Discover the untold story of Korean martial traditions
Groundbreaking new work that redefines our understanding of Korean martial arts history.
About 'A Brief History of Korean Martial Arts'
"A Brief History of Korean Martial Arts" offers the first comprehensive scholarly examination of Korean martial arts traditions, challenging long-held assumptions and revealing the complex interplay of nationalism, cultural identity, and historical reinvention that has shaped these practices.
Unlike previous works that often uncritically perpetuate mythological narratives, Dr. Choi's research presents Korean martial arts not as timeless, unchanged traditions but as dynamic cultural expressions that have continuously evolved in response to social, political, and historical forces. The book navigates the delicate balance between honoring cultural heritage—including eight famous heroic tales that have inspired generations—while establishing a foundation for serious academic inquiry.
This pioneering work explores how Korean martial arts were reconstructed following Japanese colonial rule, how they became powerful symbols of national identity, and how they continue to adapt in the modern world. Dr. Choi reveals that martial arts are not merely combat techniques but profound cultural narratives that reflect Korea's journey through history.
About the author
Dr. Bok Kyu Choi, affiliated with Seoul National University and the Academy of Korean Studies, has dedicated his research to understanding martial arts not merely as fighting techniques but as living stories of cultural transformation and human resilience. His interdisciplinary approach combines historical analysis, cultural studies, and practical knowledge of martial arts traditions.
Why this matters?
Until now, the serious academic study of Korean martial arts history has remained largely untold, overshadowed by nationalistic narratives and mythological elements. This book represents a crucial maturation of the field, inviting practitioners and scholars alike to develop a more sophisticated relationship with martial arts history—one that respects traditional narratives while embracing critical inquiry.
As martial arts continue to gain popularity worldwide, understanding their true historical development becomes increasingly important. Dr. Choi's work provides essential context to advance martial arts studies and bridge the gap between tradition and academia.
Expert Reviews
Taekwondo Times, USA
"… A Brief History of Korean Martial Arts is more than a history book. It's a mirror. And for those willing to look into it, it reflects not just the past of Korean martial arts—but its path forward. Essential reading. Not just for historians, but for every martial artist who wants to understand the truth behind the traditions."
read full review
BOOK REVIEW: A Brief History of Korean Martial Arts
By Dr. Bok Kyu Choi
Reviewed by TKD Times Editorial Team
In a field often dominated by romanticized legends and selective memory, Dr. Bok Kyu Choi's A Brief History of Korean Martial Arts is a breath of fresh air—and a necessary corrective.
This isn't just another celebration of Korean martial arts. It's an honest, deeply researched exploration of how Korea's fighting traditions have developed, been reshaped, and in some cases, reinvented across centuries. From primitive combat tools to postwar reinventions like Taekwondo and Hapkido, Dr. Choi takes readers through four sweeping historical phases with clarity, nuance, and respect.
What sets this book apart—especially for readers steeped in Taekwondo culture—is its refusal to oversimplify. Dr. Choi directly addresses the Japanese roots of modern systems like Taekwondo and Kumdo, but he does so without diminishing their value. Instead, he reframes them as powerful examples of cultural adaptation—Korean arts forged in the crucible of history, not frozen in time.
His writing reflects a rare balance: critical without being cynical, traditional without being nostalgic. He neither glorifies nor dismisses the myths that have helped shape Korean martial identity. Instead, he puts them in context—acknowledging their role in inspiring generations while encouraging readers to separate story from history.
For Taekwondo practitioners, this book is a wake-up call—in the best possible way. It challenges us to understand our art not just as a physical discipline, but as a cultural product shaped by colonization, war, politics, and national pride. That deeper context doesn't weaken our connection to Taekwondo—it strengthens it.
Dr. Choi's dual role as scholar and martial artist is evident throughout. His analysis of texts like the Muye Dobo Tongji is not just academic—it's informed by practice, experience, and reverence. At times, the technical detail may go over the heads of casual readers, but for serious practitioners, it's gold.
If there's one thing this book does brilliantly, it's shift the conversation. Instead of asking, "How old is our art?" it asks, "What has our art been through? And what does that say about us?"
A Brief History of Korean Martial Arts is more than a history book. It's a mirror. And for those willing to look into it, it reflects not just the past of Korean martial arts—but its path forward.
Essential reading. Not just for historians, but for every martial artist who wants to understand the truth behind the traditions.
— TKD Times - May 2025
Martial Arts Magazine, Australia
"… For practitioners seeking deeper understanding of their art's context, historians interested in Korea's martial heritage, or general readers curious about this fascinating aspect of Korean culture, Choi's work is essential reading. This book deserves to become the definitive English-language resource on Korean martial arts history, replacing nationalistic simplifications with nuanced understanding that ultimately does greater honour to these rich traditions."
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