What is Tae Kwon Do?
It is a version of an ancient form of unarmed combat practiced for many centuries in the Orient; Tae Kwon-Do came to be perfected in its present form in Korea.
Translated from Korean, "Tae" literally means to jump, kick or smash with the foot. "Kwon" denotes a fist-chiefly to punch or destroy with the hand or fist, "Do" means art, way or method. Tae Kwon-Do indicates the technique of unarmed combat for self-defence, involving the skilled application of punches kicks, blocks, dodges and interception with the hand, arms and feet to the rapid destruction of the opponent.
To the Korean people Tae Kwon Do is more than a mere physical use of skilled movements. It also implies a way of thinking and life, particularly in installing a concept and spirit of self-imposed discipline and an ideal of noble moral re-armament.
In these days of violence and intimidation, which seem to plague our modern societies, Tae Kwon Do enables the weak to possess a fine weapon to defend himself or herself and defeat the opponent as well. When wrongly applied it can be a lethal weapon.
Even if Tae Kwon Do is practiced for exercise alone, the enjoyment derived will justify the time invested and spent. As an exercise it is equally as suitable for old as for young, for men and women.
Foundation of Tae Kwon Do
Tae Kwon Do was inaugurated on April 11th 1955 following extensive research and development by the founder General Choi Hong-Hi. It was introduced to the United Kingdom by Master Rhee Ki Ha in 1967.
General Choi Hong Hi is the founder of Tae Kwon Do. He was born on November 9th, 1918 and passed away on June 15, 2002, in Pyongyang, North Korea. General Choi was a 9th Dan in Karate and adapted the art to produce a faster martial art based on scientific principals suitable for the Korean Army. General Choi travelled the world with some of his best pupils, and introduced the martial art in many countries. The International Tae Kwon Do Association was set up in 1965, and the All-European Tae Kwon-do Federation set up in 1979. The popularity of the martial art was soon apparent and the United Kingdom Tae Kwon-do Association was created.
The father of Tae Kwon Do started with the ultimate dream of introducing and teaching his art without regard to religion, race, national or ideological boundaries. It is hoped that all instructors will follow his example by devoting part of their time towards introducing the art into the school systems in their respective areas.
It is because of General Choi Hong Hi and his tireless effort and unflagging dedication that Tae Kwon Do has the international status that it now receives.
Brief History of TKD
The Koreans developed a unique martial art form now called Taekwondo for unarmed self defense to complement their skills with weapons. General Choi Hong Hi is the founder of Tae Kwon Do which means the "art of hand and foot fighting". 1961 saw the creation of the Korea Taesoodo Association, which changed its name to Korea Taekwondo Association in 1965.
Taekwondo is now a world wide practiced martial art and a competitive sport. Below is a summary of the progression of Taekwondo to the present date:
1973 - World Taekwondo Federation created.
1975 - General Association of International Sports Federations recognizes the WTF.
1976 - Taekwondo accepted as a Consul International du Sport Militaire sport (world level military sports organization).
1980 - International Olympic Committee recognizes the WTF.
1981 - Taekwondo accepted as a World Games sport
1983 - Taekwondo accepted as a Pan American Games and All Africa Games sport
1985 - Taekwondo adopted as a demonstration sport for the 1988 Olympic Games.
1986 - Taekwondo accepted as a Federation International du Sport Universitaire sport (world university level sport organization).
1992 - Taekwondo is an Olympic demonstration sport in Barcelona, Spain.
1994 - Taekwondo selected as a full Olympic sport for the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia.
1996 - Taekwondo is an Olympic demonstration sport in Atlanta.
Today - Tae Kwon Do is by far the most widely practiced martial art in the world.
