Sunmudo (선무도/禪武道, literally the way of war of the Seon) is a Korean Buddhist martial art based on
Seon (also spelled Sun or
Zen), which was revived during the 1970s and 1980s. The formal name of Sunmudo is Bulgyo Geumgang Yeong Gwan (
Hangul: 불교금강영관
Hanja: 佛敎金剛靈觀). The name Sunmudo was given to this martial art in 1984 by the Buddhist monk Jeog Un (적운 스님).[1]
In earlier times Korean Buddhist monks were encouraged to practice Zen martial arts as a way of dynamic meditation. In the 16th century, Korean monks used swords, knives, spears and throwing stars to help repel a Japanese invasion. However, the temple of the Korean monks was burned by retreating troops in revenge. In the 1930s and 1940s, a rebuilt Beomeosa temple became center for the monks' underground resistance to Japanese occupation.[2] However, the martial art of Sunmudo had been neglected since the 19th century. At
Beomeosa temple located in
Busan, Monk Yang-ik revived the art by systematizing the techniques. Monk Jeogun worked on its popularization during the 1970s. These days training is offered to non-Buddhists and laypersons at
Golgulsa temple in Korea, and other places around the world as well.[1]
