Emerging during the Silla Dynasty (57 BCE – 935 CE), the Hwa Rang Do were an elite group of young warriors who honed their combat skills while embodying virtues such as loyalty, righteousness, and filial piety.

Taekkyeon

Dating back to the Goguryeo and Joseon periods, Taekkyeon features fluid, rhythmic movements and focuses on kicks, strikes, and open-handed techniques.

Ssireum

An ancient form of Korean traditional wrestling, Ssireum contributed to the grappling and takedown techniques found in Han Guk Mu Sool.

Ancient Korea’s warrior culture fostered the development of martial arts, as self-defence and protection from invaders became essential skills.

Cultural Exchange

Interaction with neighbouring cultures, such as China and Japan, led to the exchange of martial arts knowledge, influencing the development of Korean martial arts.

Confucian Philosophy

Korean Confucian values greatly influenced the moral character of martial artists, emphasizing virtues like loyalty, righteousness, and humility.

Buddhist Martial Arts

Emphasis on mental discipline and meditation to achieve a harmonious mind and body. Practical self-defence techniques developed by Buddhist monks to protect their temples while adhering to non-violence principles. Influence on Han Guk Mu Sool: Concepts of non-resistance and harmony with nature in the martial art’s philosophy.

Tribal Martial Arts

Indigenous groups and clans practiced tribal martial arts for self-defence, hunting, and warfare. Diverse unarmed combat techniques and proficiency in various weapons. Influence on Han Guk Mu Sool: Contributed to the comprehensive curriculum, encompassing striking, grappling, and weapon techniques.

Ssireum

An ancient form of Korean traditional wrestling, Ssireum contributed to the grappling and takedown techniques found in Han Guk Mu Sool.

Practiced in the palaces of Korean royalty for entertainment and physical conditioning. Known for elegant and graceful movements, with an emphasis on aesthetics. Influence on Han Guk Mu Sool: Emphasis on form (Hyung) and the aesthetic aspects of the martial art.

Practitioners seek to harmonize their movements with the natural flow of energy, redirecting an opponent’s force rather than meeting it with force.

Balanced Living

The martial art emphasizes achieving balance in all aspects of life – physical, mental, and spiritual.

Humility and respect

Practitioners approach training and interactions with humility and respect, honouring instructors, fellow practitioners, and martial art traditions.