Origin of OHTC Martial Arts

 The real history of martial arts must be said to have developed when the human race began to develop. From these early origins to today, the proper training of the mind, body and spirit has been the very center of traditional martial arts. Since its prehistoric origins, the martial arts have developed a variety of techniques. They include the use of fingers, hands, elbows, feet, etc . . . and even certain weapons of various length and material.  Modern martial arts have developed into many different kinds of "styles" throughout the world. Each "style" is designed according to each individual practitioner's needs.  

Traditional martial arts can be traced back over five thousand years in history. The thinking behind these prehistoric beginnings is that natural human instincts lie at the very foundation of all martial arts techniques. A human being's first defensive reaction was simply to run away, dodge the attacker, or protect their body by squeezing it tightly into a ball. If the attack continued, then pushing the attacker away to try to eliminate the danger became the next option. These serve as the foundation for many martial arts techniques. If the attacker remained, then the natural instinct for the victim was to pick up an object and use it as defense against the attack. These objects consisted of stone or wood and became the first martial arts weapons. Ultimately, it is a very basic human instinct simply to avoid any unhealthy environment and to maintain a healthy life of wisdom and balance.

 Martial Arts Origins of Ancient Korea

 Koguryo Kingdom (37B.C – 668A.D.)

 Koguryo was one of Korea’s three kingdoms and was established in 37B.C.   The first King of Koguryo was King Dong, Myung (37B.C. – 19A.D).  The power of Koguryo was evident under the leadership of the 19^th King, King Kwang, Gae-To (374 – 412).  During his reign, Koguryo occupied vast territory in Manchuria (Northeast China), and even territory in Siberia until 386A.D.  It was around this time that numerous warring tribes resulted in the decline of the Koguryo’s Manchurian occupation.  There are two specific martial arts developed from this kingdom:  

·        Ssaulabi: Sword oriented art.

·        Ssi Leum: Unarmed techniques.  

Bak Jae (Paeche) Kingdom (18B.C. – 660A.D)

 According to historical records, King Onjo established Paekche in 18B.C.  King Onjo was the son of Koguryo’s King, King Dong Myung.  During the peak of Paekche’s power, territory included most of current day western Korea.  This expansion and growth was under the leadership of King Geunchogo (346 – 375).  Paekche developed a strong naval presence and a relationship with the rulers of Kyushu.  Kyushu is the third largest island of Japan.  Japanese scholars and royalty traveled to Paekche for educational and cultural benefit.  Paekche immigrants also traveled to Japan and contributed to the development of Japanese culture.  The capital of Paekche was moved due to constant pressure from the northern neighbor Koguryo.  During the 7^th Century, Paekche’s capital Sabi fell to Silla’s rule in 660A.D.  There is one specific martial art developed from this kingdom:  

• Soo Sa Do: This art consisted of short stick techniques.  These stick techniques developed to middle stick, long stick and eventually to development of the spear techniques. 

 Silla Kingdom (57B.C. – 935A.D.)

 The first ruler of Silla was King Pak Hyeokgeose.  Silla’s strong military influence was established under King Jinheung (540A.D. – 576A.D.) and it was under King Muyeol (654A.D. – 661A.D.) that the kingdom of Paekche was conquered.  The successor to King Muyeol, King Munmu and his General Kim Yu-shin conquered the northern kingdom of Koguryu in 668A.D.  For the remaining century, Silla battled Chinese forces and established a unified kingdom.  Silla is referred to as Unified Silla after conquering Koguryu and Paekche. 

 It is from Silla that the Hwarang developed, translated as “Flowers of Youth”.  Hwarang warriors became famous throughout history and contributed greatly to the success of Silla’s military power.  The primary art practiced by the Hwarang was called: 

• Soo Bak Ki: Unarmed techniques and weapons practice. 

 The practice of the Bon Gook Gum, Korean straight sword is well documented.  These techniques, as well as many numerous fighting techniques and weapons have been documented in a famous book called Moo Yeh Do Bo Tong Ji.  The practice of the sword was often referred to as Silla Gum or “Silla Sword”.  As mentioned, many weapons techniques and practices were documented and developed during the time of Silla.   

