Taekwondo and other Korean Martial Arts

Cultural identity may take many different forms, and the Korean community is proud of its martial arts prowess. In most of Asia, Taekwondo is revered and actively practiced. This technique has spread throughout the rest of the world, and most educational institutions permit its use. It is easy to comprehend the evolution and significance assigned to taekwondo and other Korean martial arts through the numerous theories. Taekwondo is viewed differently by many cultures around the world, and they also practice other arts that are comparable to it. Most cultures around the world practice taekwondo, a combination of many arts. It is quite distinct from other forms of art such as Karate or wushu because it is widespread. Wushu is also known as kung fu and was developed in China. Currently, it is practiced in China and other parts of the world just like taekwondo and Karate.

This paper is divided into several sections with each showing the similarities and differences of the various forms of martial arts performed in Korea. The paper focuses on wushu that is originally from the Chinese community, karate and taekwondo. Taekwondo is the most widespread form of aggressive or fierce art. The paper includes the analysis of the history of martial arts practiced in Korea. There is also an in-depth analysis of the goals, characteristics and the use of protective gear in Korea. From the sociological perspectives, the paper will analyze the application of this practice in the educational sectors including its advantages and disadvantages. From the same standpoint, the paper will try to explain why there are fewer women than men involved in fierce arts and what can be done to improve the situation.

The Tradition of Martial Arts



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Martial arts are a form of tradition practiced by a variety of cultures from the Asian continent mostly the Chinese, Thai and Koreans. These forms of art played significant roles in these cultures and they became a part of the cultural identities of individuals. Koreans practice all of them but taekwondo is the most widespread. Martial arts were specifically taught for the purpose of defense, offence, and for survival of individuals. People also fought to ensure that their country was not taken over or away from them by their enemies. Eventually, these performances were used as a way to delineate the different levels of intellectual culture and physical ability. These practices were clearly distinguished from other physical activities by having special competitions and occasions for them.

With time, modern civilization made martial arts a commercial practice thus forcing this traditional art to transform into a profitable venture. Of all the forms of martial arts, taekwondo has flourished and it is one of the most successful forms of these performances in the world. Martial art is used as a cultural identity for Koreans, Thai and Chinese with each group performing their own form of art. Koreans have borrowed particular aspects of wushu and karate forms of art from the other communities.

History of Various Forms of Martial Arts

The various forms of martial arts have outstanding histories based on their country of origin and exceptional techniques. For instance, taekwondo has its roots in Korea, Karate is a common practice in Japan while the Chinese are known for wushu and judo. However, all these forms of art are still practiced in Korea.

Taekwondo

Unlike other forms of martial arts, the history of taekwondo is surrounded by a lot of controversy. Regardless of this, there are two perspectives that uphold the idea that taekwondo is a martial art that was and still is largely practiced in Korea. Scholars suggest that the growth and development of modern taekwondo goes back to the period between 1910 and 1945. Modern taekwondo has been largely influenced by the practice of karate by the Japanese. This is evidenced by the numerous similarities between the two types of martial arts. However, historical studies give evidence that the Japanese culture had made it necessary to suspend the Korean culture for 36 years and thus taekwondo is not a traditional martial art in that culture (Kang 4). Other scholars suggest that the Japanese people used this period of suppression to perfect taekwondo as a way of maintaining their heritage (Kim 24).

Other scholars uphold the idea that from the philosophical construction of taekwondo, it is clear that it originated from Korea mainly because it underwent numerous transformations in that country (Kim 29). The evidence for this is found in the students who studied in Japan. Apparently, these students later opened up karate gymnasiums using the names ‘Kwonbub’ and ‘Tang Soo Do’. Through these gymnasiums, the Japanese improved karate and added their own culture into the system thus making it taekwondo. Kim still suggests that taekwondo is a cultural heritage for the Koreans because there were already people who practiced martial arts known as ‘Goguryoe’ and ‘Subak’. Through them the practice was later developed into taekwondo. Other evidences, supporting the idea that taekwondo is a largely a Korean based martial art, are based on mural paintings made in the period between 37 B. C and 668 A. D.



