Tae Kwon Do - 2
These warriors trained in Taek Kyon became known as the Hwarang. They initially established a military academy for the young nobility of Silla. This later became a society called Hwarang-do or translated into English, "the way of the flowering manhood". This society adopted Taek Kyon as part of its basic training regimen. The students of Hwarang-do were all members of the young nobility. They were trained in several different disciplines: History, Confucian philosophy, ethics, Buddhist morality, riding, archery, sword play, military tactics and Taek Kyon. The guiding principles of this educational system, were based on the Five codes of Human Conduct, as established by the Buddhist scholar Wonkang. These codes are:
- Be loyal to your country
- Be obedient to your parents
- Be trustworthy to your friends
- Never retreat in battle
- Never make an injust kill
These five codes of moral behaviour and conduct are reflected in the 5 Tenets of modern Tae Kwon Do:
- Courtesy
- Integrity
- Perseverance
- Self Control
- Indomitable spirit
The Hwarang travelled throughout the peninsula in order to learn more about the regions and people. These travelling warriors were responsible for the spread of Taek Kyon in Korea during the Silla dynasty which lasted from ad. 668 to AD. 935. During this period of time, Taek Kyon remained principally as a sport and recreational activity designed to improve physical fitness, although it was an excellent self-defence system. It was not until the Koryo dynasty (935 to 1392) that the focus of the art was changed. During this time, Taek Kyon became known as Subak and it changed from a fitness system to a fighting art.
