What is Taekwondo?

Tae Kwon Do (also known as Taekwondo) is the art of self-defense that originated in Korea. It is recognized as one of the oldest forms of martial arts in the world, reaching back over 2,000 years. At that time, taekwondo was used to protect yourself against animals, and later on against attacks from enemies. However, Taekwondo was developed during the 1940s and 1950s.

The name was selected for its appropriate description of the art: Tae (foot), Kwon (hand), Do (art).

Tae Kwon Do in the United States

The introduction of Tae Kwon Do in the United States began during the 1950’s when a handful of pioneering master instructors traveled to America to spread the art. Throughout the next few decades, Tae Kwon Do grew in popularity, not only as a martial art but as an international sport.

In 1973, Korea hosted the first Tae Kwon Do World Championships. In that same year, the World Tae Kwon Do Federation was established as the international governing body for the sports aspects of Tae Kwon Do. Today the WTF counts 120 separate countries as its members, representing 20 million practitioners. These numbers earn Tae Kwon Do the distinction of being the most practiced martial art in the world.

Olympic Games

Tae Kwon Do first gained acceptance as an Olympic sport when it appeared as a demonstration event in the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games. Tae Kwon Do became a full medal sports competition beginning in 2000 at the Sydney Olympics

Taekwondo as lifestyle

A social network, values as respect, discipline, self-conscience and much more

Training

Taekwondo training is a long-standing development process. It takes about 5 years to train up to black belt and curriculum will be expanded as development progresses. The body becomes flexible during exercise while improving mental balance. Most commands are in Korean.

  • Martial arts
  • Self-defense
  • Cardio
  • Dexterity
  • Mental self-development
  • Greater self-esteem
  • Companionship

Can I train for taekwondo?

Everyone can train for Taekwondo.

Pls. note that Taekwondo is exercised in different ways, in the respective global clubs as the pioneers of this sport have developed it individually by their masters. This means that different clubs have been launched having its own federations. For instance in Denmark, it is called “Danish Taekwondo Federation”

Taekwondo Belt System

Different belt colors can be experienced varying from country to country.

Black belt: Getting the black belt – the highest rank achievable – requires several years of training, but typically you have been training 4-5 years before this can be achieved. In Taekwondo, you have to go through 10 belt tests before you can go up to your first black belt test. The black belt in Tae Kwon Do has 10 degrees, the highest achievable is 9. Dan. The 10. Dan is only awarded.

How do I become a member and get more information

Seek for the nearest Taekwondo club in your country, most of them have a website with additional information and prices for classes.

Interested in more information?: ITF vs WTF Taekwondo or Taekwondo Hall of fame