Source: http://www.itigermartialarts.com/hist1.html

This is a mural painting portraying a martial art expert.

Most of the art pieces of this period portray positions that are similar to the defense and offence normally taken in the practice of taekwondo (Jeong 65).



Source: http://www.itigermartialarts.com/hist1.html

This is a painting from A. D 668 showing the rules of taekwondo in Korea



Source: http://www.itigermartialarts.com/hist1.html

Sculptures were also a source of evidence portraying the strong influence of taekwondo in Korea way before karate was introduced.

Karate

Unlike taekwondo, the history of karate faces zero controversy as historians have confirmed that karate holds its roots in Japan. Karate is a form of martial arts passed down from various generations and it is also considered a form of cultural identity for the people. The martial artists involved in karate are revered and considered of high standing especially during special cultural occasions. Karate has been passed down through various generations from the Chinese Tang Dynasty. During this time, the Chinese used to practice a mild form of karate known as Tang Soo. This practice was upheld until 1879 and no tools were used in this kind of karate. Just like taekwondo this form of martial art has undergone several years of development to become as complex as it is today. After its adoption by the Koreans, karate contains some concepts that are borrowed from taekwondo.

In the late 1920’s, Funakoshi Gichin was baptized as the father of modern karate. His work was exhibited during the Old Martial Arts Exposition that was held by the then Ministry of Education. By the early 1930’s karate became so common that the first ever gymnasium was opened in China. Funakoshi opened this gymnasium specifically as a way of ensuring that this form of martial arts became popular among the Japanese. Over the years, this form of martial art has undergone several transformations to become the karate it is today. There are numerous forms of karate that exist today and most of them are still practiced in Korea.

Wushu

Apparently, this form of art developed from the time man began his struggle for survival and way before he had learnt how to survive in an extremely harsh environment. Man had to develop the ability to remain alive by fighting wild animals and other human beings. Consequently, man was forced to create specific tools and learn the various methods of fighting. These methods became more advanced and they were eventually given the name wushu. Tribal warfare resulted from the need to survive and this marked a period when man learnt how to perform the martial art known as wushu. Archeological studies confirm that man was involved in ritual contests which were the basis of the Chinese wrestling matches and other forms of dual wars.

During the Qin Dynasty in the years 221 B. C. China developed a unified empire as a way of combating the conflict that took place during the Han Dynasty. This was also done for the purpose of maintaining some form of unity so as to avoid another conflict similar to that which occurred in Tang Dynasty. There was need to use a variety of weapons during these period that were full of conflict. The various communities came together and created a system where each contributed their knowledge on these two major conflict and thus the birth of wushu.

Initially, wushu was done as a way of confirming togetherness as well as ascertaining the fact that the whole of China was willing to work together. In addition to this, the practice was done specifically for mental health as martial arts were already common in the Asian countries especially Japan and China. Combat competitions were also quite common with most people using these forms of art to achieve the satisfaction of the Chinese unity. Even as the society used this as an opportunity to grow and become one, the weapons used during the conflict were introduced in these combats. Similarly, the various techniques used to confuse the enemy were also introduced during this period and this made the practice of wushu commonplace. In the year 495 A. D, the monks constructed the Shaolin Temple where they would undertake several hours of training on Wushu. Over time, the practice became more of a cultural heritage and most of the people in China today are involved in this form of martial art. However, the practice has undergone various modifications and it is no longer exactly the same as that practiced in China.

Wushu has two major divisions including the external and the internal ones. The latter involved the mind and mind control techniques achieved through self-control and discipline. The external one involves movement of the legs as well as the hands. When wushu was adopted by Koreans, they were forced to move their hands as well as the legs and this proved difficult for most players. Sometimes, these movements are borrowed from animals but they are still used to achieve internal wushu. The period between 960 A. D to 1644 A. D were the most significant period for the development of wushu. During this period, there was the use of simple firearms and gun powder had been introduced to the rest of the world. Consequently, most people had the opportunity to use minimal weapons in the practice of wushu as a form of martial art. Instead of the usual bare hands, weapons became quite common thus making this form of martial art more popular.