Koryo (Korea)  (918A.D. – 1392A.D.)

 Koryo Dynasty was a result of the fall of Unified Silla, and lasted until the establishment of the Choson Dynasty.  Silla began to weaken and rebellions by local warlords led to the fall of the Silla armies.  Leaders of the rebellions established two major kingdoms within Unified Silla – Taebong and Baekje.  A local lord named Wanggeon overthrew Taebong, and it was renamed Koryo in 918.  Koryo eventually annexed Silla and overthrew the remaining kingdom of Baekje in 936.  A military coup overthrew the reigning King in 1170 and established a military rule of Koryo.  In 1231, Mongolians invaded Koryo and eventually lead to Koryo’s surrender in 1259.  Military rebels continued to fight against the occupation until King Gongmin began to successfully drive back Mongolian forces.  After a failed attempt to invade China, which resulted in a rebellion, Koryo fell in 1392.  The predominant art developed during this time was called:  

• Sib Palgae: “18 Chambers”.

Chosun Dynasty (1392A.D – 1910A.D) 

General Yi Seonggye overthrew the Koryo kingdom and established the kindom of Chosun.  It was during the Chosun Dynasty that Confucianism was adopted and a new system of morality developed.  Between the years 1592 – 1597, the Seven Year War was fought with invading Japanese forces.  Pressure from the Chinese in later centuries was evident due to the fact that the Ming Dynasty had fallen to the Manchu, and Chosun was forced to pay tribute to the ruling Chinese. In the late 19^th century China and Japan feuded over control of the Korean peninsula.  During the year 1910, Japan forced control of the throne and annexed Korea to be a colony.  For 35 years the Japanese occupied Korea until the Japanese surrender to Allied Forces on August 15^th, 1945. 

During the occupation of the Japanese, traditional martial arts practice was forbidden.  However, Masters secretly maintained the skills and passed down the traditions.  Examples of the influence traditional Korean martial arts had on Japanese culture are as follows: 

• Ssaulabi: Sword art that influenced development of Samurai.
• Hwarang Moo sa Sool: Weapon art that influenced development of Ninjitsu.
• Soo Bak Ki: A Soo Bak Ki Master, Korean Choi, Yong-I, changed his name to Mas Oyama in Japan and developed the art of Japanese Karate.  Soo Bak Ki is also the root of Japanese Aikido and Korean Hapkido.  Aikido’s founder is Ueshiba, Morihei. 
• Ssileum: Ancient wrestling art, which led way to the development of Yudo (Judo) in Korea. This influence spread to Japan in the development of arts such as Jujitsu, Judo and Sumo.  Judo and Jujitsu being developed for “small frame” people, and Sumo being developed for”large frame” people.     

Martial Arts of Modern Korea

There are many martial arts styles that flourish today in Korean culture.  However, Soo Bak Ki is the root of three major arts practiced today:

·        Tae Kwon Do: Kicking techniques of Soo Bak Ki were systemized and Tae Kwon Do was founded.  Its founder is General Choi, Hong Hi.

·        Hap Ki Do: Hand and throwing techniques were re-systemized and Hap Ki Do was founded.  Its founder is Choi, Yong Sul. 

·        Moo Sa Sool: Weapons training techniques were systemized and Moo Sa Sool was founded.  Its founder is Song, Kyong Sik.

Martial Arts Origins of China

In 495A.D., a temple was built … this temple was the Shaolin Monastery located on Shaoshi Mountain, China.  In 527A.D, an Indian monk called Dal Ma (Korean pronunciation) arrived at Shaolin Temple to teach and spread his form of Buddhism.  Dal Ma developed the art of “Myung Byuk Cham Sung”, which is loosely translated as “Facing Wall Meditation”.  During his practice, he noticed the poor health of the monks as a result of extensive meditation practice.  To improve health he taught the monks “Yeuk Geun Kyong”, which is an ancient Yoga art to promote health.  These meditation and exercise techniques evolved to what became referred to as the martial art of Shaolin. 

