Taekwondo Origin and Practice
Taekwondo originated in Korea. Korean martial arts used “Tang Soo Do” until 1955. Then taekwondo was officially named. Organizations define the general taekwondo style. But clubs tailor practices. Students typically train in: forms, sparring, breaks, and self-defense. However, schools teach differently.
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The oldest governing body is the Korea Taekwondo Association (KTA). It formed in 1959 by representatives from nine original martial arts schools. To better understand taekwondo, look at its word origin.
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Gyeorugi, a type of full-contact sparring, has been an Olympic event since 2000. Figures completing blocks are seen in drawings in an ancient Korean tomb. So taekwondo evolved with Korea’s development.
Taekwondo Training and Philosophy
The word “taekwondo” has three parts. “Tae” means foot. “Kwon” means fist or hand. “Do” means way of life. Together, it means “foot and fist way of life.”
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Taekwondo training hardens the body through practice of attack and defense forms. It requires high physical activity. This makes it an excellent exercise.
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Remember, true mastery is not competing with others. It is competing with your personal standards. You will learn to live for others with mutual respect. Your attitude is key for the 21st century.
Influences on Taekwondo
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Modern uniforms are essentially identical to karate. A distinctive pullover uniform jacket was introduced for sport taekwondo. One advantage of the pullover is that it doesn’t gap open during competition.
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Twenty years after Japan’s samurai disbanded, there was renewed sword interest. This created kendo in 1886. Kenpo karate was created by William Chow.