Taekwondo

Taekwondo is a Korean martial art, and one of the most popular and widely practiced in the world. It is a combination of striking techniques, joint-locking and grappling, self-defense, weapon training, and sparring. It is a physically demanding form of martial arts that requires not only strength, but also speed and agility.

The earliest records of taekwondo date back to 50 B.C, when Korea was divided into three kingdoms: Silla, founded on the Kyongju plain; Koguryo in the north; and Paekche in the southwestern area of the peninsula. Paintings from this period show unarmed people using techniques that are very similar to those used in taekwondo today. The early masters of taekwondo are credited with developing the martial art into its current form.

Today, taekwondo is a worldwide sport with more than 30 million practitioners in 156 countries. It is also one of the most widely practiced forms of martial arts in schools and colleges. In addition to a strong physical base, taekwondo also teaches discipline and perseverance. It is based on an ancient code of model citizenship espoused by the earliest practitioners, who emphasized loyalty to one’s country; filial piety and honor; courage and integrity in battle; and justice in the use of force.

The World Taekwondo Federation, established in 1973 in South Korea, is the official international governing body for the martial art. It has made a major effort to standardize tournament rules and organize world class competitions.