Table of contents
• Introduction
• Early History of Taekwondo
• Philosophy of Taekwondo
• The Taekwondo Belt System
• Modern Taekwondo
• Styles of Taekwondo
• Conclusion
Introduction
Taekwondo is a Korean martial art that originated in the 1940s. The word Taekwondo is derived from three Korean words: tae (foot), kwon (fist), and do (way or path). As such, Taekwondo is also known as the “way of the foot and fist.” In the years following its inception, Taekwondo spread rapidly throughout Korea and beyond. Today, it is one of the most popular martial arts in the world, with millions of practitioners in over 200 countries. The practice of Taekwondo emphasizes physical fitness, mental discipline, and character development, making it a valuable pursuit for people of all ages and backgrounds.
Early History of Taekwondo
Taekwondo has come a long way since its inception, but its roots can be traced back to various Korean martial arts that existed during the early centuries. These martial arts were primarily developed for self-defense purposes and focused on a combination of punches, kicks, and strikes.
However, the Korean War brought about significant changes to Korean martial arts, including Taekwondo. During the war, soldiers were encouraged to train in martial arts to improve their physical fitness and combat skills, leading to increased popularity in martial arts across Korea. This period saw a significant shift in focus from traditional martial arts to a more modern form of martial arts that favored high kicks and flashy techniques.
After the war, General Choi Hong Hi began developing his unique approach to martial arts, which he named Taekwondo. His influence on the martial art was so profound that he is often referred to as the “father of Taekwondo.” The Korea Taekwondo Association was formed to oversee the development and promotion of Taekwondo, which grew in popularity owing to its emphasis on speed, agility, and footwork.
The modern era has seen a globally recognized form of Taekwondo, with the World Taekwondo Federation being established in 1973. Taekwondo received Olympic recognition in 2000, which led to increased popularity and commercialization of the martial art. However, there continue to be controversies associated with modern Taekwondo, including concerns about the sport’s emphasis on “point sparring” in competitions.
Philosophy of Taekwondo
Philosophy of Taekwondo
Taekwondo is not just a physical martial art, it’s a philosophy which aims to create the best version of a human being. The tenets of Taekwondo are more than just words, they guide the moral compass of each individual practitioner. Courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit, are the values that are instilled in each student, which they carry with them throughout their lives.
The moral culture of Taekwondo is what sets it apart from other martial arts. As a way of life, it not only improves physical abilities but also strengthens mental fortitude. Discipline, respect, and humility are the core of Taekwondo, and practicing them consistently has a significant impact on an individual’s personal growth. It is not just about mastering the moves, it is about mastering oneself.
Taekwondo is not just a sport, it is a way of life. The discipline, focus, and perseverance that it requires are not limited to the dojang, but extend to every aspect of life. The philosophy of Taekwondo has the power to transform individuals and communities alike, as it encourages one to strive towards excellence not only in martial arts but also in life.
The Taekwondo Belt System
The Taekwondo Belt System is a crucial aspect of the martial art, and it plays a significant role in a practitioner’s development. The system comprises several different colored belts, and each color has its significance.
The white belt symbolizes innocence, as the wearer is a beginner and has not yet attained knowledge of the martial art. The yellow belt signifies the earth, from which a plant begins to grow. Similarly, a student with a yellow belt has started their journey of growth and development in taekwondo.
The green belt represents the plant’s stem, which grows taller, indicating the learner’s progress. The blue belt symbolizes the heavens and indicates a stage where the student has attained a certain level of proficiency.
The red belt stands for danger and should be handled with caution by the practitioner. It indicates that the student has reached a high level of expertise. Finally, the black belt represents maturity and proficiency in the martial art.
To progress from one belt level to the next, each student must fulfill essential promotion criteria, such as demonstrating proficiency in various taekwondo techniques and principles. The Grandmaster oversees the promotion, ensuring that the candidates meet the requirements of the next level.
The Taekwondo Belt System’s significance lies in the fact that it represents the student’s development, both in physical skills and mental and emotional growth.
Modern Taekwondo
Before the 1960s, taekwondo was largely limited to South Korea. But the globalization of taekwondo began in earnest in the early 1970s. From then on, it slowly expanded its reach throughout the world, especially after being officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee in 1994. This recognition made taekwondo an Olympic sport, which helped it gain even more exposure globally.
But with recognition and fame, came controversies and changes. Some experts believe that the inclusion of taekwondo in the Olympics has led to too much emphasis on the sport’s athletic component, leading to a decrease in the emphasis on its martial arts roots. Others argue that taekwondo’s Olympic inclusion has helped bring it to an even wider audience, and that the shift reflects the evolution of the art in modern society.
Despite these debates, taekwondo has become one of the most widespread martial arts in the world. There are now two main styles of taekwondo – the International Taekwon-Do Federation style (ITF) and the World Taekwondo Federation style (WTF) – which have different approaches to scoring, forms, and sparring techniques.
No matter which style or philosophy a practitioner follows, taekwondo remains one of the most exciting, dynamic, and valuable martial arts in existence. Its focus on discipline, respect, and perseverance transcends borders and cultures, making it an art that anyone can practice and appreciate.
Styles of Taekwondo
When it comes to styles of Taekwondo, the two most popular styles are ITF (International Taekwondo Federation) and WTF (World Taekwondo Federation). These two styles have differences in their forms, techniques, and tournament rules. Other styles of Taekwondo also exist, such as ATA (American Taekwondo Association), and GTF (Global Taekwondo Federation). Each style has its unique approaches, but they all embrace the same core values of Taekwondo, such as discipline, respect, and perseverance. So, whether you choose to practice ITF, WTF, or another style, you’ll still develop your physical abilities and improve your mental focus and confidence.
Conclusion
Remembering the rich history and evolution of Taekwondo is important to illustrate the art’s long-standing cultural significance. From its origin as a Korean martial art to its present-day global recognition, Taekwondo has undergone numerous transformations throughout its history. Taekwondo’s tenets, moral culture, and belt system are at the heart of the practice, which emphasizes personal growth over competition. Finally, practitioners continue to evolve modern Taekwondo styles, with the WTF and ITF styles being the most popular. In conclusion, Taekwondo’s history and philosophy illustrate its vital importance to martial artists and enthusiasts worldwide.
