Taekyon: The Korean Martial Art

Taekyon: The Korean Martial Art
Author: Michael DeMarco
Publisher: Via Media Publishing
Total Pages: 73
Release: 2016-10-25
Genre: Sports & Recreation
ISBN: 1893765393

When people discuss Korean martial arts, they rarely mention taekyon. They are usually totally unfamiliar with the name because there hasn’t been much written about it. The four chapters in this anthology give an excellent overview of taekyon as a system noted for it’s dance-like qualities and combative style, especially for leg techniques. Taekyon stands unique as it represents most closely to a pure Korean martial tradition. Chapter one by Stanley Henning gives a detailed overview of martial arts in Korea. From the beginning, Korean martial arts were intertwined with those of China. Even the historical references to Korean martial arts are all in Chinese. The author concludes that traditional Korean martial arts are but a vague memory, with taekyon being the sole survivor. In the next chapter, Robert Young skillfully presents what is known about taekyon. With over 150 years of verifiable history, taekyon is the most thoroughly documented of Korean martial arts. Its skills and techniques greatly differ from those of other modern Korean styles. It is the only plausible candidate for the descendant of ancient subak. This well-researched chapter includes theory and techniques and lineage chart. Dr. Willy Pieter expands upon the historical development of Korean martial sports as presented by Young. There is an emphasis on the hwarang (“flower boy”) and their presence in Korean culture and martial traditions in particular. The etymology of Korean martial systems are questioned. The final chapter by Yung Ouyang offers a fuller picture of what taekyon represents as a moving art. Traditionally, taekyon was a game as well as a martial art, so many did not credit taekyon for its combative elements. It has largely been ignored by those interested in the fighting arts. It is gaining recognition as a legitimate heir to the traditional Korean martial arts, but is also undergoing influences from Japanese traditions and Western sports. Taekyon deserves to be recognized for its uniqueness among the martial arts of Asia. This anthology will serve as solid reference for all interested in the Korean combative traditions, and especially taekyon for its aesthetic appeal as a form of dance and graceful yet powerful combative method.

Foundations of Korean Martial Arts: Masters, Manuals and Combative Techniques

Foundations of Korean Martial Arts: Masters, Manuals and Combative Techniques
Author: Michael DeMarco, M.A., et al.
Publisher: Via Media Publishing
Total Pages: 180
Release: 2017-01-29
Genre: Sports & Recreation
ISBN: 1893765431

Most of what are referred to as Korean martial art styles are actually derived from Japanese/Okinawan karate systems or find their roots in Chinese boxing. The Korean peninsula has existed as a fragile territory between China and Japan and thus shared many cultural elements from their neighbors. To what degree has the Japanese and Chinese arts influenced those practiced in Korea over the centuries? Can we distinguish any original Korean martial art style? Chapters in this anthology are derived from the Journal of Asian Martial Arts specifically in response to such questions as asked above. The authors provide great detail on the military/martial manuals that recorded both battlefield arts and personal combative arts and use these sources to give a picture of the martial traditions practiced in Korea for hundreds of years. In chapter one, Stanley Henning provides an excellent overview of martial arts in Korea since the earliest dynasties. These include bare-hand arts as well as those with weaponry. His overview illuminates the time and place of highly influential military manuals as discussed in the chapter by Manuel Adrogué. John Della Pia’s two chapters focus on a particular manual—the Muye Dobo Tongji (1790)—providing details of open-hand and weapons training, in particular with the unique Korean “native sword.” Two chapters provide the theory and practice of qigong methods for health and martial effectiveness. Dr. Patrick Massey et al. offer results on the use of breathing methods affecting lung capacity. Sean Bradley’s chapter goes deeply into the medical theories that parallel the practice of Sinmoo Hapkido’s qigong methods. The final two chapters focus on practical fighting applications from Hapkido. Marc Tedeschi’s chapter provides sound advice for self-defense against multiple opponents. In addition to detailing principles that give any defender a helpful advantage, Tedeschi shows nineteen examples of techniques against two, three, and four opponents that include pressure point striking, throws, arm bars, locks, and a variety of kicks. In the closing chapter, Sean Bradley discusses a few of his favorite techniques, where he learned them, and why they are memorable. Rich in historical details and practical advice, this anthology will prove to be a prized reference work to all interested in the Korean martial traditions.

Muye Dobo Tongji

Muye Dobo Tongji
Author: Chŏngjo ((Roi de Corée ;)
Publisher: Turtle Press
Total Pages: 404
Release: 2000
Genre: History
ISBN: 9781880336489

In 1789, King Chongjo, ruler of the Yi dynasty, ordered General Yi Duk-moo to compile an official textbook on all martial art forms then present in Korea to preserve them for future generations. The result, the Muye Dobo Tongji, is the only surviving classical text on the Korean arts of war. Based on the earliest known Korean martial arts treatise, the Muye Chebo written in 1599, the Muye Dobo Tongji clearly shows the influence of the neighbouring Japanese and Chinese armies. Through hundreds of wars and invasions, Korean soldiers adapted battlefield skills and tactics from their enemies, creating a unique system of their own. Organised into 24 distinct disciplines comprised of empty hand fighting, weaponry and horsemanship, this book is an accurate historical snapshot of the warrior arts of the hermit kingdom in the late 18th century. The release of 'The Comprehensive Illustrated Manual of Martial Arts of Ancient Korea' marks the first time this volume is available in English. Carefully translated from the original text and illustrated with reproductions of ancient woodblock carvings, this book provides fascinating insights into Korea's martial arts legacy.