Tang Dynasty (618A.D. – 907A.D.)

During the Tang Dynasty the Shaolin Temple gained some fame as a military protector.  The monks of Shaolin aided future Tang emperor Li Shimin against opposing forces.  In return, the Emperor rewarded the monks for their patronage and their fighting prowess became well known.  Shaolin during the Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644), developed to a recognizable martial art form referred to as “Shaolin Boxing”. 

There are several levels of people who studied martial arts in ancient times:

·        Doh Sa: This person trained in the mountains, and never came out of the mountains to teach. 

·        Doh In: This person trained in the mountain, and would come out of the mountains to teach.

·        Moon Ha Sang: This is a student who learns from a Doh Sa.

·        Soo Lyun Sang: This is a student who learns from a Doh In.

Lao Tzu, Taoism and the Development of Tai Chi 

Lao Tzu was a philosopher who is believed to have lived around the fourth century B.C. and is famous for his study of the Tao, or “The Way”.  Lao Tzu taught to follow “The Way”.  The Tao has no shape or sound, it cannot be described by words.  Tao or  “Doh” in Korean, is the concept of “Nothing”.  “All creation starts from nothing; something comes from nothing”, this is the teaching of “The Way”.  Nothing creates one, one creates two, two creates three and three creates all things. 

All creatures in the Universe carry Yeum energy and Yang energy.  These two energies, Yeum and Yang, are the foundation for what is called the “Rule of Nature”.  This is “The Way”.  The Way is a tool and rule for Ki, life force or universal energies.  The Tao is an abstract principle; it has both a name and no name.  It is described as follows:

·        If it can be described, then it is not “Tao”. 

·        “The Way” is fair and balanced.

·        “Doh” is empty, but no matter how much you use it, it is unlimited. 

Lao Tzu’s Virtue:

·        Doh

·        Sky

·        Earth

·        Human

 There are the four major principles of the Universe.  Humans follow the nature of the earth.  The earth follows the nature of the sky.  The sky follows the nature of “The Way” and “The Way” follows nature. 

Lao Tzu’s teaches, “Do not go against Nature”.  This teaches to be peaceful and follow nature.  A famous saying states, “A pure and peaceful infant, even wild animals will not attack”.   When we are born, the soul is naturally weak and the muscles are soft.  Infants can cry all day long and feel no physical repercussions.  However, grown ups suffer soreness and pain from excessive crying.  Why?  This is because the infant is the most natural state, most in tune with the Universe.  The infant is the ideal model for proper breathing, physical health and mental conditioning.  Remember, “Hard trees die first; it is the soft flexible tree that lives for a long time”.  The basis of Lao Tzu’s philosophy is living through the “gentle” way.  There is no alternative. 

His philosophy influenced and contributed a great deal to the development of Tai Chi through key philosophies:

·        “Jun Ki Chi Yu”: Complete harmony with Ki (life force or universal energy) and softness.

·        “Eui Yu Gook Gong”: Conquer hardness by softness.

·        “Young Jung Hwa Ki”: Conquer movement with stillness”. 

These are the basic principles and philosophies of Tai Chi. Tai Chi, like the Universe, came from emptiness; however, creation comes from this emptiness.  One single act is equal to a million variations; and no movement leads back to emptiness.  Therefore, Tai Chi develops and progresses by the Rule of Nature.  Energy never overflows and energy is never insufficient.  If strength is encountered; do not go against this strength but let it flow away.  If an opponent engages, then be one with the movement.  No matter how many variations of movement there are, remember that all movement is from one. 

Through the repetition of Tai Chi – one can master the structure of movement and with this movement; oneness with an opponent’s movement is achieved.  In order to develop Ki, one must have an empty mind.  If the mind is empty, then one can read movement.  If one knows his or her opponent; and the opponent does not know you, then there is no match.  Energy that is not harmonized is disrupted and harmony must exist to react accordingly.  If the application of Tai Chi is not smooth, then one does not have a good understanding of Yeum and Yang. 