Characteristics that Distinguish Martial Arts

Various forms of martial arts are characterized by particular aspects that make them unique in their own right. For the Koreans, these differences are of immense significance as they help in the differentiation of the various types. Taekwondo focuses primarily on kicking techniques. There is normally minimal movement of the upper torso and the punches are minimal. The knees move only when the kicking begins and when the legs are in motion. The elbows are only in movement when the rest of the body is in motion and as a way of providing balance (Theeboom and Knop 147). However, this is not an aspect that is taught by martial arts teachers most of the time. The teachers rarely focus on the upper body. Blocking techniques are also achieved through elbow and bodily movements. Self-discipline and meditation also form part of taekwondo. Joints and takedowns are a common part of learning taekwondo.

While there are numerous forms of karate, the movement remains the same most of the time. Karate is played without any form of weapons and it relies on movements such as thrusts, arm strikes and kicks. All these movements are applied simultaneously to achieve offense and defense (Theeboom and Knop 147). Unlike taekwondo, karate largely involves the movement of both the hands and feet. There are various levels attained by players and belts are won to signify these aspects. Other forms of karate including the judo and Shotokan employ the use of open hand strikes and these movements help in achieving the intention of the player to their opponent.

Wushu is a form of martial art primarily performed and practiced by the Chinese and Koreans borrowed it from them. Wushu is unique due to the fact that it exists in only two forms; sanda and taolu. In this form of art, kicks, punches, jumps, sweeps, punches, throws and stances are used to achieve offense and defense. Depending on the strengths and capabilities of an individual, all these movements are employed in the form of art. In all of these movements, jumps are the most unique as can go as far as 720 degrees. Sanda is largely influenced by boxing and that is why it is normally used in wrestling matches. On the other hand, taolu rarely uses boxing techniques but there are numerous kicks and even punches.

Wushu is made up of both internal and external styles that are mostly attuned with relaxed and soft movements (Theeboom and Knop 147). All movements are performed without pressure and using concentration of certain techniques that enable an individual to use both physical and mental strength. One of the commonest internal techniques of this form of martial art is the taijiquan or tai chi. External styles are commonly characterized by vigorous, dynamic and fast movements that imitate the execution of an attack, offense or defense (Theeboom and Knop 147). Most of these movements are borrowed from animals such as monkeys and tigers.

Additionally, long fist boxing also referred to as changquan is a common external form of wushu and it involves rapid leg and arm movements. The other form of boxing known as the southern fist boxing or the nanquan is common among the people who practice wushu in South China (Theeboom and Knop 147). This type is characterized by forceful and steady arm movements under these two forms of wushu, there are numerous others involving the use of weapons such as swords, spears and even sticks among others.

Goals of Martial Arts

One of the most significant approaches towards all forms of fierce arts is that they are revered for their cultural identity. However, each form of martial art plays a significant role. Taekwondo is played mainly for the reason of rendering an opponent incapable of harming an individual. The art is never meant to kill and traditional players rarely used any move that had the potential of costing the life of an individual. In some instances, it was impossible to render an opponent incapacitated especially if they were more skilled or larger in stature. In this case, the goal of taekwondo is to keep one from harm. When the kicks failed, an individual is allowed to use hand movement either to block pain or to cause discomfort to the opponent.

Taekwondo was traditionally used for the purpose of enhancing self-esteem and to build confidence in an individual (Van Rheenen 14). For instance, a person would take taekwondo classes for the purpose of heightening their mental abilities as well as to cultivate the gumption to undertake difficult tasks. In some instances, taekwondo is practiced specifically for the purpose of developing self-discipline. Traditionally, this form of art signified self-discipline, a character that was revered by the community (Kim 30). Some of the foundations of taekwondo that are obtained after training include respect, open communication and trust. Generally, the goals of taekwondo include the development of a behavior that helps one become more humane and tolerable.

