Korean Fighting Games

Korean fighting styles have evolved from a large basis of ancient Oriental martial arts techniques. Martial arts disciplines in Korea teach not only physical skills, but also methods of mental concentration as well. Taekwon-Do is the most famous Korean fighting style, although it is not the only Korean martial arts discipline being practiced throughout the world.

  1. Taekwon-Do

    • Taekwon-Do is a martial art that originated from Korea. It is distinguished by its fast, high and spinning kicks. South Korean General Choi Hong Hi originated the sport by combing techniques and philosophies from the ancient Korean martial art of Taek Kyon and Japan's Shotokan karate, and founded the International Taekwon-Do Federation in 1966. The International Taekwon-Do Federation states that Taekwon-Do's defensive and offensive techniques are based on Newton's Law of physics. Taekwon-Do practitioners learn and apply techniques that generate the maximum amount of speed and force their bodies are capable of. There are more than 3,000 basic movements in Taekwon-Do for attack and defense, which use all parts of the body. General Choi assembled these basic movements into 24 seperate patterns, each representing a set sequence of movements to be performed in a match.

      Today, Taekwon-Do is not only taught around the world, but is an international sport with global tournaments and competitions. Matches are scored by umpires and judges certified by the International Taekwon-Do Federation. Taekwon-Do became a full Olympic sport in the year 2000. Learning and practicing General Choi's patterns help students of Taekwon-Do control their balance, build strength, develop coordination, and improve their memory and concentration skills.

    Hapkido

    • Hapkido is a martial art originating from Korea that focuses heavily on self-defense techniques. According to the World Hapkido Association's website, Hapkido was first introduced by Buddhist monks in Korea in A.D. 372, and has since been evolving. Hapkido teaches practitioners how to suppress an attacker's flow of energy by using a variety of arm and leg locks, with a focus on applying nerve pressure to opponents' pressure points. Striking techniques are taught to be utilized only after an attacker has been suppressed. Hapkido demonstrates how little strength is needed to overcome an aggressor. It is both a physical and mental discipline of martial arts. The World Hapkido Association states that the practice of Hapkido improves balance, conditioning, muscle tone, timing, flexibility, quickness and confidence. Hapkido competitions are regularly held, both in Korea and internationally.

    Kum Do

    • Kum Do is the Korean art of sword play. According to USA Dojo, Kum Do was developed centuries ago in Korea during the Shilla Dynasty. It is similar to the sport of fencing, and emphasizes concentration, power, and body control. Kum Do is performed with real swords while wearing full body armor for protection. Precise control of the sword is necessary for one to master the art of Kum Do. Kum Do provides practitioners with a good workout, which also involves meditation to improve concentration. Kum Do students can achieve black belt status by continually demonstrating advanced sword striking form and techniques. Sparring competitions are held amongst Kum Do students to showcase their ability.