Taekwondo is a traditional Korean martial art, the name is derived from the Korean words Tae (meaning “foot”), Kwon (meaning “fist”), and Do (meaning “way of”). The name literally means “the way of foot and fist.”
The origin of Taekwondo dates back to Korea's Three-Kingdom era (c.50 BC) when Silla Dynasty warriors, the Hwarang, began to develop a martial art - Taekkyon ("foot-hand") during the 1940’s & 50’s.It combines elements of Shotokan karate and the indigenous traditions of taekkyeon, gwonbeop, and subak. The oldest governing body for Taekwondo is the Korea Taekwondo Association (KTA), which was formed in 1959 by representatives from the nine original kwans, martial arts schools, in Korea.
During the early 20th century, taekwondo became the dominant form of martial arts practiced in Korea. Taekwondo was designated as the Korean national martial art to be promoted internationally. In 1973, the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) was founded by KTA and in this body made its debut as a demonstration Olympic sport at the 1988 Seoul Games, and became an official medal sport at the 2000 Sydney Games.
Tae Kwon Do is a stand-up or striking style of martial arts with a focus on kicking techniques. Additionally students are taught forms of striking such as punches, knees, and elbows, and also works on blocking techniques, stances, and footwork. Students spar and learn forms as well as may be asked to break boards with strikes.
Becoming a Black Belt - or Ranking
Consists of six solid color belts: white, yellow, green, blue, red, and black. A student must learn specific parts of the curriculum and attend a minimum number of classes within a predetermined period of time. Once you reach black belt the ranking is measured by degrees (or dans), and is represented by colored stripes on the student’s belt. There’s a story that the reason for the belt moving from white to black was that the non colored (white) belt would be worn for so long that it turned black. When the belt became black, you would have put in time and training to become a master at the art. It is also said that even though some may think that the Black Belt is the end result of training, in reality becoming a black belt is only the beginning of your life's journey. Once you become a black belt you should be living your life in the way that you have been trained during your journey, not just the physical training but the body, mind and soul will have developed into a new way of life as summarized below in these tenets:
Courtesy: A student must show courtesy and respect to everyone, as well as maintain the appropriate etiquette at all times, both within and outside the dojang (designated training area).
Integrity: Honesty, purity, moral soundness, and uprightness and being honest with everyone, and with yourself, at all times.
Perseverance: AKA - Persistence. A steadfast pursuit of, and an understanding of, the aim, continuation in the practice of Taekwondo regardless of the amount of obstacles, hindering circumstances, difficulties, or occasional disappointments, which are only temporary situations. The strong will to hold on, regardless of obstacles.
Self-control: This means to not only have control over one’s physical acts, but also their mental thoughts and actions.
Indomitable spirit: Having the courage to stand up for what is right and what you believe in, no matter what odds you are up against. Always giving 100% effort in whatever you do.
TaeKwonDo Black Belts, Masters & Grand Masters you may or may not know.
JHOON GOO REE
CHUCK NORRIS
CHLOE BRUCE
SARAH MICHELLE GELLER
WILLIE NELSON
WESLEY SNIPES
MUHAMMAD ALI
THOMPSON FAMILY
LPCBOY
……...But anyone can do Taekwondo and become a blackbelt if you put your mind to it.. You can visit any local Taekwondo school near your home and they will tell you that these are the most common benefits of the sport:
SELF ESTEEM, CONFIDENCE, DISCIPLINE, SELF DEFENSE, FLEXIBILITY, BETTER HEALTH
Some information comes from the following sources and some information is from my own personal experience::
www.olympic.org/world-taekwondo-federation
http://www.taekwondosource.com/
Congrats to hrothroc LPCBoy Nothereeither for FTF Gold Win! Congrats to pwesleynd93 for your 7000th find!
