Taekwondo is a Korean martial art that combines elements of traditional Korean fighting styles with influences from other martial arts. Its history can be summarized in key stages:

1. Origins (Before 20th Century):

   • Taekwondo traces its roots to ancient Korean martial arts, particularly Taekkyeon, which focused on footwork and striking techniques. It was practiced in Korea for centuries and shared similarities with other Asian martial arts like Chinese kung fu and Japanese karate.

2. Japanese Occupation (1910-1945):

   • During the Japanese occupation of Korea, Korean martial arts were suppressed. Many Korean martial artists were exposed to Japanese karate, which influenced the development of modern Taekwondo.

3. Post-World War II (1945-1950s):

   • After Korea gained independence from Japan, Korean martial artists began to revive traditional martial arts, blending them with elements of karate. Different schools and styles emerged, one of which was known as Tang Soo Do, a martial art with a significant influence from karate.

4. Development of Taekwondo (1950s-1960s):

   • In the early 1950s, a group of Korean martial artists, including General Choi Hong Hi, began to formalize and systematize the martial art. The term Taekwondo ("tae" meaning foot, "kwon" meaning fist, and "do" meaning way) was coined to reflect the martial art’s emphasis on powerful kicks and hand techniques. In 1966, the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) was founded, further standardizing the practice.

5. Global Spread and Recognition (1970s-Present):

   • Taekwondo grew rapidly in popularity worldwide, particularly after its inclusion as a demonstration sport in the 1988 Seoul Olympics. It became an official Olympic sport in 2000, solidifying its international status. Today, Taekwondo is practiced by millions worldwide, both for sport and self-defense.

Throughout its history, Taekwondo has evolved, blending tradition with modern sport, and remains one of the most practiced martial arts globally.