Other forms of martial arts are more or less similar as their aim is to help one develop characters that are considered acceptable by the society. The main goal of karate as a form of martial art is to strengthen an individual mentally because karate means empty hands. The belief is that with empty hands, one focuses on the other available weapon which is the mind. Karate focuses on using the legs and the mind to remain strong and reasonable. It aims to produce better harmony as people learn to read the body language of their opponent.

Wushu is also known as kung-fu and its main goal is to promote peace by blocking any form of conflict. This form of martial art is composed of two major characters; ‘zhi’ and ‘Ge’. ‘Zhi’ means to stop or block while ‘Ge’ means an ancient type of weapon that was used to combat any approaches by an enemy. However, even as one learns to combat the enemy, wushu insists that it is necessary to use wit so as to remain without any problems or issues. In this case, the goal of wushu is to help an individual develop self-discipline, the ability to use tact when approaching the enemy and to cultivate mental strength.

Protective Gear in Martial Arts

Traditionally, all artists wore minimal or zero protection. Most of them wore normal clothes or remained shirtless as pain and hurt are considered aspects of the weak. In fact, most players were taught to develop mental stability and pain signified an inability to control the mind. However, it was found necessary to use protective gear as accidents were more than common. The first protective gear that was ever used was known as Hogu or the body protector (Moenig 1367). This was mostly used by people in Korea while performing taekwondo. The gear was made primarily for the purpose of preventing extreme injury owing to the danger of the art.In the 1930’s, it was commonplace for most people to use the full body protector.

In the late 1930’s, karate students in japan experimented on issues of safety using boxing gloves for the purpose of protection. However, the gloves were gotten rid of for being too heavy for the players. Later, some players from the Shurite form of karate used a modified body protector that they named bogu. This was a complete protector with a complete body shield and a helmet for the head. Bogu was mainly used in the Korean Martial Arts Institute (Kanbukan) as it was allowed by the owner of the institution known as Yun Kwae-Byeong. Later, bogu was used in the annual full contact tournament in the same school in the years 1950 and again in 1954 (Madis).

In as much as the gear was appreciated in most parts of japan, the full body gear was not popular because of its weight and the fact that the older artists thought it encouraged laziness (Moenig 1369). When karate was later introduced in Korea, the full body gear was not used as most of the trainers focused on the traditional training. For instance, the Korean instructors used traditional exercises in their training and this did not require the use of any form of body gear. The system adopted during this time did not require any form of free sparring and thus there was no need for body gear.

The 1950’s mark an important period in history where martial arts were adopted across the globe and this brought with it numerous developments. One of the major developments was the fact that the Shotokan karate students in the whole country organized a competition dubbed the All Japan Championship. During this competition, there were numerous modern karate ideas developed and appreciated. This period marked the point where two types of karate were introduced; one with protective gear and the other without protective gear. Players involved in the kind of karate played without any form of protective gear had to follow non-contact rule. This was not hard considering that at this point the whole idea of this form of art was to win.

Later on, western boxing was introduced mainly for those players who felt like the full gear was too much yet they still needed some sort of protection. Western boxing was introduced as a form of karate where the players could use boxing gloves both for the purpose of protection and to intimidate the opponent (Moenig 1367). This form of boxing was inspired by Rhee Jhoon and it was played in the United States of America. Koreans opted not to use a glove as they strongly held the idea that combat is necessary. It should involve a lot of movement and feelings expressed through physical touch. Gloves would prevent the player from contact with the real combat and so realism would be lost giving martial arts an unprecedented end (Moenig 1369). For this reason, most of them opted not to use this approach as it would kill the whole heritage. At the same time, gloves gave a player the ability to finish the opponent with just one blow. In the eyes of Koreans, this was quite unsatisfactory as combat involved the use of fists and hands in a manner that shows self-discipline and other forms of principles related to the various forms of martial arts.

After this period, only western countries were allowed to use boxing gloves as a form of protective gear. Koreans mostly used the full body armor known as bogu made of bamboo sticks and some form of a pad. With the introduction of tournaments in western countries, the Koreans also decided to introduce championships. The very first tournaments carried out in Korea and most Asian countries upheld the use of traditional dressings and rules. The players did not have any protective gear. However, later tournaments borrowed a lot of influence from non-contact karate competitions held in their backyards. Various modifications were later introduced in terms of protective gear simply for the purpose of ensuring that the games were more interesting.

