Description
Korea and Hapkido
Book Summary
This work offers a complete journey through the history of Korea and its close relationship with the development of martial arts, especially Hapkido. In this revised edition, the author expands and updates the original 2009 content to provide a comprehensive vision that covers everything from geography and ancient history to gastronomy, religions, and the current political situation. The reader will find a guide that connects rich Korean culture with the foundations of this martial art, allowing one to understand how society and history have shaped a discipline that transcends simple combat.
What is it about?
The book is structured into two clearly differentiated parts. The first section immerses the reader in the fascinating history of Korea, a country that has risen from its ashes to become a global power. Key aspects are explored, such as geography, religions and their influence on Hapkido, the aftermath of World War II and the civil war of the 1950s, as well as the political situation and the spirit of unity and competitiveness that characterizes the nation. The second part focuses on Hapkido itself, offering arguments and context to understand this martial art as a direct product of Korean culture and history. Together, the work provides all the keys necessary to appreciate both the martial discipline and the society that created it.
Main Themes
- Ancient and recent history of Korea, including its division and the civil war.
- Evolution of Korean martial arts, with special attention to Hapkido.
- Influence of religions and Korean philosophy on martial practices.
- Geography, culture, and gastronomy as contextual elements of the discipline.
- The resurgence of Korea as a global power and its future projection.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is aimed at practitioners of Hapkido and other Korean martial arts who wish to delve into the origins and cultural context of their discipline. It is also of great interest to historians, students of Asian culture, and any curious reader who wants to understand the history of Korea through an unusual prism: that of its martial arts. It is an essential read for those seeking to go beyond technique and understand the spirit behind this art.
What this book contributes
- A complete and updated vision of the history of Korea, directly linked to the development of Hapkido.
- Understanding of the social, political, and religious context that shaped Korean martial arts.
- Keys to understanding the spirit of resilience and unity that characterizes Korean culture.
- Expanded content compared to the 2009 edition, with new arguments and relevant data.
Technical Sheet
- Author: Rueda Castaño, Jose Luis
- Publisher: Editorial Alas
- Language: Spanish
- Topic: Oriental Martial Arts
- Collection: Hapki-do
- Binding: Paperback
- Edition Date: January 2025
- Number of pages: 348
- Weight: 950 g
Editorial Review
This work stands out for its integrative approach, which positions Hapkido not as a simple set of techniques, but as a reflection of Korean history and identity. The updating of the content with respect to the previous edition provides added value for those who were already familiar with the work, while the structure in two parts facilitates reading for both specialists and neophytes. It is a solid and well-documented resource for anyone interested in Oriental martial arts from a cultural and historical perspective.