Information About Taekwondo!

Early Koreans developed unique martial art forms for unarmed self defense to complement their skills with weapons. The first recorded evidence of what was to become modern Tae Kwon Do is found about two thousand years ago in Korean history. A mural painting from the Koguryu kingdom (37 B.C to 66 A.D.) was found in a tomb believed to have been built sometime during the period 3 to 427 A.D . This mural depicts figures practicing martial arts techniques. Historical records from this Koguryu period also mention the practice of martial arts techniques and tournaments. The early forms had different names, such as Kwonbak, Bakhi, Dangsoo, Taesoo and Kongsoo. From about 600 A.D. to about 1400, the main stream dominant form was Soobak, which further evolved into Taekyon beginning in the late 1300s. Taekyon was the dominant 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. Korean martial arts masters wanted to eliminate Japanese influences. They began discussions on how to return to the traditional Taekyon based Korean martial arts and on how to unite the various martial arts schools (or Kwans) and styles into a single style and national sport. After several years of discussions, the name "Taekwondo" was chosen in April 1955 by the board of masters of the various Kwans, and the kwans started to unify through the late 1950s.

The spread of Taekwondo as a martial art and competitive sport continues to this date. The principle events in the rapid evolution of Taekwondo as a popular world wide sport are:

• 1965 - The Korea Taekwondo Association was formed.
• 1973 - World Taekwondo Federation created.
• 1975 - General Association of International Sports Federations recognizes the WTF.
• 1976 - Taekwondo accepted as a Consul International du Sport Militaire sport (world level military sports organization).
• 1980 - International Olympic Committee recognizes the WTF.
• 1981 - Taekwondo accepted as a World Games sport
• 1983 - Taekwondo accepted as a Pan American Games and All Africa Games sport
• 1985 - Taekwondo adopted as a demonstration sport for the 1988 Olympic Games.
• 1986 - Taekwondo accepted as a Federation International du Sport Universitaire sport (world university level sport organization).
• 1992 - Taekwondo is an Olympic demonstration sport in Barcelona, Spain.
• 1994 - Taekwondo selected as a full Olympic sport for the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia.
• 1996 - Taekwondo is an Olympic demonstration sport in Atlanta.
• Today - Tae Kwon Do is by far the most widely practiced martial art in the world.

Tenets of Taekwondo

Self-confidence

A person has self-confidence when he believes in his own abilities. It follows, therefore, that a person must first acquire these abilities through constant study, training and practice. True self-confidence is based on true knowledge about one's self and abilities.

Modesty

A modest person has a humble opinion of one's self and one's achievements. A modest person is not flashy or showy. The virtue of humility helps a person control his disordered desire for his own excellence and therefore it helps to create an atmosphere that makes it possible for people to get along together.

Indomitable spirit

A person with indomitable spirit is not easily discouraged or defeated. Having indomitable spirit requires an inner reflection on things to determine whether they are right or wrong and then proceeding to do what is right. Indomitable spirit therefore, is very closely related to the virtue of prudence.

Perseverance

A persevering person takes the steps necessary to achieve the goal he has set for himself, in spite of internal or external difficulties, and despite anything that might weaken his resolve in the course of time. The final test of perseverance is the ability to finish what one has decided and set out to do.

Etiquette

Etiquette is the form of conduct or behavior prescribed by custom or authority to be observed in social, official or professional life. It is the manner of acting correctly. Etiquette includes, but is also more than the practice of good manners and right conduct. Etiquette is an indispensable part of the virtues of courtesy, self-control and the cardinal virtue of justice.

1. Am I too old to learn Taekwondo?

No one is too old or too young to take lessons in Taekwondo. Instructions are especially designed for various age groups. However, one must be in reasonably good health before commencing classes. Of course, the older you get, the more difficult it will be to win in competition, but Taekwondo is much broader than sparring which some people often tend to forget. The most important aspect of training is that you make progress on both physical and mental level.

2. I am not flexible at all. Can I still learn Taekwondo?

Yes you can. Flexibility is very practical for high kicks buy it is not an absolute must. Speed has a big influence as well. You will see that using proper technique and speed, you can still manage to execute high kicks, even if you are not the most flexible in your class.

3. I am not very fit. Will that be a problem?

No, start training right away. Taekwondo will help you become fit in a relatively short time.

4. How does it take to learn Taekwondo?

It depends on you. If you train regularly, you will be able to defend yourself after six to nine months.

5. How long does it take to become a black belter?

That totally depends on where you train and how much you train. If you train 2 to 3 times a week, it is possible to become a black belter within 2 years.

6. Is there any danger in learning Taekwondo?

No, injuries seldom occur if there is good instruction and if instructions are followed properly. Injury rates are much higher in sports like football, rugby or gymnastics.

7. Is it dangerous for children to learn Taekwondo when their bones and body structures have not been properly formed yet?

No, taekwondo exercise stimulates a child's physical growth and mental maturity. However, children are not allowed in training involving heavy contact and breaking techniques.

8. Does Taekwondo instill self discipline and respect for elders in children?

yes, it helps children self discipline, confidence and respect for elders and thus help them to become future leaders of our country.