Many martial arts instructors like to let their students know that
they are taking part in a tradition that stretches back centuries. Often,
the first class in a martial arts course will begin with a historical background.
Using
the information below, draft a brief history lesson for the young students
in your tae kwon do class. You'll want to give them a sense of the history
involved, but also make sure that you inspire them!
The
earliest records of martial arts date back to 50 BC. It was then know as tae
kyon. Wall paintings in tombs show two men in fighting stances.
The
Hwa Rang Do was an elite group of young noblemen devoted to cultivating mind
and body. The best translation for Hwa Rang is "flowering youth."
The
Hwa Rang Do had an honor code. They practiced various forms of martial arts,
including tae kyon and soo bakh do. The honor code of the Hwa Rang is the
philosophical background of modern tae kwon do.
During a time of peace,
the Hwa Rang changed from a military organization into a group specializing
in poetry and music. During the Koryo dynasty, the sport soo bakh do became
popular. The sport was then used as a military training method.
During
the Yi dynasty, this emphasis on military training disappeared. King Taejo
replaced Buddhism with Confucianism as the state religion. According to Confucianism,
the higher class should read poetry and play music. Martial arts was something
for the common, or even inferior, man.
Modern tae kwon do is influenced
by many other martial arts. The most important of these is Japanese karate,
because Japan dominated Korea during 1910 until the end of the Second World
War.
During the Second World War, lots of Korean soldiers were trained
in Japan. After the war, Korea became independent. During the occupation of
Korea, the Japanese tried to erase all of the Korean culture, including the
martial arts.
Japan gave tae kwon do the quick, straight movements
that characterize the various Japanese systems.