[Tae Kwon Do] [Sipal Ki Do]
Tae Kwon Do
Tae Kwon Do is the national martial art of Korea. Its name includes three elements: tae, kicking; kwon, punching; do, the way. Together they characterize the basic features of Tae Kwon Do: powerful kicks and punches. The word "do" indicates that Tae Kwon Do is not just a way of fighting. It is a way of tuning one's mind and muscle and of discipline.
The martial art of Tae Kwon Do evolved in Korea over the course of many centuries. Since ancient times it has been regarded as either a deadly means of fighting or as a graceful and deadly means of fighting or as a graceful and exciting sport. In modern times both aspects are prevalent: many people now study Tae Kwon Do to improve their health and to learn how to defend themselves. For others it is an exciting and enjoyable sport, with the possibility of entering international competitions.
Sipal Ki Do
Sipal Ki Do is an old art, around 500 years old. It is originally from Mongolia, but was transferred to Korea. Sipal Ki Do means "Way of the 18 fighting techniques". Sipal Ki Do also includes oriental philosophy and techniques for meditation and development of inner balance.
The Mongolian influence on Korea in the 12th century led to a blend in fighting techniques and traditions. The Mongolians were a very tough people, used to various temperatures and harsh climate. This made them strong physically, and eliminated the weak. The chest and upper body was strong and well developed, and they were bow legged, since they always sat on horsebacks. It is from this that many of the "Sipal Ki Do jinete" positions emerged.
There were originally 56 techniques, but in 1552 a Korean king trained his army in 18 selected techniques, called "Sib fal gi". With this hard training the Koreans could, 40 years later, meet an invasion from the Japanese Samurais. But the Koreans were outnumbered.
When Japan occupied Korea, these fighting techniques were forbidden by the Japanese government. This caused the techniques to be practiced in secrecy. They were only practiced in family dynasties. One of the families who still knew the techniques in the 17th century, was "Yoo", who had maintained knowledge of the techniques by teaching them father-to-son. Soo Nam Yoo, who introduced Sipal Ki Do in South America (Argentina) in 1969, is a straight-line descendant of this warrior clan with Mongolian background. The mixture of Korean, Mongolian and Chinese techniques became an integrated martial arts system, which consists of fighting both with and without weapons.
It can be divided into two groups:
1. Techniques without weapons:
|
Korean name |
Translation |
|
Ho Sin Se |
Self defense |
|
Kwon Bop |
Boxing |
|
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Korean Yoga |
