TAEKWONDO

HISTORY
OF TAEKWONDO

Early Koreans developed unique martial art forms for unarmed self defense to complement their skills with weapons. The first recorded evidence of what was to become modern Tae Kwon Do is found about two thousand years ago in Korean history. A mural painting from the Koguryu kingdom (37 B.C. to 66 A.D.) was found in a tomb believed to have been built sometime during the period 3 to 427 A.D.

The modern period of Taekwondo began with the defeat of the Japanese and the liberation of Korea in 1945. Korean martial arts masters wanted to eliminate Japanese influences. They began discussions on how to return to the traditional Taekyon based Korean martial arts and on how to unite the various martial arts schools (or Kwans) and styles into a single style and national sport. After several years of discussions, the name “Taekwondo” was chosen in April 1955.

Taekwondo means “the way of the foot and the fist” or in other words, “the way of kicking and punching”. The name was derived from the Korean word “Tae” meaning foot, “Kwon” meaning fist and “Do” meaning way of. Hands and feet can be used to overcome an opponent, but the trademark of the sport is its combination of kick movements.

The spread of Taekwondo as a martial art and competitive sport continues to this date. The principle events in the rapid evolution of Taekwondo as a popular world wide sport are:

• 1965 The Korea Taekwondo Association was formed.
• 1973 World Taekwondo Federation created.
• 1975 General Association of International Sports Federations recognizes the WTF.
• 1976 Taekwondo accepted as a Consul International du Sport Militaire sport (world level military sports organization).
• 1980 International Olympic Committee recognizes the WTF.
• 1981 Taekwondo accepted as a World Games sport 1983 Taekwondo accepted as a Pan American Games and All Africa Games sport.
• 1985 Taekwondo adopted as a demonstration sport for the 1988 Olympic Games.
• 1986 Taekwondo accepted as a Federation International du Sport Universitaire sport (world university level sport organization).
• 1992 Taekwondo is an Olympic demonstration sport in Barcelona, Spain.
• 1994 Taekwondo selected as a full Olympic sport for the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia.

Today Tae Kwon Do is by far the most widely practiced martial art in the world.

PHILOSOPHY
OF TAEKWONDO

Taekwondo philosophy is based on the concept of Yin and Yang which symbolizes the interaction of opposing forces in nature. Harmony and balance are achieved when these opposing forces are distributed equally. When balance is not achieved, there is disorder or failure.

Respect, humility, and healthy moral standards are also major concepts at the heart of taekwondo. The importance of respect will never be emphasized enough as it is the key to all healthy relationships including that of the instructor and student. If the student does not have respect for himself and for his peers, he will never gain the confidence of the people around him and will quickly be excluded. The principal of respect applies to all aspects of life.

Humility is another quality that all students must exercise and improve. It is not easily acquired. Practicing taekwondo with success must not increase self-confidence to the point of developing a feeling of superiority over others. On the same note, negating one’s own abilities to demonstrate humility is no better and simply equates to false modesty. Humility for the enthusiast is the reality that today he is likely better than yesterday and probably not as good as he will be tomorrow and that he himself is the master of this opportunity. With this perspective of evolution and growth, the taekwondo enthusiast must accept that his peers are evolving as well. When judging his progress against that of his peers, he systematically regresses, especially if he looks down on his peers.

TENETS
OF TAEKWONDO

1. Courtesy

   Taekwondo students should attempt to be polite to one another and to respect others.  Turning up early or on time for classes is also an aspect of courtesy.

2. Integrity

   One who has integrity is able to define what is right or wrong and have the conscience, if wrong, to feel guilt. Taekwondo students should strive to be honest and to live by moral principles.

3. Perseverance

   Perseverance means having patience. One of the most important secrets of becoming a leader in Taekwondo is to overcome every difficulty by perseverance.

4. Self-Control

   Without self-control, a Taekwondo student is just like any fighter in the street. Loss of self-control is disastrous both in sparring and personal affairs.

5. Indomitable Spirit

   A true student of Taekwondo will never give up, not even when faced with insurmountable odds. The most difficult goals can be achieved with indomitable spirit.