Taekwondo History

The History of Taekwondo

Taekwondo is a Korean martial art that emphasizes high, fast kicks and fluid movements, combining self-defense, sport, and philosophy. Its history dates back thousands of years, though the modern version of Taekwondo was officially developed in the mid-20th century.

Ancient Roots

The origins of Taekwondo can be traced back to Korea’s Three Kingdoms period (c. 57 BCE – 668 CE), when warriors of the Silla Dynasty, known as the Hwarang, practiced unarmed combat techniques called Taekkyeon and Subak. These early martial arts emphasized agility, balance, and powerful strikes, forming the foundation of modern Taekwondo. Murals from ancient tombs depict warriors performing high kicks, proving the early presence of dynamic foot techniques.

Japanese Occupation and Martial Arts Suppression

During the early 20th century (1910–1945), Korea was under Japanese rule, and native martial arts were largely suppressed. However, many Korean martial artists secretly continued to practice and refine their techniques. Some traveled to Japan and China, learning karate and other martial arts before integrating these influences into Korean fighting styles.

The Birth of Modern Taekwondo

After Korea gained independence in 1945, various martial arts schools (kwans) emerged, each teaching different forms of Korean and foreign martial arts. In 1955, a group of martial arts masters, led by General Choi Hong Hi, unified these styles under a single system called Taekwondo (meaning "the way of the foot and fist"). The name was chosen to reflect the art’s emphasis on powerful kicks and hand strikes.

Global Recognition and Olympic Status

In 1973, the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF)—now known as World Taekwondo (WT)—was established to standardize the sport and promote it worldwide. Taekwondo quickly gained popularity, becoming an official Olympic demonstration sport in 1988 and an official Olympic medal event in 2000. Today, it is practiced by millions in over 200 countries, with organizations such as World Taekwondo (WT) and the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) continuing to expand its reach.

Taekwondo Today

Taekwondo is more than just a martial art; it embodies a philosophy of self-discipline, respect, and perseverance. It is practiced for self-defense, competition, and personal development. With its combination of tradition and innovation, Taekwondo remains one of the most dynamic and influential martial arts in the world.