9/19/07 -

Evolution of Martial Arts

Great works are performed not by strength, but by perseverance
Samuel Johnson

Through a careful observation of life as a whole Asian philosophy developed their construct of the universe. The theory of um-yang ohaeng sol has been understood as the ultimate principle of cosmic order that enables production of all life forms that act and react. Humans have been on a journey to conqueror nature since our beginning. The study of martial arts at its very core is about harnessing our own human nature by bringing harmony and unity to the energy within us.
Senior Grand Master Choi has described the evolution of martial arts historically and how it evolves in each one of us as well. When we are born everything has a primary mission to live happily and reproduce to continue the existence of one’s kind. In primitive times humans protected their territory against each other and other stronger creatures, using their intellect to develop strategies to survive. Hide-and-seek was the most primitive skill against bigger and stronger opponents. Humans then discovered fire and other weapons as well as living in packs to protect themselves.
In ancient times, strong leaders developed who coordinated tribes to defeat opponents and invented effective military systems. Longer range weapons made empty hand combat less prevalent. In modern times, armed forces and law enforcement took over the task of survival aspects of martial arts. Gangs and bullies remained, but those who killed were punished.
In times of peace, martial arts skills were converted to sports ands games. Taekwondo in particular developed into a modern Olympic sport. Sports became a way for communities and nations to develop and show pride.
Martial arts also developed into street defense against criminals, and military and law enforcement hand-to-hand combat and conditioning. As the weapons and tactics of violence and crime have changed so have martial art responses.
As contemporary life has become more complex and stressful, martial arts have stepped-in to help student attain inner-peace. Through an integrative method of training the mind, body, spirit, and emotions (shim-shin-sooryun), students gain life skills to thrive.