What Is TaeKwonDo?
TaeKwonDo, the Korean art of Self Defence developed by the late General Choi, Hong Hi (1918 - 2002) of the Korean Army during the 1940's and became formally recognised in 1955. Since then it has spread world-wide and is now more popular than any other martial art. TaeKwonDo literally means 'the Art of hand and foot fighting'. It is the martial art of unarmed combat for self defence and involves the skilled application of punches, kicks, blocks, dodges and interceptions with the hands, arms and feet.
The first recorded evidence of what was to become modern TaeKwonDo is found about two thousand years ago in Korean history. A mural painting from the Koguryu kingdom (37 BC - 66 AD) was found in a tomb believed to have been built sometime during the period 3 AD to 427 AD. The mural depicts figures practising martial arts techniques. Early forms had different names, such as Kwonbak, Kongsoo, Dangsoo, Taesoo and Bakhi . From about 600 AD to about 1400, the dominant form was Soobak, which in the late 1300s developed into TaeKyon. Taekyon was the main Korean martial art form until the Japanese invasion and occupation of Korea in 1909. From 1909 to 1945, the Japanese suppressed Korean culture and martial arts, and introduced Japanese culture and martial arts. The modern period of TaeKwonDo began with the defeat of the Japanese and the liberation of Korea in 1945.
Through dedicated training TaeKwonDo provides the student with the ability to defend himself or herself effectively if and when confronted with a violent attack.
TaeKwonDo is a way of life and instills a concept and spirit of strict self discipline. Training increases physical fitness, awareness, discipline and advocates both courtesy and helpfulness.
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