HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The origin of this martial art was traced back in the ancient times (BC to 20th Century).
Taekwondo's origins can be found in traditional Korean martial arts like Hwa Rang Do, which
were practiced in Korea throughout the Three Kingdoms era (57 BC–668 AD). Chinese and
native Korean fighting techniques have an influence on these martial arts.
In the year 1910 - 1945, during the Japanese occupation, traditional martial arts were
prohibited along with many other parts of Korean culture. Martial arts practice was restricted and
the evolution of Korean martial arts was greatly influenced by this time frame. Following World
War II in years 1945 - 1950s and the Korea's freedom from Japanese domination, attempts were
undertaken to resurrect and formalize traditional Korean martial arts. During this period, a
number of martial arts schools and styles developed, establishing the foundation for Taekwondo.
Taekwondo was later established in the year 1950s - 1960s. General Choi Hong Hi, a
martial artist and South Korean military officer, formally coined the term "Taekwondo" in 1955.
He was instrumental in the growth and acceptance of Taekwondo. To organize and harmonize
Taekwondo practice, the Korea Taekwondo Association was then established in 1966.
Taekwondo then became well-known and popular throughout the world because it was added to
the Summer Olympics in 1988 (Seoul) as a demonstration sport. In addition, it was added to the
Olympic program (Sydney) in year 2000.

Taekwondo divided into the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) and the World
Taekwondo Federation (WTF, currently known as World Taekwondo) in the 1970s due to
ideological and organizational disagreements. The primary distinctions between these two
organizations are found in the forms, strategies, and regulations governing competition.

Millions of people worldwide still practice taekwondo, making it a popular martial art
even up to this day. Its explosive punches, kicks, and strikes define it. The traditional elements
include self-defense methods and philosophical ideas, while the sport component includes
Olympic-style sparring and poomsae (patterns).

INFLUENTIAL FIGURES:
● General Choi Hong Hi. He is considered as the founder of Taekwondo, and is the person
who coined the term “Taekwondo”. He was also essential to the sport's early growth and
promotion.
● Hwa Rang. Taekwondo's ideology was influenced by the ancient martial arts practitioners
and intellectuals of the Three Kingdoms period.
● Kim Un-yong. Played an important role in the internationalization of Taekwondo and
helped get the martial art into the Olympics.
● Chang Keun Choi, Kim Bok Man, and Jhoon Rhee. Pioneering individuals who
contributed to the global and national growth of taekwondo.
VALUES AND PHILOSOPHY

Taekwondo is more than simply a physical discipline; it also includes a philosophy that
prioritizes moral and ethical ideals as well as a set of basic values. The core moral and ethical
principles of Taekwondo are as follows:

● Courtesy (Ye Ui). It is encouraged of practitioners to treat people with decency and
concern. Respect for teachers, fellow students, rivals, and oneself is a part of this. Good
manners and politeness are essential to Taekwondo practice.
● Integrity (Yom Chi). In Taekwondo, integrity entails maintaining high moral standards
and being truthful. It is expected of practitioners to maintain a feeling of honor and
sincerity, and to tell the truth both inside and outside of the training room.
● Perseverance (In Nae). Practitioners are urged to persevere and be determined in the face
of difficulties, setbacks, and disappointments. Strong work ethics and a never-give-up
mentality are encouraged by this trait.
● Self-Control (Guk Gi). Having self-control is being able to control one's feelings and
behavior. The ability to regulate emotions, rage, and impulsive behavior is taught to
practitioners both within and outside of the classroom. This idea supports mental clarity
and calmness.
● Indomitable Spirit (Baekjul Boolgool). The unwavering and unbroken resolution to meet
obstacles head-on with bravery and tenacity is known as the indomitable spirit.
Instructors instruct practitioners on how to face challenges head-on, stay optimistic, and
grow resilient.
● Respect for Others (Kyung Nae). Practitioners get an appreciation for the distinctions
between people and cultures and learn how to treat others with respect and compassion.
Unity and a sense of community are fostered by this value.
● Humility (Kyum Son). Being humble is being self-aware and accepting of one's
shortcomings and achievements. It is recommended that practitioners approach learning
with an open mind and remain responsive to advice and criticism.
● Non-Violence and Ethical Behavior. The concept of taekwondo encourages the use of
non-violence to resolve disputes. Martial artists are instructed to use their abilities
sensibly and refrain from harming or aggressively employing their skills outside of
self-defense scenarios.

These fundamental beliefs and ethical standards help shape well-rounded people who not only do
exceptionally well in Taekwondo's physical components but also live morally upright and
respectful lives. Beyond the confines of the dojo, Taekwondo's philosophical foundations inspire
practitioners to positively impact their communities.
TERMINOLOGIES:

● Dojang. The training hall or school where Taekwondo is practiced.

● Dobok. The traditional uniform worn by Taekwondo practitioners. It typically consists of
a white, V-neck jacket and pants, with a colored belt indicating the practitioner's rank.
● Belt (Ti or Dti). A colored cloth worn around the waist to signify the practitioner's rank
and level of proficiency. Different colors represent different ranks, with the color
changing as a practitioner advances.
● Kup. The Korean term for a rank or level in Taekwondo, typically indicated by a colored
belt.
● Dan. A higher-level black belt rank in Taekwondo, signifying advanced proficiency and
expertise. The dan ranks usually start from 1st dan and progress upward.
● Chagi. The Korean term for kicking techniques. There are various types of kicks in
Taekwondo, each with its own name and specific application.
● Makki. Blocking techniques used to defend against attacks. Makki involves using
various parts of the body to intercept and redirect an opponent's strikes.
● Dolyo Chagi. Spinning kicks, which involve turning the body to execute powerful kicks.
Examples include Dollyo Chagi (roundhouse kick) and Twimyo Ap Chagi (spinning front
kick).
● Sonkal. The knife-hand strike, where the hand is shaped like a knife for striking soft and
vulnerable target areas.
● Poomsae. A set sequence of movements, also known as forms or patterns, used to
practice techniques, stances, and transitions. Poomsae are an essential part of Taekwondo
training and are performed individually or in pairs.
● Kihap. A sharp, forceful yell or shout emitted during certain techniques, such as strikes
and kicks. The kihap is used to focus energy, display power, and coordinate movements.
● Kyorugi. The sport aspect of Taekwondo, commonly known as sparring. It involves
controlled and regulated combat between two practitioners, each trying to score points by
landing kicks on specific target areas.
● Hosinsul. Self-defense techniques designed to defend against grabs, holds, and other
physical attacks. Hosinsul is an important aspect of traditional Taekwondo training.
● Kyung Ye. A bow, a sign of respect and courtesy, often performed before and after
training sessions or competitions.
● Joonbi. The ready stance, a fundamental position from which practitioners start and
finish many exercises and forms.
● Hogu. The padded trunk protector worn during sparring in Taekwondo competitions to
help reduce the risk of injury.
● Pyeongwon. Translated as "peaceful and harmonious," Pyeongwon is the name of a
specific poomsae used in Taekwondo training.
REFERENCE/S:

A summary of Korean terminology for TaeKwonDo. (n.d.).

http://www.martialartsresource.com/korean/TKD.list.htm

Taekwondo history. (n.d.). https://www.worldtaekwondo.com/history.htm

Team, K. M. A. (2023, January 1). What Is The Philosophy Of Taekwondo? [5 Tenets Of

Taekwondo]. Karate Martial Art. https://karatemartialart.net/tenets-of-taekwondo/