The History of Taekwondo

Taekwondo is one of the oldest martial arts in the world, and is practiced by millions of people worldwide. It is a system of self-defense, as well as an art that involves physical and mental training, making it unique in the martial arts world.

The history of taekwondo dates back to the ancient kingdoms of Silla, Koguryo and Paektche on the Korean peninsula. It was originally a form of combat training that was developed to repel the Japanese pirates that plagued the Silla kingdom during the fifth century BC.

While taekwondo was originally used in military combat, it is also a popular sport that teaches discipline and respect to students. This makes it a great exercise for teenagers and adults alike.

Many of the techniques and principles used in taekwondo are based on scientific principles. This includes Choi Hong Hi's "theory of power" that combines the concepts of strength and speed when striking an opponent.

The first written record of taekwondo is found in the 15th century during the Yi dynasty, when a book on the discipline was published by a member of the royal court. It is believed that this book paved the way for the martial art to be taught and practiced in general society.

As the years passed, the martial art gained popularity among soldiers and civilians in South Korea. In fact, taekwondo is the most widely practiced martial art in the country, with over 20 million practitioners today.

It was also introduced into the Olympics in 1988 as a demonstration event, and became an official Olympic sport in 2000 at the Sydney Olympics. It is also an international sport, attracting over 120 countries as members of its International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF).

The history of taekwondo is a very interesting one that is full of many fascinating stories and events. It is important to understand the history of taekwondo so that you can have a better understanding of this powerful and effective martial art.

Throughout the centuries, taekwondo has had many different masters and teachers, each with their own unique style and approach. This has made the art a fascinating and dynamic discipline to study, and has given it an unmatched history and culture.

In addition to physical discipline, taekwondo also develops an indomitable spirit and teaches the art of self-discipline and compassion, as well as self-respect and self-confidence. These traits are not often seen in other martial arts, and are crucial for an individual to become a complete and productive person in life.

Another aspect of taekwondo is that it is a form of meditation, where the practitioner concentrates on their movement and mental state in order to improve their health, strength, and balance. This is done through a series of "poomsae," or basic forms, as well as "Kyorugi" (sparring), and "Kyukpa" (breaking).

The philosophy behind taekwondo is that the mind, body and spirit can be trained together to create a new way of living, which has the potential to change your life forever! As you progress in your taekwondo training, you will find yourself growing in directions that you never imagined at the beginning of your journey. You will discover that your life will be filled with joy and peace, as you grow in the knowledge of yourself and others. This will be a true blessing and reward for all of your efforts.