Martial Arts Of The World - Webs

Martial Arts Of The World - Webs Martial Arts Of The World - Webs

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Although its movements are aesthetic, they are naturally so, deriving their grace and fluidity from the flow of martial ki (energy) throughout the body and the sword. The techniques used within Shimgum retain their martial purpose and effectiveness. With the adoption of the chukdô (bamboo practice sword) for use in kendô, martial techniques were usurped by sporting pressures. Techniques began to evolve around the point-scoring possibilities presented by the lighter bamboo sword, techniques that could not be performed with the real steel sword. Haedong Kumdô uses the chukdô as a training device in yaksuk kyukgum (sparring) for the purpose of safety. The techniques are not, however, altered from their proper form when employing the chukdô. As the practitioner advances, the same kyukgum are performed with the mokgum (wooden sword) and, eventually, with the chingum (real sword). The essence of Shimgum is contained within chingum kyukgum (sparring with the real sword). Emphasis is therefore placed on combat effectiveness and on the correct handling and control of the sword. As used in Haedong Kumdô, paldo/chakgum fosters Shimgum by retaining martial techniques and mindset while facilitating an understanding of the true nature of the sword and of man. The Future of Hankuk Haedong Kumdô Under the leadership of Kim Yun Chae, of the Hankuk Yunmaeng, and Kim Jung Ho, of the Daehan Yunmaeng, Haedong Kumdô continues its expansion across the globe. There are currently several hundred dojang teaching Haedong Kumdô throughout the world. The American Federation of Hankuk Haedong Kumdô was established in February 1997 in Round Rock, Texas. In March 1998, the American Federation of the Daehan Haedong Kumdô was established in New York. Kim Yun Chae and the Hankuk Haedong Kumdô Demonstration Team have made several visits to the United States over the past few years in preparation for expanding operations into the United States. There are plans to begin development of a Haedong Kumdô instructors’ training center in the United States in 2001. Ron Mottern See also Korea References Boyd, A. 2000. “Hai Dong Gumdo: Brief History.” http://www. fortunecity.com/victorian/operatic/739/hdghistory.htm. Lee, Ki-baik. 1984. A New History of Korea. Translated by Edward W. Wagner. Cambridge: Harvard University Press Min Chok. 1994. Kukyuk Muye Tobo T’ongji (Official Translation of the Manual of Martial Arts Training). Seoul, Korea. Warner, Gordon, and Donn F. Draeger. 1996. Japanese Swordsmanship: Technique and Practice. New York: Weatherhill. 602 Swordsmanship, Korean/Hankuk Haedong Kumdô

T’aek’kyŏn T’aek’kyŏn is a Korean martial sport that emphasizes foot and leg techniques. In the modern game, a player can win by making an opponent fall down with a sweep, trip, or throw, or by kicks to the head or face. It is distinguished by its evasive and dancelike footwork. In the twentieth century it has come to be seen as a living link with Korea’s past, distinct from foreign influence. It has also provided a historical reference point for modern martial arts in Korea. T’aek’kyŏn was recognized by the Korean government with the title of Intangible Cultural Asset in 1983. The origins of t’aek’kyŏn are highly speculative, though it probably has its roots in Chinese practices imported to Korea. If so, it is so far removed from those sources that it does not resemble anything identifiably Chinese. The name t’aek’kyŏn does not appear in Korean records until the latter part of the Yi dynasty (1392–1910), though there are many prior references to something called subakhi, “hand strike contest,” which specialized in hand and fist techniques. There are comparatively few references to t’aek’kyŏn. The first that is known is in the Chaemulpo, or Book of Treasures, written by Yi Sŏng-ji ca. 1790. It includes a passage that states that Subakhi had come to be called Tak’kyŏn by the time the book was written. Though there is no direct evidence, it seems reasonable to assume that Tak’kyŏn and t’aek’kyŏn are identical. Other historical references to Tak’kyŏn describe something that greatly resembles modern t’aek’kyŏn. Concerning the possible connection of Subakhi to t’aek’kyŏn, besides the statement in the Chaemulpo, other evidence points to a relation. Among the t’aek’kyŏn techniques that have been preserved, there are several variations on punching techniques. A number of these are designated under the category of yaet pŏp, or “old skills.” This seems to fit in with the notion that Subakhi changed over time, its preference for hand techniques being replaced with foot and leg skills, thus requiring a different name. The name “old skills” itself seems to suggest an awareness of this process. Current knowledge of t’aek’kyŏn comes from two general sources: ref- T 603

T’aek’kyŏn<br />

T’aek’kyŏn is a Korean martial sport that emphasizes foot and leg techniques.<br />

In the modern game, a player can win by making an opponent fall<br />

down with a sweep, trip, or throw, or by kicks to the head or face. It is distinguished<br />

by its evasive and dancelike footwork. In the twentieth century<br />

it has come to be seen as a living link with Korea’s past, distinct from foreign<br />

influence. It has also provided a historical reference point for modern<br />

martial arts in Korea. T’aek’kyŏn was recognized by the Korean government<br />

with the title of Intangible Cultural Asset in 1983.<br />

<strong>The</strong> origins of t’aek’kyŏn are highly speculative, though it probably<br />

has its roots in Chinese practices imported to Korea. If so, it is so far removed<br />

from those sources that it does not resemble anything identifiably<br />

Chinese. <strong>The</strong> name t’aek’kyŏn does not appear in Korean records until the<br />

latter part of the Yi dynasty (1392–1910), though there are many prior references<br />

to something called subakhi, “hand strike contest,” which specialized<br />

in hand and fist techniques. <strong>The</strong>re are comparatively few references to<br />

t’aek’kyŏn. <strong>The</strong> first that is known is in the Chaemulpo, or Book of Treasures,<br />

written by Yi Sŏng-ji ca. 1790. It includes a passage that states that<br />

Subakhi had come to be called Tak’kyŏn by the time the book was written.<br />

Though there is no direct evidence, it seems reasonable to assume that<br />

Tak’kyŏn and t’aek’kyŏn are identical. Other historical references to<br />

Tak’kyŏn describe something that greatly resembles modern t’aek’kyŏn.<br />

Concerning the possible connection of Subakhi to t’aek’kyŏn, besides<br />

the statement in the Chaemulpo, other evidence points to a relation.<br />

Among the t’aek’kyŏn techniques that have been preserved, there are several<br />

variations on punching techniques. A number of these are designated<br />

under the category of yaet pŏp, or “old skills.” This seems to fit in with the<br />

notion that Subakhi changed over time, its preference for hand techniques<br />

being replaced with foot and leg skills, thus requiring a different name. <strong>The</strong><br />

name “old skills” itself seems to suggest an awareness of this process.<br />

Current knowledge of t’aek’kyŏn comes from two general sources: ref-<br />

T<br />

603

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