Posted by WarGod on October 15, 2002 at 15:37:02:
he passage of centuries seems to have changed only the superficial aspects of Korean temple martial arts. The training hall is now
furnished with up-to-date foam wall and floor pads, as well as electric lighting. And nearby can be found a few pieces of modern
weight-training equipment. But this is not important, it is the spirit that counts. And, judging from what was observed at Chung
Nyun Ahm, that martial spirit has endured the ages particularly well. The monks have, exclusively for themselves, an extremely
effective, high-level defense art honed to perfection so long ago.
But in contrast to Shaolin kung fu, bul mu do has been successfully kept from public knowledge. There is a proverb in Korea: As
all the rice plants mature, the most successful ones keep their heavy 'heads' facing downward. In a similar way, the masters of bul
mu do, while aware of their own superb ability, have kept a low profile. And so it remains.
On second thought, considering all the facts, it is quite improbable that the Buddhist martial arts could ever flourish outside the
temple. Very few people would be willing to dedicate their lives to Buddhist ways of thought, which include meditating several
times daily. Fewer still would be willing to forego cigarettes, alcohol, meat and even the opposite sex. But it exactly this high
degree of devotion that is necessary to achieve excellence in the ancient Buddhist martial art of bul mu do.
To arrive here, one must trek up a well-worn but unmarked forest path for some 20 minutes after passing the main temple
complex. And there, among the concealing trees and mountains, stands a surprisingly modern training hall constructed of stone
and concrete. A quick inspection of the premises reveals what would normally be expected of a temple. Monks, clad in their
characteristic gray attire, performing menial tasks such as the laundering of uniforms, the tending of small garden plots and the
repairing of fallen buildings. The appearance is so peaceful and serene that one would never guess they were really experts in the
martial arts.
The following details concerning bul mu do were uncovered in a discussion with the current master and chief instructor of Chung
Nyun Ahm. His name will not be revealed in accordance with his specific request. Also it should be stated that this master was
extremely reluctant to provide information about what has always been a rather discrete art. However, he was kind enough to
explain some of the guiding precepts and allow several observations of the class.
Martial Monks
The exact origins of bul mu do are difficult to determine. Since man has always been forced to defend himself against both wild
animals and other men, the martial arts must have evolved over a long period of time. It is a little difficult to accept one man's
claim of credit for their development. But it's fairly certain that the Buddhist temples of China were the first places the fighting arts
were analyzed, combined and then improved. Therefore, bul mu do can be traced as far back as that time and place. Its
introduction into Korea most likely occurred during the Three Kingdoms period (beginning in 372 AD) of Korean history. It has
been carefully guarded and secretly taught within the Buddhist community ever since.
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