About Tae Kwon Do

Taekwondo is believed to be one of the oldest Oriental arts of unarmed self-defense. Taekwondo is purely Korean in origin as the beginnings of true Korean culture are believed to have developed in 2332 B.C. with the establishment of the Ancient Korean State. Since then, the Korean people were forced to fight to protect or regain their independence from the Chinese, the Scytho-Siberians of Central Asia, the Mongol Hordes, the Marauders, and the armies of Japan. As a result, characteristics that serve as the source of Taekwondo were created in the Korean people. These consisted of a fierce warrior spirit, an intense national loyalty, and an indominable will to survive.

At the turn of the twentieth century, Taekwondo was outlawed in Korea by the ruling occupiers of Japan. As a result, it was practiced secretly and kept alive. In 1945, when Korea was liberated from Japan, numerous individuals from Korea were interested in taking steps to revitalize the ancient and traditional martial art.

Taekwondo derived from other forms of martial arts, but uniquely has a style all its own. It is very different from other martial arts in a few select areas. First, Taekwondo is physically very dynamic with active movements that include a mirage of foot-work skills. Second, the kicking action has progressed and continues to transform into an unmatched level of preeminence. Third, the principle physical movements are in relation to the mind and life as a whole.

Taekwondo has flourished and spread in popularity becoming the national sport of Korea. It has now become a global sport and has gained international recognition. It is included as part of the school curriculum from first grade through college and is required in the military. In July of 1980, at the Eighty-Third International Olympic Committee Session meeting in Moscow, the World Taekwondo Federation was granted IOC recognition and became a member of the Olympic Games. It was held as a demonstration sport in the 1988 Games in Korea and served officially as a full medal sport in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney.