Taekwondo
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| Taekwondo | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Taekwondo |
| Focus | Striking, kicking |
| Country | Korea |
| Creator | Choi Hong-hee; various Korean masters |
| Parenthood | Korean martial arts, Subak (martial art), Taekkyon |
| Olympic | Yes (since 2000 Sydney) |
Taekwondo Taekwondo is a Korean striking martial art emphasizing high, fast kicks and dynamic footwork practiced worldwide in dojangs affiliated with major federations such as the World Taekwondo Federation and the International Taekwon-Do Federation. It developed through mid-20th century standardization by figures like Choi Hong-hee and was shaped by Korea’s modern history including interactions with Japanese occupation of Korea and post‑World War II reconstruction. The art functions as a sport, a method of self-defense, and a cultural practice taught in schools, military units, and international competitions like the Summer Olympics.
History
Modern development began after the Korean War when Korean masters synthesized indigenous systems such as Taekkyon and Subak (martial art) with influences from Shotokan practitioners trained during the Japanese occupation of Korea. Prominent pioneers included Choi Hong-hee, who founded the International Taekwon-Do Federation and later influenced the formation of the Kukkiwon and the World Taekwondo Federation. Institutionalization accelerated with the establishment of national bodies like the Korean Taekwondo Association and government-supported promotion through events linked to the Asian Games and the Summer Olympics. International spread occurred via military exchanges with units such as the United States Army and civilian instructors migrating to countries including United States, United Kingdom, Brazil, and Australia.
Philosophy and Tenets
Instruction often emphasizes tenets promoted by organizations such as the Kukkiwon and the International Taekwon-Do Federation: courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self‑control, and indomitable spirit. Philosophical underpinnings reference historical Korean figures and texts associated with national resilience during eras like the Silla and Joseon dynasties, and are sometimes taught alongside cultural practices linked to Hangul literacy initiatives and national heritage celebrations. Dojang etiquette mirrors codes of conduct used in martial arts academies worldwide, with belt promotion ceremonies echoing rituals found in institutions such as the Korea Taekwondo Association.
Styles and Organizations
Two primary organizational lineages dominate: the Kukkiwon system, administered by the World Taekwondo Federation, and the lineage founded by Choi Hong-hee through the International Taekwon-Do Federation. Other notable groups include the American Taekwondo Association, World Taekwondo (formerly WTF), and national federations like the Korean Taekwondo Association and the British Taekwondo Control Board. Regional styles draw from earlier kwans founded by masters such as Choung Yong‑keun and Hwang Kee, with cross-pollination from Shotokan and other karate schools via émigré instructors in the post‑war era.
Techniques and Training
Training emphasizes kicking techniques including the front kick, roundhouse, and spinning heel kick, executed with chambering, pivoting, and snap or thrust mechanics taught in dojangs linked to the Kukkiwon syllabus and the International Taekwon-Do Federation patterns. Practitioners drill forms (poomsae or tul), sparring (kyorugi), breaking (kyukpa), and self‑defense routines; instruction frequently references curriculum documents maintained by institutions such as the Kukkiwon and national federations like the United States Taekwondo Union. Conditioning includes plyometrics, flexibility work used by athletes at events like the World Taekwondo Championships, and technical analysis influenced by sports science programs at universities such as the Korea University and the Yonsei University.
Competition and Rules
Sport competition follows rules set by bodies like World Taekwondo (formerly WTF), which govern Olympic sparring (kyorugi) with electronic scoring systems and protective equipment standards for events ranging from the World Taekwondo Championships to the Asian Games. The International Taekwon-Do Federation runs its own championships with differing point systems, permissible techniques, and pattern judging criteria. Major tournaments enforce weight divisions, timing rules, and judging protocols aligned with international standards observed by national federations such as the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee and the Korea Sports Council.
Belt System and Ranking
Rank progression uses colored belts (gup/keup and dan grades) standardized in institutions like the Kukkiwon and codified by national associations such as the Korean Taekwondo Association. Dan certification for higher ranks often requires technical exams, teaching credentials, and official recognition from agencies like the Kukkiwon headquarters and international bodies such as the International Taekwon-Do Federation. Promotion ceremonies are comparable to credentialing events in organizations like the World Taekwondo Federation and sometimes involve participation in national registry systems maintained by ministries such as the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (South Korea).
Equipment and Safety
Protective gear for sport competition is regulated by World Taekwondo standards and includes headgear, trunk protectors (hogu), forearm guards, shin guards, gloves, mouthguards, and electronic sensors produced by certified manufacturers used at tournaments like the World Taekwondo Championships. Dojang safety protocols reflect guidelines from national bodies such as the Korean Taekwondo Association and sports medicine recommendations from institutions like the Korea Sports Science Institute and the International Olympic Committee medical commissions. Facility standards sometimes mirror those in martial arts centers accredited by organizations like the Kukkiwon and national sport councils.
Category:Korean martial arts