History of Taekwondo

The name Taekwondo has only been used since 1955 while the arts' roots began over 2000 years ago in  Korea. Known as a martial art and way of life, the evolution of Taekwondo was a direct result of the happenings in Korea long ago,  and knowledge of the history is an important step in understanding Taekwondo.

ANCIENT ROOTS:

This warrior corps in addition to the ordinary training in spear, bow, sword, and hood also trained themselves by practicing mental and physical discipline, and various forms of hand and foot fighting (Soo Bak and Tae Kyon).

During the period of Hwa Rang-Do the primitive art of foot fighting called Soo Bak was added a new dimension by the warriors and changed into a combatative art called Soo Bak-Gi.

MODERN RENAISSANCE:

Modern day Taekwondo has influenced many other martial arts and too is influenced by others. The most important of these arts is Japanese Karate. This is because Japan dominated Korea during 1910 until the end of World War II. The influences that Japan has given to Taekwondo are the quick, linear movements which characterize the various Japanese systems.

In April 1955, Taekwondo was chosen as the new name of the national martial art by a board of instructors, historians, and other prominent persons. The name was selected for its apt description of the art.

After centuries, the Korean martial art has reached its full maturity and has spread from a small band of aristocratic warriors to practitioners in more than 60 countries with millions of students. The combination of the old classical techniques and new modifications have resulted in a form of self-defense and mental conditioning unrivaled in the modern world.

Taekwondo Tenets

Courtesy

Always promote the spirit of mutual concessions, be polite to one another, encourage the sense of justice and distinguish the instructor from the student and the senior from the junior.

Integrity

You must be able to know right from wrong, and have the conscience, if wrong, to feel guilt. You must be able to learn from your mistakes and use them as a tool for yourself in the future not to make the same mistake again.

Perseverance

To achieve something, whether it is a higher degree or the perfection of a technique, one must set goal then constantly persevere. Never give up on something to which you have a strong moral conviction. Important aspects in becoming a leader of Taekwondo is to overcome every difficulty through perseverance. Keep trying, never give up.

Self-Control

This tenet is extremely important inside and outside the school, whether conducting oneself in free sparring or in one's personal affairs. A loss of self-control in free sparring can prove disastrous to both student and opponent. Do not lose your temper.

Indomitable Spirit

A serious student of Taekwondo will at all times be modest and honest. In confronted with justice, he will deal with belligerence without fear or hesitation at all, with indomitable spirit, regardless of whosoever and however many may be the numbers. To have a good attitude.

Taekwondo
(Korean Karate)

Taekwondo a Korean martial art characterized by it's  fast, high and spinning kicks.

It is also a very complete self-defense system which includes hand, elbow, foot, and knee techniques, as well as pressure-point strikes, groin and eye attacks, joint locks, and throws and sweeps.

Taekwondo is also a way of life. Its tenets are Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, and Indomitable Spirit.

Taekwondo is a physical science. While training, individual movements of the body are perfected so they become one. Taekwondo techniques are always evaluated and improved on the basis of their scientific applications.

Its techniques may be used with deadly effectiveness. Self-control, mental discipline, and self-confidence allow students to tailor the power of their techniques to fit the situation.

In Taekwondo the legs are used about 70% of the time! The legs are utilized more frequently because they are longer and stronger than arms as well as providing an element of surprise. But most importantly, we learn how to block and evade attack so that we can control a situation without having to resort to using force.

Kicks are the most distinctive feature of Taekwondo.

The evidence of Taekwondo's existence as a systemized defense operation using the body's instinctive reflexes can be traced back to ceremonial games that were performed during religious events in the era of the ancient tribal states. During religious ceremonies such as Yeonggo and Dongmaeng (a sort of thanksgiving ceremony), and Mucheon (Dance to Heaven), ancient Koreans performed a unique exercise for physical training. This exercise was the original inception of Taekwondo.

Taekwondo Oath

I shall observe the Tenets of Taekwondo

I shall respect instructors and senior students

I shall never misuse Taekwondo

I will be a champion of freedom and justice

I will build a more peaceful world

Click here to learn about Taekwondo Ranks and Belt Colors.