Taekwondo History

Origins: Ancient Korea

• Earliest Roots (circa 1st century BCE)
  Taekwondo’s roots trace back to ancient Korean martial arts, primarily Taekkyeon, Subak, and Hwarang-do.
  
  

  • Taekkyeon focused on fluid, rhythmic, and graceful kicking techniques.

  • Hwarang-do was practiced by the Hwarang, an elite warrior class of the Silla Kingdom, combining martial arts with a code of honor, discipline, and philosophy.

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Japanese Occupation (1910–1945)

• During the Japanese occupation of Korea, traditional martial arts were suppressed.

• Many Korean martial artists studied karate, judo, and kendo in Japan.

• Post-occupation, these martial artists returned to Korea and began blending native traditions with Japanese styles.

Post-War Era and the Creation of Taekwondo (1945–1955)

• After Korea’s liberation in 1945, various kwans (schools) emerged:
  
  

  • Notable kwans: Chung Do Kwan, Moo Duk Kwan, Song Moo Kwan, etc.

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• In 1955, a unification movement began, and the name “Taekwondo” (meaning “the way of the foot and fist”) was officially coined by General Choi Hong Hi.
  
  

  • Tae = to kick or strike with the foot

  • Kwon = to strike with the hand or fist

  • Do = the way or art

• Modern Development and Global Spread

• 1961: The Korea Taekwondo Association (KTA) was formed to unify the kwans.

• 1973: The World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) was established (now World Taekwondo) in Seoul.

• 1973: The Kukkiwon, also known as the World Taekwondo Headquarters, opened and became the center for belt testing and standards.

• 2000: Taekwondo debuted as an official Olympic sport at the Sydney Olympics.

Branches and Styles

• ITF (International Taekwon-Do Federation) – Founded by General Choi in 1966; emphasizes patterns (tuls), realism in sparring, and a traditional military structure.

• WT (World Taekwondo) – Focuses more on sport competition, including full-contact sparring using protective gear and a point-based system.