Taekwondo is a modern martial art that originated in Korea, characterized by the use of hands and feet for both offense and defense without weapons. It is renowned for its emphasis on kicking techniques. Taekwondo was adopted as a demonstration sport in the 1988 Summer Olympics and became an official Olympic sport starting from the 2000 Summer Olympics.
The Origin of Taekwondo
In the tribal states of the Han people around the eastern part of the Korean Peninsula and the Chinese mainland, various rituals such as Yeonggo, Mucheon, and Dongmaeng were practiced, which involved worshipping the sky, fostering unity among tribes, and wishing for a bountiful harvest through games and entertainment. Among these grand festivities, the games and entertainment naturally evolved into competitive events akin to the Olympic Games of ancient Greece, fostering a spirit of competition.
To ensure defense and expand their influence, improving combat capabilities became essential. Consequently, the physical activities associated with ceremonial ascension evolved and developed into martial arts, with a focus on combat. Taekwondo emerged as a unique form of martial art within the Han people’s traditions.
Ancient Era
As several tribal nations gradually merged and integrated, the Korean people were divided into three kingdoms: Goguryeo (BC 37), Baekje (BC 18), and Silla (BC 57), which ruled the northeastern part of the Chinese mainland and the Korean Peninsula. Taekkyeon, also known as Subak, served as the foundation of martial arts training during this time. Goguryeo established a youth group education system called “Seonbae,” while Silla introduced the “Hwarang” system, where young individuals trained in martial arts in mountainous regions. Historical records from this period, including ancient murals, statues, and texts, indicate the existence of martial arts practice. Notably, a mural near the Hwandoseong fortress, the capital of Goguryeo during AD 209 to AD 427, depicts figures in poses reminiscent of Taekwondo techniques. Similarly, artifacts from Silla, such as the Gilt-bronze Standing Buddha of Seokguram and the 9-story stone pagoda at Bunhwangsa Temple, exhibit martial arts elements. Despite limited records due to the demise of the Baekje Kingdom, historical accounts suggest that advanced martial arts practices were taught to Japanese envoys, indicating the advanced cultural sphere of Baekje.
Medieval Era
During the Goryeo Dynasty, Taekkyeon (Taekwondo) evolved into a systematic martial art and gained popularity among intellectuals. Historical records mention Taekwondo as practiced by Park Hui, with anecdotes of King Uijong’s admiration for skilled practitioners. Additionally, martial arts competitions were organized for public entertainment, suggesting that Taekkyeon was not only a martial art but also a sport accessible to the general populace.
Modern Era
With the decline of the Korean state and the dissolution of the military, the practice of martial arts faced challenges. During the Japanese colonial period, martial arts training was suppressed as it could potentially serve as a form of resistance. However, the spirit of Taekwondo persisted among independence fighters and through personal transmission of martial arts skills. Following liberation on August 15th, efforts to revive Taekwondo began. The establishment of the Korea Taekwondo Association on September 16, 1961, marked a significant milestone. Taekwondo made its debut as an official competition at the 44th National Sports Festival held in Jeonju on October 9, 1963. Since then, Taekwondo has evolved rapidly, with its rules and protective gear undergoing significant advancements. Today, Taekwondo has gained global recognition, even becoming a prominent sport in the Olympic Games, starting from its inclusion in the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
Major Organizations
ITF
The International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) was founded in Seoul by Choi Hong Hi in 1966, with approval from nine countries including the United States, Japan, and Argentina. It introduced a unique form of martial art, incorporating 3,600 new techniques and publishing 16 volumes of Taekwondo encyclopedias, aiming to create a distinctive Korean martial art. ITF patterns, equivalent to forms in WTF, bear names derived from Korean history and mythology, such as Cheonji (Heaven and Earth), Junggun (Heavy Root), Sejong (King Sejong), and Tongil (Unification). Notably, ITF recognizes Choi Hong Hi as the founder of Taekwondo. In 1972, due to political conflicts with the Park Chung-hee regime, Choi Hong Hi relocated to Canada, shifting the headquarters accordingly. ITF has since spread Taekwondo globally, including to countries in North America, South America, Western Europe, Oceania, as well as communist nations such as North Korea, Russia, and China.
