Taekwondo
A Brief History of Taekwondo
The roots of Taekwondo reach back more than 2,000 years to the era of Korea’s Three Kingdoms. Early forms such as Taek Kyeon (태견), also called Subak, were practiced by warriors of the Goguryeo kingdom and the Hwarang of the Shilla kingdom. These practices emphasized agility, strength and moral integrity.
During the Japanese occupation of Korea (1910 – 1945), martial arts were prohibited and continued only in secret or abroad. After 1945, Korean martial arts re-emerged, influenced by other Asian disciplines such as Karate and Kung Fu, and were taught through various schools known as Kwans. The Korean Military also adapted the ancient practices.
In 1959, the Korean Taekwondo Association (KTA) was founded to unify these styles. It later evolved into World Taekwondo (WT), the globally recognized governing body whose style is practiced at the Olympic Games. Alongside it, the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) also exists, representing a different lineage and approach.
The Philosophy of Taekwondo
At its core, Taekwondo is deeply philosophical. It is rooted in the principles of Yin and Yang and the cosmic trinity of Heaven, Earth and Man. Its ultimate aim is not domination, but harmony – within oneself and with the world.
The practice seeks to cultivate ethical and moral values, respect, discipline and responsibility. The idea is simple yet profound: by strengthening the individual, society as a whole benefits.
This philosophy is expressed through the five tenets of Taekwondo:
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예의 (Yeo Ui) – Courtesy and respect
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엄치 (Eom Chi) – Integrity
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인내 (In Nae) – Perseverance
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극기 (Geuk Gi) – Self-control
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백절불굴 (Baek Jeol Bul Gul) – Indomitable spirit
These principles are meant to guide not only training, but life itself.