Overview
Taekwondo is a Korean martial art and combat sport characterized by punching and kicking techniques. "Tae" means to kick with the foot, "Kwon" means to punch with the fist, and "Do" means the way or path of discipline.
History
Traditional Martial Arts
Taekwondos roots can be traced to traditional Korean martial arts such as Taekkyon and Subak. Similar techniques were also practiced by the Hwarang warriors during the Three Kingdoms period.
Modern Taekwondo
Modern taekwondo was developed in the 1940s-50s. In 1955, General Choi Hong-hi and others unified various martial arts schools under the name "Taekwondo."
Globalization
The World Taekwondo Federation (now World Taekwondo, WT) was established in Seoul in 1973, and the first World Taekwondo Championships was held the same year. Taekwondo became an official Olympic sport at the 2000 Sydney Games.
Techniques
Basic Techniques
| Technique | Description |
|---|---|
| Jireugi | Punch attacks |
| Chagi | Kick attacks (roundhouse, front, side kicks, etc.) |
| Makgi | Blocking techniques |
| Seogi | Stances |
Poomsae (Forms)
Choreographed patterns of movements performed in sequence. Includes Taegeuk 1-8, Koryo, Keumgang, Taebaek, and others.
Gyeorugi (Sparring)
Competitive sparring between two practitioners following set rules. Olympic taekwondo consists of gyeorugi matches.
Gyeokpa (Breaking)
Demonstrations of power by breaking boards, tiles, or other materials.
Belt System
| Level | Belt Color |
|---|---|
| 10th-8th Geup | White |
| 7th-6th Geup | Yellow |
| 5th-4th Geup | Green |
| 3rd-1st Geup | Blue/Red |
| 1st-9th Dan | Black |
Olympics
Taekwondo became an official Olympic sport at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Competition includes 4 weight categories each for men and women (8 gold medals total). South Korea has won the most Olympic taekwondo medals.
Global Status
- World Taekwondo (WT) member countries: Over 200
- Worldwide practitioners: Approximately 80 million
- World Taekwondo Headquarters (Kukkiwon): Located in Gangnam, Seoul