Theories of martial arts accepted in the West these days are mostly from Japan and partly from China. So that proper Oriental martial arts based on Korea`s traditional martial thoughts can be spread all over the world, the philosophical and theoretical background of Korean martial philosophy should be revealed for its true identity. For this purpose, first of all, we need some changes in our consciousness in that martial philosophy has to be regarded and researched as the standardized instruments and guidelines, not anymore as the simple division of academic philosophy and practical training. Without settling this issue, the globalization of Korean martial arts will inevitably fail except some early economic successes by Korean martial art masters. Going global needs strong foundation of long-term development as well as the support of cultural and philosophical centers. Second, there is some discrepancy between development abroad and conception at home. The successful Korean martial arts in foreign countries have caused tremendous achievements in the diplomacy and pride of Korean culture. Such spread abroad, however, tends to bring about heterogeneous training contents owing to the very low consciousness of the values and significance of Korean martial arts at home. This duality is certain to act as an important factor of hindrance in the future of Korean martial arts. At present, the circle of Korean martial arts is making extreme efforts to specialize in such events and practice gradual education for academic identity and peculiar culture. However, there are plenty of obstacles to academic approaches because of authoritative established organizations and contradictory training systems. Too many organizations compete for supremacy, while the commercialized circle of Korean martial arts is not completely without the imitations of Japanese or Chinese counterparts. In the procedure of events also, systematization is still wanted as compared with Western sports events. Among other things, this is due to the failure of martial artists to keep their own arts. That`s why we, at this time, need to sum up some philosophical background of truly Korean martial arts and establish training systems for their cultural preservation, promotion, and popularization. In addition, the developing forms of practicing martial arts ought to be anyone`s programs in everyday life. Korean martial art philosophy will be the leader of Oriental martial arts when we produce great leaders with international points of view. Korea-based Oriental martial arts will have a lot to show to the world as a valuable and promising future vision when there is beautiful harmony between Korea`s traditional martial arts and contemporary state-of-the-art sports science.
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