Tae Kwon Do
Family Martial Arts
39252 Winchester Rd, #114, Murrieta, CA 92563 (951) 304-9988
Since
1985
ACE
Taekwondo is a Korean martial art that blends traditional Korean techniques with elements from other combat styles, such as karate, to create a unique, powerful form of self-defense and physical discipline. Its development spans centuries, and the art we know today evolved in the mid-20th century.
1. Ancient Roots (37 B.C. - 935 A.D.)
The origins of taekwondo trace back to ancient Korea, during the Three Kingdoms period (Goguryeo, Silla, and Baekje).
Early forms of Korean martial arts, like Taekkyon and Subak, focused on hand and foot techniques, using kicks, strikes, and joint locks.
Warriors, particularly in the Silla Kingdom's Hwarang (elite youth military corps), practiced these techniques to improve their combat skills and foster discipline and respect.
2. Development During the Joseon Dynasty (1392 - 1910)
During the Joseon period, martial arts saw a decline due to Confucianism's influence, which emphasized scholarship over physical pursuits.
However, certain martial arts manuals, such as Muye Dobo Tongji (1790), documented these techniques, preserving Korea’s traditional fighting methods.
3. 20th Century: Japanese Occupation and Martial Arts Revival (1910 - 1945)
Korea was under Japanese rule from 1910 to 1945, which impacted traditional Korean culture, including martial arts.
Many Koreans studied karate and other Japanese martial arts, incorporating elements into their own techniques.
After liberation from Japanese occupation, Korean martial artists sought to revive and develop a distinctly Korean martial art.
4. Post-War Unification and Naming (1940s - 1950s)
Following World War II and the Korean War, martial artists in South Korea worked to unify various schools of Korean martial arts.
In 1955, South Korean General Choi Hong Hi and other martial arts leaders coined the term "taekwondo" (which means "the way of the foot and fist") to reflect both its Korean heritage and modern techniques.
Taekwondo was recognized as a unique, unified martial art and became popular throughout South Korea.
5. Global Spread and Official Recognition (1960s - Present)
In 1973, the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) was established, which helped standardize taekwondo rules and promote it globally.
Taekwondo was first introduced as a demonstration sport at the 1988 Seoul Olympics and became an official Olympic sport in the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
The International Taekwondo Federation (ITF), founded by General Choi, also spread a slightly different style of taekwondo internationally.
6. Modern Taekwondo
Today, taekwondo is a popular martial art and sport, practiced in more than 200 countries. It combines self-defense techniques with a focus on discipline, mental strength, and physical fitness.
It is known for its high, fast kicks, complex footwork, and striking techniques, as well as its emphasis on respect, courtesy, integrity, and perseverance.
Taekwondo’s evolution from traditional martial art to Olympic sport highlights its adaptability and global appeal. Despite modernization, it retains its cultural roots and continues to emphasize core values like respect, discipline, and self-improvement.Taekwondo, a Korean martial art, has a rich history that blends traditional Korean combat styles with influences from Japanese and Chinese martial arts. Its journey from ancient techniques to a global sport is marked by resilience, evolution, and a drive to preserve Korean cultural identity. Here's a brief timeline of its development:
DEFINITION OF TAE KWON DO
HISTORY OF TAE KWON DO
ART OF TAE KWON DO
Thus, “Tae Kwon Do” means, “the art of kicking, blocking and punching.” Tae Kwon Do, however, is not merely a physical fighting skill, it is also a way of thought and life. Through disciplined training, Tae Kwon Do improves both the mind and body, placing great emphasis on the development of personal character. Students are taught that self control, self discipline, kindness and humility must accompany their increased physical strength and ability.
Taekwondo is a bare handed military art form and sport that that uses the hands and
feet for attack and defense. The focus of Taekwondo is on training the mind along with
the body, and for those learning the martial art it plays four different roles.
1. Taekwondo as an Exercise
Taekwondo is a good exercise for children who are still growing as well as a good way for grownups to increase their physical endurance. Taekwondo’s movements require extensive use of the joints, which increases the limberness of one’s body. And because there is kicking, jabbing, and shouting involved, it’s also a great way to distress.
2. Taekwondo as a Bare Handed Martial Arts Form
Taekwondo attacks the opponent with bare hands and feet. What sets it apart from other martial arts forms like Karate, Kung Fu and Judo are the powerful and varies leg movements involved, and that is what has enabled it to become a worldwide martial art. Taekwondo’s attacks are aggressive, but at the same time the being able to fight defensively is a critical aspect of Taekwondo. This can act positively for modern people wanting to learn Taekwondo as a way of self defense.
3. Taekwondo as a Sport
Unlike MMA and Kickboxing, Taekwondo is an official competitive category in major world sporting events such as the Olympics, Pan Am Games, Asian Games, All American Games, and South American Games. Competitive Taekwondo involves safety gear and set attacks and defenses, as to limit the amount of damage possible. This way, competitive martial artists can enjoy the thrill of competing with less of the risks.
4. Taekwondo as an Educational Meth
Taekwondo trains the body, but does as much to develop the mind. The objective of learning Taekwondo is to foster growth in both areas in order to become a more mature human being. Taekwondo’s disciples receive repeated etiquette lessons along with the attack and defense skills to build character.
TAE KWON DO 태권도
"TAE" means "to kick with the foot."
"KWON" implies "a hand or fist to block, punch, or strike."
"DO" means an "art" or a "way".