TAE KWON DO

THE KOREAN ART OF SELF DEFENCE

Introduction | History

The martial arts that Tae kwon do were derived from, were first developed over 20 centuries ago, however it was not recognised in its present form until 1955.

A leading group of Korean martial artist came together to try to unify various styles of martial arts into a single style, combining the hands and feet. They named this style TAE KWON DO and in the past 35 years the art has developed into one of the most effective styles of unarmed self-defence in the world.

Tae kwon do is a free fighting combat sport which uses combinations of kicks, punches, strikes, locks and throws to repel an opponent. Taekwondo can be translated as the Art of the hand and foot. It consists of sharp, strong angular movements with free circular movements to produce a balance of power and beauty. The trademark kicking techniques of Tae kwon do are only part of a complex martial arts system that helps to improve mind, body and spirit.

The most important thing about Tae kwon do is that it is a superior art of self-defence that also helps students improve their self-discipline and self-confidence.

If practised as a martial art and not just as a sport, Tae Kwon Do can help practitioners in all walks of life. Tae kwon do gives a student an advantage over weaker opponents. With its practical means of self-defence, it aids to improve concentration and mental performances, Tae kwon do offers a total fitness program integrating the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of life.

Today, Taekwondo is one of the most recognised martial arts in the world and will be featured in the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney.

The Kukkiwon , head quarters of World Taekwondo Federation

 

JAGUAR Tae kwon do is affiliated to the WORLD TAEKWOND FEDERATION the British Taekwondo Control Board and the European TKD Union. The club has been established for over 10 years and the Chief Instructor Master John Webster has been training for over 25 years. Credit must be given to Masters Toh Kok Sum and Toh Kok Leong who gave so many people the incentive and motivation to train in the art of TKD and helped mould the basic ideals & philosophies of Jaguar.

TAEKWONDO HISTORY

Man has always had the need to preserve life and protect himself from wild animals and other adversaries. People developing bare hand fighting techniques and using simple weapons to help aid their defence. The first historical evidence of martial arts however is first seen in Ancient India in 2,600 BC. The self-defence techniques derived from India were taken to China in about 525 AD by Buddhist monks and developed into an art known today as Kung Fu. Chinese martial arts spread to Okinawa in the 1400`s and later to Japan developing into what is now called Karate.

The origins of martial arts in Korea can be traced back to the Koguryo dynasty, founded in 37BC. Mural paintings found in tombs depict figures practising martial arts techniques. Martial arts were also practised during the Silla dynasty. Silla was noted for Hwarang Do, only the best were selected through competition and after selection, lived and trained together. The knights of the Hwarang trained their bodies and minds, learning Korean wrestling, Subak (an old form of Taekwondo) fencing and horse riding. The terms Subak and Taekkyon appear together in Silla times indicating that both foot and hand techniques were used as can seen in modern Taekwondo.

 

Pictures found in tombs depicting warriors wrestling and hunting in ancient times.

Martial arts grew in popularity after the Koguryo and Silla dynasties through to the Koryo dynasty that was founded in 918AD. Subak and Taekkyon developed into a more systematic art in this period, the techniques and the power of Taekkyon martial arts grew to become an effective weapon enabling practitioners to, injure and even kill in times of war. However the Koryo dynasty saw the development of gun power and new weapons were available.

Statues depicting various stances and hand positions of Kumgang.

 

In 1552 the Japanese invaded Korea and suppressed the ancient art of the Korean people. The martial art Taekkyon was secretly being practised and passed down by Masters. With the defeat of the Japanese and the liberation of Korea in 1945, Korean masters wanted to eliminate Japanese influences. Discussions on how to return to the traditional Taekkyon system and how to unite the various kwans into a single style and a national sport commenced. The name TAEKWONDO was chosen in 1955 and was a reflection of the old and new, combining the best styles from the past with new features to improve the style.

The development of Taekwondo since 1955 has been immense and the art is now popular worldwide.

Taekwondo in a short period of time has seen the following major developments, see list:

• 1972 Kukkiwon was founded
• 1973 World Taekwondo Federation came into existence.
• 1974 Admitted to the Asian Games as an official event.
• 1975 General Association of International Sports recognises the WTF.
• 1976 Taekwondo accepted as a Conseil International du Sport Militaire sport

(World level military sport)

• 1980 International Olympic Committee recognises the WTF.
• 1981 Taekwondo accepted as a World Games sport.
• 1983 Taekwondo accepted as a Pan American and All African Games Sport.
• 1985 Adopted as a demonstration sports for the Olympics.
• 1986 Accepted as a Federation International du Sport Universitaire sport

(World University level sport)

• 1988 Demonstration sport in Seoul Olympic Games
• 1992 Demonstration sport in Barcelona Olympic Games.
• 1994 Taekwondo given full Olympic status for the 2000 Olympic Games in Australia.

Taekwondo continues to develop and evolve as a sport but primarily a martial art.

 

Two competitors practising Olympic free sparring