Promoting Korean Horseback Martial Arts to the World!

[Interview : ] "Aim!"

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They shoot arrows and throw spears on horseback. They are the modern exponents of Korean horseback martial arts (마상무예)!

These are the members of the Korean Mounted Youth Party, who have set out to promote Korean horseback martial arts to the world.

To meet the members of the Korean Mounted Youth Party, we visited a horse-riding stable in the outskirts of Gyeonggi Province. Despite it being early in the morning, they are very busy setting up the tents and marks along with other martial arts equipments. What could be going on here.

[Interview : Hong Su-myeong, Member Korean Youth Mounted Party] "Today, we're showcasing Korean traditional horseback martial arts to ambassadors and diplomats from 50 countries".

[Interview : Gwon Sun-guk, Leader Korean Youth Mounted Party] "It is a first in Korean history to show our traditional martial arts on horseback to ambassadors and diplomats from 50 countries. Because it is such a huge deal, I feel very emotional and nervous".

The party members are very nervous not to make any mistakes at today's martial arts performance.

[SOV]
[Interview : ] "Why are the two of you there

[Interview : Ko Seong-gyu, President
Korean Mounted Youth Party] "We use real swords during our performances. So the risks in making the slightest mistake are huge. It's even possible you'd never be able to ride a horse again. Because of this risk, I try to be very strict with our members".

After scolding the members, the president intriduces us to the horses, the other important members of today's performance. Traditionally, horses have been used not only as a means of transport and in agriculture, but also as essential members in military troops.

[Interview : Ko Seong-gyu, President Korean Mounted Youth Party] "Horses were like the warriors' lifeline when they were on a war. The two had to become one and work in perfect harmony. So for the warrior, a horse was not like any other animal. It was a true partner that could live or die with the warrior".

Along with the Korean wrestling ssireum [씨름] and archery, horseback martial arts is believed to have existed since ancient times. People in the Goguryeo [고구려] Dynasty realized the advantages in cavalry early on through its war with the Northern tribes. There is much evidence, such as the Goguryeo [고구려] mural paintings, that proves the existence of their cavalry and horseback martial arts.

The Korean Mounted Youth Party reenacts the hunting scene in the Goguryeo [고구려] mural paintings. The party members rehearse in traditional Goguryeo [고구려] costumes, as if going back in time.

[SOV]
[Interview : ] "Yes! Faster! You're doing good! OK!"

Female members are not to be underestimated, as they are better than most male martial artists!

[Interview : Lee Ju-hui, Member Korean Youth Mounted Party] "I feel like a bigger and more mature person when I'm riding a horse. I feel confidence and pride in promoting traditional Korean horseback martial arts to the world".

[Interview : Kim Yeon-hui, Member Korean Mounted Youth Party] "I've been doing this with a commitment to inherit and preserve our tradition. I want to keep doing it for as long as I can".

[Interview : Ko Seong-gyu, President Korean Mounted Youth Party] "Among other races that rode horses, Koreans had the horseback martial arts that required to have the courage to even take down a tiger. I started this organization because I wanted to develop our traditional horseback martial arts into a major cultural attraction in the world".

At last, ambassadors and diplomats from 50 countries arrive one after another. They're all excited to watch the lively stage of horseback martial arts.

[ENG]
[Interview : Hector Gonzalez Urrutia, Delegate Embassy of El Salvador in Korea] "It's really good to see how the people ride the horses. It's the first time for us to watch it".

[ENG]
[Interview : Marina Alby, Delegate Embassy of Canada in Korea] "It's definitely an enjoyable experience for us. Very interesting for me because I don't know much about this".

[SOV]
[Interview : ] "Let's go, Korean horseback martial arts!"

The traditional drumming sound signals the opening of the show, and heightens the tension among the audience.The party members first shoot arrows and throw spears on the ground to demonstrate how difficult it is to do them on horseback.

Now they shoot arrows on horseback. They are so fierce that none of them misses the mark.

[ENG]
[Interview : Vic Alby, Delegate Embassy of the United States in Korea] "I felt that I'd never be able to do it. I'm feeling some energy".

The audience cannot help but marvel at what unfolds in front of them. Thanks to the continuous ovations, members are even more spirited, and show no holding back. Cameras are busy capturing this spectacle.

Finally, the performance comes to an end with a banner that welcomes the audience.

[ENG]
[Interview : Carlos Alberto, Delegate Embassy of Argentina in Korea] "It's the first time I've seen archery and riding together. It was really a very fascinating show".

[ENG]
[Interview : Catherine Kuwasi, Delegate Embassy of Cote d'Ivoire in Korea] "It's really beautiful. It's really like watching Korean war history. I saw it in the movies and I saw it in person today. Thank you very much".

[ENG]
[Interview : Tran Trong Toan, Delegate Embassy of Vietnam in Korea] "I appreciate that Korea could preserve this traditional martial arts for the people to see, so the people know how you protected the country through the martial arts, and the courage and heroism of the Korean people".

Impressed by today's show, ambassadors and diplomats promise to spread the word about Korean horseback martial arts when they go back to their home countries.

[Interview : Ko Seong-gyu, President Korean Mounted Youth Party] "I want to show the world how courageous and spectacular Korean horseback martial arts really is. I also want Korean people to feel pride in our horseback martial arts and inherit the tradition. I'll continue to be the pioneer in promoting Korean horseback martial arts to the world".

Koreans have been renowned for their affinity for horses and the mastery with which they handled them. We are proud of the Korean Mounted Youth Party for taking up the task of preserving and promoting traditional horseback martial arts, and delivering it to the utmost!

[STUDIO]

Now they have rules against talking on your cell phone while driving.
I wonder what the ancient horse soldiers would have thought of that.
They were like the original multitaskers.
But they'd probably agree that in times of peace you should keep both hands on the wheel.