A man named Chuang Tzu also developed the philosophies of Taosim into famous writings that are still studied today.  Zhang Daoling (Chang Tao-ling) developed Lao Tzu’s teaching into a religion.  Chang Tao-ling lived in the Eastern Han Dynasty and his religious teachings established the first Taoist church in China.  

Shaolin, Tai Chi and the Song Family    

Hur Sun Pyung

Hur Sun Pyung was a famous Shaolin master.  The Shaolin at this time was referred to as “Jang Gwon” and was developed from the Yeuk Geun Kyong exercises taught by Dal Ma. During this time, the Song family in China had a great reputation as a moral and well educated family.  This family reputation lead to the decision of  Hur Sun Pyung to pass all his knowledge exclusively the Song family.  These teaching were passed on from generation to generation. 

Song, Won Kyo (1288A.D. – 1370A.D.)

Over the centuries, the teachings of Hur Sun Pyung continued to be maintained within the Song family.  Song, Wong Kyo continued to preserve these family teachings and later became the disciple of another master.  This master’s name was Chang, Sam Bong (Chang, San-Feng), the founder of the art form known as Tai Chi. Chang, Sam Bong was living in Wudang (Moo Dang San in Korean) Mountain during the development of this art.  There are two main theories regarding the creation of the art:

1.      Chang, Sam Bong developed the art by observing a fight between a crane and a snake.

2.      Chang, Sam Bong met a Taoist hermit named Hwa Lyong Jin In in Hwa San Mountain.  It was from these teachings of Taoism, and Chang’s own efforts that later led to the development of Tai Chi in Wu Dang.    

During the development of Tai Chi, Chang Sam Bong accepted seven disciples:

·        Song, Won Kyo

·        Yu, Yung Joo

·        Yu, Dae Am

·        Jang, Song Jae

·        Jang, Chi San

·        Eun, Yi Hyung

·        Mak, Gook Sung

The Moon Joo Nim is a name given to the founder of the art.  The founder chooses one disciple to pass down the art; this person is called the Jang Moon.  The Jang Moon possesses the best skill and knowledge to maintain the purity of the art.  Chang, Sam Bong chose one Jang Moon, and that person was Song, Won Kyo. 

Later during the Myung Dynasty, Tai Chi separated into two major groups:

·        Nam Pa: Southern Group

·        Book Pa: Northern Group

The Nam Pa, Southern Group was called Geun Gon Pa, and this was the art passed down by Song, Won Kyo.  The Book Pa, Northern Group was taught and passed down by Jin, Gi Woo.  Jin (Chen) learned the art from one of the remaining disciples of Chang, Sam Bong.  Jin, Jang Heung (1771 – 1853) was the grandson of Jin, Gi Woo and continued to pass down the Northern Group, Book Pa art. 

The Song family of China continued the teachings of the Nam Pa Group’s Song, Won Kyo.  The eventual move of the Song family to Korea, lead many to believe that this form had died off.  However, the art was maintained by the Song family and continues to be passed down in its pure form.  

Joo Ja (1130A.D. – 1200A.D.) and Joo Ja Hak

Joo Ja (Chu Hsi) was involved in a reversing trend of Confucian Doctrine.  During his time, Confucian Doctrine was supplanted by Taoism and Buddhism. 

Chu Hsi was a Confucian and one of the most important Neo-Confucians.  Neo-Confucianism is considered the Confucian school of thought’s reply to the mentioned dominance of Taoism and Buddhism.  Joo Ja recognized that Confucianism did not contain a branch of philosophy that deals with the ultimate nature of reality, so created one.  There were competing schools of thought regarding Neo-Confucianism, but a system emerged which resembled both Taoist and Buddhist thought of the time.  This new development of thought included the Book of Changes and the principle of Yeum and Yang.  During the Song Dynasty Chu Hsi and his contemporaries added classic text such as “The Four Books”, “The Doctrine of the Mean” and “The Great Learning” to serve as a foundational study for Confucian thought.  Joo Ja’s writings on the Confucian classics became well known and his school of thought is referred to as Joo Ja Hak. 

