Also known as Taekkyon, Taekgyeon, Taekkyeon, or Taekyun, is a traditional Korean martial art that uses fluid, rhythmic dance-like movements to strike or trip up an opponent.
For most of the twentieth century, Taekkyon has been regarded as a living link to Korea's past. As such, many modern Korean martial arts take their historical references from Taekkyon, often regarded as the oldest martial discipline in the country. Taekkyon almost disappeared during the Japanese Occupation. After the Korean War, it was rediscovered and influenced the name and concept of Taekwondo.
The word is written in Hangul to indicate its connection with the common people, while its counterparts are written in Hanja. According to Song Deok-gi (1893-1987), the main preserver of Taekkyon in the 20th century.
There are scant and ambiguous records concerning Taekkyon. Despite this, it is considered to be either a martial art or a folk game. The term first appears in written form during the Joseon Dynasty, in "Jaemulbo" (also Manmulbo). It existed in two versions at the time: one for combat applications, and one as a game, which was very popular with the lower classes alongside Ssireum.
The movement in Taekkyon is fluid, dynamic, and characterized by "pum balki" or Stepping-on-Triangles. Taekkyon encompasses both hands and feet tactics that are used to unbalance, trip, or throw the opponent. In Taekkyon, part of the whole body and arms are equally integrated. Taekkyon practitioners are referred to as "Taekkyon-kkuns."
Rather than being rigid and straight, the Taekkyeon performer's graceful movements are circular and gentle. Feet are as important as hands in the dance. Despite its gentle appearance, Taekkyeon is an extremely effective martial art that employs all available offensive and defensive techniques. The art also teaches consideration: while a skilled Taekkyeon practitioner can beat an opponent rapidly, a true master can make them withdraw without causing them harm.
Although Taekwondo claims an ancient lineage through Taekkyon, and even partially modeled its name after it, the two disciplines don't share many similarities. In fact, Taekkyon associations explicitly deny any link to Taekwondo, and deny having any relationship. The confusion persists to this day.
However, besides serving as a means to facilitate community integration, Taekkyeon also contributes to health promotion by being a sport that is accessible to all and a part of seasonal farming traditions. It is also a daily activity practiced by a large number of people in Korea. Approximately fifty people are currently practicing Taekkyeon, and the Korean Taekkyeon Association is dedicated to the transmission and promotion of this martial art.
References
(https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/taekkyeon-a-traditional-korean-martial-art-00452) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taekkyeon)