Taekwondo is a form of combat that relies on kicks and hand techniques. It was developed during the 1940s and 1950s by Korean martial artists, as a combination of indigenous Korean fighting arts such as taekkyeon and gwonbeop with influences from other martial art systems such as karate.
The practice of taekwondo is rooted in the philosophy that one can control one’s life through discipline, self-respect, and hard work. It is believed that a person must develop all aspects of the taekwondo “trinity” (body, mind, spirit) to become a true master of taekwondo.
To achieve mastery, a student must develop the strength of his or her body by developing the larger muscles of the torso and the speed of his or her arms and legs. The coordination and concentration required to use these forces efficiently requires a high level of mental discipline.
The World Taekwondo Federation was established in 1973, and is responsible for the standardization of taekwondo tournament rules and organizing world class competitions. The WTF is an affiliate of the General Assembly of International Sports Federation, and has ties to the International Olympic Committee. The WTF was instrumental in getting taekwondo included as an official demonstration sport at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, South Korea.