 Song, Si Yeol (1607A.D. – 1689A.D.) and Songni Hak

During the 13^th Century, Korea began to be attracted to Neo-Confucianism.  This Neo-Confucianism became an alternative to the Buddhism dominant at the time and became known as Joo Ja Hak.  Joo Ja combined the Confucian thought with Taosim and Buddhism.  Yi Song Gye, founder of the Choson Dynasty adopted this Neo-Confucian school of thought as the official ideology of the new dynasty.  Over the course of the century, Choson was transformed into a Confucian state.  After 1600, the teachings of Joo Ja became firmly established.  Conflicts arose in the Joo Ja school of thought regarding how to interpret the commentary of the Chinese Classics by Joo Ja and his overall views. 

Scholars of the day were engaged in debates that lasted for years and resulting in factional strife and even death.  One of these famous debates involved OHTC founder Song, Si Yeol.  Song, Si Yeol was fanatic defender of Joo Ja’s teachings and he condemned Yun Hyu (1617 – 1680) for his revisions of Joo Ja’s interpretations.  Song adhered strictly to Joo Ja’s views, and Yun questioned Joo Ja’s interpretation while at the same time stating that he was the only one who truly understood the teachings of Joo Ja. 

Overtime, the Chu Hsi scholars reflected in the development of moral character, human nature and society in general.  These reflections lead to a more sharpened focus on the metaphysical aspects of Joo Ja’s teachings.  Yi Hwang (1501 – 1570), better known as T’oe Gye and Yi I (1536 – 1584), better known as Yul Gok were practitioners of Joo Ja’s teachings and influenced the development of Neo-Confucianism in Korea.   Neo-Confucian thought developed with the context of how to account for the nature of man.  The Korean teachings of Joo Ja became to be known as Sunglie-hak, or “The Philosophy of Human Nature and Principle”.

Great philosopher Song, Si Yeol came along and spread his version of the eastern philosophy Sunglie-hak (Art of Nature) by publishing books and through his teachings. His translation of Sunglie-hak became very popular in Asia, and it is known as the absolute correct version. When Grand Master Song, Si Yeol taught these concepts of Sunglie-hak at his school.  His lessons were aimed at maintaining optimum health through the total concepts of balancing the mental, physical, and spiritual.

Grand Master Song, Si Yeol followed his own teachings by staying balanced mentally, physically, and spiritually. Although society and the general public were able to benefit from Grand Master Song, Si Yeol , the pure concepts being spread by Grand Master Song, Si Yeol could only be kept alive and passed down within the Song bloodline. These traditions remain unchanged, and became the foundation for the official OHTC in 1851.

Song, Si Yeol (his nicknamed Ou Am) lived from 1607-1689. He was well balanced philosopher and his achievements are well highlighted in Korean history books. 

Song, Si Yeol's achievements include: Secretary of the Military (Yi Jo Pan Su), Secretary of the States (Ou Oeui Jung) and Prime Minister (Jwa Oeui Jung).  He wrote many books such as "Joo Ja", "Dae Jun Chan Ye", "Ou Am Jib", "Ou Am Hu Jib", and "Non Mang Moon Ye Tong". His books mainly regarded philosophy and were so widely read they even influenced the lives of the Japanese Today. Many people in Japan still learn by Song, Si Yeol's books especially "Joo Ja Hak".  Song, Si Yeol's literary works are displayed on numerous historical sites throughout Korea and were even on display at museums in Japan as part of a cultural exchange between the two countries.  

During his lifetime, Grand Master Song, Si Yeol was recognized as an author, politician, scholar and master.

Due to a political matter and conflict, Song, Siyeol was executed by the government's opposition party.  He was 82 years old and a very healthy person.  After his murder, the King recognized the wrong-doing of his death, and Song, Si Yeol had actually been framed by the opposition party.  Song, Si Yeol's reputation was recovered and all his honor and praise restored.  He was recognized as a treasure and his teachings continue to be passed down to all generations.

