Tae = to kick or smash with the feet Kwon = to punch with the fists Do = way or method Tae Kwon Do = is the art of fighting with feet and fists.
Tae Kwon Do is a Korean Martial Art. It evolved from Tae Kaon, which was introduced into Korea in the 4th century. In 1945 when Korea gained independence Tae Kwon Do reached its present level of development. Tae Kwon Do is for students of all ages and physical capabilities. Tae Kwon Do trains the mind and body, with great emphasis placed on the development of the students’ moral character. A martial arts student receives not only physical conditioning, mental training and philosophical study but also confidence, self-control, humility and respect.
 Mr Nick Gleeson
The development of Tae Kwon Do began more than 2,000 years ago. Korean combat was performed at religious ceremonies to honour Zeus. Korea was divided into 3 kingdoms: Koguryu (37BC), Bekjae (18BC) and Shilla (57BC) which ruled the Korean Peninsula and the northeastern part of China from 18BC to 936AD. Tae Kwon Do was called Taekyon or Subak and it became a systematic martial art that was actively practiced by warriors as well as civilians. It was gradually promoted as a form of healthy exercise and a spectator sport with competitions held in the royal court.
The Hwarang youth group (from 4th century Shilla) adopted the Taekyon fighting system, developing and perfecting it. This was proven in battles by the group during the 5th and 6th centuries. The Hwarang were warriors characterized by determination, simplicity, honesty, honour, bravery and loyalty to their state. In the early 7th century the principles of the Hwarang were incorporated into the Hwarang Ogye (Five Secular Commandments) written by the Buddhist Monk and scholar Master Wong’gwang. The five principles read: Loyalty to the king, Filial piety in regards to parents, Sincerity in relations to friends, Not to retreat in battles, And selectivity in the killing of living things.
In 1910 the Japanese forcibly occupied Korea, dissolving the Korean military and banning traditional Korean martial arts and other cultural activities including the language. Tae Kwon Do survived through continued instruction in anti-occupation organizations such as the Independence Army.
When Korea gained independence in 1945, Tae Kwon Do was also liberated. The techniques of Tae Kwon Do were combined with the basic philosophies and code of harmony from the HwaRang Ogae. In 1955, General Choi Hong Hi (founder of the International Taekwondo Federation), suggested that the name Tae Kwon Do be used to represent a totally Korean martial art.
In 1988, Korea brought the introduction of Tae Kwon Do as an exhibition sport in the Olympic Games in Seoul, Korea. The first competitions as an official event were held at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia.
Tae Kwon Do is a non-violent sport. It is an educational system devoted to train both the mind and body in which great emphasis is placed on the development of the trainee’s moral character – Modesty, Integrity, Self-control, Perseverance, And indomitable spirit. |
Tae Kwon Do |