Taekwondo has grown rapidly in popularity over the years. Today, over 30 million people practice Taekwondo all over the world. When did it start, and how did it get to where it is today? Let’s have a look!
The literal meaning of Taekwondo:
Taekwondo is derived from three Korean words: Tae (foot), Kwon (fist) and Do (way/method).
Taekwondo means “the way of foot and fist,” describing the punching and kicking techniques that characterize the martial art.
The name was suggested by General Choi Hong Hi, who is recognized as the father of Taekwondo.
The history of Taekwondo:
Taekwondo, as we know it today, is a blend of the various styles of martial arts that existed in Korea and its surrounding countries. Some of these martial arts styles include Karate, Kung-fu and Subak.
Taekwondo is traced back to 50 B.C.
During this time, Korea was made up of three rival kingdoms: Goguryeo, Silla and Baekje. The men of these kingdoms were trained in martial arts to protect their people and lands.
Silla, the smallest of the three kingdoms, is credited with spreading Taekwondo across Korea. Silla was always under attack by Japanese pirates, and selected Sillian warriors were given special training in Tae-Kyon, a sub-style of Subak. These warriors became known as the Hwarang.
The Hwarang set up a military academy where they taught Taek-Kyon, history and philosophy. They lived by a strict code of honour.
In 1909, and for the next 36 years, Japan invaded Korea and occupied the country. Korean language, books and military arts were banned.
This caused an increased interest in Subak, and Koreans practiced martial arts in secret and were exposed to Karate and Chinese martial arts.
When the Japanese finally left in 1945, martial arts schools opened up in Korea, each teaching a different aspect of Tae-Kyon.
Eventually, nine schools emerged, including Tae Soo Doo and Soo Bahk Do.
Around 1955, most of the Kwan masters decided to merge their styles and were named Tae Soo Do, later changed to Taekwondo.
Taekwondo and the Olympics:
The journey to bringing Taekwondo to the Olympics was a gradual one, beginning with Taekwondo’s admission to the American Athletic Union (AAU) in 1974. The AAU adopted the standards of WT.
A year later, in 1975, Taekwondo became an affiliate of the General Association of International Sports Federation (GAISF) which works closely with the Olympics.
Five years later, Taekwondo was recognized by the International Olympics Committee (IOC).
In 1980, Taekwondo was one of the primary events in the World Games, an international competition specifically for non-Olympic events.
Two years later, Taekwondo was designated an official demonstration sport for the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, Korea, and for the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain.
In 1986 and 1987, Taekwondo was included in the World Cup, the Asian Games, All-Africa Games, and the Pan American Games.
The IOC adopted Taekwondo as an official Olympic sport for the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia in 1994.
What to know about World Taekwondo (WT):
Korea Taekwondo Association (KTA) is the first Taekwondo association, founded in 1959.
In 1966, some members of the KTA formed the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF).
The World Taekwondo Federation (WT) was formed in the early 1970s.
WT is a member of the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF) and International Paralympic Committee (IPC).
WT’s mission is to: “Develop and grow Taekwondo throughout the world, from a grassroots level all the way through to an elite level, to provide all with the opportunity to play, watch and enjoy the sport regardless of age, gender, religion, ethnicity or ability.”
Peak Performance Taekwondo is an Olympic Martial Arts Academy with highly qualified and experienced coaches. For more information on how to join classes online or in-person, get in touch below:
Phone - 07961534525
Email - info@peakperformancetkd.co.uk
Address - Wimbledon Park Hall: Arthur Road, Wimbledon, SW19 8AQ