WEST ISLAND TAE KWON DO - History of Tae Kwon Do

HISTORY OF TAE KWON DO

Tae Kwon Do, which originates from Korea, is over 2000 years old. In fact, Tae Kwon Do originates from the indigenous martial art, called Sobak. The three words present in Tae Kwon Do have specific meaning in Korean. "Tae" simply means to kick; "Kwon means to punch; and the "Do" is, as quoted by my master; "represents the philosophical approach to the way of life!". The "Do" is also the philosophy behind the simple art of kicking and punching.  The "Do" is our way of life and how we can function in life with our acquired physical abilities from Tae Kwon Do.

Tae Kwon Do has derived from the Okinawan Shuri-te and Naha-te schools of karate. Tae Kwon Do is the Korean karate, which in return, probably had a big influence on the kicks of karate. This goes beyond popular belief, claiming that Tae Kwon Do is entirely from Japan. This martial art is well kwon for its unarmed combat style. The techniques include punching, kicking, striking, blocking, dodging. Above all, Tae Kwon Do is recognized for its spectacular kicks of jumping and spinning.

The present name for Tae Kwon Do was decided at a conference of kwan masters in 1955. It was considered and chosen by General Hong Hi because it was closely similar to the old name of "Tae Kyon", which had the same meaning and pronunciation in Korean.

In 1980, the Tae Kwon Do federation introduced its sport to the International Olympic Committee (I.O.C.). From 1982, it became an official demonstration sport appearing in the 1988 Korean Olympics and in Spain, in 1992. For the year 2000, Tae Kwon Do will become part of the medal system. It will be the first fighting martial art. The only other accepted martial art in the Olympics is Judo.

TAE KWON DO OATH

Main *Tae Kwon Do* Organizations
ITF (International Taekwon-do Federation)	- 1966
WTF (The World Taekwondo Federation)	- 1973
GTF (Global Taekwon-do Federation)	- 1990
(Some differences in technique performance and sports regulations can be observed between the three federations.)

T he Kuk-Ki-Won (World Taekwondo Center) was built in Seoul of 1972. Its purpose was to train advanced students from all over the world. Dr. Un Yong Kim was elected as the president for Kuk-Ki-Won. The Kuk-Ki-Won serves as the "research lab" for the advancement of Tae Kwon Do. It is there that Tae Kwon Do is studied under all aspects which might improve it as a scientific sport. The Kuk-Ki-Won is a testing center for black belt promotions, and is also used to hold national and international Taekwondo Championships.

I n May 1973, the First World Taekwondo Championships were held at Kuk-Ki-Won, in Seoul, Korea. Thirty countries were represented. The outcome of the competition placed Korea in first place, the United States in second, and Mexico and the Republic of China tied for third. Now, world championships are held twice a year