Taekwondo, a Korean martial art known for its dynamic kicks and powerful strikes, has a rich history rooted in tradition, discipline, and resilience. The modern form of taekwondo emerged shortly after World War II in 1945, following the end of Japanese occupation in Korea. During this period, martial arts schools known as kwans were established in Seoul by Korean martial artists who had primarily trained in Japan during the occupation. Each kwan practiced its own unique style of martial arts, which would later contribute to the formation of traditional taekwondo.
Early Development (1940s – 1950s)
The term “taekwondo” had not yet been coined during the 1940s and 1950s, but the martial arts practiced at the kwans during this time laid the groundwork for its development. Each kwan emphasized different techniques and philosophies, blending traditional Korean martial arts with influences from Japanese styles like karate. As taekwondo gained popularity, it was integrated into the South Korean military, helping to establish its presence in civilian martial arts schools as well.
International Recognition and Olympic Inclusion
In the decades that followed, taekwondo continued to evolve, becoming a widely practiced martial art around the world. Its international recognition reached a pinnacle when it became a demonstration sport at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games. Due to its global popularity and competitive spirit, taekwondo was officially included as a medal event at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, marking a historic moment for the sport.
Global Impact
Since 2000, taekwondo has remained one of only two Asian martial arts, along with judo, to be featured in the Olympic Games. It has grown into a global sport, with millions of practitioners across various countries. In 2010, taekwondo was accepted as a sport in the Commonwealth Games, further solidifying its importance in the international sporting community.