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Fighting Monks’ new master shares martial arts style

Buddhist monk Ando demonstrates Sunmudo martial arts techniques. The monks of Beomeosa Temple in South Korea are famed for defeating Japanese invaders during the late 1500s and again during the Japanese occupation in the early 20th century.

Buddhist monk Ando demonstrates Sunmudo martial arts techniques. The monks of Beomeosa Temple in South Korea are famed for defeating Japanese invaders during the late 1500s and again during the Japanese occupation in the early 20th century.  (Matt Douma / For The Times)

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South Korean monk Ando knows his own teacher would probably be furious, but he felt it was time to move the secrets of Sunmudo beyond the temple walls.

Buddhist monk Ando strolls along a mountain path near the temple.

Buddhist monk Ando strolls along a mountain path near the ancient temple of Beomeosa.  (Matt Douma / For The Times)

Teaching a novice

Ando demonstrates technique to a novice student. Traditional training begins as early as 4 a.m.  (Matt Douma / For The Times)

Teaching theory

Ando explains the theory behind a martial arts technique to students. Behind him is a painting of his predecessor and an elevated table where the master sat. No one is allowed to sit there, not even Ando.  (Matt Douma / For The Times)

Buddhist monk Ando

Ando inside the temple grounds. The site was long off limits to outsiders, but Ando now welcomes them as students.  (Matt Douma / For The Times)

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