Korean martial arts
Korean martial arts are combat systems developed in Korea, encompassing unarmed fighting, weapons, self-defense, and physical or spiritual discipline.
Taekwondo: A Korean martial art emphasizing kicking, hand techniques, forms, sparring, and competitive practice. Its international popularity makes it the best-known Korean martial art.
Taekkyeon: A traditional Korean martial art known for fluid footwork, rhythmic movement, and kicking techniques. It is among the historical practices often discussed alongside modern Korean arts.
Poomsae: A choreographed sequence of taekwondo techniques practiced individually. Poomsae preserve technical combinations and provide a structured solo training method.
Taekwondo at the Summer Olympics: The Olympic competition in taekwondo, introduced as a medal sport in 2000. Olympic rules turned one Korean martial art into a global combat sport.
Hapkido: A Korean martial art combining joint locks, throws, strikes, and defensive techniques. It shows how Korean systems combine unarmed self-defense with varied technical methods.
Subak: A historical Korean term associated with unarmed fighting practices. References to subak help trace claims about Korea's martial past.
Gyeorugi: A form of sparring used in taekwondo training and competition. It applies taekwondo techniques against an active opponent under rules.
Self-defense: The use of reasonable force or tactics to protect oneself from harm. Hapkido and other Korean systems teach techniques intended for defensive situations.
Kuk Sool Won: A modern Korean martial art system incorporating unarmed techniques, weapons, and traditional training practices. Its broad curriculum illustrates the range of skills grouped under Korean martial arts.
Japanese occupation of Korea: The period from 1910 to 1945 when Korea was annexed and ruled by Japan. Occupation shaped the cultural and institutional setting in which modern Korean martial arts developed.