A Killing Art

A Killing Art
Author: Gillis, Alex
Publisher: ECW Press
Total Pages: 362
Release: 2016-08-01
Genre: Sports & Recreation
ISBN: 1770906959

The eagerly anticipated updated return of a bestselling martial arts classic The leaders of Tae Kwon Do, an Olympic sport and one of the worldÍs most popular martial arts, are fond of saying that their art is ancient and filled with old dynasties and superhuman feats. In fact, Tae Kwon Do is as full of lies as it is powerful techniques. Since its rough beginnings in the Korean military 60 years ago, the art empowered individuals and nations, but its leaders too often hid the painful truths that led to that empowerment „ the gangsters, secret-service agents, and dictators who encouraged cheating, corruption, and murder. A Killing Art: The Untold History of Tae Kwon Do takes you into the cults, geisha houses, and crime syndicates that made Tae Kwon Do. It shows how, in the end, a few key leaders kept the art clean and turned it into an empowering art for tens of millions of people in more than 150 countries. A Killing Art is part history and part biography „ and a wild ride to enlightenment. This new and revised edition of the bestselling book contains previously unnamed sources and updated chapters.

The Martial Arts of Vietnam

The Martial Arts of Vietnam
Author: Augustus John Roe
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2020
Genre: Health & Fitness
ISBN: 9781594397974

The first English-language book to detail the combat systems and martial culture of a land shaped by centuries of conflict. The Martial Arts of Vietnam presents an engaging overview of the evolution of Vietnamese martial arts from 2,000 BCE until today. We will look at the mythical origins of the Vietnamese people and the impact that invasions from neighboring countries had on the martial culture of Vietnam. We will discover how kings and governments promoted and, in some cases, crushed martial traditions; alongside how Vietnams' unusual geography both protected and exposed martial styles and lineages. This work offers stunning photography, era timelines, and regional maps that allow for an engaging adventure through Vietnam's northern, central, and southern regions, all in search of events and catalysts that shaped its martial history through the ages. When we arrive at modern Vietnams' martial arts society, we meet with many teachers from the northern, central, and southern regions who, through courageous efforts, are attempting to codify and preserve their unique combat systems for the benefit of all martial artists. We explore the ethnic minority martial arts, Sino-Vietnamese and Chinese martial arts, as well as various imported and foreign systems and how they are positioned in relation to modern Vietnam's martial arts practices. The Martial Arts of Vietnam lifts the veil of secrecy long surrounding this socialist state to reveal its combat systems and their thousand years of evolution.

Korean Karate

Korean Karate
Author: Duk Sung Son
Publisher: Prentice Hall Direct
Total Pages: 312
Release: 1968
Genre: Sports & Recreation
ISBN: 9780135168158

Action photographs and text demonstrate the principle moves, form and techniques of Korean karate

The Way of the Warrior

The Way of the Warrior
Author: Chris Crudelli
Publisher: Penguin
Total Pages: 364
Release: 2008-09-29
Genre: Sports & Recreation
ISBN: 0756651859

Drawing on the vast body of styles practiced around the world, including ancient and obscure styles from every continent on the planet, The Way of the Warrior is an indispensable, one-stop reference work for anyone interested in the martial-arts canon.

5,000 Years of Korean Martial Arts

5,000 Years of Korean Martial Arts
Author: R. Barry Harmon
Publisher: Dog Ear Publishing
Total Pages: 250
Release: 2007
Genre: Martial arts
ISBN: 1598585630

"5000 Years of Korean Martial Art" is a one of a kind history book. No other Korean martial art history book on the market is as complete and in-depth. Citing historical references for support, and featuring many rare pictures and some images that are not available from any other published source. This book attempts to place Korean martial arts in it's proper historical perspective in relationship to Chinese and Japanese martial arts. Both Chinese and Japanese martial arts have well known and documented histories, so much so that they have completely overshadowed Korean martial art history. I have attempted to compensate for that overshadowing by focusing on the successes of the Korean martial arts throughout history. Barry Harmon has a BA degree in "Psychosomatics and Alternative Healing Studies" from San Francisco State University. He has an acupuncture degree from the San Francisco College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. He is certified nationally through the NCCAOM and license to practice acupuncture in Texas. In addition to his academics, he has been training and studying martial arts since 1965 and Kuk Sool Won since 1971. In 2002 KBS (Korean Broadcasting System) featured Master Harmon and his family in an hour long documentary which was aired throughout South Korea. Master Harmon currently holds an 9th degree black belt in Kuk Sool Won and has been featured in numerous martial arts magazines. In 2005 he was chosen by Tae Kwan Do Times magazine as instructor of the year. He has taught martial arts in many countries around the world including South Korea."

The Art of Kyuki-Do

The Art of Kyuki-Do
Author: Ken Blumreich
Publisher:
Total Pages: 228
Release: 2019-12-18
Genre:
ISBN: 9781672374170

If you ever wondered what the martial art known as Kyuki-Do is, then this book is for you. The "Art of Kyuki-Do" will introduce you to Ken Ok Hyung Kim's philosophy and history of Kyuki-Do martial arts and is a necessary manual for your training in Kyuki-Do martial arts. Additionally, the book contains instructional pictures of all the forms necessary to achieve a Black Belt in Kyuki-Do martial arts.

Hapkido

Hapkido
Author: Bong Soo Han
Publisher: Black Belt Communications
Total Pages: 196
Release: 1974
Genre: Self-Help
ISBN: 9780897500111

Here is the first complete book in English on hapkido, the kick-oriented Korean martial art. Included are warm-up exercises, basic fighting position, punching and striking, blocks and kicks, and hapkido defenses, with more than 500 dynamic photographs.