Dr. Bok Kyu Choi: Korean Martial Arts Expert
Dr. Bok Kyu Choi has devoted over three decades to studying Korea's martial heritage, specializing in the historical combat systems that flourished during the Joseon Dynasty. His comprehensive research, scholarly publications, and dedicated teaching have established him as a foremost authority in Korean martial arts historiography.
Through his research, scholarly contributions, and teaching, Dr. Choi has contributed significantly to the field of Korean martial arts, helping to preserve these valuable cultural practices for future generations.
Through his research, scholarly contributions, and teaching, Dr. Choi has contributed significantly to the field of Korean martial arts, helping to preserve these valuable cultural practices for future generations.
Academic Background
Ph.D. Sport Science
Seoul National University, South Korea (2003)
MA Pedagogy
Seoul National University, South Korea (1995)
BA Physics
Sogang University, Seoul, South Korea (1992)
Dr. Choi's interdisciplinary background bridges scientific inquiry and educational theory, positioning him as a leading voice in martial arts historiography. His doctoral dissertation, "Historical Context and Technical Analysis of the Muye Dobo Tongji," transformed scholarly understanding of Korea's most significant martial arts manuscript. Through this seminal work, Dr. Choi established innovative methodologies for analyzing historical combat systems that combine rigorous practical demonstration with academic discourse—approaches that continue to shape contemporary research in the field.
Notable Publications
Dr. Choi has authored over twenty books and forty academic articles on Korean martial arts history, techniques, and cultural significance, publishing in both Korean and English. His pioneering scholarship bridges the critical gap between historical documentation and practical application, with a focus on preserving, authenticating, and revitalizing traditional Korean fighting systems threatened by modernization..
Most Recent Work (2025)
A Brief History of Korean Martial Arts: A Bird's Eye View from Prehistory to Tomorrow. Hilversum: Art of War, 2025. This landmark volume traces the evolution of Korean martial traditions across millennia, masterfully synthesizing archaeological findings, historical manuscripts, and contemporary practice to present the most comprehensive chronology to date.
Award-Winning Research
Gwonbeop Bible: The Classic of Fist Techniques from Jixiaoxinshu (2018) - Honored with the 2019 Excellent Academic Book Award from the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Korea. This comprehensive translation and scholarly commentary illuminates the technical foundations of historical Korean combat systems, making ancient knowledge accessible to modern practitioners.
International Publications
"Can We Learn Martial Arts Through Books?": The Revival of Korean Fight Books Through Transmission and Reconstruction, Acta Periodica Duellatorum (2020). This influential peer-reviewed article examines the methodological challenges and innovative approaches in reconstructing martial techniques from historical texts, establishing new protocols for martial arts scholarship.
All publications
PUBLICATIONS
April 2025
A Brief History of Korean Martial Arts: A bird’s eye view from prehistory to tomorrow. Hilversum: Art of War.
A Brief History of Korean Martial Arts: A bird’s eye view from prehistory to tomorrow. Hilversum: Art of War.
December 2024
Ssangsudo: Two-handed saber (The Muye dobo tongji Series 6). Hilversum: Art of War.
Ssangsudo: Two-handed saber (The Muye dobo tongji Series 6). Hilversum: Art of War.
September 2022
Koreanization of Japanese Swordsmanship: From Kage-ryu to Gekkiken and Kendo (Ilbon geomsului hangukhwa: Kageryueseo gyeokgeom, geomdokkaji). Seoul: Korean Studies Information, 2018. (In Korean)
Koreanization of Japanese Swordsmanship: From Kage-ryu to Gekkiken and Kendo (Ilbon geomsului hangukhwa: Kageryueseo gyeokgeom, geomdokkaji). Seoul: Korean Studies Information, 2018. (In Korean)
October 2020
“Can We Learn Martial Arts Through Books?: The Revival of Korean Fight Books Through Transmission and Reconstruction.” Acta Periodica Duellatorum, Vol. 8, No. 1. DOI: 10.36950/apd-2020-012
“Can We Learn Martial Arts Through Books?: The Revival of Korean Fight Books Through Transmission and Reconstruction.” Acta Periodica Duellatorum, Vol. 8, No. 1. DOI: 10.36950/apd-2020-012
November 2018
Gwonbeop Bible: The classic of fist techniques from Jixiao xinshu (Gwonbeop baibeul: Gihyo sinseoreul tonghae bon gojeon gwonbeop). Seoul: Korean Studies Information. (In Korean)
— 2019 Excellent Academic Book Award, National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Korea
Gwonbeop Bible: The classic of fist techniques from Jixiao xinshu (Gwonbeop baibeul: Gihyo sinseoreul tonghae bon gojeon gwonbeop). Seoul: Korean Studies Information. (In Korean)
