What is Taekwondo?

Taekwondo is a Korean martial art that involves punching, kicking and blocking moves put together into patterns. Its physical practice can improve balance, flexibility, and strength, and it is known for teaching self-defense as well as good sportsmanship. Some students develop the skills to compete in taekwondo competitions, which can lead up to national, world or Olympic levels.

The word taekwondo means “to strike or smash with the foot and hand”. Taekwon-do emphasizes kicks, but also punching and blocking. Its dynamic punches and kicks are based on various physical principles, such as the principle of generating force by using both mass and speed. The more mass (weight) that is brought to a kick, the greater its power; for example, a turning kick could generate more force than a straight punch because of the rotational acceleration of the leg and hip. Similarly, the more speed that is applied to a punch, the greater its power.

In addition to learning techniques, taekwondo training also builds character and self-esteem. For example, it teaches courtesy and respect towards others, and the value of self-control. Students of taekwondo are often seen in public doing community service, or helping to clean up beaches and parks.

Taekwondo was developed from the defense martial arts of Korea’s Koguryo, Silla and Paekche kingdoms. It was brought to the United States by Choi Yong-sung in 1945, and quickly became a popular sport. Choi also founded the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF). The ITF now has over 600 member countries.