I have a different perspective on the history of Korean Martial Art than many others, and specifically what is known as "Taekwondo" today. In my research, and my personal viewpoint, Korean Taekwondo did not come from any other country - - quite the opposite! The phrase that comes to my mind is "What's in a name? A rose by any other name would smell as sweet."
I think many people researching the history of the Martial Art, in general, and specifically Korean Martial Art, get too hung up on labels, and what outside influences occurred along the way. It is the roots that matter the most to the history, not what damage occurred to the tree as it grew, or who hung various ornaments on it, or chopped off a limb here or there, etc.
To me, the following quote has a strong meaning for this discussion:
matt.m said:
Marine Corps history was pounded in our head during boot camp, so I guess that is why it is a big deal to me.
The U.S. Marines originated as part of the U.S. Military Forces. What sources gave substance to the early patriots, and "minute men" who defended this country likely came from other countries, and the early U.S. Generals' knowledge of military tactics did as well. However, as this country grew, and developed it's
own concept of a military, the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force became unique. The Marines, for instance, are what I consider true American Soldiers. Yet, the Marines of today, are not the same as they were just a century ago. We study our adversaries, and learn from our allies, but that does not change who we are, or where we came from.
Now, granted, America itself is a "melting pot" of people, cultures, knowledge, and traditions. For that matter, virtually every country in the world is to some extent. Therefore, are we to say that
no country can claim national lineage to their traditions because they might have been "influenced" by some neighboring country, or by the people who conquered the land thousands of years ago, and the others thousands of years before that?
Martial Art history is a controversial topic simply because so many people define the term differently. Many identify a particular "style" by what type of
techniques dominate their curriculum. Others label them by what
forms they practice. These things are such miniscule portions of the whole that makes up the concept of "Martial Art." Most seem to be focusing on fighting skills rather than the philosophy, self defense in general, and the similarities that all Martial Art schools share.
I don't buy into this theory that the "Martial Art" began in Africa, or Egypt, simply because that is not what I believe the whole "Martial Art is. They are talking about unarmed combat skills. Fighting skills (with or without weapons) has existed in virtually every culture, and continent since the first humans set foot on the soil.
In my view, the term "Martial Art" refers to a specific culmination of mind, body, and spirit, that developed over the past several thousand years, equilaterally throughout Asia, with some influences between countries, but mostly as a
"mutual discovery" of natures forces, rather than an
"invention" by any one man (or woman), or any one nation.
The Korean people have had
their own unique struggles since the peninsula was first settled some 5,000 years ago, and they have had
their own unique methods of mental, spiritual, and physical ways of dealing with their enemies throughout their history. Korean Martial Art originated, developed, and was utilized in forms of striking (foot and hand techniques), holding (grappling, joint locks, and pressure points), and throwing skills, uniquely in their own land.
While research, observation of skills from other countries, and an occupation which attempted to wipe out the entire Korean culture and recorded history has had lasting affects on their native Martial Art, I do not believe it is unreasonable to state that Korean Martial Art was, is, and always will be unique to their country. Therefore, it should not be viewed as a descendant of any other country's Martial Art any more than the Native American "Indians" way of life should be considered descended from the "white man's" culture. European influences are evident in among Modern Native American tribes, but their traditions go back to before the invasion of the white man.
In my opinion, Korea is not trying to "Koreanize" anything. To me, that term means taking something that is not yours, and calling it yours. What I see happening (and it is a matter of perspective, rather than plain "truth") is that they are attempting to "wash away" the stains from an occupying nation. Most nations acknowledge their appreciation of the culture from other nations, and absorbing some things into your own is natural. However, I feel that too many people are focusing on "recent historical events," instead of seeing the big picture, which involves the re-emergence of what existed before, and re-naming it for modern times (yes, with some outside influences, but not replacing the core or the Korean roots).
The term "
Taekwon-
do," or "
Tae Kwon Do" is used by many to identify "their art," "their organization," or "their founder's lineage." The Korean people have chosen the term "
Taekwondo" to represent all that was, and is, of
Korean Historical birth in the Martial Art. Other techniques, forms, and terms might exist within this modern structure, but it is no more or less of a "melting pot" than every other system of Martial Art in the world today.
This is my viewpoint, as I believe it is shared by many of the Koreans who wish to promote what is rightfully theirs from their nation's history (not re-written but the old uncovered and revealed with acknowledgments of natural changes, over time, to keep up with current application of ancient skills). I am aware that there are many Koreans, and others who do not wish to acknowledge the outside influences (especially from Japan), but even in acknowledging these recent influences, does not mean that Taekwondo itself, is not of ancient Korean origin since the term (not General Choi's version, but Korea's national art) was meant to give a new name to the ancient skills.
CM D.J. Eisenhart
