Taekwondo, often spelled as "Tae Kwon Do" or "TKD," is a modern Korean martial art known for its emphasis on high, fast kicks and dynamic striking techniques. Translating to "the way of the foot and fist" or "the way of kicking and punching," Taekwondo is renowned for its explosive and acrobatic kicking techniques.

Key elements and characteristics of Taekwondo include:

  1. Kicking Techniques: Taekwondo places a primary focus on kicking techniques, which include high kicks, spinning kicks, and jumping kicks. These kicks are executed with precision, speed, and power.

  2. Hand Strikes: While kicking is predominant, Taekwondo also incorporates hand strikes such as punches and open-hand techniques. These complement the kicking techniques and provide a well-rounded martial art.

  3. Poomsae (Forms): Taekwondo practitioners learn and perform a series of choreographed movements called "poomsae" or "forms." Poomsae help develop balance, coordination, and the application of techniques in a structured sequence.

  4. Sparring (Kyorugi): Taekwondo includes sparring sessions where practitioners engage in controlled combat with opponents. Points are awarded for successful techniques, including kicks and punches to specific target areas.

  5. Breaking Techniques: Breaking techniques involve breaking boards, bricks, or other materials to demonstrate precision and power. These are often a part of Taekwondo demonstrations and testing.

  6. Philosophy and Tenets: Taekwondo is guided by a set of five tenets: courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit. These principles emphasize character development and ethical behavior.

  7. Ranking System: Taekwondo employs a colored belt ranking system to signify a practitioner's level of skill and experience. Beginners start with a white belt and progress through various colored belts (e.g., yellow, green, blue, brown) before achieving black belt ranks.

  8. Olympic Sport: Taekwondo is an Olympic sport that features both sparring (kyorugi) and poomsae competitions. It has been part of the Olympic program since the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

Taekwondo is practiced by millions of individuals worldwide for various reasons, including self-defense, physical fitness, sport competition, and personal development. It is known for its rigorous training regimen, demanding physical conditioning, and the discipline it instills in practitioners. Taekwondo continues to evolve and thrive as a popular martial art and Olympic sport


History of Taekwando

HiThe history of Taekwondo is closely tied to the modernization of Korea and the development of martial arts in the country. Taekwondo is a relatively young martial art compared to some other traditional Asian martial arts, but it has a rich and dynamic history. Here is an overview of the history of Taekwondo:

1. Ancient Korean Martial Arts (BC to 20th Century):

  • The roots of Taekwondo can be traced back to ancient Korean martial arts, which were influenced by Chinese and indigenous Korean fighting styles.
  • Korea's Three Kingdoms period (57 BC to 668 AD) saw the development of various martial traditions, including Subak, Taekkyeon, and Hwa Rang Do, which laid the foundation for modern Taekwondo.

2. Japanese Occupation (1910-1945):

  • During the Japanese occupation of Korea, the practice of traditional Korean martial arts was suppressed, and Korean martial artists were forced to study Japanese martial arts.
  • This period led to a decline in traditional Korean martial arts, but it also contributed to the development of Taekwondo as we know it today.

3. Post-World War II Era and Korean Independence (1945-1950s):

  • After World War II and the liberation of Korea from Japanese rule, efforts to revive and modernize Korean martial arts began.
  • Various martial arts schools and instructors worked to create a unified Korean martial art that would represent the spirit and culture of Korea.

4. The Birth of Taekwondo (1950s-1960s):

  • Taekwondo, as a distinct martial art, began to take shape in the 1950s and 1960s.
  • General Choi Hong Hi is often credited with playing a pivotal role in the development and popularization of Taekwondo. He was one of the key figures who helped unify various Korean martial arts schools under the name "Taekwondo."
  • In 1955, the name "Taekwondo" was officially adopted to represent the new Korean martial art. The term "Tae" means "foot," "Kwon" means "fist," and "Do" means "way" or "art."

5. Formation of Governing Bodies (1960s-1970s):

  • The International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) was founded by General Choi Hong Hi in 1966. ITF Taekwondo focuses on the traditional aspects of Taekwondo, including patterns (forms) and self-defense techniques.
  • The World Taekwondo Federation (WTF), now known as World Taekwondo (WT), was established in 1973, with a focus on developing Taekwondo as an international sport.

6. Taekwondo in the Olympics (2000-Present):

  • Taekwondo was included in the Olympic program for the first time at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Since then, it has been a prominent Olympic sport, featuring both sparring (kyorugi) and poomsae (forms) competitions.
  • The introduction of Taekwondo to the Olympics contributed to its global recognition and popularity.

Today, Taekwondo is practiced worldwide by millions of individuals of all ages. It is known for its dynamic and high-flying kicks, as well as its emphasis on discipline, courtesy, and respect. Taekwondo continues to evolve, with various styles and schools, while preserving its traditional values and techniques. It remains an important part of Korean cultural heritage and a prominent martial art on the global stage.