Traditional martial arts of Korea

Many people don't know. 
What we can call GENUINE traditional martial arts of Korea are only 3 of them:

Takkyun

Ssireum

Korean Archery

They are surely descended from the history.

What about Taekwondo? No.
Takekwondo had started around 1950-1960s by Karate masters who were Koreans.
TKD officials say TDK is Korean tradition, but martial arts studies say that is not.
Many people still lives and witness what was like at that time.
Of course, TKD has been keep changing itself and now TKD is far different from Karate.
You can choose by your taste and be proud why you chose it.


Except three above, "Traditional Martial Art" are not traditional at all.
Most of them are transformation of Japanese or Chinse martial arts.  
They just say they are traditional, even with dozens of history. 
You are attracted by thoughts like there are mysterious skill in The Orient.
Of course ' not genuine' does not mean 'not useful'.
Some of them can be recommended as a martial art for they have nice skills.
But, you should only learn the skill of the master, not the hocus pocus. 


Especially, Qigong can be dangerous.
You can meet Qigong persons so easily. Think why.
You might expect you can impove your health with Qi.
Sorry, that's just a naive orientalism.
As far as we know, there are no Qigong studios before 1970s.
When your master encourage you to take more dedicated level, quit immediately.
You are not progressed any thing. They want your money.
The only thing I can say about Qigong is "Don't do it".
Why don't you study traditional medicine in academic manner, instead.
Just elementary knowledge will do you much more good.