Taekwondo, a Korean martial art and combat sport, involves punching and kicking techniques.
The roots of Taekwondo go back to ancient Korea, where martial arts like Taekkyon and Subak were practiced. These early forms of combat were integral to Korean culture and military training.
However, modern Taekwondo came about in the mid-20th century, in the period following World War II, when various Korean martial arts schools, known as kwans, unified under the name Taekwondo. The name itself, coined in 1955, means "the way of the foot and hand," a reference to its emphasis on kicks and hand strikes.
Its development was heavily influenced by General Choi Hong-hi, who founded the International Taekwon-Do Federation in 1966. Later, the Korea Taekwondo Association established the Kukkiwon in 1972, which became the central hub for Taekwondo training and certification. The World Taekwondo Federation (now known as World Taekwondo) was founded in 1973.
Commonly, the Taekwondo curriculum includes a combination of physical techniques, forms (patterns), sparring, self-defense, and breaking techniques. Training also emphasizes mental discipline, respect, and ethical behavior. Students practice various kicks, punches, blocks, and stances, gradually progressing to more complex techniques as they advance in rank.
There are several styles of Taekwondo, the most prominent being that of the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) and World Taekwondo (WT), each with its own set of forms, known as tul in ITF and poomsae in WT. These forms are sequences of movements that simulate combat against multiple opponents and are essential for developing technique, balance, and coordination.
The International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) and World Taekwondo (WT) are the two leading organizations governing Taekwondo. The ITF, focusing on traditional Taekwondo, emphasizes patterns and self-defense, while WT is more sport-oriented and concentrates on sparring and competition.
The ranking system in Taekwondo is expressed by colored belts, starting with white for beginners and progressing through yellow, green, blue, red, and finally black. Each belt level has sub-levels; students must demonstrate proficiency in techniques, forms, and sparring to advance. Black belts have multiple degrees, each requiring years of training and contribution to the art.
Taekwondo has grown to be a globally recognized sport, included in the Olympics since 2000. Major competitions include the World Taekwondo Championships, the ITF World Championships, and the Asian Games. These games showcase the highest level of skill and sportsmanship in Taekwondo.
Taekwondo is a dynamic martial art with a unique history and a structured approach to training and competition. Its emphasis on both physical and mental development makes it a popular choice for practitioners worldwide, and its global recognition in major competitions solidifies its place in the world of martial arts.
Topics related to Taekwondo are appropriate for this portion of our guide, although retail sites should be listed in the corresponding Shopping & eCommerce category.
Recommended Resources
International TaeKwon-Do Association
Established in 1974, the ITA's website presents information about the organization to instructors, students, and those with an interest in Taekwondo, helps members communicate with the ITA headquarters, and offers membership, training, and certification to Taekwondo practitioners throughout the world. ITA affiliations, black belt registration, rank and promotion requirements, and the ITA ranking systems are defined, along with information about the practice.
http://itatkd.com/
International Taekwon-Do Federation
The ITF is a prominent Taekwondo organization. Founded in 1966 by General Choi Hong Hi in Seoul, South Korea, the ITF is charged with promoting and encouraging the growth of Taekwondo as a martial art and sport. Today, the organization has member associations in more than 120 countries and organizes various events, seminars, championships, and courses worldwide. The ITF focuses on teaching Taekwondo as defined by its founder, preserving the traditional techniques.
https://www.itf-tkd.org/
ITF America is the official national association of the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) in the United States. The association was established to promote and support Taekwondo, the martial art founded by General Choi Hong Hi. Its core values, schools, courses, umpires, board of directors, committees, and information about black belt certification are set forth, along with a calendar of upcoming events, member information, and details on how to support the organization.
https://www.itfamerica.org/
ITF-USA is the governing body for the international Taekwon-Do Federation in the United States, differing from ITF-America in that if focuses on traditional Taekwondo, organizing events, and supporting Team USA, while ITF-Americ continues the legacy of General Choi Hong Hi. A directory of ITF-affiliated martial arts schools are featured on the website, along with details on Team USA, updates on upcoming events, tournaments, and other news related to Taekwondo in the United States.
https://itf-usa.org/
TA is a national organization with schools across the United States, each of which adheres to the same guidelines and procedures to maintain the same high standards. The TA National Board of Examiners has developed and certified a comprehensive training and fitness program for students to follow. TA schools may be found through the website, along with resources for students at all levels, a calendar of TA events, and a private area for school owners. Contacts are provided.
https://taekwondoamerica.org/
Taekwondo Canada is the recognized governing body for the sport of Taekwondo in Canada. It organizes and conducts national and international events, promotes the sport, and supports athletes at all levels. Its staff, board of directors, and committees are introduced, along with its bylaws and policies, various forms and documents. Sponsors, partners, and member organizations are acknowledged, regular and upcoming events are featured, and its programs and contacts are included.
https://taekwondo-canada.com/
One of America's longest continuously running martial arts schools, United Tae Kwon Do was established in 1974, and located in East Hartford, Connecticut. The school offers elite Taekwondo training for adults and children ages five and up, and has a rich heritage of Black Belt members and Masters who have trained under the school's founder, Grandmaster Moo Yong Lee. Its history, programs, class schedules, instructors, pricing, and a photo gallery are featured on the website.
https://united-taekwondo.com/
Affiliated with the Organization of the Pioneers of Taekwondo (Paternal Organization of Taekwondo), founded by the pioneers who have been instrumental in establishing and spreading Taekwondo globally since 1955, the WTO is the international federation governing the sport. It is recognized by the International Olympic Committee. The organization is highlighted, including its organizational structure and contact data, as well as the Five Tenets of Taekwondo.
https://www.wtohq.org/