WT
The World Taekwondo (WT), established in South Korea in 1973 following Choi Hong Hi’s exile in 1972, currently governs Taekwondo as an official Olympic sport. Emphasizing sports suitability, WT mandates the use of protective gear for the head and torso, distinguishing it from ITF Taekwondo. WT patterns incorporate names such as Koryo and Keumgang. Unlike ITF, WT traces the origins of Taekwondo back to Taekkyeon, Hwarangdo, and Subak from the Three Kingdoms period. However, there are differing opinions regarding this claim. Originally named the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF), the organization rebranded as World Taekwondo (WT) in 2017 to avoid negative connotations associated with the English acronym.
KTA
The Korea Taekwondo Association (KTA) traces its origins to the founding of the Korea Taekwondo Association in 1960, later renamed in 1965. On October 28, 2004, it was officially recognized as a corporation under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of South Korea. As the Korean branch of the World Taekwondo Federation (WT), KTA plays a significant role in promoting and developing Taekwondo within South Korea and globally.
Basic curriculum of Taekwondo
Taekwondo is known for its dynamic techniques, including head-height kicks, jumping and spinning kicks, and rapid kicking movements. Competitions organized by the World Taekwondo Federation (WT) often reward extra points for strikes involving spinning kicks or kicks to the head.
In terms of training, while organizations like the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) or Kukkiwon establish the overall style of Taekwondo, individual clubs and schools often customize their training programs. However, the typical curriculum usually includes:
- Forms (품새; pumsae or poomsae, also 형; 型; hyeong; hyung, and 틀; teul; tul): These are choreographed sequences of movements that serve a similar function to kata in karate.
- Sparring (겨루기; gyeorugi or 맞서기; matseogi): This involves various formats such as freestyle sparring, point sparring, and pre-arranged sparring combinations like seven-, three-, two-, and one-step sparring.
- Breaking (격파; 擊破; gyeokpa or weerok): Breaking techniques using boards or other materials, divided into power breaking, speed breaking, and special techniques that involve jumping or flying.
- Self-defense techniques (호신술; 護身術; hosinsul) and throwing/falling techniques (던지기; deonjigi or tteoreojigi 떨어지기).
- Aerobic and anaerobic workouts, including stretching, relaxation, and meditation exercises, as well as breathing control.
- Emphasis on mental discipline, ethics, etiquette, respect, self-confidence, and leadership skills.
- Examinations to progress to the next rank.
While weapon training is not universally included in Taekwondo federation curricula, some schools may offer additional training with weapons like staffs, knives, or sticks.
Rules and Competition Format
In Taekwondo competitions, there are two main formats: individual matches, where one person competes against another, and team matches, where teams of five compete.
Event Categories Competitors are categorized based on weight classes. Individual matches are divided into weight classes, while team matches typically have no weight restrictions.
Match Duration In the Olympics, matches consist of three rounds, each lasting two minutes, with a 30-second break between rounds. However, the match duration may vary depending on the tournament, with many competitions opting for 1 minute and 30 seconds per round. Until the 2008 Summer Olympics, matches were three rounds of three minutes each, with a one-minute break between rounds.
Scoring Scoring is based on various techniques
- Punches to the body: 1 point
- Kicks to the body: 2 points
- Spinning techniques: 3 points
- Kicks to the head: 3 points
- Spinning kicks to the head: 4 points
- Additional points are awarded for countering an opponent’s attack effectively.
- Punches must be delivered with proper form and as single, distinct attacks.
- Kicks below the ankle score points. However, groin attacks result in a warning or deduction.
- Strikes above the collarbone are considered face attacks, and the unprotected area between the collarbone and the beltline is counted as the body.
Officials
Matches are overseen by one main referee, four corner judges, and one center referee (two in international competitions).
Judging
Criteria Victory can be achieved through disqualification, forfeit, injury, knockout (KO), higher score (decision win), penalty points (point deduction win), or dominance (win by 12 points difference). Referees also have the authority to declare a win through referee stop contest (RSC).
Fouls
Penalties such as warnings, deductions, or disqualifications are given for unsportsmanlike behavior or violating specific rules, including:
- Continuously attacking a fallen opponent.
- Striking the opponent’s face with the forehead, hands, or fists.
- Using knees or groin attacks.
- Grabbing and tripping the opponent.
- Deliberate attacks after the “break” command from the referee.