Minjok Dojang Gyeongdang

The first step toward restoring the 24-Ban Martial Arts began at the Gyeongdang.

The National Dojang Gyeongdang marks a significant starting point for the journey toward the restoration and transmission of the 24 Martial Arts Class. Since its establishment by Master Lim Dong-gyu in 1989, it has served as a focal point for preserving and promoting the value of traditional martial arts, and it is the foundation for what is now the Korea 24 Martial Arts Culture Promotion Agency.

Lim Dong-gyu and

the Minjok Dojang Gyeongdang

Gyeongdang was originally an educational institution for commoners in Goguryeo, where both academics and martial arts were taught. In times of national crisis, such as war, its members also served as warriors, functioning as a quasi-military institution. This system was one of the key forces that enabled Goguryeo to grow into a powerful nation.

Master Lim Dong-gyu inherited this martial spirit and progressive ethos of Gyeongdang, and through the 24 Martial Arts of the Muye Dobo Tongji—the military training manual of the Joseon Dynasty—he sought to carry on that legacy. By promoting correct historical education alongside martial practice, he founded the national martial arts hall ‘Gyeongdang’ with the aim of cultivating individuals who embody both literary and martial excellence.

Chronology of Lim Dong-gyu

Following the Life and Legacy of the Late Master Yongjin Lim Dong-gyu

1980: While incarcerated, he began working on the restoration of the 24 martial arts recorded in the Muye Dobotongji (Illustrated Manual of Martial Arts). Even during imprisonment, he devoted himself to martial arts practice, earning the nickname “Broom Master.”
December 1988: Released after 9 years and 9 months in prison.
1989: Founded Gyeongdang, a martial arts training hall, along with the Korean Martial Arts Research Association. His aim was to establish martial arts as a path to cultivating national spirit and character, rather than viewing it solely as physical training.
1990s: Around 100 Gyeongdang clubs were established at universities nationwide, producing approximately 250 instructors and training more than 100,000 students.
2002: Inaugurated as President of the 24 Martial Arts Association.
2000s–2010s: Conducted traditional martial arts seminars in Europe and the United States, providing the first-ever instruction in 24-Ban Martial Arts to international martial arts instructors.
2014: Honored with the title Republic of Korea Martial Arts Master by the Korea Martial Arts Federation.
September 21, 2020: Passed away at the age of 81.

Books

Traditional Korean Martial Arts, Hakminsa, 1990
Study of Martial Arts, Hakminsa, 1991
Siyeon·Wanyeok Muyedobotongji, Hakminsa, 1995

Academic Activities

Proceedings of the Korean Traditional Martial Arts Academic Conference, Vol. 1–2, Korean Traditional Martial Arts Federation, 2007

The Korea 24-Ban Martial Arts Cultural Promotion Association carries on the will of the late Master Lim Dong-gyu, with the mission of restoring, preserving, and globalizing Korea’s traditional martial arts, including the 24-Ban Martial Arts.

While safeguarding the historical value of traditional martial arts, the association is dedicated to professional training and cultivating instructors. Through performances, international exchanges, and cultural programs, we aim to make these traditions more accessible to people around the world.

In doing so, we seek to promote the authenticity and excellence of Korean traditional martial arts and contribute to the creation of a global martial arts community.