Taekkyun, the traditional martial art of Korea
Taekkyun, the traditional martial art of Korea
Taekkyun, the traditional Korean martial art which is at once gentle and strong, has come down through Korean history as an empty handed martial art.
Among the many traditional Korean martial arts, Taekkyun has that much distinction. We could call these moves, which are strung together as if a dance, Taekkyun’s unique character. Taekkyun, the traditional Korean martial art which is at once gentle and strong, has come down through Korean history as an empty handed martial art.
According to records, Taekkyun was enjoyed not only be kings and aristocrats, but also by common people. And then in the early 20th century it suffered the Japanese colonial period; it was banned as part of a policy of national extermination was in danger of disappearing all together. After liberation in 1945 the situation changed little, and with most martial arts still feeling the shocks of Japanese control Taekkyun was barely carried on by a few people. But in 1983 Taekyon was designated as important intangible cultural treasure number 76, the first martial art to receive this honor, and in 1984, with the founding of the Korea Taekkyun Association, it began to be taught publicly.
Also, its soft, circular movements demand no special strength, and so are easy to learn for people of all ages and genders.
The techniques of Taekkyun follow natural principles, and, accordingly, its movements look as soft as dance. Namely, it stresses efficiently using natural body movements which flow naturally like water.
Taekkyun competition puts emphasis on attack rather than defense, and is of a more active nature. But even so consideration is given so that one’s opponent is not injured. The destructive force of such softness, however, is esteemed as strong as any other martial art. In the case of Taekkyun, it is divided into Sogi Taekkyun and Kyollyon Taekkyun, and here Kyollyon is taught only to dan holders, although dan is called “dong” in Taekkyun . Having techniques that can take out an attacker at any moment, they must be very careful in whom they teach. On the other hand, Sogi is for average students and when sparring it is much safer for one’s partner. Hwalsu, that is techniques of defense, in an environment where dangerous techniques have been eliminated, can be used in sparring without worry.
Taekkyun is based on the forms of “Pum Palpki,” “Hwalgae jit,” and “Paljil,” and self practice, practice with partner, and sparring are the stages of training. Taekkyun training uses the waist as an axis and makes use of many joint movements. This prevents aging of the muscles an bones, and is said to be especially good for those who suffer from backaches. Also, its soft, circular movements demand no special strength, and so are easy to learn for people of all ages and genders.
Basically, for Taekkyun practice, one must wear a white jacket and trousers, along with traditional socks and straw shoes. But recently, rather than real straw, practioners are wearing leather shoes. Among the groups of Taekkyun, two are recognized: the Korean Taekkyun Association and the Association for the Teaching of Taekkyun. In the case of the Taekkyun Association, they recognize 18 levels: from no rank to first level, and from first degree to ninth degree. In contrast, the Association for the Teaching of Taekkyun, there are 16 levels: twelfth level to first level, and, in the case of dan holders, first “dong” to fourth “dong.”
Film: Introduction techniques Taekkyun
Film: Taekyon demonstration
Film: Traditional dance demonstration
