History of Taekwondo
AD37 - AD668 Taekwondo means
'the way of the hand and foot'. It can be traced back to wall paintings of
the KORUYO Dynasty on the Korean peninsula. AD953 - AD1392 In the KORYO
Dynasty the interest of martial martial arts was systemised and taught to
the Korean military forces, who competed every year in tournaments. AD1392 - AD1907 During the YI
Dynasty the systemised art of unarmed combat was published in two manuals of
techniques, which have been used as a basis for the present day martial art
of Taekwondo. At the end of the Korean war in the 1950's there was 5 major martial arts
academies in Korea. They were Moodu Kwan, Jido Kwan, Changmu Kwan, Chugdo
Kwan and Songmu Kwan. These 5 bodies joined together and formed what is now
the World Taekwondo Federation, based in Seoul, Korea.
Present Day Taekwondo
Taekwondo is one of the fastest
growing martial arts in the world. It embodies all the ancient philosophies
of the art through discipline and the tenets of Taekwondo as well as all the
modern aspects of a full Olympic sport.
The future of Taekwondo and its students is bright as it is an ever-changing
sport with a martial art history.Tenets of Taekwondo - Students are taught to learn all of the Tenets
Etiquette
Modesty Perseverance Self Control Indomitable SpiritWhy people practice Taekwondo
Fitness of mind and body through
exercise and personal development. Stretching techniques used in
Taekwondo improve peoples flexibility and freedom of movement. No more pains
trying to tie your shoe laces! Concentration on controlled
movements improves co-ordination of limbs. Relaxation - The Taekwondo
workout during lessons helps to unwind the stresses of the day. Social - Many people practice
Taekwondo from all age ranges and fitness levels. Although Taekwondo sounds serious people enjoy the workout and gain a great
sense of achievement.