ABOUT TAEKWONDO
Taekwondo is one of the most systematic and scientific traditional Korean martial arts, teaching more than just physical fighting skills. It is a discipline that enhances one’s spirit and life by training both the body and mind. Today, Taekwondo is a global sport with an international reputation, and it stands as one of the official sports in the Olympic Games.
Let’s explore the meaning of the words “Tae,” “Kwon,” and “Do.” While they are written as three parts in English, in Korean they form one word. “Tae” means “foot,” “leg,” or “to step on”; “Kwon” means “fist” or “to fight”; and “Do” means “the way” or “discipline.” When combined, these parts convey two key concepts:
Taekwondo is the ‘way’ of using fists and feet, or any part of the body that these represent.
It is also a way to control or calm conflicts and maintain peace. This concept comes from the idea of “putting fists under control” or “stepping on fists.” Thus, Taekwondo teaches the “right way” to use all parts of the body to stop fights and help build a more peaceful world.
The Origin of Taekwondo
The origins of Taekwondo in Korea can be traced back to the Koguryo dynasty, founded in 37 B.C., as mural paintings found in the ruins of royal tombs from that era depict scenes resembling early forms of Taekwondo practice. Taekwondo was also practiced during the Silla dynasty, where Korean culture and martial arts were heavily influenced and enriched by the Hwarangdo—a military, educational, and social organization composed of noble youths.
The Hwarang followed a strict code of honour, which emphasized loyalty to the nation, respect and obedience to one’s parents, faithfulness to friends, bravery in battle, and the avoidance of unnecessary violence and killing.
In the history of the Koryo dynasty, Taekwondo—then known as “Subak”—was practiced not only for health and recreation but also encouraged as a martial art of significant value. Subak is believed to have reached peak popularity during the reign of King Uijong (1147–1170 A.D.), a period that overlaps with the Chinese Song dynasty, when Kung Fu was also gaining popularity in China.
Notably, during the Yi (Joseon) dynasty, a book was published to formally teach Subak as a martial art. During this time, the practice became more widespread among the public, further cementing its place in Korean cultural heritage.
Modern Taekwondo
On September 16, 1961, the Korea Taekwondo Association was officially established. A few months later, on February 25, 1962, it became the 27th affiliate of the Korea Amateur Sports Association. On October 9, 1963, Taekwondo debuted as an official event at the 44th National Athletic Meet, marking a milestone that spurred significant advancements in competition rules and the development of protective equipment.
The 1960s marked a turning point in Taekwondo’s history, as Korean instructors began teaching the martial art abroad. Taekwondo gained international visibility during the first World Taekwondo Championships, held in Seoul in May 1973, with 19 countries participating. At this event, on May 28, 1973, the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) was founded by representatives from the participating nations.
By 1996, the WTF had grown to include 144 member countries, and the global Taekwondo community was estimated to number around 30 million practitioners. Following its recognition by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) during its 83rd General Session in 1980, Taekwondo quickly developed into a global sport. It was featured as a demonstration event in the 1988 Seoul Olympics and the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
Taekwondo was officially adopted as a full medal sport for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games during the IOC’s 103rd Session in Paris on September 4, 1994. Since then, it has firmly established itself as one of the fastest-growing martial arts on the global stage. Four regional unions of the World Taekwondo Federation now host continental championships. Major international competitions include the World Championships, the Women’s World Championships, the World Cup Taekwondo, the CISM Taekwondo Championships, and the FISU World University Championships. Taekwondo is now included as an official sport in most major international multi-sport events, including the World Games, Pan American Games, All Africa Games, Southeast Asian Games, and Central American Games.
What makes Taekwondo different?
A Martial Art with 5,000 Years of History: Taekwondo, developed in Korea, shares features with other Asian martial arts but has evolved its unique styles, setting it apart from martial arts of neighboring countries like Japan and China.
Systematic and Scientific: Taekwondo is taught through a structured curriculum, with its systematic approach making it a major subject in over 20 universities worldwide.
Unity of Body, Mind, and Life: Taekwondo promotes the unity of body and mind. When practiced, it synchronizes the mind with movements, extending this harmony into life and society. The right poomsae leads to the right confrontation, which in turn produces great power.
Olympic Sport: Taekwondo is one of three martial arts in the Olympics. It debuted as a demonstration event at the 1988 Seoul Games and became an official medal sport at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. It has since gained recognition in global multi-sport events, with over 70 million practitioners worldwide.
How come we reach such a unity in Taekwondo?
The spirit of Taekwondo, deeply rooted in Korea’s traditional philosophies, reflects the national soul shaped by shared experiences of joy, anger, sorrow, and pleasure over time. It is best illustrated by the Hwarangdo spirit of the Silla dynasty, which drew from Seon philosophy, Buddhist ideals of national protection, Confucian values of loyalty and filial piety, and Taoist principles of natural, effortless action.
The fusion of Hwarangdo and the martial spirit of Taekwondo empowered Silla to unify the Three Kingdoms. Thus, Korea’s traditional martial art, Taekwondo, is not only about acquiring strength and self-defence skills, but also about self-cultivation—devoting one’s life to justice, honouring responsibilities, and embracing the idea of universal equality.
Today, the Taekwondo spirit can be summarized by the philosophy of Hongik Ingan—to live for the benefit of all humanity—along with a peace-loving mindset, unwavering integrity in defence of righteousness, and a strong sense of duty.
Taekwondo is more than a combat technique—it is a way of life. Unlike other physical disciplines, it prepares one for survival in hostile situations, where simply winning a fight is not enough. An enemy might return, or new threats may emerge. True safety comes only through lasting peace, which in turn requires unity. This is what Taekwondo ultimately strives for. Otherwise, it would be no different from street fighting.
Through its unique practices, Taekwondo promotes harmony, growth, and the betterment of life. To live more meaningful lives, we should seek out the guiding principles hidden deep within its philosophy.
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