One of the major modifications was the fact that players were not necessarily allowed to wear any protective gear and there was also minimal interference from the referee. In karate played using non-contact rules, the referee was allowed to intervene because of the risk of death. The philosophical principles of karate where blow and death were connected were still appreciated even with the introduction of modernity. In some forms of karate and taekwondo, the player was awarded the winning stride immediately after they made the first lethal blow. This was especially common in instances where the players were expected to undertake their game in full contact guidance. After a while, all these rules were scrapped down in Korea but most western countries still maintained the full contact and no contact rules.

The aspects related to karate and kung fu were particularly incongruent with the numerous rules related to full body gear thus prompting officials to re-evaluate them. In kung-fu and karate, marks were scored on round house or the 360-720 degrees kicks. However, the use of full body protectors endangered the one who was kicking more than the one receiving the kick. Many players suffered from serious bruises on the ball of the foot and toes as these were the main parts of the leg used to instill pain. The officials and players also recognized the tension in the calf muscles that is used to propel the player during this movement. In this case, the traditional hogu and bogu had a lot of bamboo fillings and this made it difficult for the players to execute the 360-720 degree round kick.

The 1970’s were years of reprieve for most players as several researchers introduced some form of protectors that were of high quality. Instead of a cotton pad and bamboo fillings, the protectors were filled with a material known as ethafoam and this gave both players some form of protection.



Source: https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Korean-Taekwondo-Chest-Guard-Hogu-Sparring_60348624785.html

The current appearance of hogu.

Additionally, players could easily tell the direction of the kick as the foam made a significant sound especially the in step round kick. The bang was also a score for the players. With time, the kicking techniques were also diversified such that the ball of the foot and the toes were never in contact with the protector. In this scenario, both players were safe.

As a way of ensuring that the players are safe, several rules were introduced in the Olympic Games after their confirmation as a sport. First, the admission into the Olympics required some modification on the equipment including the full body gear. For instance, all kung fu players were required to wear shin guards, head gear and guards on their forearms. In places like Taiwan, a soft mat was necessary for the purpose of protecting both players. All the players were now protected from any direct blows and most of the deaths and injuries were avoided. Taekwondo outfits and equipment became quite renown all over the world and players were forced to wear them simply as a way of maintaining the fashion and to retain the outstanding image of the art. Martial Arts in Schools Today

Today, numerous schools have started learning and teaching taekwondo as part of the school curriculum. Other forms of martial arts are also studied in schools and there are numerous sporting activities connected to the same. Taekwondo is generally adopted in most schools in Korea and Koreans even teach this art in western countries such as the United States of America. Adults also pay to be taught this form of martial arts but this is done primarily for the purpose of self-defense. Taekwondo is viewed as a form of entertainment for children and it is adopted specifically for making learning interesting. Taekwondo is translated as ‘the way of the fist and foot’ (Van Rheenen 11). Based on this standpoint, students of taekwondo are taught how to kick, block, punch and move in a manner that is synonymous to defense and offense. Mainly, students are asked to observe discipline even as they learn the art because it is aimed at helping them to remain sane and obtain some form of respect.

Self-defense and discipline are upheld through the philosophical aspects of taekwondo. These philosophical aspects are moral in nature mostly summarized in a moral doctrine known as the ‘dojang’ or the ‘Do’. The ‘Do’ is a moral principle also connected to Confucius and it involves intense meditation (Van Rheenen 11). The ‘Do’ is also taken as a compound symbol that portrays the human body in a walking posture (Van Rheenen 11; Lee 45). ‘Do’ also means helping or educating an individual for the purpose of helping them find the right way or means to a certain situation. All these principles are taught as the philosophical aspects of taekwondo for the purpose of improving the practice of meditation and developing an individual in the right way. Thus, the whole process is considered as a form of general and spiritual learning.

