About
Taekwondo 태권도

 

Taekwondo Organizations

Two of the most popular systems of taekwondo are named solely after their respective organizations: the World Taekwondo (WT) and the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF). The World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) was founded in 1973, with roots in the Korea Taekwondo Association (KTA). The World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) has renamed itself to World Taekwondo (WT) in 2017.

Taekwondo "The Way of the Foot and the Hand"

In spite of Korea's rich history of ancient and martial arts, Korean martial arts faded into obscurity during the late Joseon Dynasty. Korean society became highly centralized under Korean Confucianism and martial arts were poorly regarded in a society whose ideals were epitomized by its scholar-kings. Formal practices of traditional martial arts such as subak and taekkyeon were reserved for sanctioned military uses.

Korea

In 1945, the Soviet Union and the United States agreed on the surrender of Japanese forces in Korea in the aftermath of World War II, leaving Korea partitioned along the 38th parallel, with the north under Soviet occupation and the south under U.S. occupation. These circumstances soon became the basis for the division of Korea by the two superpowers, exacerbated by their inability to agree on the terms of Korean independence.

Korean Martial Arts and Culture

Korean martial arts are military practices and methods which have their place in the history of Korea but have been adapted for use by both military and non-military personnel as a method of personal growth or recreation. Among the best recognized Korean practices using weapons are traditional Korean Archery and Kumdo, the Korean sword sport similar to Japanese Kendo.

Tournaments and Championships

International Taekwondo Championships are held across the world every year. To participate in some of these elite tournaments you will need to qualify to be allowed to enter. In the World Taekwondo (WT), the majority of the attacks executed are kicking techniques, whereas the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) encourages the use of both hands and feet.

Miscellaneous

Here is where you can learn more about improving your skills in Taekwondo. Knowing the fundamental basics is very important for your learning path as you build your skills and knowledge. When you reach senior belt you are expected to guide the junior belts when they are beginning Taekwondo such as showing by example.