.C., was situated along the Han River and in southwestern Korea. Silla, founded in 57 B.C., was the last, and the smallest of the kingdoms and was located on the southern tip of the Korean …show more content…
The Japanese banned the practice of martial arts in Korea and banned Korean books as well as languages. This naturally caused a great revival of martial arts in Korea and many practice martial arts in remote Buddhist temples or left Korea to study martial arts in other countries. In 1943, the Korean residents were officially introduced to Karate, Judo, and Kung-fu and martial arts began to flourish once again. In 1945, Korea was liberated and many different variations of Subak/Taek Kyon started to appear. This was due to to all of the other martial arts influence on