After learning all these principles, an individual is equipped with the ability to perfect taekwondo as a form of martial arts. Unlike its practice and use as a form of cultural heritage, taekwondo today is taught primarily for competitive purposes. For instance, taekwondo is played as a form of martial arts in the Olympic Games today. Prior to its inclusion in the Olympic Games, taekwondo was taught primarily for the purpose of self-control, avoidance of conflict and to maintain balance (Van Rheenen 12). Students of taekwondo today are taught to focus on gaining points through self-defense and defeating an opponent. Fourth graders in schools in Korea and America such as Grant Elementary School are taught all these concepts in their classrooms.

The philosophical approach of taekwondo makes it a form of art that is highly appreciated today. The process of learning taekwondo is based on the philosophical and physical aspects involved in it (Back 219). Non-aggression is a common philosophy upheld by most martial artists and taught in schools today. Schools in western countries have adopted some of these principles which are also taught in their schools. For example, there is a taekwondo program at U. C. Berkeley where fourth graders learn taekwondo is not for fighting but primarily for self-discipline and respect (Back 218). Taekwondo is separated from the other types of sport today but it is still a part of some of the most competitive forms of martial arts both in Korea and other western countries.

In this case, both the mind and the body are trained and thus the process is more textured. The principle of ‘Dojang’ is routinely inculcated in learners from all ages to maintain the texturized learning process. Such circumstances call for both mental and kinesthetic learning that are involved in learning taekwondo. As explained by Back, a lot of value is placed on movement such as kicking and blocking all the way to writing some of the principles and meanings of ‘Do’ (223). Other than this, a lot of focus is placed on performance such that all the people involved in this form of art are expected to remain outstanding and uphold particular requirements of ‘Do’.

As explained by Back, schools that teach martial arts never have lectures on these philosophical aspects but they instead practice Zen Buddhism and this makes taekwondo a unique form of martial arts (230). The practitioners gain the wisdom of Zen Buddhism through the use of spiritual insight and wisdom. Today, the focus on most fierce arts is a desired outcome or a portrayal of winning competition. Since the students are supposed to win, some form of psycho-motor outcome is also included in this approach of teaching taekwondo. In this case, both the affective and cognitive domains of are major concerns for both students and their teachers (Lombardo 2). This helps students in their daily life as well as the development of learning. Another aspect that is largely considered in the process of teaching taekwondo is character which is created as a part of learning. In this case, students learn to obtain the ability to succeed in an ethical way.

Benefits of Martial Arts in Schools

Ponderous research confirms that there are numerous academic and psychological benefits of including martial arts and making them a part of the school learning activities. One of the major benefits of learning martial arts is that it improves self-esteem and confidence. Additionally, one learns how to achieve self-control thus reducing aggression, hostility and delinquency (Twemlow et al., 951). Even in a correctional facility or other forms of holding, martial arts are particularly helpful in the training of individuals so that they end up having some form of order. For instance, Trulson did a study in the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). In this study, the researcher trained the participants in the Korean art of taekwondo and focused on the philosophical meditation and reflection (Trulson 1136). All the participants involved in the traditional training of taekwondo exhibited reduced aggressiveness and self-control (Trulson 1139).

While studies support the idea that martial arts contribute to psychological benefits such as enhancement of self-esteem, self-control and a sense of control, there are minimal studies that connect martial arts to improved academic performance. Scholars agree that martial arts contribute to proper classroom conduct mainly because of its contribution to self-control. As explained by Twemlow et al., martial arts especially taekwondo is one of the major reasons why students learn self-control but it is not a reason for positive academic performance (953). However, there are studies that show that martial arts are effective in reducing the impact of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) (Ripley). This may be trans;lated to positive academic performance considering that students are in a better position to concentrate on that which they are being taught. Additionally, taekwondo is a form of art that requires one to develop knowledge and skills which help in improving academic performance. For example, a student can learn to study hard just like they learn to play taekwondo. The physical aspect of including the mental discipline obtained from taekwondo also helps a student learn perseverance; a character that may be highly beneficial when studying for examinations.

It is always necessary to diversify learning and add a variety of concepts as it enables learners to gain knowledge on the various approaches ...