Song, Siyeol built his own "Sur Dang" to teach all education. "Sur Dang" is an ancient school system of Korea. The Sur Dang created by him is named "Nam Gan Jung Sa" (founded 1683 and repaired in 1976). The name of the school means "Love Joo Ja," which is in dedication to the famous Chinese philosopher Joo Boo Ja (also known as Joo Ja). "Oon Gok Nam Gan" is one of the many books written by Joo Boo Ja. Song, Siyeol's home, which is pictured above, has become a national monument. Currently, the home is now registered as city treasure #4, in Korea (Dae Jun Kwang Yuk Si Yu Hyung Moon Hwa Jae 4). The Song family traditions have continued to pass down for almost 400 years now. 

In 1851, Grandmaster Song, Duk Soon reformed these concepts with Martial arts together and combined to officially make OHTC.

Song, Duk Soon (1851A.D. – 1922A.D.)

Song, Jung Soo (1917A.D. – 1996A.D.)  

Grandmaster Song, Jung Soo was the son of Grandmaster Song, Keum Sool.  Grandmaster Song, Jung Soo was sixteen years old when he traveled to Japan to study and research martial arts.  It was in Japan he lived for 5 years before returning to Korea where he met and married his wife.  After they married, they left Korea and settled in Manjoo (Beijing), China.  It was here that Grandmaster Song, Jung Soo lived and furthered his study of Chinese martial arts for about 15 years.  After this time, Grandmaster Song, Jung Soo moved back to Korea.  

All the styles he studied and mastered, he did not mention even to his son Grandmaster Song, Kyong Sik, as he was a very humble man.  A couple of years later the Korean War broke. During the war, he did not belong to either military, North or South, because he was a nonpartisan man.

After the Korean War was over, he settled in Seoul, Korea and began to situate his life just like everyone else after the war in Korea. Several years later, he began to teach and to share with other people his martial art which he gained from his father and from his own dedication. He never believed in politics, therefore, he was never involved in the reformation of the martial arts. He insisted on maintaining the traditional martial arts. In 1967, Grand Master Song, Jung Soo inherited the OHTC system from his father, Grand Master Song, Keum Sool.

 Song, Kyong Sik (1950A.D. – Present)

Grandmaster Song, Kyong Sik was born 1950 in Seoul, Korea and is the current leader of the OHTC.  He is the son of Grandmaster Song, Jung Soo.  His family lineage is traced back within the Song family to Grandmaster Song, Siyeol.  It is this line of Grandmasters that have continued to pass the OHTC teachings and philosophies.

At the age of five Grandmaster Song, Kyong Sik started his formal training under his grandfather Grandmaster Song, Keum Sool.  Grandmaster Song, Keum Sool took his grandson the mountains for seven years to live and train in order to be the bearer of the martial arts family tradition.  Grandmaster Song, Kyong Sik was taught many areas of study including eastern medicine, meditation, ki gong exercises and philosophy from his grandfather.  At the age of eight, Grandmaster Song, Kyong Sik moved back with his parents to live permanently and his grandfather also moved in to live with the family.  It was here that Grandmaster Song, Kyong Sik continued his training under his grandfather as well as his father Grandmaster Song, Jung Soo.  

In 1981, Grandmaster Song, Kyong Sik moved to the United States.  In 1983, Grandmaster Song, Jung Soo transferred the OHTC system to Grandmaster Song, Kyong Sik as chairman.  After the unfortunate passing of Grandmaster Song, Jung Soo, Grandmaster Song, Kyong Sik became the acting president of OHTC. 

 Today, Grandmaster Song, Kyong Sik continues to teach and pass down the OHTC teachings to select students.  Grandmaster Song's American name is Edward Song.  Grandmaster Song, Kyong Sik exemplifies the honor and tradition that embodies OHTC.  He is a living example for his students as well as the public.  It is through Grandmaster Song, Kyong Sik that the teachings of OHTC are kept alive, as well as the goal of spreading teachings that help ALL people develop a sincere and serious life.