Haidong Gumdo^®, handed down from Goguryeo

Did Martial Arts originate in hunting and gathering?

The history of Martial Arts is the same as the history of people. Martial Arts began with hunting and gathering for survival in the ancient times. Over the years, hunting and gathering skills continued to improve. Making any sound is not a language, but it started from monosyllables. In the same way, it is meaningless to discuss the origins of Martial Arts. The important thing is that the Martial Arts I am currently learning can improve the quality of my life by protecting my body, improving my health and clearing my mind. The other purpose is to be generous and understand myself and others. The way to do that is by practicing Martial Arts. It helps to understand the relationship between me and others and to keep composure based on right values by exploring my own limits through physical training and by understanding the meaning of each of those movements rather than based on empty words.

Haidong Gumdo^®, following the flow of Korea’s history and culture

About 2000 years ago, Korea was divided into 3 kingdoms – Goguryeo, Baekje and Silla. They shared northern borders with China (for the convenience of understanding, countries are mentioned by their current name) and southern borders with Japan across the sea. The three kingdoms which were composed of the same people (like current Korea which is currently divided into North and South), intended to unify the country through many wars. As weapons like swords and bows were used during these wars, it was natural that Martial Arts had been greatly developed during this period. Especially since Goguryeo had to go through many wars with China, Martial Arts continued to get developed. They conducted well-organized training methods to make great soldiers. Each of the kingdoms formed a group of elite warriors for their wars, and the most well-known group to date is Hwarandgo of Silla. Of course, Goguryeo and Baekje also had their elite groups, however, as Silla unified the three kingdoms and removed all the records of the other two kingdoms, all evidence is gone.

The unification of the three kingdoms (called Unified Silla) brought a period of peace, but historical resilience was lost and the spirit of Martial Arts lost its focus. Balhae, successor of Goguryeo, was founded in the north of Unified Silla, which is referred to as the North South States Period. When Unified Silla lost its historical resilience and Balhae started to slowly decay due to constant invasions by China, a new kingdom called Goryeo, reviving the spirit of Goguryeo, was founded to unify the Korean peninsula once again. By reviving the spirit of Goguryeo and inheriting the strength of Unified Silla, Goryeo grew into a stronger kingdom.

Haidong Gumdo^® followed the Korean history. Although it originated from Martial Arts of Goguryeo, it absorbed the strengths of Baekje and Silla. Combining the power of Goguryeo and the elegance of Silla, adding the artistry of Baekje, Haidong Gumdo^® revived the spirit of Goguryeo.

Goryeo could maintain an equal relationship with China based on its powerful Martial Arts.

Ancient Korea had gone through a lot of wars to become one unified country as well as to protect itself from the many attacks from other countries. As it was geographically located at the eastern end of the continent, northern countries always targeted Korea first to eliminate

the danger behind their lines. Countries across the sea also attacked Korea to establish a foothold for invading the continent. Despite these endless attacks, Korea has survived and thrived to these days due to its viability, and because it never gave up on their strong swordsmanship or spirit. This shows the dynamic strategy and spirit of Korean Martial Arts which respects other Martial Arts and absorbs their strengths to continually improve.

When a country’s leaders repeatedly give into vain pleasures and exploit the people, it is doomed to perish one day. This is what happened to Goryeo. The kingdom that annihilated Goryeo was Joseon, a kingdom where Confucianism was the national ideology.

In terms of philosophical and mental aspects, it was a golden age in Korean history. However, in terms of Martial Arts, Joseon was the dark ages. They neglected Martial Arts for the benefit of scholastic learning. Of course there were people representing Martial Arts like Admiral

Lee, Sun Shin, who saved the country from many crises. Scholars and civilians also practiced and handed down Martial Arts. Nevertheless, over 500 years, Martial Arts in Joseon gradually lost their energy. In the end, people went into the mountains to receive one-to-one training. This was more so the case during the period of 45 years when Japan annexed Korea.