History of Taekwondo
PE 2-TKD V
HISTORY OF TAEKWONDO
The name Taekwondo is derived from the Korean word "Tae" meaning foot, "Kwon" meaning fist and "Do" meaning way of. So, literally Taekwondo means "the way of the foot and fist". The name Taekwondo, however, has only been used since 1955 while the arts' roots began 2,300 years ago in Korea. Known as a martial art and way of life, the evolution of Taekwondo was a direct result of the happenings in Korea long ago, and knowledge of the history is an important step in understanding Taekwondo.
Taekwondo is a young martial art with an ancient history. In its modern form it was systemitized by General Choi Hong Hi in 1954-55. At that time it was given the name Taekwondo. Ever since the remote past man has been anxious to develop his martial mastery. That was his way to make his living and to defend himself against enemies - other men and the wild animals. Gradually that striving led to the formation of martial arts. Their development continues to nowadays as well as human desire for self-perfection. Although Taekwondo was formed in its modern style during the middle of the 20th century it was natural continuation of the evolution of the Korean martial arts and to be more precise - of the traditional Taek Kyon (its characteristic high kicks are the basic of Taekwondo techniques) and Subak.
The foundation of Korea is dated back to the year 2333 B.C. At that time the country was known as Ko Chosun. Since then the Koreans practised sport games developing martial mastery as fights with stone weapons (spear and knife), kicks and hits, throwing, swimming. These skills were developed in the tribal states Chosun, Puyo and Chinhan. It is considered that one of the most important requirements for the national leaders of those days has been the martial mastery.
At the beginning of the New Era the Korean Peninsula was divided into three kingdoms - Koguryo in the Northern part, Paekche - in the South-Eastern, and Silla - in the South-Western one.
HISTORY OF TAEKWONDO
The name Taekwondo is derived from the Korean word "Tae" meaning foot, "Kwon" meaning fist and "Do" meaning way of. So, literally Taekwondo means "the way of the foot and fist". The name Taekwondo, however, has only been used since 1955 while the arts' roots began 2,300 years ago in Korea. Known as a martial art and way of life, the evolution of Taekwondo was a direct result of the happenings in Korea long ago, and knowledge of the history is an important step in understanding Taekwondo.
Taekwondo is a young martial art with an ancient history. In its modern form it was systemitized by General Choi Hong Hi in 1954-55. At that time it was given the name Taekwondo. Ever since the remote past man has been anxious to develop his martial mastery. That was his way to make his living and to defend himself against enemies - other men and the wild animals. Gradually that striving led to the formation of martial arts. Their development continues to nowadays as well as human desire for self-perfection. Although Taekwondo was formed in its modern style during the middle of the 20th century it was natural continuation of the evolution of the Korean martial arts and to be more precise - of the traditional Taek Kyon (its characteristic high kicks are the basic of Taekwondo techniques) and Subak.
The foundation of Korea is dated back to the year 2333 B.C. At that time the country was known as Ko Chosun. Since then the Koreans practised sport games developing martial mastery as fights with stone weapons (spear and knife), kicks and hits, throwing, swimming. These skills were developed in the tribal states Chosun, Puyo and Chinhan. It is considered that one of the most important requirements for the national leaders of those days has been the martial mastery.
At the beginning of the New Era the Korean Peninsula was divided into three kingdoms - Koguryo in the Northern part, Paekche - in the South-Eastern, and Silla - in the South-Western one.