A South Korean martial art that almost completely disappeared under Japan's colonial rule is alive and well today. And one day before the 68th anniversary of South Korea's liberation from Japan, athletes of this unique sport have held a competition in a very meaningful location.

Symbolic martial art called Taekkyeon.

Circular and graceful, like a pair of bird wings in flight, in this martial art called "Taekkyeon," the idea is to kick the opponent's face or make the opponent lose balance and topple.

A day before August 15th, which marks the 68th anniversary of the end of Japan's occupation of South Korea, twelve contenders dressed in red and blue, with a referee in yellow, compete to overcome their opponents. It's not just love of the sport that has brought them here; the display also holds symbolic significance.

Lee Yong-Bok, Chairman, Korea Taekkyon Federation, said, "Dokdo is clearly South Korean territory, and even though Japan continues its provocations, rather than argue, we want to send a message to the Japanese that we should co-exist in peace and support each other as neighbors."

U-Jean Jung, Dokdo Islets, Republic of Korea, said, "Taekkyeon has a special place in history. It almost disappeared completely during Japan's colonial rule, but it managed to survive the occupation and in 2011 became the first martial art of its kind to receive UNESCO's recognition."

One year has passed since former South Korean President Lee Myung-bak made a surprise visit to the disputed islets that the Japanese call "Takeshima". The rocky outcrops are still at the center of sour relations between Seoul and Tokyo as Japan continues to claim the area as theirs in school textbooks and government reports.

An upsurge in Japanese nationalism and right-wing rhetoric has raised eyebrows in South Korea, and its prompting young people like Yun-young and Seung-ryong to visit the Dokdo Islets.

Ko Yun-Young, Taekkyeon Athlete, said, "I feel more emotional competing here today, and I want to do my best here to show that Dokdo is our territory."

Suh Seung-Ryong, Taekkyeon Athlete / Male Winner, said, "It's been really important to take part in and win the competition on Dokdo. My wish is to become a great Taekkyeon athlete."

By remembering how Taekkyeon was almost lost during Japan's suppression, the younger athletes have learnt that it is their responsibility to safeguard their cultural heritage, no matter what it takes.

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