Taekwondo

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Taekwondo

Taekwondo is a Korean martial art characterized by its emphasis on head-height kicks, jumping and spinning kicks, and fast kicking techniques. It is a discipline that combines combat techniques, self-defense, sport, exercise, meditation, and philosophy. Taekwondo is one of the most systematic and scientific Korean traditional martial arts, that teaches more than physical fighting skills. It is a discipline that shows ways of enhancing our spirit and life through training our body and mind.

History

The origins of Taekwondo can be traced back to ancient Korea, where martial arts were practiced as a means of self-defense and physical training. The modern form of Taekwondo was developed in the mid-20th century, after the end of Japanese occupation in Korea. General Choi Hong Hi is often credited with the development of Taekwondo as a formal martial art, and he was instrumental in the formation of the Korea Taekwondo Association in 1959.

Ancient Martial Arts

The earliest records of martial arts in Korea date back to the Goguryeo dynasty (37 BC – 668 AD), where murals depict figures practicing martial arts. These early forms of martial arts were known as "Taekkyeon" and "Subak".

Modern Development

After World War II, various martial arts schools, known as "kwans", were established in Korea. These schools began to unify under the name "Taekwondo" in the 1950s. The International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) was founded in 1966, and the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) was established in 1973, which later became known as World Taekwondo (WT).

Techniques

Taekwondo is known for its dynamic and powerful kicking techniques. The art also includes hand strikes, blocks, and open-handed techniques.

Kicks

Taekwondo practitioners are known for their high, fast, and spinning kicks. Some of the most common kicks include:

• Front Kick (Ap Chagi): A straightforward kick using the ball of the foot.
• Roundhouse Kick (Dollyo Chagi): A circular kick using the instep or ball of the foot.
• Side Kick (Yeop Chagi): A powerful kick delivered from the side using the heel.
• Back Kick (Dwi Chagi): A backward kick using the heel.
• Axe Kick (Naeryo Chagi): A downward kick using the heel.

Hand Techniques

While Taekwondo is known for its kicks, it also includes a variety of hand techniques such as punches, knife-hand strikes, and palm strikes.

Philosophy

Taekwondo is not just a physical activity but also a way of life. It emphasizes the development of moral character and mental discipline. The tenets of Taekwondo include:

• Courtesy (Ye Ui)
• Integrity (Yom Chi)
• Perseverance (In Nae)
• Self-Control (Guk Gi)
• Indomitable Spirit (Baekjul Boolgool)

Competitions

Taekwondo is a popular competitive sport and was included in the Olympic Games as a demonstration sport in 1988 and became an official Olympic sport in 2000. Competitions are governed by World Taekwondo (WT) rules, which emphasize sparring, poomsae (forms), and breaking.

Belt System

Taekwondo uses a belt system to signify the level of skill and experience of practitioners. The belt colors typically progress from white to black, with various colors in between such as yellow, green, blue, and red.

Also see

• Martial arts
• Karate
• Judo
• Hapkido
• Korean martial arts