In its native language C.M.A. is known as Jonghap Musul, with the word Jonghap meaning "combined" and Musul a "martial art".

The earliest records of Martial Arts practice in Korea and of what was to become modern Jonghap Musul dates back approximately two thousand years ago. Paintings from this time period found on the ceiling of a royal tomb from the Koguryo dynasty show unarmed figures in fighting-stance practising martial arts techniques. Historical records from this Koguryu period also mention the practice of martial arts techniques and tournaments.

Jonghap Musul as a martial art and healing art began to evolve 2000 years ago when Korea was divided into the three kingdoms of Koguryo, Paekje and Silla. It has been part of the Korean traditional culture as a sport and an art, and has also undertaken the title of Kwonbop, Soobak and Taekyon (from which the name Taekwon-do was derived in the 1950's). These are all precursors of Jonghap Musul and make up the historical development of Jonghap Musul as we know it today.

The three Kingdoms were as follows

Of the three kingdoms Silla was the smallest and was prone to attack by the neighbouring Japanese. Silla got assistance from the Koguryo kingdom to drive out the pirates. During this time select Silla warriors were given training in Soobak by early masters from the Koguryo kingdom where Soobak originated.

These warriors were to become known as the Hwarang-do or "Flower Knights". The Hwarang-do were an army of warriors who were devoted to cultivating mind and body and to serve, protect and advance the Silla kingdom.

The Hwarang-do was made up of the Hwarang (Hwa = flower, rang = man) or "Flower men", who were the leaders and the Rangdo or "Fellows" their soldiers. Only members of the royal family were able to become leaders and rise to the position of Hwarang. The Rangdo were the students and soldiers of the Hwarang, and came from the civilian class.

The Hwarang-do studied various forms of martial arts, history, Confucian Philosophy, ethics, Buddhist Morality, and military tactics. The guiding principles of the Hwarang warriors were loyalty, filial duty, trustworthiness, valour, and justice.

Much of the influence of this Hwarang tradition is due to the leadership of King Chinhung (540 AD), who was a Hwarang. As a leader he greatly developed the power and strength of the Hwarang-do.

King Chinhung took on the task of driving out the Japanese colonies to the east, followed by a long period of expansion wars, firstly with the larger Koguryo kingdom to the north and the fertile valleys of the Paekje Kingdom to the west.

Because of the skill of the Hwarang warriors, Silla unified the kingdoms after winning the war against Paekje in 668 AD and Koguryo in 670 AD and influenced the spread of martial arts throughout Korea.

In 936 AD Wang Kon founded the Koryo dynasty an abbreviation of Koguryo (Korea is derived from the word Koryo).

The name Soobak was taken on as the popular term to describe martial arts including Taekyon.

The historical development of Jonghap Musul continued with the Joseon Dynasty in Korea. During the second half of the Joseon Dynasty, political conflicts and the move against military pursuits, forced martial arts to be practised in secret and almost lead to the disappearance of martial arts.

It was during this period that the Korean alphabet, Hangul, was invented by King Sejong the Great in 1446. This period also had its share of external problems, suffering invasions by the Japanese (1592-1598) and the Manchus (1627-1636).

During the period 1904 - 1905, Japanese forces invaded Korea, despite Korean declarations of neutrality. The signing of the Japan-Korea Protection Treaty in 1905 gave Japan virtual control over Korea, and in 1910 a Korean royal proclamation announced the annexation by Japan.

The Japanese invasion and occupation of Korea in 1909 led to a similar suppression of Korean culture and martial arts in favour of Japanese culture and martial arts.

The Japanese banned the practice of all military activities and the use of the Korean language in schools and in business. Jonghap Musul was practised under the name of Karate during this time, but had its correct title restored in 1945. During this occupation the Resident General banned the practice of martial arts and imprisoned many patriots. However the development of martial arts systems continued as patriotic young men traveled secretly to Buddhist temples to learn the martial arts and organise "underground" revolutionary groups. Since this time Jonghap Musul has developed to become one of the most complex martial art systems in the world today.

Modern Jonghap Musul is a combination of Hyung (patterns) and the ancestral combative arts, such as Soobak and Taekyon. In modern times hand techniques have become increasingly important, yet the use of the feet remains the trademark and beauty of Jonghap Musul.

C.M.A. has been in New Zealand for over 25 years teaching thousands of student's self defence, discipline and life skills. From primary school age to senior citizens C.M.A. Is taught with the emphasis on achieving and enjoying the benefits of good health and fitness, concentration, discipline and the development of moral character.

The New Zealand C.M.A. headquarters are situated in Auckland where C.M.A. Is best established and where many C.M.A. clubs are in operation. The majority of these clubs operate out of schools where a large proportion of the students are from the local area and the school itself. Regular clubs have two classes per week during term time with classes running for approximately an hour each. In addition to regular classes C.M.A. operate school holiday programs, self defence courses (especially popular among parents and teachers) and annually junior level national tournaments and camps.

C.M.A. In New Zealand is in the privileged position of having extremely close ties with the home of C.M.A. In Korea. The Grandmaster of C.M.A. often visits New Zealand to make special appearances at gradings, tournaments and other notable occasions. In addition to this C.M.A. World Masters often base themselves in New Zealand for periods of time, to fine tune the training of C.M.A. instructors and on very special occasions make guest appearances at clubs to expand on the training given by club instructors.