— 2019 Excellent Academic Book Award, National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Korea
July 2018
“Dissemination of Japanese Swordsmanship to Korea.” Martial Arts Studies, Issue 6, Cardiff University Press. DOI: 10.18573/mas.63
“Dissemination of Japanese Swordsmanship to Korea.” Martial Arts Studies, Issue 6, Cardiff University Press. DOI: 10.18573/mas.63
March 2018
“Issues in Description of Taekwondo History in Traditionalism” (Jeontong juui taekwondo sa seosului munjejeom). Taekwondo Journal of Kukkiwon, Vol. 9, No. 1, pp. 1–22. (In Korean)
“Issues in Description of Taekwondo History in Traditionalism” (Jeontong juui taekwondo sa seosului munjejeom). Taekwondo Journal of Kukkiwon, Vol. 9, No. 1, pp. 1–22. (In Korean)
December 2016
“Complications with the Interpretation of Subak as a Predecessor of Taekwondo.” Taekwondo Journal of Kukkiwon, Vol. 7, No. 4, pp. 173–194. (In Korean)
“Complications with the Interpretation of Subak as a Predecessor of Taekwondo.” Taekwondo Journal of Kukkiwon, Vol. 7, No. 4, pp. 173–194. (In Korean)
September 2016
“Complications with the Interpretation of Taekgyeon as a Predecessor of Taekwondo.” Taekwondo Journal of Kukkiwon, Vol. 7, No. 3.(In Korean)
“Complications with the Interpretation of Taekgyeon as a Predecessor of Taekwondo.” Taekwondo Journal of Kukkiwon, Vol. 7, No. 3.(In Korean)
September 2011
“Issues on the Versions of Jixiao xinshu Introduced to the Joseon Dynasty.” Journal of the Korean Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, Vol. 50, No. 5. (In Korean)
“Issues on the Versions of Jixiao xinshu Introduced to the Joseon Dynasty.” Journal of the Korean Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, Vol. 50, No. 5. (In Korean)
February 2008
Korean Traditional Martial Arts: Sibpalki. Seoul: Ewha Womans University Press.(In Korean)
Korean Traditional Martial Arts: Sibpalki. Seoul: Ewha Womans University Press.(In Korean)
December 2007
“Identity Problem of Korean Martial Art Kuksool in the Modern History of Korea.” Journal of the Korean Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, Vol. 46, No. 6.(In Korean)
“Identity Problem of Korean Martial Art Kuksool in the Modern History of Korea.” Journal of the Korean Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, Vol. 46, No. 6.(In Korean)
November 2007
“A Study on Martial Arts Theory in the Manual Muye dobo tongji.” Journal of the Korean Society for History of Physical Education, Sport and Dance, Vol. 12, No. 2.(In Korean)
“A Study on Martial Arts Theory in the Manual Muye dobo tongji.” Journal of the Korean Society for History of Physical Education, Sport and Dance, Vol. 12, No. 2.(In Korean)
September 2006
A Study on the Illustrated Manuals of Military Arts in the Mid-Joseon Period. Co-author. Seoul: Seoul National University Press.(In Korean)
A Study on the Illustrated Manuals of Military Arts in the Mid-Joseon Period. Co-author. Seoul: Seoul National University Press.(In Korean)
September 2005
“A Study on the Martial Arts Classification in Muye dobo tongji.” Journal of the Korean Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, Vol. 44, No. 4.(In Korean)
“A Study on the Martial Arts Classification in Muye dobo tongji.” Journal of the Korean Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, Vol. 44, No. 4.(In Korean)
2004
“The Current Status of Martial Arts Organizations in Korea.” Journal of Korean Martial Arts, Vol. 6, No. 2.(In Korean)
“The Current Status of Martial Arts Organizations in Korea.” Journal of Korean Martial Arts, Vol. 6, No. 2.(In Korean)
August 2003
Historical Background of the Compilation of Muye dobo tongji and the Discourse on the Martial Arts. Doctoral dissertation, Seoul National University.(In Korean)
Historical Background of the Compilation of Muye dobo tongji and the Discourse on the Martial Arts. Doctoral dissertation, Seoul National University.(In Korean)
September 2002
“A Study on the Unarmed Martial Arts in the Manual of Muye dobo tongji.” Journal of the Korean Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, Vol. 41, No. 4.(In Korean)
“A Study on the Unarmed Martial Arts in the Manual of Muye dobo tongji.” Journal of the Korean Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, Vol. 41, No. 4.(In Korean)
December 2001
Martial Arts Sibpalki. Seoul: Chorokbae Magics.(In Korean)
Martial Arts Sibpalki. Seoul: Chorokbae Magics.(In Korean)
December 2001
“Problems Concerning the Recognition of Martial Arts and Their Succession Systems.” The Korean Journal of Martial Arts, Vol. 3, No. 1.(In Korean)
“Problems Concerning the Recognition of Martial Arts and Their Succession Systems.” The Korean Journal of Martial Arts, Vol. 3, No. 1.(In Korean)
October 2001
“Problems of Traditional Martial Arts and Future Tasks.” Presented at the 4th Chungju World Martial Arts Festival Scholarly Seminar.
