The World Taekwondo Park

Taekwondo's history stretches back to the
annals of ancient Korea. It is thought that
Taekwondo originated as a Martial Art first
called Tae Kyon and later called Soo Bak, and
that it was practiced by soldiers of the Kogoryo
kingdom before being passed on to the famed
Hwarang of Silla.

What is Taekwondo

Taekwondo is the Korean Martial Art of self
defence that has millions of practioners
worldwide today and has also become a full
medal Olympic sport. "Tae" means to jump
or kick or smash with the feet "Kwon"
means block, punch, strike or smash with
the hand or fist and "Do" means the Art ~
or Way Of. Thus Taekwondo is "The Way of the Hand or Foot" involving the skilled application of techniques
that include punches, strikes, kicks, blocks, locks, holds, takedowns, dodges and interceptions with the bear hands, arms and feet to swiftly overpower an opponent. Taekwondo aims to instil a spirit of strict self imposed discipline and the ideal of a noble moral character. Taekwondo also cultivates the virtues of etiquette, modesty, perseverance, self control and indomitable spirit.

Taekwondo can be traced back to the art of Tae Kyon, the art of self defence which originated 1,300 years ago during the Silla Dynasty in Korea and was taught and practiced among the youths of Hwarang Do, who were hand picked to be trained as military leaders of Silla. Tae Kyons effectiveness was enhanced after it developed hand techniques at the turn of the 20th century from influences such as the Chinese arts and the Japanese art of Karate. After Korea was liberated from Japanese occupation in 1945 when all Korean Arts could be openly practiced again the Kwans (Gyms) came together to create a National identity for its Own Martial Art and the name penned was TAE KWON DO. The Headquarters for the World Taekwondo Federation is the Kukkiwon, based in Seoul, Korea. There is a World taekwondo Centre currently being built in Korea and will hopefully be ready by 2014