“Problems of Traditional Martial Arts and Future Tasks.” Presented at the 4th Chungju World Martial Arts Festival Scholarly Seminar.
August 23–25, 2001
“Theoretical Foundation for Korean Martial Arts History Research.” Presented at the 2001 Seoul International Sport Science Congress.
“Theoretical Foundation for Korean Martial Arts History Research.” Presented at the 2001 Seoul International Sport Science Congress.
August 3–7, 2001
“Historical Value of Muye jebo beonyeok sokjip.” Presented at the 4th Congress of the Society for the History of Sport of North Eastern Asia, Chengdu, China.
“Historical Value of Muye jebo beonyeok sokjip.” Presented at the 4th Congress of the Society for the History of Sport of North Eastern Asia, Chengdu, China.
December 2000
“Evaluation of the Theoretical Foundation for Establishing the History of Korean Martial Arts.” The Korean Journal of Martial Arts, Vol. 2, No. 1.(In Korean)
“Evaluation of the Theoretical Foundation for Establishing the History of Korean Martial Arts.” The Korean Journal of Martial Arts, Vol. 2, No. 1.(In Korean)
August 1995
Reconstitution of Korean Traditional Martial Arts and Its Modern Significance. Master’s thesis, Seoul National University.(In Korean)
Teaching Experience
University Lecturer
Served as distinguished faculty at prestigious Korean institutions including Youngsan University (Oriental Martial Arts), Keimyung University (Taekwondo), and Sungkyungwan University (Sport Science), where he developed comprehensive curricula integrating theoretical frameworks with practical applications.
Workshop Instructor
Facilitated specialized martial arts workshops and intensive training seminars throughout Korea and Europe, focusing on authentic traditional techniques, historical context, and cultural preservation methodologies.
Club Instructor
Provided expert instruction at university martial arts clubs and dedicated training centers, including Seoul National University, Sogang University, and Hanguk Muyewon, emphasizing both technical proficiency and philosophical foundations.
Course Director
Conceptualized, developed, and implemented the recognized Muye dobo tongji Cycle and Korean Martial Arts Leaders Course at Leiden University and Korean Institute for Martial Arts, establishing new standards for martial arts pedagogy.
Presentations & Keynote Speeches
Book Presentation (2025)
Delivered comprehensive lectures on "A Brief History of Korean Martial Arts" and "Bows and Blades" at the Leiden University in the Netherlands.
Keynote Speech (2017)
Explored the provocative question "Can We Learn Martial Arts through Books?" as keynote speaker at the internationally acclaimed Fight Books in Comparative Perspective conference at Deutsches Klingenmuseum, Solingen, Germany.
International Conferences
Presented groundbreaking research on Japanese swordsmanship traditions in Korea (Bath, England), analyzed Qi Jiguang's influential martial pedagogy (Cardiff University), and examined the global diffusion patterns of Asian martial arts (Cheongju University).
Performances & Public Engagements
Martial Arts Demonstrations
Executed masterful demonstrations of Korean traditional swordsmanship at elite cultural venues including the Korean Traditional Martial Arts Exhibition, World Ceramic Exposition in Icheon, and renowned international martial arts festivals throughout Spain and the Netherlands. These performances meticulously recreated authentic historical combat forms, illuminating Korea's martial heritage for diverse global audiences while preserving the technical precision and philosophical depth of these ancient traditions.
Consultant and Martial Arts Choreographer
Served as expert historical consultant and choreographer for the acclaimed KBS documentary series Keywords of Traditional Martial Arts, specifically for the segment analyzing the "Mural Painting of Bare-Handed Combat (Subakdo) from the Tomb of the Dancer (Muyongchong)" [DVD]. This groundbreaking production, originally broadcast on January 20, 2003 (Seoul: KBS Media, 2016), required meticulous research and precise movement reconstruction to authentically represent Korea's ancient combat systems.
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Certifications & Affiliations
Martial Arts Certification
Sibpalki 7th Dan (Korea Sibpalki Association, 2013)
Teaching Certification
Certificate of Community Sports Instructor (Korean Ministry of Sport and Youth, 1992)
Professional Affiliations
President of the Dutch Sibpalki Association (2011-present)
Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Korean Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (KAHPERD)
Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Korean Society for the History of Physical Education, Sport and Dance (KSHPESD)